Third-generation Bronco / 1980
Third-generation Bronco · model year 1980
1980 Ford Bronco
All-new third generation · TTB front · 300 six returns
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' guide calls it 'a ground-up redo' driven by tougher government standards and buyers wanting more car-like manners, though sales fell after the second oil shock. HM3
Hemmings says the 1980–81 frames had large weight-saving holes, the 'Swiss cheese' frames. HM3FS3
Quick facts
Identification guide
Year tells
- F-O-R-D letters on the leading edge of the hood (1980–81). HM3W2
- A frame with large punched holes ('Swiss cheese'), though some 1980–81 trucks don't have them. HM3FS3
- 11-character VIN starting U15. LV
Vs. 1979: 1979 was the solid-axle, V8-only Bronco with the 351M or 400.
Vs. 1981: 1981 moved to the 17-character VIN and kept the 1980 look, including the F-O-R-D hood letters.
What changed for 1980
- Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension with a Dana 44; Ford 9-inch rear on leaf springs. W2HM3
- Engines: 300 inline-six (119 hp), 302 V8 (137 hp) and 351M V8 (138 hp). The 400 was dropped. HM3W2
- Transfer case: chain-drive, aluminum NP208, part-time. HM3
- Lighter frame with stamped-out holes (Wikipedia cites a 375-lb weight saving), and rust protection with galvanized rockers and sills, plastic inner fenders and zinc-rich primer. W2HM3
- 11-character VIN, with the plate on the rear face of the driver's door. LV
Reading the VIN
- 11-character VIN. LMC's example for 1980 Ford trucks reads series (U15 = Bronco), engine letter (E 300 six, F 302, W 351M), plant letter, then a six-digit consecutive unit number. LV
- The plate is on the rear face of the driver's door and also shows color, model, body type, GVW and engine. LV
Options & packages explained
- Custom/Standard (vinyl, low-back buckets or bench) and Ranger XLT/XLT Lariat (cloth, carpet, upgraded exterior trim), per Hemmings. HM3
- Free Wheeling package (1980–81): tachometer, odometer, oil-pressure gauge, ammeter and a soft-wrap steering wheel. HM3
- Transmissions: T-18 or NP435 4-speed, C6 automatic, and a four-speed overdrive manual. HM3W2
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. 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 | 1980 | 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.
FAQ
What is a 'Swiss cheese' frame?
The 1980–81 frames had large weight-saving holes punched in the rails. Owners advise checking for cracking and avoiding badly damaged ones. HM3FS3
Where is the VIN on a 1980 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'