NOTE: I like to thank all those people who contribute to my Bronco history and tech pages. I am offering this information free of charge and have no way of verifying if this information is 100% accurate. Care should be taken by using this information and it should be noted that this information is for reference only and that I do not assume any liability by providing this information to the general public.
1966 to 1977 Ford MoCo Color Charts
Vacuum Chart
Wiring Diagrams
Dash Layouts & Knob Location
1968 - 1972
1973 - 1977
1966 - 1967
Body Dimensions
INDEX
- Bronco History 1966 Trough 1977
- VIN Plate Location & Identification
- Bronco Electrical Wiring Diagrams
- Vacuum Line Chart (California)
- Dash Layout
- Bronco Color Charts, By Year
- Misc. Body Dimesions
1966 - 1977 Bronco Vehicle Identification
The VIN plate can be located on the inside face of the glove compartment door. Also, a second location were the VIN can be found is on the vehicle frame. It is stamped on the top, right hand frame rail and the approximate location is just slightly forward of the body mount bold that can be located on the passenger side foot well. Be advised the VIN is usually very lightly stamped and with the years of grime and corrosion buildup, you may have to use a wire brush and a mirror to read the VIN. I have also seen a white tag inside the drivers door well on 1974 models that had VIN number info displayed.
The VIN consists of a 11 alpha-numerical sequence that can be broken down into 4 separate categories, Series Identification, Engine Codes, Assembly Plant and Production Sequence
We will use this example of Vehicle Identification Number U15SLAE0010
Series Identification (first 3)U15
U13 = U100 Roadster (1966 - 1968)
U14 = U100 Pickup
U15 = U100 Wagon
Engine Code (single letter) S
F = 170 ci 2.8L 6Cyl 1BC Carburetor 1966-72
S = 200 ci 3.3L 6Cyl 1BC Carburetor 1973-74
A = 240 ci 3.9L 6Cyl 1BC Carburetor 1968
N = 289 ci 4.7L V8 2BC Carburetor 1966-68
G = 302 ci 5.0L V8 2BC Carburetor 1968-77
Assembly Plant (single letter)L
C = Ontario
D = Dallas, TX
E = Mawah
H = Lorain, OH
K = Kansas City
L = Michigan Truck Plant
N = Norfolk
P = Minneapolis / St. Paul
R = San Jose, CA
S = Allen Park, MI
U = Louisville
V = Kentucky Truck Plant
Production Sequence (the remaining number/letter combo) AE0010
Ser# From 732,001 Ser# Up To 914,000 Model Year 1966
Ser# From A00,001 Ser# Up To B82,000 Model Year 1967
Ser# From C00,001 Ser# Up To D82,000 Model Year 1968
Ser# From D82,001 Ser# Up To G30,000 Model Year 1969
Ser# From G30,001 Ser# Up To J70,000 Model Year 1970
Ser# From J70,001 Ser# Up To M30,000 Model Year 1971
Ser# From M40,001 Ser# Up To Q00,000 Model Year 1972
Ser# From Q00,001 Ser# Up To S60,000 Model Year 1973
Ser# From S60,001 Ser# Up To V00,000 Model Year 1974
Ser# From V00,001 Ser# Up To X40,000 Model Year 1975
Ser# From A00,001 Ser# Up To C75,000 Model Year 1976
Ser# From 00,001 Ser# Up To C75,000 Model Year 1977
Bronco History 1966 Trough 1977
1966
Early Bronco Production Started on October 1, 1965 The first models were available only with a 105 hp 170 cid six cylinder derived from Ford's Falcon lineup. The only available transmission was Ford's 3.03 three speed manual with a column mounted shifter. Transmission ratios behind the six cylinder were: 3.41:1 first, 1.86:1 second, and 1:1 third. When the 289 V8 option was introduced in March 1966, the three speed manual behind it had ratios of: 2.99:1 first, 1.46 second, and 1:1 third. The transfer case was a Bronco specific Dana 20 with