The first generation of Broncos ran from 1966 to 1977. A 1968 model is shown. (Photos courtesy of Ford Motor)
There were five generations of Ford Bronco, built from 1966 to mid-1996 when Ford announced the discontinuation of the Bronco to make way for the Expedition. The second generation was moved to a larger F-150 chassis to better compete with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Dodge Ramcharger, and Jeep Cherokee.
The first-generation of Broncos, from 1966 to 1977, had their own box-section, body-on-frame chassis, according to Wikipedia. Built on a 92-inch wheelbase it was sized between the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout, the major competitors of its day.
To simplify production, all examples were sold with four-wheel drive, a shift-on-the-fly Dana 20 transfer case, and locking hubs. The rear axle was a Ford 9-inch axle with Hotchkiss drive and leaf springs. The front axle was a Dana 30, replaced by a Dana 44 in 1971.
All generations of Bronco to date have been built at Ford’s Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich. And the 2021 Ford Bronco, offered in two- and four-door body styles, also will be built at the nameplate’s birthplace, alongside the Ranger.
The first-generation Bronco was sold in three body styles: two-door wagon, half-cab pickup, and open-body roadster.
