Third generation · 1980–1986

The TTB Bronco, 1980–86

1980–86 Ford Bronco, 1980s (exact year not identified). Photo: dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Show vehicles may be modified.

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. W2 HM3

Hemmings calls it the biggest change between Bronco generations, and among the most budget-friendly Broncos to buy today. HM3

Pick a year

1980All-new third generation · TTB front · 300 six returns 198117-character VIN · last F-O-R-D hood · last 351M 1982Blue oval grille · 351 Windsor · stronger frame · XLS 19838.8 rear axle arrives · XLS final year 1984351 H.O. with 210 hp · first EEC computer controls 1985Fuel-injected 302 · Eddie Bauer debuts 1986Final third-gen year · best seller of the generation

Key changes by year

1980: all-new truck with TTB, the 300 six, the NP208 and the 'Swiss cheese' frame. W2 HM3
1981: 17-character VIN. LV
1982: blue oval grille, 351 Windsor, solid frame, XLS. W2 HM3
1983: 8.8 rear axle joins the 9-inch. HM3
1984: 210-hp 351 H.O. and EEC controls. HM3 W2
1985: EFI 302 with AOD, and Eddie Bauer. HM3 W2
1986: final year and best seller. W2 BOT

Production

Year	Built	Source
1980	44,353	W2 BOT
1981	39,853	W2 BOT
1982	40,782	W2 BOT
1983	38,963 / 40,376	BOT W2
1984	47,423 / 40,376 (same figure Wikipedia gives for 1983)	BOT W2
1985	54,562	W2 BOT
1986	62,127	W2 BOT

Buying one

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. HM3 FS3
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

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