1980 Bronco — Twin Traction Beam changes the Bronco

This page covers U.S.-market 1980 Broncos. It was the first year of the third generation, still a two-door full-size wagon with a removable rear roof but now on the redesigned F-Series architecture. Ford's history and established technical research anchor the major changes; period road-test excerpts remain labeled provisional because the full article scan has not been cleanly retrieved.

Why it matters

1980 introduced the TTB front suspension and mechanical layout that defined the full-size Bronco through 1996.

What this page covers

Market: United States; third-generation Bronco.

Body styles: Two-door full-size wagon with removable rear hardtop

What changed for this year

Twin Traction Beam: Ford replaced the prior solid front axle with Dana 44 Twin Traction Beam independent front suspension to improve ride while retaining 4x4 ground clearance. [1] [2]
Lighter redesign: Historical technical sources describe roughly 375 pounds of frame/body weight reduction; the exact figure is secondary and should be treated as approximate. [2]
Inline six returns: The 4.9-liter 300 inline six returned as the standard engine after the V8-only 1978-1979 generation. [1] [2]

Models and trims

Base, XL and XLT context: Trim naming followed F-Series practice but surviving sources vary in exact labels. Authenticate a truck from certification labels, equipment and paperwork. [1] [2]

Engines and transmissions

4.9-liter inline six: The carbureted 300 six was standard and initially paired with manual transmission only. [1] [2]
5.0- and 5.8-liter V8s: The 302 and 351M V8s were optional; the former 400 V8 did not continue. [1] [2]

Capability and specifications

Historical production: Two historical sources report 44,353 units. Neither supplies a configuration-level Ford build report or clear export scope. [2] [3]
Front hardware: TTB used separate beams, coil springs and shocks with independent wheel movement; alignment and pivot condition matter on survivors. [2] [4]

Colors and interiors

Factory finish: Use the certification label, period brochure and original documentation to verify paint and interior; restoration colors alone are not evidence. [1]

Options and packages

Configuration-dependent equipment: Transmission, transfer case, axle ratio, seating and comfort equipment varied. Inspect installed components and compare them with period records. [1] [2]

Safety and recalls

TTB and vintage inspection: Inspect beam pivots, bushings, steering, alignment, brakes, fuel system, roof sealing, tires, wiring and corrosion with a qualified specialist. [1] [2]

Owner and buyer notes

Look for modified suspension geometry: Lift kits, worn pivots and incorrect alignment can change TTB tire wear and handling. Verify axle, steering and spring work before purchase. [2] [4]

Stories from this year

A mixed period verdict: Search-indexed excerpts from a period Car and Driver test praised the new front suspension but criticized rear ride and overall road manners; the full text still needs direct verification. [5]

Sources and footnotes

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

Ford third-generation Bronco history Manufacturer history
Third-generation Bronco technical research Specialist historical reference
Blue Oval Trucks production numbers Specialist historical compilation
Bullnose Garage: Twin Traction Beam guide Specialist technical reference
Gary's Garagemahal: Car and Driver 1980 Bronco test Period road-test reproduction; provisional text access

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