'78-'96 Bronco Specs
Engines*
'78-'79: Standard, 351ci V-8 with 156 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque; optional, 400ci V-8 with 158 hp and 276 lb-ft
'80-'86: Standard, 300ci I-6 with 119 hp and 243 lb-ft; optional, 302ci V-8 with 137 hp and 239 lb-ft, 351ci V-8 with 138 hp and 263 lb-ft, 351ci V-8 (multiport injection) with 210 hp and 305 lb-ft
'87-'91: Standard, 300ci I-6 (multiport injection) with 145/150 hp and 265/260 lb-ft; optional, 302ci V-8 with 185 hp and 270 lb-ft, 351ci V-8 (multiport injection) with 195 hp and 295 lb-ft
'92-'96: Standard, 300ci I-6 (multiport injection) with 145/150 hp and 265/260 lb-ft, 302ci V-8 with 185 hp and 270 lb-ft; optional, 302ci V-8 with 185 hp and 270 lb-ft, 351ci V-8 (multiport injection) with 200 hp and 300 lb-ft
*Ratings are net after parasitic loss
Drivetrain
'78-'79: 4-speed New Process NP435 manual, 3-speed C6 automatic
'80-'86: 4-speed New Process NP435 manual, 3-speed C6 automatic, 4-speed AOD, 4-speed BorgWarner T-18 manual, 4-speed Tremec RTS OverDrive
'87-'91: 3-speed C6 automatic, 4-speed E4OD automatic, 4-speed AOD automatic, 5-speed M5OD-R2 manual
'92-'96: 5-speed M5OD-R2 manual, 4-speed E4OD automatic, 4-speed AOD-E automatic
Transfer cases: BorgWarner 1356, NP203, NP205, NP208
'78-'79 Axles: Front, Dana 44; Rear, Ford 9-inch
'80-'96 Axles: Front, Dana 44 carrier; Rear, Ford 9-inch/Ford 8.8-inch
Suspension
'78-'79: Front, coil spring and radius arms; Rear, semielliptical leaf springs
'80-'96: Front, Twin Traction Beam (TTB); Rear, semielliptical leaf springs
Other
Fuel capacity (gal): 32
Wheelbase (in): '78-'86, 104; '87-'96, 104.7
The little Bronco II was Ford's response to the competition's compact SUV lines. In the '8
Bronco II ('84-'90)
The Bronco II was released to suit the needs of consumers looking for a smaller, more economical SUV. The compact SUV was based off the Ranger, and it was Ford's competitive answer to the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Cherokee XJ, and Chevy S10 Blazer.
The Bronco II had a number of issues over the years and was saddled with a reputation of unreliability, but the rig is easy to work on and modify. A number of popular engine swaps and suspension modification make it a very competent off-road machine.
The Bronco II didn't change drastically over the years, but there were a few body styling changes and it was offered in a number of trim packages. Eventually, in 1991, the troubled little Bronco II was phased out and replaced by the Ford Explorer.
'84-'90 Bronco II Specs
Engines*
Standard:
170ci V-6 with 115 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque
179ci V-6 with 140 hp and 170 lb-ft
*Ratings are net after parasitic loss
Easy to modify and easy to find parts for, the Bronco II has developed a good following. W
Drivetrain
Manual transmissions: 4-speed Mazda TK4, 5-speed Mitsubishi FM146, 5-speed Mazda M5OD-R1, 5-speed Mazda TK5, 5-speed Mitsubishi FM145
Automatics: 3-speed C5, 4-speed A4LD
Transfer case: BorgWarner 1354/1350
Front Axle: Dana 28/Dana 35, Rear Axle: Ford 8.8-inch
Suspension
Front: Twin Traction Beam (TTB), coil springs
Rear: Semi-elliptical leaf springs
Other
Fuel capacity (gal): 23
Wheelbase (in): 94
Note: Specifications are approximate, as performance varied by production year.