a low range ratio of 2.46:1. Unique to the models was a tall shifter with a shift pattern matching that of the T-handle shifter, but with a J- handle style ball mounted on top. Most '66s also had rear shock absorbers that angled forward in front of the axle with stud mounts at the top instead of the later rear-canted eye mount shocks. The Bronco, with a 92 inch wheelbase was offered in wagon, half cab, and roadster configurations. The roadster option was not very popular and was discontinued after 1968. Standard brakes were 11 x 2" front drums and 10 x 2.5" drums on the rear on the small bearing(2780 lb.) axle and 11 x 1.75" drums on the large bearing(3300 lb.) axle. All Broncos employed a Ford 9" rear axle and until 1971, a Dana 30 front axle rated at 2,500 lb. Axle ratios were 3.50:1, 4.11:1 and 4.57:1(6 cyl. only). The standard gas tank held 14.5 gallon with an optional 11.5 gallon second tank available. The interior was a silver-grey color, including the seats and the sun visors. The inner door panels and the dash board were painted a gray color. There was a black vinyl mat in the front of the vehicle. The door and the window crank handles, along with the seats were all changed in 1967. The drivers side mirror was a round mirror that mounted to the side of the fender. The rear view mirror screwed to the windshield frame. The front and rear bumpers were cut straight on the ends instead of on an angle. The rear shock was mounted on the front side of the rear axle. None of the brakes were self adjusting. The tail lights were a solid red, without the white square for the reverse lights. Options for '66 (including dealer installed accessories) included: Warn free wheeling hubs, snow plow kits, winches, tachometers, Air Lift front auxiliary springs, trailer hitches, tow hooks, etc. Most of the options and many others were included through the Bronco's twelve year run. There were 4,090 Roadsters produced. There were 6,930 Pick-Ups produced. There were 12,756 Wagons produced. Bringing the total to 23,776 of E.B. Production in 1966.
1967
The Sport Package was introduced in 1967. This package included bright finished horn ring, windshield drip, head and tail lamp bezels, side window frames, instrument panel trim and tailgate handle, cigar lighter, chrome-plated grille, bumpers and front guards, red die cast F-O-R-D letters appliquéd to the grille, and 15" wheel covers. A bright trimmed hardboard headlining and vinyl floor mat were also added to the Sport Wagon. The transfer case shifter was redesigned to a lock style with a chrome Push Button T-Handle on the top of it. The hub caps were given the red center ring. As another safety feature, 4 way flashers and back-up lights were added. There was a 289 emblem put on the front fenders. The mirrors were redesigned again. The front and rear bumper ends were cut on an angle. The rear shock was moved to behind the axle, to help with the ride. For the first time, the Bronco got their VIN number on the left cowl panel. A dual master cylinder with a split hydraulic system and self-adjusting brakes was also new. Back-up lights were now standard and an 11.5 gallon auxiliary fuel tank option was available. The lock for the lift gate was moved to inside the handle. This was the last year for the wiper solvent bags, soon to become plastic bottles. The rear axle had a fill plug in it. There were 698 Roadsters produced. There were 2,602 Pick-Ups produced. There were 10,930 Wagons produced. Bringing the production total to 14,230 for 1967.
