Early Bronco Oil Pan & Gasket

Early Bronco Oil Pan Guide | 1966-77 Ford Bronco

When replacing your Early Bronco oil pan, understanding the original designs and how they compare to modern replacements will help you choose the correct setup for your 1966-77 Ford Bronco. Whether you're servicing a stock 289/302 or finishing a fresh engine build, proper fitment and dipstick configuration are key.

Two Factory Dipstick Styles (289 & 302 V8)

Ford used two different dipstick attachment styles during Early Bronco production. The difference was in how the dipstick tube sealed to the oil pan.

Push-In (Slip-In) Dipstick Style

Early Broncos originally used a smooth tube that pressed directly into a hole in the side of the oil pan.

• Tube slipped into the pan opening

• Secured to the engine with a bracket

• No threaded connection at the pan

While functional, this design could be prone to leaks over time.

Screw-In Dipstick Style

Ford later improved the design by switching to a threaded dipstick assembly.

• Tube secured to the engine with a bracket

• Threaded fitting tightened directly to the oil pan

• More secure and leak-resistant design

This style provided a more positive seal at the pan.

Aftermarket Early Bronco Oil Pans

Most replacement 1966-77 Ford Bronco oil pans available today — including ours — are 5-quart pans designed for proper Bronco chassis clearance and fitment.

Dipstick Location

• Factory Early Bronco oil pans used a passenger-side dipstick location.

• Most aftermarket oil pans including ours use a driver-side dipstick location.

This is important to note when planning the routing of your oil dipstick and tube for your build.

Pan-Fill Design (Bronco-Specific)

All Early Bronco 289 and 302 engines use a pan-fill oil pan design, meaning:

• The dipstick enters directly through the side of the oil pan.

This differs from case-fill engines where the dipstick enters through the engine block. When ordering an oil pan for your Bronco, make sure it is configured for pan-fill applications.

What to Confirm Before Ordering

Before selecting your Early Bronco oil pan, verify:

• Engine type (289 or 302)

• Dipstick style (push-in or screw-in)

• Dipstick side location (driver or passenger)

• Oil pump type (standard or high-volume)

  • Aftermarket 5-quart pans do not support high-volume oil pumps

Choosing the correct oil pan ensures proper oil control, correct dipstick fitment, and reliable sealing. When working on a 1966-77 Ford Bronco, small details like dipstick style and sump configuration make all the difference in getting the job done right.