1977 Bronco — The original Bronco’s final year

This page covers U.S.-market 1977 first-generation Broncos. Ford's brochure documents the sole Wagon body, 302 V8, Dana 20 transfer case, fuel tanks and GVWR packages. It also settles an important brake distinction: front discs were standard for 1977, while power assist remained optional.

Why it matters

1977 ended the dedicated-chassis Early Bronco before the larger F-Series-based replacement arrived for 1978.

What this page covers

Market: United States; first-generation Bronco.

Body styles: U15 Wagon — sole body style

What changed for this year

Final first-generation year: 1977 was the final model year of the compact 1966-1977 generation. [1] [2]
Standard front discs: Ford listed front disc brakes as standard for 1977; power assist remained optional. [1]

Models and trims

Wagon packages: Ranger, Explorer, Sport and Special Decor-era appearance details require data-plate and documentary authentication on an individual truck. [1] [2]

Engines and transmissions

302-cubic-inch V8: The two-barrel 302 V8 was the sole regular engine; period references list 134 hp and 242 lb-ft SAE net. [1] [3]
Dana 20 transfer case: Ford documented the part-time Dana 20; manual and C4 automatic configurations existed. [1] [3]

Capability and specifications

Fuel capacity: Ford listed a 14-gallon main tank and an available 8-gallon auxiliary tank. [1]
GVWR packages: The brochure lists 4,400-, 4,600- and 4,900-pound GVWR packages; equipment and payload depend on the individual configuration. [1]
Production dispute: The cross-checked historical total is 14,546. A separate 30,700 claim conflicts with the established tables and is retained only as a doubtful lead, not presented as fact. [2] [4]

Colors and interiors

Final-year palette: Use Ford's 1977 brochure and data plate for original paint/trim claims; restored colors and replacement graphics are not proof. [1]

Options and packages

Power assist: Front discs were standard, but power brake assist was optional. Inspect the actual system rather than assuming both together. [1]

Safety and recalls

Brake and vintage inspection: Confirm disc condition and whether optional power assist is present; inspect steering, fuel, tires, belts, wiring and corrosion with a vintage-4x4 specialist. [1]

Owner and buyer notes

Authenticate final-year equipment: Confirm engine, transmission, GVWR, trim and original colors from data-plate, component and document evidence before assigning collector value. [1] [3]

Stories from this year

The end of the small Bronco: After twelve years on its dedicated 92-inch-wheelbase platform, the original Bronco gave way to a larger truck derived from Ford's F-Series architecture. [2]

Sources and footnotes

Bracketed references beside a fact lead to the document that supports it.

Ford 1977 Bronco sales brochure Manufacturer factory literature; page 3
Ford first-generation Bronco history Manufacturer history
ClassicBroncos engine and driveline specifications Specialist technical reference
Blue Oval Trucks production numbers Specialist historical compilation

See something missing or wrong? Send a correction or source.

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