Key Takeaways:
- One Generation, Twelve Model Years: The early Bronco ran from 1966 through 1977, launching as the U13 Roadster, U14 Half Cab, and U15 Wagon, with the Half Cab ending after 1972.
- Year Matters For Parts: The 302 V8 arrived in 1969, the Dana 44 front axle at the end of the 1970 model year, the C4 automatic and power steering in 1973, and front disc brakes in 1976. Model year is essential before ordering any component.
- 1977 Is One Of The Most Sought-After Years: The final year carried every major upgrade from 1976 and added the fuel door and poly rear tank, with more units sold than any year before it.
The early Ford Bronco ran from 1966 through 1977 as a single generation, with production starting in August of 1965. Across those twelve model years, Ford changed engines, axles, transmissions, brakes, and trim packages at specific points along the way.
We have specialized in early Bronco parts at TOMS OFFROAD since 1976, organizing our catalog around the different Bronco models across the twelve-year run.
This guide covers production numbers and the key year-by-year changes that separate each model year by engine, drivetrain, axle, brake configuration, and trim. For more background on the Bronco's origins, our Through the Years: 66-77 Ford Bronco History guide is a good companion read.
How The Early Ford Bronco Changed Year By Year
1966 – First Year Of The Ford Bronco
18,200 Units Produced
Production started in August of 1965 with three models offered: the U13 Roadster, U14 Half Cab, and U15 Wagon. At first, all Broncos were offered only with the 170 inline six-cylinder (105 HP and 158 ft-lbs of torque). It wasn’t until March of 1966 that the popular 289 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor (9.3:1 compression ratio, 200 HP and 282 ft-lbs of torque) was introduced, quickly becoming the more desirable option.
All 1966 Broncos had a three-speed manual transmission shifted on the column, as well as a Dana 20 T-style transfer case with an impressive low range for the time of 2.46:1, compared to the Scout’s 2.03:1. The 1966 Bronco came standard with four-wheel manual drum brakes and a manual steering box with a 6:1 ratio. It was also the only year to use a single-reservoir master cylinder.
The Dana 30 front differential was chosen by Ford due to its added strength over the Dana 27 used in Jeeps of the same era. The popular Ford 9" rear differential was the obvious choice when selecting a rear end for the Bronco. Ford offered two different options for the 9" rear differential in the 1966 Bronco: a light-duty version with 2,780 lbs capacity that had a 2 ⅞" axle bearing and 10" rear drums, and the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with a larger 3 ⅛" bearing and larger 11" brake drums.
The 1966 Bronco had several unique, easily recognizable features, such as the outer key lock located in the body line, as well as the eyebrow grille that was only offered on early production runs in 1966. The ’66-specific bumpers and a dash panel with a larger speaker grille are also standout features that set the 1966 Bronco apart. A silver seat upholstery option was unique to 1966 as well.
The ’66 also offered several one-year-only parts, including the driver-side fresh air box, transfer case shifter handle, unique liftgate handle and key design on the hardtop, and dash column bezel. Vacuum wiper motors were standard in 1966, while locking front hubs were optional. Restoring a 1966 Roadster is an amazing feat, but due to the limited availability of 1966-specific aftermarket parts, it can be an extremely difficult task. One amazing example of this is David Posten’s beautiful 1966 Roadster.
1967 – A Transition Year
16,100 Units Produced
The 1967 Bronco was a year of change. Many of the 1966-specific parts had been replaced, but true standardization wouldn’t fully arrive until 1968. The same three models were offered: U13 Roadster, U14 Half Cab, and U15 Wagon.
The 1967 Bronco still shared many features with the 1966, such as the 170 inline six-cylinder (105 HP and 158 ft-lbs of torque) and the 289 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor (9.3:1 compression ratio, 200 HP and 282 ft-lbs of torque). All 1967 Broncos had a three-speed manual transmission shifted on the column, along with a Dana 20 T-style transfer case with an impressive 2.46:1 low range, compared to the Scout’s 2.03:1.
