Third-generation Bronco / 1986
Third-generation Bronco · model year 1986
1986 Ford Bronco
Final third-gen year · best seller of the generation
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
1986 was the last year of the generation and its best seller, with 62,127 built. W2BOT
Hemmings' cover truck is a 1986 Eddie Bauer, which is in its second year of production. HM3
Quick facts
Identification guide
Year tells
- VIN model-year letter G. LV
Vs. 1985: 1985 introduced EFI and Eddie Bauer.
Vs. 1987: 1987 began the fourth generation with a restyled front end.
What changed for 1986
- Wikipedia says the standard 156-hp 5.8 V8 was dropped for 1986. LMC still lists the 351W four-barrel (code H) through 1986. W2LV
- EFI 5.0 and the 300 six continue. LVHM3
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 1986: G. 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
- Eddie Bauer: two-tone paint, stripes, privacy glass and argent wheels standard. HM3
- XLT and Custom/Standard. 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
| System | 1986 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Body panels | Interchange across 1980–86 | HM3 |
| Doors-forward sheetmetal | Shared with 1980–86 F-Series | W2 |
| Front axle | Dana 44 TTB. 1980–82 has a bolt-on driver's axle, later C-clip | HM3 |
| Rear axle | 9-inch through 1982; 9-inch or 8.8 from 1983 | HM3 |
| Transfer case | NP208 (aluminum, chain drive) | HM3 |
| Grille/emblems | F-O-R-D hood letters 1980–81, blue oval 1982–86 | HM3W2 |
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.
No conflicts found among our sources for this year beyond those shown above.
More photos
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FAQ
Is a 1986 Eddie Bauer collectible?
Hemmings' source picks the EFI 5.0/AOD Eddie Bauer trucks as the most collectible of this generation. HM3
Where is the VIN on a 1986 Bronco?
On the rear face of the driver's door (1980) or the latch face of the left front door (1981–86), per LMC. LV
Sources
- W2: Wikipedia, 'Ford Bronco' (second- and third-generation sections)
- BOT: Blue Oval Trucks, 'Ford Bronco Production Numbers' (Ford Customer Relationship Center figures)
- FS2: Full Size Ford Bronco Forum, 'buying a 78/79 Bronco' (owner advice, 2017)
- HM3: Hemmings, '1980-'86 Ford Bronco Buyer's Guide' (Oct 2021, with author Todd Zuercher)
- FS3: Full Size Ford Bronco Forum, '80-81 frame question' (owner advice, 2008)
- LV: LMC Truck, 'Vehicle ID Number (VIN)' sheet, 1980–96 Ford trucks (PDF)
- MTG: MotorTrend, 'Tailgate Party: putting the fix in a rusty Bronco tailgate'