78-79 Ford Bronco Parts

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1978-79 Ford Bronco Parts Guide: What Fits and What’s Different

The 1978-79 Ford Bronco represents a unique two-year platform in Bronco history. As the first full-size Broncos, these trucks were built on the F-100 platform with a shortened wheelbase, solid axles, and a removable rear hardtop. Because they only ran for two model years, most 1978 Bronco parts and 1979 Bronco parts are interchangeable—but there are a few key differences that can affect fitment.

For most restoration, maintenance, and upgrade projects, the majority of 1978-79 Bronco parts will work across both years. Whether you're sourcing 78-79 Ford Bronco parts or complete 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts and accessories, understanding the small differences can help you get the right fit the first time.

Below is what to know before choosing the right components for your Bronco.

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What Parts Are the Same on 1978-79 Ford Broncos?

Before getting into the differences, it’s important to understand just how much these trucks share. The 1978 and 1979 Broncos were built on the same foundation, which is why so many 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts overlap.

Both model years feature:

• Full-size body based on the Ford F-100 platform
• Solid front Dana 44 axle
• Ford 9-inch rear axle
• Leaf-spring rear suspension
• Removable rear hardtop
• Front disc brakes
• Carbureted V8 engines (351M standard / 400 optional)

Because of this shared design, most 78-79 Bronco parts—including suspension, steering, brake, drivetrain, and body components—are interchangeable between the two years. This makes sourcing 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts much simpler than many other platforms.

That said, there are still a few important differences to watch for.

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Key Differences Between 1978 and 1979 Bronco Parts

Headlight and Grille Differences

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a 1978 and 1979 Bronco is the headlight design.

1978 Bronco

• Round sealed-beam headlights were standard
• Rectangular headlights were only found on select Ranger XLT models

1979 Bronco

• Rectangular headlights became standard across all trims

Parts affected

• Headlight assemblies
• Grille inserts
• Headlight bezels

Because many of these trucks have been modified over the years, it’s common to see later grille setups swapped onto earlier models. Always verify what’s currently on the truck before ordering 1978-79 Bronco parts.

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Emissions System Differences

Emissions equipment is one of the biggest differences between 1978 Bronco parts and 1979 Bronco parts, especially when sourcing 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts for engine and exhaust systems.

1978 Bronco

• Simpler emissions systems overall
• EGR valve and air injection (smog pump)
• Vacuum-controlled emissions components
• Some trucks (especially California models) used catalytic converters

1979 Bronco

• Catalytic converters used across V8 engines
• More complex vacuum routing and emissions plumbing
• Updated evaporative emissions system
• Continued use of EGR and air injection systems

Parts affected

• Exhaust systems
• Catalytic converter components
• Emissions hoses and vacuum lines
• Smog pumps and related hardware
• Air cleaner assemblies
• Carburetor calibration

When ordering engine or exhaust-related components, confirming your setup is critical—especially when working with 1979 Bronco parts or mixed-year 78-79 Ford Bronco parts.

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Driveshaft and Transfer Case Updates

Ford made a small but important drivetrain update for 1979 that can affect certain 1978-79 Bronco parts.

1978 Bronco

• Rear driveshaft uses 1310-series U-joints

1979 Bronco

• Rear driveshaft upgraded to 1330-series U-joints
• Transfer case output bearing and seal enlarged to match

Parts affected

• Rear driveshafts
• U-joints
• Transfer case output components

Most drivetrain components interchange, but verifying these details ensures you’re ordering the correct 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts.

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Interior Differences

Interior changes between the two years were minimal, and most 1978-79 Bronco parts for the interior will fit either model without issue.

Both 1978 and 1979 Broncos could be equipped with:

• Front bench seats
• Bucket seats (captain’s chairs)
• Center consoles (with bucket seat setups)

Parts that may vary

• Seat assemblies – bench vs bucket
• Seat brackets and mounting hardware
• Center console components
• Interior trim pieces based on trim level (Custom, Ranger, Ranger XLT)

Since many interior options were trim-dependent, confirming your setup will help ensure proper fitment when ordering 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts.

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Trim and Appearance Packages

While the overall trim structure remained similar, Ford made small changes to appearance packages that can affect certain 78-79 Bronco parts.

Common trims included:

• Bronco Custom
• Ranger
• Ranger XLT

The Free-Wheelin’ package and stripe designs also changed slightly.

Parts affected

• Decal kits
• Exterior trim
• Interior color combinations
• Wheel options

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Ordering the Right 78-79 Ford Bronco Parts

Because these trucks share so many components, most 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts are listed for both model years. Suspension systems, steering components, brake upgrades, and body panels typically fit either 1978 or 1979 Broncos without issue.

However, before ordering 78-79 Bronco parts, it’s important to confirm:

• Headlight style (round vs rectangular)
• Emissions configuration
• Driveshaft U-joint size
• Interior trim level
• Any previous modifications

After more than four decades, many trucks no longer match factory specs exactly, so verifying your setup helps ensure you get the correct 1978 Bronco parts or 1979 Bronco parts the first time.

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What Makes the 1978-79 Ford Bronco Unique?

The 1978-79 Ford Bronco stands apart as the first full-size version of the platform, shifting away from the compact early Broncos to a larger, truck-based design. Built on Ford’s F-Series foundation, these trucks offered more interior space, improved towing capability, and heavier-duty running gear.

What makes the 78-79 Bronco especially unique is its limited two-year run. While it shares mechanical DNA with Ford trucks of the era, its body design, removable rear top, and proportions give it a distinct identity.

For enthusiasts, these Broncos hit a sweet spot—combining classic Ford styling, solid front axle durability, and full-size utility in a platform that remains highly sought after today. That’s why demand for 1978 Bronco parts, 1979 Bronco parts, and complete 1978-79 Ford Bronco parts continues to grow.

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Get the Right Parts for Your 78-79 Bronco

Whether you're restoring a classic or building a trail-ready rig, choosing the right 78-79 Ford Bronco parts comes down to understanding both the similarities and the small differences between model years. With the right 1978-79 Bronco parts, these full-size Broncos continue to deliver the durability and performance they were built for.

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