The 1967 Bronco came standard with four-wheel manual drum brakes and a manual steering box with a 6:1 ratio. It was the first year to feature a dual-reservoir master cylinder and a drum brake junction block with a brake warning light on the dash. The Dana 30 front differential was again used for its added strength over the Dana 27 found in Jeeps. The Ford 9" rear differential remained the go-to choice. Ford continued to offer two options for the 9" rear differential: a light-duty version with 2,780 lbs capacity, 2 ⅞" axle bearings, and 10" rear drums, and the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and larger 11" brake drums.
Like the 1966, the 1967 Bronco had removable upper door frames; however, the location of the door lock moved to directly below the outer handle. The ’67 Bronco still had vacuum wipers and the earlier style inner door handles and armrests.
1967 was the first year of the chrome T-shift handle with indicator for the Dana 20 transfer case, as well as the more common dash panel design with the smaller speaker grille that continued through all remaining production years. 1967 also saw the introduction of the Sport model, which added more chrome trim and polished stainless steel vent windows.
Like 1966, the 1967 Bronco did not offer a swing-away tire carrier but was the first year to feature reverse lights. In total, 16,100 Broncos were produced in 1967.
1968 – Starting To Standardize The Bronco
15,700 Units Produced
The 1968 Bronco brought many new features to the model that would continue throughout the remaining early Bronco production years.
1968 was the first year for the new door latch and inner paddle handle design, as well as the new location for the outer key lock positioned below the body line. The interior was standardized in ’68 with larger door armrests and a new seat design that would continue through 1977. It was also the first year for the larger, rectangular side mirror, replacing the smaller round mirrors common on earlier models.
The ’68 Bronco still shared many features with the 1966 and 1967 models, such as the 170 inline six-cylinder (105 HP and 158 ft-lbs of torque) and the 289 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor (9.3:1 compression ratio, 200 HP and 282 ft-lbs of torque). All 1968 Broncos had a three-speed manual transmission shifted on the column, along with a Dana 20 T-style transfer case with a 2.46:1 low range.
The 1968 Bronco came standard with four-wheel manual drum brakes and a manual steering box with a 6:1 ratio. It continued with a dual-reservoir master cylinder and a drum brake junction block with a brake warning light on the dash. The Dana 30 front differential was again used by Ford. The Ford 9" rear differential remained the obvious rear-end choice. As in previous years, Ford offered two different options for the 9" rear: a light-duty version with 2,780 lbs capacity, 2 ⅞" axle bearings, and 10" rear drums, and the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and 11" brake drums.
Like the 1966 and 1967 models, the 1968 Bronco had removable upper door frames. 1968 was the first model year to offer the now-iconic swing-away tire carrier, which would be available on all following years. It was also the first to offer front and rear side marker reflectors and to replace the vinyl washer bag with a plastic washer tank.
The 1968 Bronco was the first to standardize the fresh air heater and defrost system. The dash pad also changed in shape from the previous straight design to a thicker, more padded style that continued through the remainder of early Bronco production.
1969 – Electric Wipers And The 302
19,200 Units Produced
1969 was a big year for the early Bronco with the introduction of the more powerful 302 V8 and electric windshield wipers. 1969 was also the first year to have welded upper door frames, no longer allowing owners to remove the upper frame if desired.
Like the 1968 Bronco, the ’69 models featured a dual-reservoir master cylinder and a drum brake junction block with a brake warning light on the dash. The Dana 30 front differential was once again used by Ford. The Ford 9" rear differential remained the standard choice, with two rear-end options: a light-duty 9" with 2,780 lbs capacity, 2 ⅞" axle bearings, and 10" rear drums, or the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and 11" rear drums.
For the 1969 model, there were also changes to the hardtop and rear seal. A U-shaped, one-piece seal was now used to seal the sides of the tailgate and liftgate. 1969 was also the first year for the larger, new front turn signal design.
1970 Bronco
18,500 Units Produced
1970 was a year of relatively few changes for the early Bronco. With the introduction of the more powerful 302 and electric wipers in 1969, Ford saw little need for major updates in 1970.
