Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco was an SUV that was produced until 1996 in five model generations in Dearborn by Ford in the model years 1966.

It was originally introduced as a competitor to the Jeep CJ -5 and International Harvester Scout.

In 1978 he was revised based on the Ford F-Series and now competed against the Chevrolet Blazer, the Jeep Cherokee and the Dodge Ramcharger. So you can see the Bronco models fall into three basic categories: Early Broncos (1966-1977) and the great Broncos (1978-1979 and 1980-1996 ). Every Bronco, which was built in the last 30 years, had four-wheel drive and a low-range gearbox. The only rear-wheel drive Broncos were the ones that were converted from buyers on their own.

The big Broncos and their successor Expedition were produced at Ford's truck plant in Wayne (Michigan).

1966-1977 (Previously Bronco )

Ford Bronco (1974-1977)

The first Bronco was an SUV, the predominantly with the Jeep CJ and the International Harvester Scout should compete. The small size with 2,337 mm Wheelbase predestined him for off-road use and some other special applications. As a tractor he was less suitable. The Bronco was the first compact SUV from Ford; followed him in this segment later, the Bronco II (1984-1990) and Escape ( since 2001).

The first idea for such a vehicle developed the Ford product manager Donald N. Frey, who also designed the Mustang. Under Lee Iacocca, the vehicle was realized.

The Bronco was designed under Paul G. Axelrad. Axles and brakes came from the F-100 four-wheel drive, the front axle was notwithstanding, led by a Panhard rod and two cross struts which were hung on the frame near the rear end of the transmission. Therefore, coil springs could be used instead of leaf springs, which is why the Bronco had a small turning circle ( 10.4 m) and a handy especially in the snow anti-dive geometry. The rear suspension was conventional and consisted of a run on longitudinal leaf springs, live axle with cardan shaft ( " Hotchkiss system "). A Dana transfer case and free wheel hubs belong to the basic equipment; reinforced suspensions was available at extra cost.

Initially, the Bronco was powered by a Ford straight-six engine with overhead valves and 2.8 liters, which was equipped with a larger oil pan, a stronger fuel pump and a carburetor with -Tilt the float chamber.

Styling questions of practicality and cost-effectiveness disordered. Therefore, all the windows were not bent, bumpers were simple U- iron, the vehicle frame by a simple head design with rectangular tubes. The right and left door panel were identical with the exception of the mounting openings.

The early Bronco Models were asked served in an open car as a closed van, with always in demand flatbed or less. The open version soon disappeared from the model range, was instead offered a Sport package, which later became a separate model series.

The base price was only U.S. $ 2,194, but the long option list included individual front seats, a rear bench seat, a tachometer and CB radio as well as practical accessories like a tow bar, a jerry can, a power take-off, a snowplow, a winch and an auger. Other suppliers offered residential constructions, overdrive and the usual range of wheels, tires, suspension and engine components to improve performance.

The Bronco sold well in the first year ( 23 776 copies were produced ). and then remained in second place behind the CJ- 5 to the idea of the great Chevrolet Blazer 1969. The Blazer was much larger, had more power and better equipment, more space and a wider choice of options such as automatic transmission and power steering and was therefore more popular.

Ford met this fact with an increase in available as an optional V8 engine of 4736 cc / 200 hp ( 147 kW) at 4,949 cc / 205 bhp (151 kW ), but achieved performance values ​​of the blazer with 5.735 cc / 255 bhp (187, 5 kW not ). In 1973, there were automatic transmissions and power steering as charge-requiring extra and sales increased to 26,300 copies. At this time, however, the Blazers already sold twice as often as the Bronco and International Harvester Scout II brought the out of was like the blazers in size. In 1974, a larger and more comfortable car like the Jeep Cherokee made ​​more sense for the average driver than the more rustic Bronco. The low sales of the Bronco (only 230,800 copies in twelve years ) left no financial leeway for revisions, and so he remained until 1978 on the presentation of the larger, Blazer - like second generation basically unchanged. The sales figures of the first series were the last production year in 1977 to 14,546 units.

Competition successes

1965 built the race car builder Bill slings for Ford on a number of Broncos for long road competitions. In collaboration with the Ford often preferred race team Holman - Moody, the Stroppe/Holman/Moody- (SHM ) Broncos dominated the Mint 400, Baja 500 and Mexican 1000 ( which was later renamed in Baja 1000). In 1969, SHM again six Broncos in the Baja start in 1000. 1971 offered Ford dealer Broncos to a so-called " Baja Bronco " package, which was partly derived from Stroppes style. It included a very direct power steering, an automatic transmission, fender flares, which covered the Gates Commando tires, a stabilizer, reinforced bumpers, a padded steering wheel and a special red-white or blue- black finish. With a price of 5.566, - U.S. dollar against 3.665, - U.S. $ for a normal Bronco with a V8 engine, only 650 copies were sold of this version in the next four years, however.

1966 overcame a Bronco dragster, which was built by Doug Nash, the quarter mile in 9.2 seconds at a top speed of 240 km / h

1978-1979 ( Big Bronco )

Ford Bronco (1978-1979)

The revision of the Bronco in 1978 was based on the F- 100, with many components of the chassis, powertrain and body were taken. The entire front section was derived clearly visible from the van models this year; the Bronco of 1978/1979 there were round or rectangular sealed-beam headlights. Ford began with the revision in 1972 and named it Shorthorn, but the introduction of the new model was delayed by discussions arisen because of the oil crisis in the mid 1970s. Due to the increased size of the car competed now with vehicles like the Chevrolet Blazer / GMC Jimmy, Dodge Ramcharger the / Plymouth Trailduster, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the Toyota Land Cruiser. Base engine was the 351M ( 5,752 cc ), on request, there was also a 400 ( 6,555 cc ). A " Ford 9" rear axle and a Dana 44 front axle in conjunction with the existing as " indestructible " vehicle under the R -100 elicited a fantastic press coverage. 1979, a catalytic converter, and various other emission reduction measures were introduced.

