Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible)
  • Bullnose Forum
    • Guidelines
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    • Forum & Website Funding
    • Forum & Website Issues
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  • Documentation
    • 3D Printing >
      • Brake Booster Pushrod Gauge
    • How To Decode Ford Part Numbers
    • Accessories >
      • Air Horns
      • CB Radio
      • Roll Bar
      • Step
      • Tie Down Hooks
      • Tonneau Cover
    • Body >
      • Bronco Rear Window
      • Bronco Roof
      • Body Shell, Exterior Trim, Frame & Underbody
      • Door Latches & Locks
      • Door Hinges Checks & Weatherstrips
      • Doors Hood & Tailgate General Service
      • Front Door Window Glass & Mechanisms
      • Hood & Hinges
      • Hood Latch
      • Lock Cylinders & Keys
      • Power Door Locks
      • Power Windows
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Seal
      • Stationary Glass - Weatherstrip Seal
      • Tailgate
      • Vent Window Mechanism
      • Window Glass & Mechanisms - General Service
    • Bullnose FAQ's
    • Bullnose Upgrades
    • Calibration Info & Part #'s
    • Cooling Systems >
      • Engine Cooling System Training Manual
      • Cooling Fan #'s & Illustrations
      • Cooling System Illustrations
      • Coolant Recovery & Windshield Washer Reservoirs
      • Elbows
      • Heater Hoses
      • Hose Clamps
      • Radiator Hoses
      • Radiator Support
      • Radiators
      • Shroud Part #'s
      • Thermostats
      • Water Pump #'s & Illustrations
    • Driveline >
      • 4WD Front Hubs & Rotors
      • Axles & Differentials
      • Bell Housings
      • Brakes
      • Calculators
      • Clutches and Linkage
      • Drive Shafts
      • Engine Plates
      • Rear Axle Vents
      • Skid Plates
      • Transfer Cases
      • Transmissions >
        • Transmission & Transfer Case Ratios
        • Automatic Transmission >
          • Automatic Transmission Applications
          • General Automatic Transmission Service
          • Automatic Overdrive (AOD)
          • C6
          • Kickdown Linkage
          • Neutral Start Switch
        • Manual Transmissions >
          • Manual Transmission Applications
          • General Manual Transmission Service
          • 3.03 3-Speed Toploader
          • NP435
          • Manual Transmission Shift Levers
          • Single Rail Over Drive (SROD)
          • TOD & SROD Transmissions
          • TOD
          • Warner T-18 & T-19
          • ZF5
        • Over/Under Drives
      • Speedometer Gears, Cables, & Sensors
      • Wheels & Tires
      • Wheel Covers
    • Electrical >
      • 3G Conversion >
        • 3G Conversion - In Development
        • 3G Writeup From Lucas
      • Alternators
      • Ammeter
      • Batteries
      • Battery Cables
      • Battery Trays
      • Circuit Protection
      • Clocks
      • Computer Internals
      • Connectors
      • Distributors
      • Electrical Connectors
      • Electronic Engine Control (EEC)
      • Electricity 099
      • EVTM >
        • 1980 EVTM
        • 1981 EVTM
        • 1985 EVTM
        • 1986 EVTM
        • 1996 EVTM >
          • Index
          • Charging System
          • Daytime Running Lamps
          • Engine Control - 4.9L
          • Engine Control - 5.0L
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Under 8500 GVW
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Over 8500 & 7.5L EEC-IV
          • Engine Control - 7.5L EEC-V
          • Engine Control - Turbo Diesel
          • Fuse Panel & Circuit Protection
          • Grounds
          • How To Use This Manual
          • Ignition System
          • Keyless Entry
          • Power Distribution
          • Speed Control
          • 1996 Power Windows
          • Starting System
          • Transmission Control - 4R70W
          • Transmission Control - E4OD
      • Gauges
      • Ground Wires >
        • Engine-to-Firewall Ground
        • Battery to Ground
        • Battery to RH Fender
        • Firewall to Hood
      • ICVR
      • Ignition
      • Lighting >
        • Dome and Cargo Lights
        • Fog or Driving Lights
        • Headlight Wiring Harness
        • Lighting & Calculations
        • Tag Lights
      • PMGR Starter Wiring
      • Radios
      • Relays
      • Sending Units
      • Speed Control
      • Standard Wire And Color Codes
      • Switches
      • Tachometers
      • Terminals & Connectors
      • Voltage Drop Testing
      • Windshield Wipers
      • Wiring Connectors
      • Wiring Diagrams
      • Wiring Harnesses
      • Wire Routing
    • Emissions >
      • Understanding Emissions Controls
      • Inferred Mileage
      • Thermactor Systems
    • Engines >
      • Compression Ratio Calculator
      • General Engine Service
      • 3.8L (232) V6
      • 300 Six
      • Windsor Series
      • 351M and 400
      • 385 Series
      • IDI Diesel
      • Drive Belts
      • EGR Valves >
        • EGR System Description & Testing
        • EGR Spacer
