Trims & packages

Ford Bronco trims and packages, 1966–1986

A plain-English guide to classic Ford Bronco trims, from the first Sport package to the Bronco Ranger, Stroppe Baja Bronco, Ranger XLT, XLS and Eddie Bauer. Each line links back to its source, so you can check a truck's trim before you pay for it.

Trim or package	Years	Source
Sport (package, then model)	1967–77 (1966 disputed)	E H
Stroppe Baja Bronco	From 1971 (end year disputed)	E H
Ranger	Mid-1972–77	E F77
Special Decor Group	Mid-1976–77	E F77
Custom / Ranger XLT	1978–79	W2 MT2
Free Wheelin'	1978–79	W2
Custom/Standard, XLT/XLT Lariat	1980–86	HM3
XLS	1982–83	HM3
Eddie Bauer	1985–86	HM3 W2

Early Bronco trims (1966–77): Sport, Baja, Ranger, Special Decor

Sport package (EBR): bright horn ring, drip rail, head- and taillight bezels, window frames, dash trim and tailgate handle; chrome grille, bumpers and guards; red die-cast F-O-R-D grille letters; 15-in wheel covers; cigar lighter; hardboard headliner and vinyl mats on the Sport Wagon. E
Sport became a distinct model rather than an option. E H
Sport Bronco (Ford, 1970): bright 'Sport Bronco' emblem, pleated parchment vinyl, bright-trimmed door panels, hardboard headliner (wagon), argent grille with bright F-O-R-D letters, chrome bumpers and guards, and wheel covers. F70
1971 is also the debut of the Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco, finished at Stroppe's facility and sold through Ford dealers. E H
Baja Bronco: roll bar, dual shocks front and rear, fender flares, larger tires, rubberized wheel, bumper braces, power steering, C4 automatic and special red/white/blue/black paint. E H
For 1972 the Ranger trim package arrived mid-year. The '302' fender emblem disappeared, and the auxiliary tank shrank to 7.5 gal. E H C
Ranger (EBR): stripes, argent grille, color-keyed pile carpet, deluxe wheel covers, woodgrain door panels, 'Ranger' tire cover, cloth-insert buckets and fiberboard headliner. Hagerty adds die-cast FORD letters, a swing-away carrier and chrome bumpers. E H
A Special Decor Group arrived mid-year: flat-black grille, tape stripe, bright windshield molding, side window frames and wheel covers. E
1977 was the last early Bronco. Ford's 1977 line-up brochure pitches it with 'V-8 power and front disc brakes standard', offered as the Sport, Ranger and Special Decor Group. F77

1978–79 Bronco trims: Custom and Ranger XLT

Custom: the base model. Round headlamps in 1978. W2 MT2
Ranger XLT: the top trim, with rectangular headlamps in 1978. The package included chrome bumpers and bright trim, bodyside moldings, full carpet, insulation, woodgrain interior inserts, a sport steering wheel, upgraded seats and a spare-tire cover (MotorTrend's 1979 list; 1978 contents not separately confirmed). W2 MT2
Custom (base) and Ranger XLT. Ford's figures split 1979 production into 48,274 Customs and 55,764 Ranger XLTs. MT2 BOT
Free Wheelin' package: a cosmetic option for Custom and Ranger XLT with tricolor striping and blacked-out trim. W2
Rectangular headlamps became standard on all Broncos, including the Custom. W2 MT2

1980–86 Bronco trims: XLT, XLS and Eddie Bauer

Custom/Standard (vinyl, low-back buckets or bench) and Ranger XLT/XLT Lariat (cloth, carpet, upgraded exterior trim), per Hemmings. HM3
XLS package replaces Free Wheeling as the sporty option (1982–83). HM3
XLS: the sporty package, available with captain's chairs with folding armrests and reclining backs. HM3
Eddie Bauer package: two-tone paint and stripes, privacy glass, reclining captain's chairs, air conditioning, tilt column, AM/FM stereo, a console and an upgraded lighting group. HM3 W2
Hemmings' source Todd Zuercher calls the EFI 5.0 Eddie Bauer trucks 'the most civilized and most collectible' of this generation. HM3

Proving a trim before you buy

For 1967–77 trucks, a Marti Report confirms the factory options before you pay an 'original' premium. M O
The warranty plate's series code (U13/U14/U15) proves the body, not the trim package. Trim claims need supporting records. O L
Originality drives value. Hagerty notes an unrestored base Custom outsold a restored 400 Ranger XLT at auction. HG2

FAQ

What was the Stroppe Baja Bronco?

A 1971-on Bronco finished by Bill Stroppe's company and sold through Ford dealers, with a roll bar, dual shocks, flares, bigger tires, power steering and a C4 automatic. E H

When did the Bronco Ranger package start?

Mid-year 1972. It carried on through 1977, and the Ranger XLT name continued on the 1978–79 Bronco. E F77 W2

What is the difference between a Bronco Custom and Ranger XLT?

Custom was the base trim. Ranger XLT added chrome bumpers, bright trim, carpet, woodgrain inserts and upgraded seats. In 1978, round headlamps mean Custom. W2 MT2

What year was the first Eddie Bauer Bronco?

1985, the same year the 302 got electronic fuel injection. HM3 W2

Keep exploring

First-gen hubAll 1966–77 years 1978–79 BroncoSecond generation 1980–86 BroncoThird generation Buyer's guidePrices, checks, which year Bronco roadster1966–68 U13: ID and value