1970 was the first year to feature illuminated marker lights. Like the 1968 and 1969 Broncos, the 1970 model used a dual-reservoir master cylinder and a drum brake junction block with a brake warning light on the dash. The Dana 30 front differential was again chosen by Ford, and the dependable Ford 9" rear differential remained in place.
Ford continued to offer two different 9" rear differential options in the 1970 Bronco: a light-duty version with 2,780 lbs capacity, 2 ⅞" axle bearings, and 10" rear drums, and the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and 11" brake drums.
For 1970, Ford introduced a fuel recovery system designed to help keep fuel vapors out of the cab. At the very end of the 1970 model year, Ford introduced the Dana 44 front axle, providing a huge increase in strength over the Dana 30 front axle used in all previous years.
The 1970 Bronco was also the first to have a build sticker added to the driver-side door jamb, allowing owners to quickly check the build date and VIN.
1971 Bronco
18,700 Units Produced
1971 was the first full year with the new Dana 44 front axle in the early Bronco. The 1971 Bronco maintained the more powerful 302 V8 as well as electric wipers. Visually, 1971 Broncos looked very similar to the 1970 models with illuminated marker lights.
Like the 1968, 1969, and 1970 Broncos, the 1971 models used a dual-reservoir master cylinder and a drum brake junction block with a brake warning light on the dash. The Ford 9" rear differential remained the standard rear end. Ford again offered two rear axle options: a light-duty 9" with 2,780 lbs capacity, 2 ⅞" axle bearings, and 10" rear drums, and the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and 11" rear drums.
The 1971 model continued to use Ford’s fuel recovery system to help keep vapors out of the cab. With the introduction of the Dana 44, Ford provided the Bronco with a superior front axle compared to many competitors in the market.
The 1971 Bronco was also the first to give customers the option to have the top painted to match the body color if specially ordered from the factory. 1971 was also the first production year of the highly sought-after Stroppe Baja Bronco, with its recognizable orange and white paint scheme and “cactus smasher” push bar.
1972 Bronco
18,300 Units Produced
The 1972 Bronco saw little mechanical change from 1971, still offering the 302 V8 as well as the 6-cylinder option.
Ford continued to use the 9" rear differential, again offering both a light-duty version with 2,780 lbs capacity, 2 ⅞" axle bearings, and 10" rear drums, and the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and 11" rear drums. The Dana 44 front axle was used in 1972 as well and continued to provide immense strength in a compact package.
A notable new option for 1972 was the introduction of the Explorer trim packages, which provided additional options for interior upgrades and exterior trim. In 1972, the gross vehicle weight ratings increased from the previous 3,900 lbs and 4,700 lbs packages to 4,300 lbs and 4,900 lbs, thanks to higher-capacity springs and higher-capacity belted tires.
1972 was also the last year for the Half Cab model due to declining sales.
1973 Bronco
26,300 Units Produced
1973 was a massive year for improvements in the early Bronco with the introduction of power steering, an automatic transmission, and a more powerful 200 ci 6-cylinder option. Even with this more powerful 6-cylinder available, most buyers still chose the popular 302 V8.
In 1973, Ford also changed the transfer case shifter. While the Bronco still used the reliable Dana 20 transfer case, it moved away from the T-shift design to the J-shift pattern. Ford also added a radiator overflow bottle in 1973 and installed heavier rear springs, increasing the GVW in the standard package from 4,300 lbs to 4,450 lbs.
While Ford continued to offer the Sport and Explorer options in 1973, the Ranger package was also added to the lineup. Both the Dana 44 front axle and Ford 9" rear end remained unchanged, providing reliable strength for the early Bronco. The Dana 44 continued with 11" front drum brakes, while the 9" rear end again offered two options: a 2,780 lbs capacity with 2 ⅞" axle bearings and 10" rear drums, or the more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and 11" rear drums.
In 1973, dash light bars were added to the dash, replacing imprinted bezels and allowing controls to be illuminated during nighttime driving. The new C4 automatic transmission was a huge upgrade for a model that had, until 1973, only offered a three-speed manual column-shift option. The 1973 automatic steering column is a one-year-only offering; it is the only automatic column without a hazard switch and with an uncovered, non-illuminated shift indicator.
