Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco needs little introduction, gaining as much favor among 4×4 fans as the F-150. With continuous production that ran over 40 years (1966 to 1996), the Bronco’s five generations were easy go-to models for off-road fans that wanted something big, powerful, simple, and tough to kill. Officially marketed as a competitor against Jeep’s own CJ and International Scout, the Bronco rolled off the factory floor ready for mud and dirt. The first Bronco came optioned with a robust 9” rear, a Dana 30 front axle, and an inline six which was quickly replaced with Ford’s classic 289 the following year.
Already a winning formula for fire trails and mud alike, the Bronco’s drivetrain would be continuously upgraded to combat the growing competitors at Chevy, Dodge, and Jeep. The ’69 Bronco, considered one of the most treasured among collectors, came with Ford’s 302 motor and in 1971, the Dana 30 axle was replaced by a beefier Dana 44.
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But what made the Bronco so wonderful for wheeling? Based on a shortened version of the F-100 pickup, the Bronco’s squat, high-up stature made for impressive approach and departure angles. Late second- and third-generation Broncos measured 37.5” at approach and 23.4” at departure, with a break over angle of 24.9”. In 1978, the Bronco saw more upgrades – Ford’s 351 motor with optional 400, and beefy C6 transmission – to compete with the popular K5 Blazer. It would also be the last year the Bronco came with a solid front axle. New Dana 44 Twin Traction Beam independent front suspension replaced the front axle, allowing for much greater articulation and control off-road.
It was this continuous improvement in power and capability that made the Bronco a top choice for 4×4 adventure, not to mention it was one of Ford’s smallest ever trucks to be produced, thanks again to direct competition with the equally compact Jeep CJ’s of the era. Eventually, competition with Chevy would force Ford to outclass its own feral horse with a bigger, full-sized option that would eventually be killed off by the four-door Expedition.
That’s okay though because the Bronco legend lives on today. This hard-to-buy classic often plays an important role in modern off-road racing – including functioning as the base for Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s own Ultra4 trophy truck. Even more exciting, the Bronco’s 4×4 prowess has been measured so greatly that, by sheer popular demand, Ford is bringing back the classic two-door truck back. The New Bronco will (thankfully) remain basically the same shape and design. For a fickle company like Ford to reintroduce a 60-year-old idea as a legitimate player in the competitive 4×4 sphere, the Bronco easily earns a spot on our best off-road vehicles.