        • Gasket: Carb/EGR to Intake (9447)
      • Flywheels
      • Manifolds, EGR, Heat Valves, etc
      • Engine Swaps >
        • 300 Six to Small-Block V8
      • Pulleys
      • Starters
    • Exhaust Systems
    • Exterior >
      • Beds, Tailgates, and Components
      • Bumpers
      • Exterior Mirrors
      • Exterior Moulding Retainers
      • Exterior Trim and Moulding
      • Frames >
        • Engine Perches
      • Fuel Filler Doors
      • Name Plates
      • Push Bars
      • Spare Tire Carriers
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Type Seal
      • Tape And Decal Application
    • Fasteners & Illustrations >
      • Fastener Pictures
      • Fenders and Aprons
      • Frame
      • Headlights and Turn Signals
      • Hood
      • Radiator and Grille
    • Fuel & Air Systems >
      • 1985-1986 Fuel System Adjustments
      • 460 Fuel Systems
      • Air Cleaners
      • Carburetors, Chokes, & EFI >
        • EFI Idle Speed Adjustment
        • Jetting
        • How To Find Carb Parts
        • Chokes
        • Carter YFA 1bbl
        • EFI
        • Edelbrock
        • Motorcraft 2150
        • Holley 4180C
        • Motorcraft 7200 VV
        • Weber Technical Introduction
      • Correct Cold Starting Procedures
      • Diagnostics
      • Fuel System Illustrations >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • 1980-84 F-Series & Bronco
        • 1983-84 F-Series Diesel
        • 1983-87 F350 Chassis Cab DRW
        • 1985 F-Series 302 w/EFI
        • 1985-87 Bronco
        • 1985 on F-Series
      • Fuel System Part #'s >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • Fuel Senders & Pumps
        • Fuel Tanks
        • Fuel Tank Selector Switch
        • Fuel Tank Selector Valve
        • Fuel Tank Shields
        • Fuel Vapor Valve
        • Fuel Vapor Separator
      • Fuel System Wiring
    • HVAC >
      • Blend Door Repair
      • HVAC Systems
      • 300 Six Compressor Illustrations
      • Factory A/C Brackets
    • Interchange >
      • Air Conditioning Interchange
      • Alternator Interchange
      • Brake Interchange
      • Carburetor Interchange
      • Crankshaft Interchange
      • Diesel Injector Pump Interchange
      • Distributor Interchange
      • Fuel Pump Interchange
      • Head Interchange
      • Starter Interchange
      • Steering Interchange
      • Window Lift Motor Interchange
      • Water Pump Interchange
    • Interior >
      • Behind The Seat Storage
      • Boots
      • Carpet
      • Dash
      • Doors >
        • Door Locks
        • Door Panels
        • Electric Windows & Locks
        • Handles & Boot
        • Vent Windows
        • Windows
      • Horn Pads
      • Insulation
      • Interior Soft Trim
      • Interior Trim
      • Instrument Panel Name Plates
      • Instrument & Radio Bezels
      • Kick Panels
      • Knobs
      • Painting Gauge Needles
      • Rear Corner Trim
      • Rear View Mirror
      • Salvaging Rosewood
      • Seat Belts
      • Seat Interchangeability
      • Seats & Seat Tracks
      • Sill Plates
      • Steering Columns & Steering Wheels
      • Sun Visors
    • Picture Galleries >
      • 1981 F100 With 318 Miles
      • 1983 XLS Survivor
      • 1983 Ford Bronco 4x4 Dobbs-Stroppe Team Chase Car
      • 1983 Bronco Survivor
      • 1984 Bronco XLT
      • 1984 F150 XL
      • 1984 F150 Survivor
      • 1984 FORD F-150 XLT PICKUP
      • 1985 F-150 Survivor
      • 1985 F150 4×4 Flareside
      • Big Blackie
      • Big Blue >
        • Big Blues Documentation
      • Dad's Truck >
        • Air Cleaner
        • Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
        • Electrical Components >
          • Alternator
          • Battery
          • Power Distribution
        • Gauges
        • Engine
        • Frame
        • Seats
        • Transfer Case
        • Transmission
      • Rusty
      • Ugly Green
    • Reference >
      • Hose & Fittings
      • Standard & Utility Parts Catalog
    • Specifications >
      • Assembly Plants
      • Axle Ratios
      • Body Codes - Interior
      • Build Sheet Interpretation
      • Dimensions and Weights
      • Interior Paint
      • Calibration Codes
      • Certification Label
      • DSO Codes
      • Electrical
      • Engine Codes
      • Exterior Paint Codes
      • 10-01 Identification Codes
      • Lubricant Specifications
      • Model Codes
      • Reserve Capacity
      • Spring Codes
      • Standard Features And Options
      • Towing
      • Transmission Codes
      • Tape Stripe Codes >
        • Bronco Tape Stripe Codes
        • F-Series Tape Stripe Codes
      • VIN Decoding
    • Suspension & Steering >
      • 2WD Spindles
      • Alignment
      • Body Mounts
      • Crossmembers
      • Frames
      • Front Suspension
      • Steering >
        • General Steering Service
        • Lower Steering Shaft
        • Manual Steering Gear Box
        • Power Steering
        • Saginaw Conversions
        • Steering Columns
        • Tie Rods and Drag Links
      • Rear Suspension >
