1986 Bronco — The bullnose generation’s strongest finish

This page covers U.S.-market 1986 Broncos. Historical sources agree on a 62,127 annual total, the generation’s highest. They also agree the regular two-barrel 351W was gone, leaving the four-barrel 351 H.O.; 302 EFI output figures remain disputed and are not silently harmonized.

Why it matters

1986 completed the bullnose Bronco’s evolution before Ford’s smoother 1987 restyle and broader EFI engine range.

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

Final third-generation year: 1986 closed the 1980-1986 bullnose generation before the F-Series-linked 1987 restyle. [1]
351 H.O. only: The regular two-barrel 351W was dropped, leaving the four-barrel 351 Windsor H.O. as the sole 351 option. [1] [2]
8.8 transition complete: Sources describe Ford’s half-ton move to the 8.8-inch rear axle as complete by the end of 1986; inspect individual hardware rather than inferring a build date. [1] [3]

Models and trims

Bronco, XL, XLT and Eddie Bauer: Eddie Bauer continued above the regular trim ladder with coordinated two-tone and tan interior equipment. Authenticate trim through labels and paperwork. [1] [4]

Engines and transmissions

4.9-liter inline six: The carbureted 300 six remained standard; secondary specifications place it near 120 hp and 250 lb-ft SAE net. [2]
5.0-liter EFI V8: The fuel-injected 302 continued. Published figures conflict at 150 hp/270 lb-ft versus 190 hp/285 lb-ft, with the higher pair possibly from another application. [2] [5]
5.8-liter H.O. V8: The four-barrel 351W H.O., commonly listed at 210 hp SAE net, was the only 351 choice. [1] [2]

Capability and specifications

Historical production: Two historical compilations report 62,127 units, the generation’s strongest total. Neither supplies configuration or export detail. [1] [6]
Rear axle: The Ford 8.8-inch was the destination of the 1983-1986 phase-in. Verify housing, tag and internals before ordering parts. [3]

Colors and interiors

Factory finish: Use the certification label and period Ford color literature to verify paint/interior; an Eddie Bauer-style repaint is not package evidence. [4] [7]

Options and packages

Eddie Bauer: Two-tone exterior, tan cloth captain’s chairs and grouped comfort equipment continued; verify original build evidence. [4]

Safety and recalls

EFI, axle and TTB inspection: Inspect EFI wiring/fuel delivery, cooling, TTB pivots, steering, alignment, rear axle, brakes, roof seals, tires and corrosion. [2] [3]

Owner and buyer notes

Identify before buying parts: Verify 302 versus 351, fuel system, transmission and 8.8 housing from codes and components; engine and axle swaps are common. [2] [3]

Stories from this year

A strong final year: The bullnose Bronco ended on its highest agreed historical annual total even as Ford prepared a more aerodynamic front end and expanded EFI for 1987. [1] [6]

Sources and footnotes

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

Ford third-generation Bronco history Manufacturer history and chronology
Automobile Catalog third-generation Bronco specifications Secondary specifications database
Third-generation axle research Specialist historical reference
LMR Eddie Bauer Bronco history Specialist package reference
ItStillRuns 1986 Ford 302 specifications Secondary source for disputed output
Blue Oval Trucks production numbers Specialist historical compilation
Gary’s Garagemahal 1986 exterior colors Factory-brochure scan reference

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

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