Registered vehicle
1985 Ford Bronco “Buck”
About the 1980–1986 Ford Bronco
The third-generation Ford Bronco ran from 1980 to 1986 on Ford's redesigned 1980-1986 F-series chassis, the body enthusiasts call the "Bullnose" for its flat, forward-leaning front end and recessed grille. Ford rebodied the full-size Bronco to cut weight and improve fuel economy after the 1979 energy crisis, and the headline chassis change was the Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) front suspension, an independent setup using a Dana 44 front axle split into two swinging beams. The engine roster covered the 300 cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six and the 302 (5.0L) V8, plus an optional 5.8L V8 that changed identity early in the run: for 1980-1981 it was the 351M, a member of Ford's 335-series ("Cleveland"/M-block) family carried over from the prior generation, replaced by the lighter 351 Windsor for 1982, which then served as the top V8 for the rest of the generation. The early years leaned on smaller, economy-tuned options. Trims spanned the base Custom and the XLT, with the Eddie Bauer package joining for 1985. Around the 1985 model year the 5.0L (302) V8 picked up Ford throttle-body fuel injection (CFI), while the 5.8L (351 Windsor) stayed carbureted through the end of this generation. All seven model years used the same 104.7-inch wheelbase and removable rear hardtop.
The story
As of right now:
-XLT package
-new sound system with Pioneer CD player and six new speakers
-31x10.50x15 All terrain tires
-Heavy duty OEM quad shocks and sway bars (which will come off this spring)
-push bar with two amber fog lights (that don't work)
-OEM spot lights (that don't work)
-custom rust
So far, all that's been replaced have been the muffler and all the ball joints. In the spring, I'm going to get the fog and spot lights working (wires were cut by previous owner, so maybe something shorted out). I will also get some new front seats or maybe just get the current ones reupholstered. I will also fix the oil leak. Hopefully I can get all of this done before its maiden voyage to Moab next May. Pics coming soon.
Mods coming up:
-cat-back exhaust system (Gibson looks good)
-some kind of air intake system (either K&N FIPK or my own custom one)
-new tires (Wrangler MT/Rs if money permits) — Angela Everett
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