The addition of the 6:1 Saginaw power steering box provided drivers with improved drivability and ease of steering, making the Bronco more appealing to a wider range of drivers. The Bronco also saw a change in wheel color this year, moving from the classic Wimbledon White to Argent.
1974 Bronco
21,400 Units Produced
1974 saw relatively little change from the previous year. With the successful introduction of power steering, an automatic transmission, and the more powerful 200 ci 6-cylinder option in 1973, Ford felt little need to make large updates.
Once again, most buyers chose the popular 302 V8 over the 6-cylinder option. The 1974 Bronco continued to use the redesigned J-shift pattern Dana 20 transfer case. Ford continued to offer the Sport, Explorer, and Ranger packages in the 1974 lineup.
Both the Dana 44 front axle and Ford 9" rear end remained unchanged mechanically, providing reliable strength to the early Bronco. The Dana 44 still used 11" front drum brakes, while the 9" rear end saw some changes in 1974. The 9" rear now consisted of three options:
- A 2,780 lbs capacity with 2 ⅞" axle bearings and 10" rear drums
- A 3 ⅛" bearing version with smaller 10" x 2.5" drums and shoes
- The more desirable heavy-duty 9" with 3 ⅛" bearings and larger 11" brake drums
In 1974, the dash light bars continued, but the hazard switch was moved from the dash to the steering column, where it remained through 1977. With the addition of the hazard switch to the column, Ford also improved the shift indicator by adding a small light bulb in the turn-signal switch to illuminate the indicator.
The new C4 automatic transmission and power steering proved to be a huge success in 1973 and continued to be a driving force in sales for the 1974 Bronco.
1975 Bronco
13,200 Units Produced
1975 was a tough year for Ford and the Bronco. With the growing popularity of Chevy’s Blazer and the introduction of the Dodge Ramcharger, Ford saw a massive decline in Bronco sales.
1975 was also a stagnant year for innovation on the early Bronco, as many of the major upgrades from the previous two years remained unchanged. Ford engineers were already hard at work on the massive upgrades planned for 1976, and many ideas were being proposed and developed behind the scenes.
The 1975 Ford Bronco was the first year to move away from a points-style ignition and adopt a breakerless electronic ignition system. 1975 also marked the end of the 6-cylinder Bronco; from this point forward, Ford would only offer a V8 option.
The Explorer package was no longer offered in 1975, with Ford deciding to keep only the Sport and Ranger packages as upgrades over the base model.
1976 Bronco
14,500 Units Produced
The Ford Bronco saw major upgrades in 1976, with Ford offering front power disc brakes and a new 4:1-ratio power steering box. For 1976, Ford also shifted its marketing strategy, targeting a younger audience with ads featuring groups of young people enjoying the outdoors.
The C4 automatic transmission experienced a massive increase in demand, with almost 70% of Broncos sold in 1976 and 1977 equipped with the automatic transmission. Ford’s engineers also made changes to the steering linkage, moving away from the proven T-style linkage to the new Y-style linkage to improve on-road handling. Due to this change in steering design, Ford made small adjustments to the track bar and the bracket mounted on the driver-side frame rail.
The 1976 Bronco was also the first to feature Ford’s Duraspark ignition system. Because of the addition of optional power brakes, the 1976 Bronco’s inner driver-side wheel well saw a minor modification: the rear edge was lowered to improve clearance between the wheel well and the 8" diaphragm booster.
The Bronco retained the trusted 9" rear differential; however, Ford moved away from the earlier rounded center section to a stronger, larger, webbed design and increased the rear brakes to an 11" x 2.25" drum with a 3-1/8" axle bearing. With the addition of front disc brakes, the Dana 44 received updated outer steering knuckles, moving from the six-bolt spindle-mounting pattern to the more traditional five-bolt pattern used across Ford’s truck line, which had offered disc brakes for several years.