        • Auxiliary Springs
        • Rear Springs
      • Sway Bar
    • TSB's >
      • TSB Index
      • TSB Bulletin List
      • Body/Windnoise/Water Leaks/Trim >
        • 81-06-13 Bumper Guard & Tire Carrier
        • 81-7-23 Seat Belts Become Too Tight
        • 83-3-15 Pickup Box Alignment
        • 81-06-15 Pickup Box Wood Floor Replacement
        • 83-13-4 Sheet Metal Welding Procedures
        • 83-16-17 Pickup Box Lean
        • 83-24-18 Swing-Lock Mirror Moves
        • 83-13-22 Electric Mirror Loose Glass
        • 83-24-19 Mirror Head Vibration
        • 87-01-18 Tool Box Mount
      • Electrical / Climate Control / Starting / Charging >
        • 80-4-13S A/C RAPID ON-OFF CYCLING OF COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
        • 81-1-10 FM Radio Interference
        • 81-7-24 Temperature Control Cable Too Long
        • 84-24-9 Noise - Radio Ignition Buzz
        • 87-03-07 EEC-IV Driveability TSB Summary
        • 87-07-20 Radio Ignition Noise
        • 87-21-10 EEC-IV Diagnostics
        • 88-05-07 Malfunction Indicator Light Introduction
        • 89-22-08 Emissions Maintenance Warning Module
        • 90-25-12 Speed Control
        • 96-21-04 2G Alternator Repair
      • Brakes/Steering/Suspension/Wheels >
        • 80-14-14-S STEERING
        • 81-06-04 Integral Power Steering Gear
        • 81-06-16 Front Wheel Grease Seal Gaskets
        • 81-06-17 Rear Parking Brake Cables
        • 81-2-25 REAR SUSPENSION TORQUE SPECS
        • 89-19-01 Brake Noise Recap Of TSB's
        • 89-25-16 Brake Ride Height Proportioning Valve
        • 90-13-9 Frame Cracking At Rear Shock Mount
        • 96-15-11 Frame-Rivet Replacement With Bolts
        • 97-03-10 Frame Creaking/Popping
        • Steering Gear Frame Liner
      • Engine/Cooling System/Exhaust >
        • 81-2-27 ENGINE DETONATION
        • 83-13-7 Correct Oil Fill Level
        • 83-25-21 Air Cleaner Sealing
        • 83-13-8 RTV Sealant - New Material
        • 87-06-10 Stall/No Start: TFI
        • 88-07-16 4.9L Exhaust Manifold Warping
      • Transmission/Clutch/Driveshaft/Axle >
        • 81-5-15 AOD TRANSMISSION
        • 81-06-18 Clutch Housing Fills w/Mud/Dirt
        • 81-07-25 Clutch Shudder/Chatter In Reverse
        • 81-7-26 Missing Shims On SROD
        • 82-25-16(S) Upshift Indicator Light
        • 83-3-23 Axle Lubricant Drain And Refill
        • 83-23-17 8.8" Rear Axle Vent
        • 84-24-13 Transfer Case - Grinding/Block-Out
        • 90-16-07 High Clutch Effort
      • Driveability/Fuel/Ignition/Emissions >
        • 81-6-19 Cold Driveaway Performance Improvements
        • 81-6-20 Piston Slap During Cold Driveaway
        • 81-6-21 Power Valve Vacuum Hose
        • 83-11-12-S Stall/No Start/Hessitation
        • 88-05-14 Low Oil Pressure
        • 91-25-07 IAC Bypass
        • EMW Module
      • Noise/Vibration/Ride/Squeaks/Rattles >
        • 80-1-12-S REAR SPRING SQUEAK
      • Miscellaneous/General >
        • 83-14-1 UNDERHOOD PRODUCTION STAMP RELOCATION
      • Health/Safety/Environmental Hazard information
      • CALIBRATION: 4-53F-R00
      • Fuel Cross-Flow
    • Underhood >
      • Cowl Seal
      • Engine Compartment Lamp
      • Fender Aprons
      • Jacks, Lug Wrenches, etc
      • Speed Control
      • Tool Box
    • Vacuum Systems >
      • Vacuum System Acronyms
      • Vacuum Diagrams >
        • 300 Six
        • 302/5.0L
        • 351W
        • 351M/400
        • 460 V8
      • Vacuum Fittings
      • Vacuum Reservoirs
      • Vacuum System Requirements
      • Vacuum System Testing
    • Metrics
    • About Me/Contact Me >
      • Youth Classes >
        • Automotive Maintenance >
          • Fall of 2015
        • Building Web Sites >
          • Lesson 1
          • Lesson 2
          • Lesson 3
          • LTC
        • Overview of Paul's Life, Journeys, & Works >
          • Lesson 1
          • Lesson 2
      • Projects >
        • Engine Cradle
        • Gauge Pocket
        • Rear Bumper And Spare Tire Carrier
    • Year-To-Year Differences >
      • Door Locks & Turn Signals
    • Test Page
    • 91-6-7 Sterling 10.25 Hub Leaks
  • Library
    • Adverts & Brochures
    • Annual Service Literature
    • Other Annual Publications
    • Ford Training Manuals
    • Other Publications
  • About
  • Truck Shows
    • 2017 Truck Show
    • 2018 Truck Show
    • 2019 Truck Show
    • 2020 Truck Show >
      • Entrant #1: Dad's Truck
      • Entrant #2: Big Blue
      • Entrant #3: Tommy Sides 1986 F150
      • Entrant #4: Darth/Bill Vose
      • Entrant #5: Sam Noller's 1985 Bronco
      • Entrant #6: Mein Laster
      • Entrant #7: Andre's Bronco
      • Entrant #8: Chad's Rosebud
      • Entrant #9: Matthew’s Truck of Doom
      • Entrant #10: Ron's Flareside
      • Entrant #11: Cory's Blue Mule
      • Entrant #12: Ratdude747'S 1984 F150
      • Entrant #13: Ratdude747's '95 Ranger
      • Entrant #14: Heinz' 1986 F150
      • Entrant #15: Anna's Toy
      • Entrant #16: Frank's 1981 F-150 Custom
      • Entrant # 17: Petes 1981 F150 Flareside
