131 1103 Ford Bronco Buyers Guide - bronco Ii Rear Side Shot - Photo 30034130

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Easy to modify and easy to find parts for, the Bronco II has developed a good following. With a good suspension it performs like any other capable trail rig. Keeping it Ford, a great engine swap is the 302ci V-8, which gives the Bronco more go-anywhere power and torque.

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The '66-'77 Ford Bronco was initially offered in three versions: a roadster, a half-cab, trucklike model, and a wagon with a removable hard top. The roadster was discontinued after the '68 model year due to poor sales performance, but the half-cab and wagon prospered due to their lifestyle compatibility with off-roaders and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The fullsize Bronco was 10 inches wider and 2 feet longer than the previous Bronco and was built to take on such vehicles as the Chevy Blazer, which had taken a big bite out of the earlier Bronco's sales. The '78-'79 Bronco was much larger and more comfortable and featured more deluxe appointments than the first generation.

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The early Bronco gave enthusiasts the ability to hit tough trails and stow more gear than the popular Jeep CJ-5 and travel in more comfortable style than the Scout. Just under 240,000 Broncos were sold over its production lifespan, and today the classic 4x4 is still highly sought after and far more expensive than its original price tag. The Bronco offered a suspension design very different from its competitors, a design that worked well off-road. The Pony's advanced front-coil-spring and radius-arm suspension was a first for an American-made 4x4. The Bronco turned into a very capable off-road vehicle when the factory optional Traction-Lok was fitted in the stout Ford 9-inch rear axle and limited-slip front differentials.

There was a major change with the release of the '80s Ford Bronco. The fullsize rig sported the company's new Twin Traction Beam front suspension Dana 44 IFS setup. The new suspension didn't perform as well as the old, and the loss of the solid front axle caused some enthusiasts to migrate to the competitor's vehicles.

The fourth generation saw extensive body-style changes, not only for a fresh modern look but to make the bricklike vehicle more aerodynamic. The Bronco was also fitted with a number of drivetrain and suspension components, such as twin-tube gas shocks, which made the vehicle handle and ride better. Interior changes included leather seats and special trim packages.

The '92-'96 Bronco was restyled for what turned out to be the last years of its production run. Major changes again included revisions for aerodynamics and safety, along with changes for emissions standards.

We still find the popular fifth-gen Ford Bronco out on the trail. It was not only popular amongst enthusiasts but heavily used by government and law enforcement agencies. The big Bronco enjoys a good supply of aftermarket performance parts and, with a few performance modifications, is a comfortable and capable off-road machine.

The little Bronco II was Ford's response to the competition's compact SUV lines. In the '85 model the carbureted 2.8L Cologne V-6 was dropped in favor of the fuel-injected 2.9L Cologne V-6. The change gave the Bronco II a big jump in horsepower, from 115 to 140.

Easy to modify and easy to find parts for, the Bronco II has developed a good following. With a good suspension it performs like any other capable trail rig. Keeping it Ford, a great engine swap is the 302ci V-8, which gives the Bronco more go-anywhere power and torque.