Third-generation Bronco / 1981
Third-generation Bronco · model year 1981
1981 Ford Bronco
17-character VIN · last F-O-R-D hood · last 351M
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
1981 trucks look like 1980s, with F-O-R-D hood letters and the Free Wheeling package, but switched to the 17-character VIN. HM3LV
Ford built 39,853, the lowest figure of the generation. W2BOT
Quick facts
Identification guide
Year tells
Vs. 1980: 1980 had the 11-character VIN.
Vs. 1982: 1982 got the blue oval grille emblem, the 351 Windsor in place of the 351M, a solid frame and the XLS package.
What changed for 1981
- 17-character VIN; the plate is on the latch face of the left front door. LV
- LMC lists the 351M (code W) only for 1981 in the 17-digit era, and the 351W (code G) from 1981. LV
- Last year of the F-O-R-D hood letters and the punched 'Swiss cheese' frame. HM3W2
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 1981: B. 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
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 | 1981 | 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
Does a 1981 Bronco have a 17-digit VIN?
Yes. Ford trucks moved to the 17-character VIN for 1981. The tenth character, B, means 1981. LV
Where is the VIN on a 1981 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'