      • Entrant #18: Eric's F250 XLT Lariat
      • Entrant #19: Geejaypea's Georgian Hulk
      • Entrant #20: JohnnyBronco85's Bronco
      • Entrant #21: Skaeke's 1985 F150 Lariat
      • Entrant #22: Sam1982's F100
      • Entrant #23: NostraDanus' 1986 Bronco
      • Entrant #24: MarkF100's F100
      • Entrant #25: Bruce moose4x4's 1996 Bronco
      • Entrant #26: Bruce Mooose4x4's 1995 F150
      • Entrant #27: Troy/66gtk's 1983 F150 XL SWB 4x2
      • Entrant #28: Matt Wood's 1985 Bronco
      • Entrant #29: WelderScott's '78 F150
      • Entrant #30: Mehmetcelikel's Brownie Dually
      • Entrant #31: Kristopherdb's 1985 Flairside 4x4
      • Entrant #32: Clifton's Tessa
      • Entrant #33: BinFord's Beverly
      • Entrant #34: BinFord's Crackling Rosie
      • Entrant #35: Dan aka dblohowiak's 1986 F250HD
      • Entrant #36: Jonathan's 1981 F150
      • Entrant #37: Jonathan's 1995 F Superduty
      • Entrant #38: Jonathan's 1986 F350 short bed crew cab IDI
      • Entrant #39: Brian's 1986 F250
      • Entrant #40: Jay's 1986 F150
      • Entrant #41: Eddie's 1981 F100 Custom
      • Entrant #42: Nick & George's Brutus
      • Entrant #43: Matthew's 1983 F350
      • Entrant #44: Hogie's 81 F250
      • Entrant #45: TontoKowalski's 1985 F150
      • Entrant #46: Danny's 1982 Bronco
      • Entrant #47: Greg's 1980 F150 Ranger XLT
      • Entrant #48: Chris' 1982 XLS
      • Entrant #49: Chris' 1985 Bronco
      • Entrant #50: Ken & Kathy's 1977 F250
      • Entrant #51: Ken & Kathy's 1985 Flareside
      • Entrant #52: Kevin/Teach's F250 Lariat
    • 2021 Truck Show
    • 2022 Truck Show
    • 2024 Truck Show
  • Test Page
  • Bullnose Forum
    • Guidelines
    • Forum FAQ's
    • Member's Map
    • Forum & Website Funding
    • Forum & Website Issues
    • Shopping
  • Documentation
    • 3D Printing >
      • Brake Booster Pushrod Gauge
    • How To Decode Ford Part Numbers
    • Accessories >
      • Air Horns
      • CB Radio
      • Roll Bar
      • Step
      • Tie Down Hooks
      • Tonneau Cover
    • Body >
      • Bronco Rear Window
      • Bronco Roof
      • Body Shell, Exterior Trim, Frame & Underbody
      • Door Latches & Locks
      • Door Hinges Checks & Weatherstrips
      • Doors Hood & Tailgate General Service
      • Front Door Window Glass & Mechanisms
      • Hood & Hinges
      • Hood Latch
      • Lock Cylinders & Keys
      • Power Door Locks
      • Power Windows
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Seal
      • Stationary Glass - Weatherstrip Seal
      • Tailgate
      • Vent Window Mechanism
      • Window Glass & Mechanisms - General Service
    • Bullnose FAQ's
    • Bullnose Upgrades
    • Calibration Info & Part #'s
    • Cooling Systems >
      • Engine Cooling System Training Manual
      • Cooling Fan #'s & Illustrations
      • Cooling System Illustrations
      • Coolant Recovery & Windshield Washer Reservoirs
      • Elbows
      • Heater Hoses
      • Hose Clamps
      • Radiator Hoses
      • Radiator Support
      • Radiators
      • Shroud Part #'s
      • Thermostats
      • Water Pump #'s & Illustrations
    • Driveline >
      • 4WD Front Hubs & Rotors
      • Axles & Differentials
      • Bell Housings
      • Brakes
      • Calculators
      • Clutches and Linkage
      • Drive Shafts
      • Engine Plates
      • Rear Axle Vents
      • Skid Plates
      • Transfer Cases
      • Transmissions >
        • Transmission & Transfer Case Ratios
        • Automatic Transmission >
          • Automatic Transmission Applications
          • General Automatic Transmission Service
          • Automatic Overdrive (AOD)
          • C6
          • Kickdown Linkage
          • Neutral Start Switch
        • Manual Transmissions >
          • Manual Transmission Applications
          • General Manual Transmission Service
          • 3.03 3-Speed Toploader
          • NP435
          • Manual Transmission Shift Levers
          • Single Rail Over Drive (SROD)
          • TOD & SROD Transmissions
          • TOD
          • Warner T-18 & T-19
          • ZF5
        • Over/Under Drives
      • Speedometer Gears, Cables, & Sensors
      • Wheels & Tires
      • Wheel Covers
    • Electrical >
      • 3G Conversion >
        • 3G Conversion - In Development
        • 3G Writeup From Lucas
      • Alternators
      • Ammeter
      • Batteries
      • Battery Cables
      • Battery Trays
      • Circuit Protection
      • Clocks
      • Computer Internals
      • Connectors
      • Distributors
      • Electrical Connectors
      • Electronic Engine Control (EEC)
      • Electricity 099
      • EVTM >
        • 1980 EVTM
        • 1981 EVTM
        • 1985 EVTM
        • 1986 EVTM
        • 1996 EVTM >
          • Index
          • Charging System
          • Daytime Running Lamps
          • Engine Control - 4.9L
          • Engine Control - 5.0L
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Under 8500 GVW
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Over 8500 & 7.5L EEC-IV