Today you can find difficult to get a Bronco from 1978 or 1979, as these on the van of the F- series ( 1973-1979 ) based, representing the transition generation from the small to the big Broncos. The series from 1978 to 1979 is one of the most wanted big Broncos due to their rigid front axles, which make them particularly suitable for off-road use and towing vehicles. From 1980, the Bronco had independent front suspension, rear had all Broncos, 1966-1996, rigid axles.

1980-1986

Ford Bronco (1980-1982)

1980 there was a major overhaul. The model 1980 was based on the revised F- series; this generation remained until 1986, for the body, powertrain and chassis unchanged. The new Bronco was shorter and learned some cosmetic changes to the powertrain, chassis and other parts. Most notable were the two trailing arms and independent suspension on the front axle.

Due to the lower dimensions of the model and the fuel saving Ford offered as a basic engine to a six-cylinder with 4,916 cc displacement. Although this engine had more torque than the 5.0 -liter V8, the performance was limited by the use of a single carburetor and a single-pass exhaust manifold. An electronic emission limitation that was from 1984, use the power of the inline six- cylinder decreased even more. Ford built into the models the remaining 351M engines before switching to 351W middle of the model year 1982. A high- performance version of the 351W was available as an option from 1984 and was offered until the 1987 model year. The power was 210 bhp (154 kW) at 4,000 rpm compared with the standard engine with single carburetor (115 kW) gave only 156 bhp at 4000 rpm. The 5.0 liter engine was the first to be offered from the model year 1986 with fuel injection.

In 1982, Ford again the "Ford - plum " as a logo, which replaced the inscription FORD on the hood. In the mid- 1980s, Ford offered a Eddie Bauer edition of the Bronco, which had a brown finish and a brown interior. 1986 accounted for the classic rectangular mirrors.

1987-1991

Ford Bronco (1987-1991)

1987 have been revised, as they still were based on the F- series body and drive the large Bronco. A new, more aerodynamic body style manifested itself as a fundamental change in many Ford vehicles of the new model year. From 1988, all Bronco models were sold with electronic fuel injection, the first at 5.0 liters - motor was introduced in 1986. Beginning in 1990, Ford offered to the new reinforced E4OD transmission. 1991 there was a special 25th Silver Anniversary Edition with special company emblems, in red livery and with gray leather interior. All of these vehicles originated in the truck plant in Wayne (Michigan) on the same production lines as the F- 150th

1992-1996

Ford Bronco (1992-1996)

1992 Bronco as well as the F- series have been revised again. This revision was done primarily in regard to safety aspects. The Bronco received an improved front crumple zone, shoulder belts at the back, a third brake light on abzunehmenden construction and 1994 airbag on the driver's side. Cosmetic changes included outside an inclined front end and inside a new dashboard. The first time, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors were offered, and in 1996 received the Bronco world's first car turn signals in the side mirrors. The drive remained unchanged.

Bronco Centurion

From the 1980s until its setting in 1996 was offered to the four-door model for the Bronco also conversions, which made him the Chevrolet Suburban similar. This five-door cars were rebuilt by Centurion Vehicles in White Pigeon (Michigan). The conversion was based on the equipment on a double cab of the F- series with a Bronco tailgate and fiberglass construction. In addition to the third row and with more space there was the Centurion also based on the F -350, which allows incorporation of engines such as the 7.3 liter - Power Stroke turbo-diesel and the 7.5 liter - petrol - V8 enabled. This made the Centurion interesting for people who need a comfortable, but also stronger towing vehicle.

The Bronco Centurion was a special model on request. He could be ordered, for example, with a third row of seats, individual seats in the second row, a TV with VCR, and a built-in radar. Meanwhile, these designs have become rare and expensive, apart from a few used cars in the north who are suffering from the tailgate rusted because of their poor paint job.

In 2000 Ford introduced the its dimensions above the expedition settled Excursion as an official factory model, the complied with the Centurion Broncos in size and interior space.

End of production

Mid-1996, Ford decided, the Bronco officially set.

On Wednesday, June 12, 1996 the last Bronco left the assembly lines at the Ford truck plant. He was escorted by Jeff Trapp's 1970 this Ford Bronco. The model was replaced by the Ford Expedition, which successfully competes as a successor to the Bronco with the Chevrolet Tahoe.

The name Bronco found years later in a concept vehicle again using.

Concept car in 2004

On the North American International Auto Show 2004, a Bronco concept car was presented. Some details of the vehicle, such as the box-like roof line, short wheelbase, and the round headlights, reminiscent of the first Bronco. However, this concept car featured a 2.0 liter - Turbo Diesel engine and a six-speed gearbox. In March 2007, Ford thought even after a series production. In implementation of the plans into practice the model below the Ford Escape would have been classified in the model range.

Ford Bronco II

The Ford Bronco II was a compact SUV, the Ford offered in model years 1984 to 1990.

Trivia

• Larry the Cable Guy drives a Ford Bronco (1992 or 1993) in his film Witless Protection.
• On June 17, 1994, when OJ Simpson from the Los Angeles Police Department for the murders of his ex - wife and her friend was sought refuge from his pursuers this in a 1993's model, the Al Cowlings was one in which Simpson was in the passenger seat and Cowlings drove the vehicle.