Twin Traction Beam changes the Bronco
Generation 3 · F-150 based · 1980–1986
Third Generation
Lighter, more aerodynamic and independently sprung up front.
Photo by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ford redesigned the full-size Bronco around weight reduction, fuel economy and improved road manners while retaining useful four-wheel-drive capability.
Highlights
- Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension
- Inline-six returned
- Eddie Bauer package arrived for 1985
Model years
More usable, with an axle transition
For 1983 Ford paired the standard 300 six with an automatic option, made the rear bench standard and began phasing in the 8.8-inch rear axle.
Eddie Bauer and electronic fuel injection
The 1985 Bronco introduced Eddie Bauer trim and moved the 302 V8 into the electronic-fuel-injection era.
The bullnose generation’s strongest finish
The 1986 Bronco closed its generation with the 351 H.O. as the sole 351 choice and Ford’s 8.8-inch rear-axle transition substantially complete.
Every produced model year in this generation has its own evidence-led record.