          • Engine Control - 7.5L EEC-V
          • Engine Control - Turbo Diesel
          • Fuse Panel & Circuit Protection
          • Grounds
          • How To Use This Manual
          • Ignition System
          • Keyless Entry
          • Power Distribution
          • Speed Control
          • 1996 Power Windows
          • Starting System
          • Transmission Control - 4R70W
          • Transmission Control - E4OD
      • Gauges
      • Ground Wires >
        • Engine-to-Firewall Ground
        • Battery to Ground
        • Battery to RH Fender
        • Firewall to Hood
      • ICVR
      • Ignition
      • Lighting >
        • Dome and Cargo Lights
        • Fog or Driving Lights
        • Headlight Wiring Harness
        • Lighting & Calculations
        • Tag Lights
      • PMGR Starter Wiring
      • Radios
      • Relays
      • Sending Units
      • Speed Control
      • Standard Wire And Color Codes
      • Switches
      • Tachometers
      • Terminals & Connectors
      • Voltage Drop Testing
      • Windshield Wipers
      • Wiring Connectors
      • Wiring Diagrams
      • Wiring Harnesses
      • Wire Routing
    • Emissions >
      • Understanding Emissions Controls
      • Inferred Mileage
      • Thermactor Systems
    • Engines >
      • Compression Ratio Calculator
      • General Engine Service
      • 3.8L (232) V6
      • 300 Six
      • Windsor Series
      • 351M and 400
      • 385 Series
      • IDI Diesel
      • Drive Belts
      • EGR Valves >
        • EGR System Description & Testing
        • EGR Spacer
        • Gasket: Carb/EGR to Intake (9447)
      • Flywheels
      • Manifolds, EGR, Heat Valves, etc
      • Engine Swaps >
        • 300 Six to Small-Block V8
      • Pulleys
      • Starters
    • Exhaust Systems
    • Exterior >
      • Beds, Tailgates, and Components
      • Bumpers
      • Exterior Mirrors
      • Exterior Moulding Retainers
      • Exterior Trim and Moulding
      • Frames >
        • Engine Perches
      • Fuel Filler Doors
      • Name Plates
      • Push Bars
      • Spare Tire Carriers
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Type Seal
      • Tape And Decal Application
    • Fasteners & Illustrations >
      • Fastener Pictures
      • Fenders and Aprons
      • Frame
      • Headlights and Turn Signals
      • Hood
      • Radiator and Grille
    • Fuel & Air Systems >
      • 1985-1986 Fuel System Adjustments
      • 460 Fuel Systems
      • Air Cleaners
      • Carburetors, Chokes, & EFI >
        • EFI Idle Speed Adjustment
        • Jetting
        • How To Find Carb Parts
        • Chokes
        • Carter YFA 1bbl
        • EFI
        • Edelbrock
        • Motorcraft 2150
        • Holley 4180C
        • Motorcraft 7200 VV
        • Weber Technical Introduction
      • Correct Cold Starting Procedures
      • Diagnostics
      • Fuel System Illustrations >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • 1980-84 F-Series & Bronco
        • 1983-84 F-Series Diesel
        • 1983-87 F350 Chassis Cab DRW
        • 1985 F-Series 302 w/EFI
        • 1985-87 Bronco
        • 1985 on F-Series
      • Fuel System Part #'s >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • Fuel Senders & Pumps
        • Fuel Tanks
        • Fuel Tank Selector Switch
        • Fuel Tank Selector Valve
        • Fuel Tank Shields
        • Fuel Vapor Valve
        • Fuel Vapor Separator
      • Fuel System Wiring
    • HVAC >
      • Blend Door Repair
      • HVAC Systems
      • 300 Six Compressor Illustrations
      • Factory A/C Brackets
    • Interchange >
      • Air Conditioning Interchange
      • Alternator Interchange
      • Brake Interchange
      • Carburetor Interchange
      • Crankshaft Interchange
      • Diesel Injector Pump Interchange
      • Distributor Interchange
      • Fuel Pump Interchange
      • Head Interchange
      • Starter Interchange
      • Steering Interchange
      • Window Lift Motor Interchange
      • Water Pump Interchange
    • Interior >
      • Behind The Seat Storage
      • Boots
      • Carpet
      • Dash
      • Doors >
        • Door Locks
        • Door Panels
        • Electric Windows & Locks
        • Handles & Boot
        • Vent Windows
        • Windows
      • Horn Pads
      • Insulation
      • Interior Soft Trim
      • Interior Trim
      • Instrument Panel Name Plates
      • Instrument & Radio Bezels
      • Kick Panels
      • Knobs
      • Painting Gauge Needles
      • Rear Corner Trim
      • Rear View Mirror
      • Salvaging Rosewood
      • Seat Belts
      • Seat Interchangeability
      • Seats & Seat Tracks
      • Sill Plates
      • Steering Columns & Steering Wheels
      • Sun Visors
    • Picture Galleries >
      • 1981 F100 With 318 Miles
      • 1983 XLS Survivor
      • 1983 Ford Bronco 4x4 Dobbs-Stroppe Team Chase Car
      • 1983 Bronco Survivor
      • 1984 Bronco XLT
      • 1984 F150 XL
      • 1984 F150 Survivor
      • 1984 FORD F-150 XLT PICKUP
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car & driver 1980 bronco test