1968
1968 was a big year for the Early Bronco's, many changes we completed to get the sales back up, including the removal of the Roadster. The design of the steel dash was modified and painted white. The dash pad was redesigned and implemented around mid-year. A rear seat was designed for the Bronco. The dash knobs were changed and used until 1977. The defroster duct was modified into a one piece design. There was a steering column cover revamping too. The Door was completely redesigned for 1968. They went to a flat pull style handle, a larger armrest, and a handle cup. The window crank handle was changed to the style used throughout the rest of the years. The position of the door lock was moved. The door latch and the striker were redesigned. The inner door panels were painted to match the dash pad. The vent window handle changed to the style that would last through 1977. The door hinges changed from a counter sunk screw on the pillar side, to bolts. Again the mirror underwent changes, however this design would last throughout the reign of the Early Bronco. As for the safety measures, there was an option for electric windshield wipers, instead of the earlier vacuum style. The solvent bottle was also used. The master cylinder for the brakes was changed to a dual line system, and the brake light switch was moved to the pedal. Reflectors were added to the fenders, quarter panels, and the tail light sections. The park light lenses up front were switched to clear, instead of amber. The headlight rings didn't have the cut outs for access to the screws. The option for a swing away tire carrier was very common. The VIN number was put inside the glove box door. The shift levers on the steering column were changed. The rear seat underwent some changes also. The Dana 30 Lock-outs were revamped to accept 2 o-rings for double protection against the elements. It was found that a dry element air cleaner could now be produced to be as effective as the oil bath air filter, so it was switched. This was the last year for the rebuildable drag link end. Rear mount jack used. A bracket was now being added to the rear of the right front wheel tub for added support. This was also the last year for the bolt on windshield frame and door frames. There were 2,210 Pick-Ups produced. There were 14,419 Wagons produced. Allowing for 16,629 total Bronco's to be manufactured.
1969
The 302 replaced the 289 V-8. The air cleaner was redesigned yet again. The windshield frame and the door frames were welded on. The fenders earned the 302 V-8 emblems. The headlight rings were given 4 slots to access the adjusters. Dana Spicier replaced the Borg Warner Driveshaft. A new style drag link was put into use. The front park lights were made larger, and they were all amber. The lift gate latches were redesigned. Electric wipers became standard. The instrument cluster design changed. This was the last year for the chrome windshield retaining knobs. The reservoir was removed from the V-8 radiator and the fill neck was placed directly on the radiator. A steering stabilizer was added. The jack was moved to under the hood The hub seal design changed mid-year. The bolt pattern for the top to windshield frame changed. There were 2,317 Pick-Ups manufactured. There were 18,639 Wagons produced. There were 20,956 Bronco's produced.
1970
Repositioned side marker lights and reflectors were the most obvious change to the 1970 Broncos. Side marker lights replaced the reflectors. Tail light reflectors changed. Bolts are used instead of the chrome windshield knobs. Last year of the 3 piece wiring harness. The Sport Bronco became a model rather than an option package. This was also the last year for the non-vented Auxiliary Tank. Gas tanks lost capacity to 12.7 gallons and 10.3 gallons in the main and auxiliary tanks respectively. There were 1700 Pick-Ups built. There were 16,750 Wagons built. This is a total of 18,450 Bronco's. 18,500 Broncos were built in 1970.
1971
The big news in 1971 was the mid-year swap to the Dana 44 front axle. Mid-way through the 1971 production run Ford dropped the old style Dana 30 front axles and started using the popular Dana 44 . This was a welcome upgrade for a number of reasons, with the primary one being strength. The Dana 44 has larger U-joints, a larger pinion and thicker ring gears. New options included a remote control left hand outside mirror, a new headliner for the pickup, and a heavy duty radiator. The special edition Baja Bronco by Bill Stroppe and Associates was also introduced this year. Stroppe took a Bronco wagon and added a roll bar, dual shocks front and rear, Gates Commando tires, fender flares, larger tires, rubberized steering wheel, bumper braces, power steering, automatic transmission, special nameplate, and red, white, blue, and black special order paint. Also, the fuse box was moved into the glove compartment with the new style wiring harness. The wiper solvent bottle was changed and the pump became an internal style. A total of approximately 650 Baja Broncos were produced between 1971-1974. There were 1,503 Pick-Ups built. There were 18,281 Wagons Built. There was a total of 19,784 Bronco's Produced.