Ford also reintroduced the Explorer trim package after its one-year hiatus in 1975. In addition to the Explorer package, Ford continued to offer the Sport and Ranger models for 1976 and added more youthful colors to the lineup, such as Bali Blue and Medium Green Glow.
Production saw a slight increase in 1976 compared to the low point in 1975; however, Ford had expected greater demand with these new upgrades. That projected increase may have taken longer than anticipated, but in 1977, Ford finally saw the surge it had been expecting.
1977 Bronco
30,700 Units Produced
1977 was the last year of the first-generation Bronco, and Ford went out with a bang, selling more units in a single year than ever before. The 1977 Bronco carried over the major upgrades introduced in 1976, including front power disc brakes, the 4:1-ratio power steering box, and the Y-style steering linkage for improved on-road handling.
The C4 automatic transmission continued to be extremely popular, with nearly 70% of Broncos in 1976 and 1977 equipped with the automatic. Duraspark electronic ignition, first introduced in 1976, was also retained for 1977. Because of the optional power brakes, the 1977 Bronco’s inner driver-side wheel well included the same modification introduced in 1976, with the rear edge lowered to improve clearance for the 8" diaphragm booster.
The Bronco kept the trusted 9" rear differential with the stronger, larger webbed center section and 11" x 2.25" rear drums with 3-1/8" axle bearings. With the continued use of front disc brakes, the Dana 44 maintained its updated outer steering knuckles and five-bolt spindle-mounting pattern used across Ford’s truck line.
In 1977, Ford continued to offer the Explorer package in addition to the Sport and Ranger models. The 1977 model year also had a few unique features, such as the recognizable fuel door and vertical rear marker lights. All previous model years had visible fuel caps, but for 1977 Ford cleaned up the look by adding a hidden fuel bucket behind a fuel door, similar to other Ford models of the era.
Ford also moved away from the rear metal tank and offered a higher-capacity poly rear tank with a new and improved skid plate design. The 1977 Ford Bronco has become one of the most sought-after model years, thanks to all of the accumulated upgrades as well as the clean, finished look provided by the fuel door.
Final Thoughts
The early Ford Bronco spans twelve model years as a single generation, but engines, front axles, transmissions, brakes, and trim packages all changed at documented points. A column-shift, drum-brake 1966 and a C4-equipped, disc-brake 1977 share a name and a body, yet they call for very different parts.
With five decades or more of ownership behind every early Bronco, many factory components have been swapped along the way. Take a thorough inventory of what is actually on your Bronco before ordering, so the parts you choose match your build rather than just the model year on the title.
We have supported early Bronco enthusiasts since 1976 with a catalog organized around those year-by-year differences. Whether your project is a Dana 30 early example or a disc-brake 1977, the parts and expertise are here. And if your garage also holds a classic F-Series, our Bumpside vs Dentside guide covers the 1967–79 trucks. Leading the Trail Since '76.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Bronco Models
How many years did the first generation Ford Bronco run?
Twelve model years, from 1966 through 1977, with production starting in August of 1965.
When did the early Bronco switch from the Dana 30 to the Dana 44 front axle?
Ford introduced the Dana 44 at the very end of the 1970 model year, and 1971 was the first full year with it.
When did automatic transmissions become available in the early Ford Bronco?
In 1973, when Ford introduced the C4 automatic. Every Bronco before 1973 had a three-speed manual shifted on the column.
What changed on the 1969 Ford Bronco?
1969 introduced the more powerful 302 V8, electric windshield wipers, welded upper door frames, and a larger front turn signal design.
Why is the 1977 Ford Bronco one of the most sought-after early model years?
It carried every major 1976 upgrade, including front disc brakes, the Y-style steering linkage, and Duraspark ignition, and added the fuel door and a higher-capacity poly rear tank.
What body styles were available on the early Ford Bronco?
The U13 Roadster, U14 Half Cab, and U15 Wagon. 1972 was the last year for the Half Cab.
Which early Bronco year had the lowest production?
1975, with 13,200 units produced, as the Chevy Blazer and new Dodge Ramcharger drew buyers away.