Tested: 1980 Ford Bronco Sheds Pounds and Gains Refinement
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Tested: 1980 Ford Bronco Sheds Pounds and Gains Refinement

From the Archive: For 1980, the Bronco sheds pounds and gains an independent front suspension.

By Mark Knepper
View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

From the March 1980 issue of Car and Driver.

About a year ago the Ford public-relations department asked us to drop by for a sneak preview of its 1980 offerings. We were tantalized by hints of an all-new Thunderbird, all-new Lincolns and Continentals, and all-new light trucks. In fact, we were told, FoMoCo had just finished spending the last few dollars of a $700 million pot on the new trucks. They were smaller, they were lighter, they were the trucks of the Eighties.

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New Bronco Is Here—It's Everything You Hoped For

Imagine our surprise when, after seeing those all-new Thunderbirds and those all-new Lincolns and Marks, a picture of a new 1980 Ford light truck was flashed on the screen and we couldn't see any difference from the truck it had replaced.

Real nice, we muttered, or something like that. Seven hundred million dollars, right? Uh, what did you spend it on?

Well, nothing comes cheap these days, we were told. That truck up there on the screen was 200 to 300 pounds lighter and aerodynamically cleaner, we were told. And there were new grilles, new instrument panels, new paint schemes and such besides.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

Ford, if we could judge by the satisfied smiles on the other side of the table, was pleased as punch with what it had done with its trucks. The least we could do, we decided, sublimating our thoughts of Japanese-size pickups with V-6s and turbo fours, was see what Ford's $700 million had wrought. So by early winter we had taken delivery of a new Bronco, which, since it's based on the F150 pickup, was a recipient of that massive redesign program.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

A dramatic reduction in size was never Ford's goal in the 1980 truck program. Several buyer clinics had revealed that people who want trucks want them to retain their passenger and cargo carrying space. So, armed with such strong public opinion, Ford decided to reduce weight, improve airflow, and generally give the public a better truck, but one it couldn't tell from the old version. In the case of our Bronco Ranger XLT, that meant some rather small changes. Overall length is down 2.7 inches, width 1.1 inches. In an industry where downsizing has meant a reduction in overall length of up to eighteen inches and in width of four or five inches, that isn't impressive.

