Summit Racing Can Help You Build a Better 1978-96 Bronco

With all of the hoopla surrounding the upcoming 2021 Ford Bronco, we didn’t want you folks with earlier Broncos to feel left out. We recently posted an upgrade guide for the first-gen Bronco (1965-77). Now, it’s the 1978-96 Bronco’s turn.

There were actually three generations of full-size Bronco, all based on the F-100/F-150 pickup. When Ford updated the F-series trucks, the Bronco got updated too. Basically, what fits an F-Series will fit a Bronco.

We did some toodling around the Summit Racing website and found 10 upgrades for each generation of full-size Bronco. These are just a sample of what’s available—we have hundreds of performance, OEM replacement, and accessory parts available.

The Blue Oval Trucks website has a nice overview of all generations of Bronco.

Gen II 1978-79
The first full-size Bronco was intended for a 1974 introduction, but the 1973 fuel crisis put the kibosh on that. Copying a page from Chevy’s playbook, the second-gen Bronco’s second generation was essentially a shortened F-100 with a removable hardtop. This was the last Bronco with a solid front axle.
Pro Comp Steering Stabilizer Kit
Warrior Products Rear Torque Bars
Summit Racing Truck Shocks
Warn Premium Manual Locking Hubs
EBC Stage 3 Pad and Rotor Kit
SSBC USA Rear Drum to Disc Conversion Kits
Bushwacker Cut-Out Fender Flares
Westin-Fey Diamondstep Bumpers
Hella Vision-Plus Halogen Conversion HeadlightsSummit Performance-Fit Aluminum Radiators

Gen III (1980-86) and Gen IV (1987-91)
The buying public wanted a smaller, more fuel-efficient Bronco, so Ford obliged with the Gen III. Still full size, it was smaller and 500 pounds lighter than the second generation. The infamous Twin Traction Beam independent front suspension replaced the solid axle, and the 5.0L V8 got electronic fuel injection in 1985.

When Ford updated the F-Series pickup in 1987, the Bronco came along for the ride. The chassis remained the same, but the Gen IV had more aerodynamic sheetmetal. Mechanical changes included electronic fuel injection for all engines, an optional five-speed manual transmission, and anti-lock brakes.
Bilstein B8 5100 Series Shocks
Air Lift Ride Control Kit
Superlift Superunner Steering System
Summit Racing Positraction Differentials
Rampage Soft Top
N-Fab Nerf Steps
Summit Racing Extreme Performance Brake Rotors
BBK Power-Plus Throttle Bodies (Gen IV)
Covercraft Carhartt PrecisionFit Seat Covers
Intellitronix LED Digital Direct-Fit Gauge Kits (Gen III)

Gen V 1992-96
The last of the full-size Broncos got more safety upgrades including front crumple zones, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a driver-side airbag. Fun Fact: the top was still technically removable, but to meet safety regulations Ford used tamper-proof Torx bolts to secure it to the body.
PowerStop Z36 Truck and Tow Performance Brake Kit
Gibson Single Pipe Exhaust Systems
Firestone Ride-Rite Helper Spring Kit
Daystar Comfort Ride Leveling Kit
Carriage Works Billet Grilles
Anzo Headlights
Hushmat Cargo Area Sound Deadening Kit
S&B Filters Cold Air Intake Kit
ARB Air Locker Differentials for Dana 44 Front AxleCurt Receiver Hitches