Ford Bronco Hardware & Fasteners

Tom's Offroad carries stainless steel bolt kits and hardware sets for the early Bronco covering body mount hardware, engine accessories, exhaust flanges, suspension mounting points, and interior trim fasteners. Stainless hardware eliminates the rust and corrosion common on original steel hardware after decades of use and is a popular upgrade during any thorough restoration.

Stainless steel bolts are an excellent choice for exterior, body, and non-critical applications on an early Bronco restoration. They resist rust indefinitely, look clean under the hood and on the body, and eliminate the embarrassing rusty hardware visible on poorly restored trucks. For suspension, steering, and driveline applications, use grade-8 or grade-5 steel hardware rated for the load, stainless is not always appropriate for high-stress fasteners.

Grade-8 bolts are the correct choice for suspension, steering, and axle mounting hardware on the early Bronco. Grade-8 hardware has a tensile strength of 150,000 PSI and is designed for high-stress fastener applications. Never substitute grade-5 or hardware store bolts in suspension or safety-critical locations. Always torque suspension fasteners to the specification listed in the shop manual.

Early Bronco body mount bolts are only 3/8" in diameter from the factory. It's typically to upgrade to 7/16-14 thread pitch when replacing components. The body mount hardware includes the bolt, a large flat washer, and a nut that threads from below. Replacement stainless body mount bolt kits from Tom's Offroad include all fasteners for a complete body mount hardware refresh in a single kit.

Removing rusted bolts from an early Bronco requires penetrating oil applied the night before, heat from a propane or MAPP torch to expand the metal, and an impact wrench or breaker bar for stubborn fasteners. Avoid excessive heat near fuel lines or wiring. Sometimes cutting the bolt with a reciprocating saw is required for removal. Replacing removed hardware with stainless or zinc-plated bolts prevents the same problem in the future.