First generation · Classic compact 4x4 · 1966–1977

1974Ford Bronco


The original compact, purpose-built off-roader that helped define the rugged-SUV idea — now a prized collectible.

First generation · Classic compact 4x4

1974 Ford Bronco 5.8 V8, first-generation compact 4x4 — front three-quarter view

Photo: “1974 Ford Bronco 5.8 V8” by Rutger van der Maar / Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1974 Ford Bronco model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

Complete, source-verified lineup

Find your exact 1974 Bronco

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

6factory configurations
Verified complete for the U.S.-marketHow this lineup was verified

We checked this U.S.-market lineup against period sources for factory body/series roster and brochure-supported engine/transmission combinations. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from Ford — 1974 Bronco factory brochure.

6versions shown
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon

Bronco, 200 cu. in. six, three-speed manual

Body
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon
Engine
200 cu. in. inline-six
Gearbox
Three-speed fully synchronized manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon

Bronco, 302 cu. in. V8, three-speed manual

Body
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon
Engine
302 cu. in. V8
Gearbox
Three-speed fully synchronized manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon

Bronco, 302 cu. in. V8, SelectShift automatic

Body
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon
Engine
302 cu. in. V8
Gearbox
SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon

Sport Bronco, 200 cu. in. six, three-speed manual

Body
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon
Engine
200 cu. in. inline-six
Gearbox
Three-speed fully synchronized manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon

Sport Bronco, 302 cu. in. V8, three-speed manual

Body
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon
Engine
302 cu. in. V8
Gearbox
Three-speed fully synchronized manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon

Sport Bronco, 302 cu. in. V8, SelectShift automatic

Body
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon
Engine
302 cu. in. V8
Gearbox
SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 1974 model year

Overview

The 1974 Bronco retained the 200-cubic-inch six and optional 302 V8. A synchronized three-speed manual remained standard, while the SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic was optional only with the V8; Sport and Ranger continued as equipment treatments around the same enclosed two-door body.

Specifications

Engines
  • 200 cu. in. inline-six
  • 302 cu. in. V8
Transmissions
Three-speed fully synchronized manual, SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic (V8 only)
Body styles
Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon

Year over year

What changed

  • The 1973 powertrain structure carried forward: 200 six standard, 302 V8 optional, and automatic restricted to the V8.
  • Power steering remained optional.
  • Ranger continued as a package rather than a separate model line.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • Ford specified a 92-inch wheelbase and 152.1-inch overall length.
  • The factory brochure identifies a Dana 20 two-speed transfer case.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Confirm six versus V8 and manual versus automatic before ordering drivetrain, cooling, or service parts.
  • Verify Sport or Ranger equipment from the vehicle record and surviving original trim rather than appearance alone.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1974 Bronco on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1974 Ford Bronco. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
3
Factory intervals
3
Fitment-scoped
3
Exact references
1

Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 1974 · United States · Exact 1974 cadence transcribed from Chilton's period 1973–1974 Bronco table; the source is a secondary compilation acknowledged as based on Ford information.

    Published interval: 6,000 mi / 9,600 km / 6 months · Whichever comes first.

    Source: Chilton — Ford Bronco 1966–81 preventive-maintenance tables (1981 edition) · General Information and Maintenance, printed pages 37–38 — 1974 crankcase oil/filter row · checked

    1974 cataloged Bronco engines

    K&N HP-3001

    Applies to: 1974 · 200 cu. in. inline-six, 302 cu. in. V8 · United States

    Source: K&N — Ford Bronco replacement oil-filter catalog · 1974 Ford Bronco engine application rows — HP-3001 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    • Service replacementK&N HP-3001

      Qty. 1 · Spin-on engine oil filter · catalog-listed

      K&N's manufacturer catalog lists HP-3001 for the 1974 Bronco 200 cu. in. inline-six or 302 cu. in. V8 application. Confirm the installed engine before ordering.

      Catalog: K&N — Ford Bronco replacement oil-filter catalog · 1974 Ford Bronco 200 cu. in. inline-six or 302 cu. in. V8 oil-filter application — HP-3001 · checked

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  • Engine coolant — drain, flush and replace

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1974 · United States · Exact 1974 cadence transcribed from Chilton's period 1973–1974 Bronco table; the source is a secondary compilation acknowledged as based on Ford information.

    Published interval: 24,000 mi / 38,400 km / 24 months · Published 1973–1974 table interval.

    Source: Chilton — Ford Bronco 1966–81 preventive-maintenance tables (1981 edition) · General Information and Maintenance, printed page 38 — 24 months/24,000 miles: change coolant and flush · checked

  • Brake system inspection

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1974 · United States · Exact 1974 cadence transcribed from Chilton's period 1973–1974 Bronco table; the source is a secondary compilation acknowledged as based on Ford information.

    Published interval: 24,000 mi / 38,400 km / 24 months · Published 1973–1974 table interval.

    Source: Chilton — Ford Bronco 1966–81 preventive-maintenance tables (1981 edition) · General Information and Maintenance, printed page 38 — 24 months/24,000 miles: inspect brakes · checked

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Sources

  1. Ford — 1974 Bronco factory brochure
  2. Ford Motor Company — The Ford Bronco

Other First generation years

Explore the Classic compact 4x4 generation →All First generation · Classic compact 4x4 years →

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