Weight was another bogey, and Ford sliced out as much as 300 pounds. Our Bronco, admittedly optioned to the teeth, came to us at 5000 pounds. If a comparable 1979 version weighed 5300 pounds, that's a reduction of just 5.7 percent. Hard to see what Ford is so excited about. Hard to see that Ford got its $700 million worth.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

We decided our Bronco would be an at-home-in-any-situation, go-anywhere­-in-any-weather, all-purpose machine. It would be the Bronco/Blazer/Jimmy/Ramcharger/Trail Duster/Scout that is most commonly bought; a four-by-four that is typically the only car in the family and never sees the dreaded off-road . Just 10 percent of all four-by-fours, we're told, ever do.) We opted for the 5.0-liter V-8. A 4.9-liter in-line six and a 5.8-liter V-8 are available. (Performance figures on the specifications page are from a 5.8-liter Bronco, the only version available to us in California, where our winter instrumented testing takes place.) The 5.0-liter returns fifteen miles per gallon, and although there are no official EPA figures for the 1979 Broncos, a good guess is that the 1980 version is about 2 mpg better. If our Bronco is a little shy in the fuel-economy area, it maxes out in comfort. The XLT option got us a terrific paint-and­-stripe treatment for the outside and such niceties inside as cloth seats—we also ordered the adjust-every-which-way captains' chairs with armrests—leather-­wrapped steering wheel, plushy-plush carpet, a color-keyed headliner that seems to absorb a lot of noise, all kinds of courtesy lamps, a terrific stereo, tilt wheel, A/C, and the wonderfulness of a Cola Bola (?) wood-tone instrument panel. Those things helped make our Bronco a nice place to be. (They also did a lot toward pushing the as-tested price from a base of $7897 to a stratospheric $13,078.)

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

Several sizable handfuls of the 700 mil also went into giving Ford's "new" four-by-four trucks independent front suspension. Ford's solution was again subtle, but effective: take the twin-I-beam setup from the conventional trucks and hang a redesigned (for lightness and improved efficiency) transfer case on one of them. Simple in concept, very expensive to engineer. There are a four-inch inside-diameter coil spring and a shock absorber on each front corner. Manually operated locking hubs are standard; automatic hubs are optional. Although Jeep's full-time four-wheel-­drive Quadra-Trac system has been an artistic and practical success, Ford never considered a full-time system for its reborn four-by-fours. Simply too inefficient in the fuel-consumption department, and with 1980 trucks now under their own CAFE requirements, every mpg counts.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

The Bronco's rear suspension is about as complicated as corn flakes: shock absorbers and variable-rate leaf springs. Unlike the new front suspension, which works quite nicely, the rear suspension is diabolical. On smooth surfaces both ends roll along quite nicely with a minimum of road noise filtering through, offering up much less harshness than a machine with such brutish off-road capability should logically provide. But let the surface get a little washboardy, or offer a few smallish potholes in rapid succession, and the Bronco's tail will dance to one side or the other with enough enthusiasm to require some serious countermeasures with the steering wheel.

We spent a lot of time with the Bronco, using it, despite its still-imposing size, as we would any scoot-about econobox. We used it on a variety of road surfaces: dry, wet, snowy, icy, and serious off-road mud. We hauled groceries from the store, kids to school, dogs into the woods, and friends to dinner. Small kids and smallish wives found the giant step up into the cabin a serious problem. It's okay for an eight-year-old to climb into a vehicle on all fours, but a little ignominious for her mother to have to adopt the same procedure.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

The Bronco is a tall beasty and that means you're away up there above the traffic, where the visibility is great. Until you look over either shoulder, that is. That's where the doorframe and the fiberglass rear roof meet to create one of the granddaddys of blind spots. The rear window also seems quite narrow, and the optional rear-mounted spare tire poking up into your vision doesn't help a bit.