1972
The Ranger trim package was introduced at mid-year and consisted of new stripes, argent grille, color-keyed pile front and rear carpet, deluxe wheel covers, wood grained door trim panels, 'Ranger' tire cover, cloth-inserted bucket seats and a fiberboard headliner. Also, it included the chrome of the Sport model, but also featured several color-keyed interior & exterior elements. 1972 was the last full year for the T-handle transfer case shifter and the '302' emblem disappeared from the front fenders of V8 Broncos. This was also the last year for the beloved half cab. Gas tank size continued to shrink with the auxiliary tank now holding 7.5 gallons. Also, the column shifter handle design was changed and the air cleaner design was revamped again. There was 21,115 Wagon's built.
1973
This is the first year for the power steering option with a 302. The power steering box was a Saginaw unit with 5.3 turns lock-to-lock. This was also the first year for the C-4 Automatic Transmission with the V-8. The C-4 had ratios of 2.46:1 low, 1.46 second, and 1:1 third. The 200ci 6 Cyl. replaces the 170ci 6 Cyl. The seal for the spindle was redesigned. This was the only year for Dual Feed sending units. 1973 was the only year that an orange was available as an interior color. Clear automatic transmission indicator cover. The explorer package was introduced The transfer case also changed in 1973. It was still a Dana 20, but instead of the older T-shift the 1973 and later Broncos used a J-shift transfer case. The gear ratio was slightly higher (lower numerically): 2.46:1 for the T-shift and 2.34:1 for the J-shift. The Left Front Wheel Tub was changed to accept the steering shaft of the power steering system. The core support also had to be modified to allow for the size of the power steering box. Lights were incorporated into the steel dash for the wiper and heater controls. There were 21,894 Wagons built.
1974
By 1974, the 200 c.i.d. six cylinder and 4.11 axles were no longer available in California. A new emissions package was also introduced for California Broncos. Some subtle changes were made mid-year to the J-handle shifter mechanism in response to complaints of tough shifting. The transmission selector was lighted starting in '74. 21,400 Broncos rolled off the assembly line in 1974. Also, the Dome Light was put into the electric wiper cover. The automatic indicator cover received a black cover. This was the only year that a red interior was available. Mid-Year electronic ignition was incorporated into the 302. The steering wheel was changed to accept a long thin vinyl horn instead of the pot metal horn button. Unfortunately, this was the last year for the Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco and also the last year for the 200ci 6 Cyl. motor. There were 25,824 Wagon's manufactured.
1975
1975 brought both pros and cons to the Bronco; at least in terms of restoring or modifying them for trail duty. The pro was electronic ignition. The con was increase smog equipment. Unleaded fuel was introduced to the Bronco. There were catalytic converters installed due to the Pollution control. Sport and Ranger models received the F-Series steering wheel for the year. Among the new options was an 800 watt engine block heater for folks in cold climates. Bronco production shrunk to its lowest ever in 1975 with just 13,200 trucks produced.
1976
The bicentennial year brought several key improvements to Ford's sport utility, most notably the addition of long overdue power assisted front disc brakes. The rear brakes were upgraded to 11 x 2.25" drums. The steering box ratio was shortened to 3.8 turns lock-to-lock. The Ranger Package was introduced. Again the left front wheel tub was redesigned, to clear the master cylinder with a power booster setup. A brace was added from the core support to the left front tub. The steering column design was changed. There was an option for a front sway bar. The dreaded Y steering linkage was also introduced in 1976 along with a front anti-sway bar. A Special Decor Group comprised of a flat black-finished grille, tape stripe, bright windshield molding, and side window frames and wheel covers was introduced mid-year. 14,500 Broncos rolled off the line in 1976.
1977
This was the only year for the gas tank doors. The rear tank was completely redesigned. It was now 14.4 Gallons instead of 12. Some previously standard items, such as a passenger's side seat and padded instrument panel, were made optional this year. Unique to the '77s is a 14.4 plastic gas tank and an 8 gallon auxiliary tank. Dura-Spark Ignition systems took over for the electronic ignition. The rear axle housing was made into more of a triangular pattern, with the center section extending out to meet the tubes. The rear side marker lights were turned vertical and placed in the tail light section instead of in the quarter panel. The front parking brake cable was redesigned. There were 14,546 Wagons were built.
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