Third-generation Bronco / 1984

Third-generation Bronco · model year 1984

1984 Ford Bronco

351 H.O. with 210 hp · first EEC computer controls

The 1980–86 Bronco is the third generation: an all-new truck on the 1980 F-150 chassis, lighter and more aerodynamic, with Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) independent front suspension on a Dana 44. W2HM3

Hemmings says the 351 H.O., with a four-barrel Holley carburetor and revised intake, made 210 hp, 60 more than the regular 351W. HM3W2

Hemmings says the H.O. and the 300 six got Ford's first EEC computer engine controls in 1984. HM3

Quick facts

Identification guide

Year tells

• VIN engine code H means the 351 H.O. four-barrel. LV

What changed for 1984

• 351 H.O. V8, 210 hp (LMC code H, 351W 4-bbl, 1984–86). HM3W2LV
• EEC engine computer on the H.O. and the 300 six. HM3
• Wikipedia says sliding hardtop glass was optional only before 1984. W2

Reading the VIN

• 17-character VIN: 1F (Ford USA), M (Bronco), GVW class letter (D = 5,001–6,000 lb for the U150), series U15, engine letter, check digit, model-year letter, plant letter, then the serial. LV
• Model-year letter for 1984: E. LV
• Engine letters: E (300 six, 1981–82), Y (300 six, 1983–86), F (302 2-bbl, 1981–84), N (302 EFI, 1985–86), W (351M, 1981), G (351W 2-bbl, 1981–85), H (351W 4-bbl, 1984–86). LMC's table covers all Ford trucks. LV
• The plate is on the latch face of the left front door. LV

Options & packages explained

• Custom/Standard and XLT/XLT Lariat trims. HM3

Colors

Buyer's checklist

Frame and front suspension

• 1980–81: look for punched 'Swiss cheese' frame rails and cracking at the steering-box and suspension mounts on the unboxed front sections. HM3FS3
• TTB lifts using drop brackets with stock radius arms put extra stress on the frame. Hemmings' source prefers kits with longer radius arms. HM3
• Rear frame and body mounts. FS2

Body

• Rear fenders and fender wells, and the tailgate: the main rust areas despite Ford's galvanizing. HM3
• Tailgate drains and weatherstrips. MTG

Tailgate window

• Check the motor works from both the tailgate key and the dash switch. Replacing the motor is slow work. HM3

Driveline

• Early carbureted engines (1980–83/84) had drivability complaints. The 1985–86 EFI 5.0 is the more reliable choice. HM3
• 1980–82 Dana 44s have a bolt-on driver's-side axle, which makes service easier than the later C-clip design. HM3
• Check whether the rear axle is a 9-inch or an 8.8 (both used from 1983). HM3

Common upgrades & swaps

• Engine swaps are simple. Repowering an early truck with a later or stronger Ford engine (e.g. the EFI 5.0) is straightforward. HM3
• Lifts: choose a kit with longer radius arms (Hemmings' source names Rancho and Superlift) rather than drop brackets. HM3
• Brakes: preformed replacement lines and service parts are available. HM3
• Interior: carpet, visors, dash pads, door panels and upholstery kits are reproduced, though not every factory combination. HM3

Parts compatibility

Values

• Hemmings (2021) calls the 1980–86 trucks among the most budget-friendly Broncos, well below 1966–77 prices. HM3
• Hemmings' source expects the 1985–86 EFI Eddie Bauer trucks to have survived in the greatest numbers and to be the most collectible. HM3

Where sources disagree

Where our sources give different numbers, we show each value next to its source and say what evidence would settle it.

FAQ

Sources

1. W2: Wikipedia, 'Ford Bronco' (second- and third-generation sections)
2. BOT: Blue Oval Trucks, 'Ford Bronco Production Numbers' (Ford Customer Relationship Center figures)
3. FS2: Full Size Ford Bronco Forum, 'buying a 78/79 Bronco' (owner advice, 2017)
4. HM3: Hemmings, '1980-'86 Ford Bronco Buyer's Guide' (Oct 2021, with author Todd Zuercher)
5. FS3: Full Size Ford Bronco Forum, '80-81 frame question' (owner advice, 2008)
6. LV: LMC Truck, 'Vehicle ID Number (VIN)' sheet, 1980–96 Ford trucks (PDF)
7. MTG: MotorTrend, 'Tailgate Party: putting the fix in a rusty Bronco tailgate'

All third-generation bronco years