The anemic five-liter is barely up to the task, so we can't recommend the six­ cylinder even if you want its additional 1 mpg. However, once up to speed the ride is relatively smooth; wind noise, thanks to the aerodynamic improvements, is quite low (the tread on our Uniroyal Land-Trac tires provided the most noise); and the seats and the driving position are comfortable.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

Obviously, we had to give the Bronco an off-road test, so we headed for the infamous Soup Bowl testing area at the Chrysler proving grounds. The Soup Bowl had been tough enough the previous summer when we did a head-to­-head test of the Chevy and Toyota mini four-by-fours there (November, C/D). But it had also been dry . The Bronco, however, was "blessed" with water. And mud. Lots of mud. Not to worry, it seemed to say as we eased onto the first slippery-slidy. It was as if the Bronco—through all that grocery storing, going to schooling, and general running arounding—had been waiting for the Soup Bowl. It went up every hill in sight, through a miniature pond in the bottom of the Bowl—several times—and up and down a narrow defile so slippery that, when we stopped, the weight of the vehicle would slide it into the ditch. From which it could easily extricate itself, by the way.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

The new independent front suspension smooths out the rough stuff while keeping each wheel in firm contact with the ground. Shifting from 2H (two-­wheel drive, high) to 4H or 4L is a breeze with the new transfer case, although going into 4L requires a complete stop.

There was a glitch in the off-road experience. Second gear mysteriously went away, and it was not from over­work. When you're seriously four­wheelin', low gear gets the workout. We can only surmise that it was from the repeated dunkings, because by the time we got back to town, second gear was just as mysteriously back (dried out?) and has continued to function properly. If the water somehow did it, let's hope there's a bit of that $700 million still lying around that could go into some improved sealing.

View Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

We'll live with the Bronco for several months. As time goes by it will crop up here and there, so you'll be able to keep tabs on our long-term experience with it. Already we know a few weaknesses, but mostly strong points. We wanted Ford to create something really new with all those millions, but somehow that was never the goal. Too bad. A smaller, lighter Bronco, better matched to a small V-8 or a turbo four, would be a wondrous thing indeed. But until that comes along, this Bronco will do quite nicely, thank you.


Counterpoint

The Bronco is a curious device. When I first heard that Ford was spending roughly two and a half times what GM spent to introduce the Vega on this new down-sized and aerodynamically refined Bronco, I visualized a really slippery little four-by-four about halfway between current American pickups and the little Japanese half-tonners. Wrong. Aside from crisper, better styling, I can't see the difference on these trucks at all. While the two-­wheel-drive models are much more civilized than last year's, the new Bronco actually seems to trail vehicles like the Blazer and the Ramcharger in all-round drivability. However competent it may be in the brush, it's a tad coarse on the road. The two things I liked best were the super-zoomy exterior paint-and-decal treatment and the van-like interior with its truly adjustable front seats—something we still don't get in most domestic cars. The thing I didn't like most was the sheer size and bulk of it, and the emasculating effect of all that tonnage on performance and gas mileage. Not a great leap forward. —David E. Davis, Jr

Could someone please direct me to the Ford management people who okayed the 1980 light-truck program? I've got a bridge they might like. Two, even.

Of course, they might not even have any spare change after blowing their wad on this bill of goods. I applaud their good intentions, but the result is something else again.

We need the new Bronco the way a moose needs a hatrack. The new wave of small, efficient four-by-fours makes this better 4wd idea for the Eighties look like something exhumed from the La Brea tar pits. It's a dinosaur, folks. You'll never notice the few hundred pounds Ford trimmed off the old Bronco—on the road or on the trail. And the improvement in fuel economy hardly puts a dent in the Bronco's heavy gas habit. FoMoCo simply didn't get its $700 million worth out of this downsizing program. So unless you want to pay for Ford's mistakes, I advise you to shop elsewhere. —Rich Ceppos

VIew Photos
1980 ford bronco ranger xlt
Aaron KileyCar and Driver

Hey, buckaroos, Ford's got just your kind of rec vehicle. Climb up into the observation platform of this Bronco and get ready to check out the heifers. You can cruise the highways and byways of America, looking down on those summer blonds in their Pintos and Hondas.

Just don't chase 'em off-road, or you're liable to get the Remuda Red, eighteen-­ounce, 100 percent nylon cut-pile carpeting all muddy. And the cockleburs are hell to get out of the Plateau Plaid seat covers. But at least you've got the electronic aquamarine digital clock right there on the dashboard to tell you when it's time to get back from lunch.

I used to think an LTD Brougham was a product of corporate cynicism, but it's a pillar of high-mindedness next to this glitzy Bronco. —Patrick Bedard

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

1980 Ford Bronco Ranger

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED (1980)
$13,240 (base price: $7897)

ENGINE TYPE
pushrod 16-valve V-8, iron block and heads, 1x2-bbl carburetor
Displacement:
351 in3, 5760 cm3
Power:
138 hp @ 3400 rpm
Torque:
263 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm 

TRANSMISSION
3-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): swing axle/live axle
Brakes (F/R): 11.5-in vented disc/11.0-in drum
Tires: BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A, 10-15LT

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 104.7 in
Length: 177.6 in
Width: 77.2 in  
Height: 73.7 in
Curb weight: 5000 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 14.1 sec
80 mph: 29.8 sec
1/4 mile: 19.6 sec @ 69 mph
Top speed: 91 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 219 ft  

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