1978 Bronco — Bronco goes full-size

This page covers U.S.-market 1978 Broncos. Ford's factory brochure establishes a standard 351M V8 and optional 400 V8, resolving advertised availability even though later sources disagree. Published totals of 77,917 and 69,120 may reflect production-versus-sales scope, but that explanation is unverified; both remain visible.

Why it matters

Project Shorthorn transformed Bronco from a compact dedicated-chassis 4x4 into a full-size F-Series relative.

What this page covers

Market: United States; second-generation Bronco.

Body styles: Two-door wagon with removable rear fiberglass roof

What changed for this year

Full-size redesign: Bronco moved to a shortened F-Series frame with a 104-inch wheelbase, 180.3-inch length and 79.3-inch width. [1] [2]
New comfort range: Air conditioning, tilt steering, radio choices and six-passenger bench seating became possible in the wider cabin. [1] [2]

Models and trims

Custom and Ranger XLT: Custom used round headlamps while Ranger XLT used rectangular lamps for 1978; restored front clips require authentication. [1] [2]

Engines and transmissions

351M V8: Ford's August 1977 brochure lists the 5.8-liter 351M V8 as standard. [1]
400 V8: Ford lists the 6.6-liter 400 V8 as optional. Both are M-block engines, not a 351 Windsor. [1] [3]
Four-wheel drive: A four-speed manual was standard and SelectShift automatic optional; NP205 part-time and NP203 full-time transfer-case configurations were offered. [1] [3]

Capability and specifications

Production figures disputed: Historical tables report 77,917, while a reproduced period fact sheet reports 69,120 sales. A production-versus-calendar-sales explanation is plausible but unverified. [3] [4]
Chassis: The 104-inch-wheelbase chassis used a solid Dana 44 front axle and Ford 9-inch rear axle. [3]

Colors and interiors

Factory combinations: Use Ford's brochure, certification label and original documentation to verify paint, trim and seating; restored graphics are not proof. [1]

Options and packages

Free Wheelin': Available on Custom or Ranger XLT, Free Wheelin' used tri-color striping, dark exterior details, styled wheels and package-specific trim. [1] [4]
Northland Special: Ford advertised a cold-weather Northland Special with upgraded electrical equipment, block heaters and related equipment. [4]

Safety and recalls

Vintage full-size inspection: Inspect steering, solid-axle components, brakes, fuel system, removable-roof sealing, tires, wiring and corrosion with a qualified specialist. [1]

Owner and buyer notes

Confirm 351M versus 400: Engine-family names are often confused. Verify casting, emissions label and documentation rather than relying on a seller's '351' description. [1] [3]

Stories from this year

Project Shorthorn arrives late: The larger Bronco was conceived earlier but delayed after the 1973 oil crisis; when launched, it won Four Wheeler of the Year and reportedly drew long waits. [2]

Sources and footnotes

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

Ford 1978 Bronco sales brochure Manufacturer factory literature
Ford second-generation Bronco history Manufacturer history
Second-generation Bronco technical research Specialist technical reference
Over-Drive Magazine: 1978 Bronco fact sheet Period-fact-sheet reproduction; disputed sales scope

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