First generation · Classic compact 4x4 · 1966–1977
1976Ford Bronco
The original compact, purpose-built off-roader that helped define the rugged-SUV idea — now a prized collectible.
Photo: “1968–1977 Ford Bronco, 302, brown, Golden Super Cruise 2026-07-04.jpg” by Xnatedawgx / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Start here
What do you need to know?
This page covers the whole 1976 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 1976 Bronco
Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.
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 — 1976 Bronco factory brochure.
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
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
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
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
No factory configuration matches those filters.
The 1976 model year
Overview
The 1976 Bronco continued with a standard 302-cubic-inch V8 and a choice of synchronized three-speed manual or SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic. Ford's brochure shows one enclosed two-door body with Sport equipment and an optional Ranger package rather than separate body models.
Specifications
- Engines
- 302 cu. in. V8
- Transmissions
- Three-speed fully synchronized manual, SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic
- Body styles
- Two-door short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive wagon
Year over year
What changed
- Front disc brakes and a front stabilizer bar appear in Ford's 1976 feature diagram.
- The standard 302 V8 and manual/optional-automatic transmission choices continued.
- Ranger remained a package layered over Sport equipment.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The brochure specifies an 11-inch clutch for the manual transmission.
- Ford lists a 92-inch wheelbase and Dana 20 two-speed transfer case.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Confirm manual versus automatic and braking equipment before ordering parts.
- Verify Sport/Ranger identity from original records and surviving trim rather than assuming appearance proves the factory package.
Maintenance & service parts
Keep your 1976 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 1976 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
Source: Chilton — Ford Bronco 1966–81 preventive-maintenance tables (1981 edition) · General Information and Maintenance, printed pages 38–39 — 1975–77, 5 months/5,000 miles: crankcase, change oil and filter · checked
1976 cataloged Bronco engines
K&N HP-3001
Source: K&N — Ford Bronco replacement oil-filter catalog · 1976 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 1976 Bronco 302 cu. in. V8 application. Confirm the installed engine before ordering.
Catalog: K&N — Ford Bronco replacement oil-filter catalog · 1976 Ford Bronco 302 cu. in. V8 oil-filter application — HP-3001 · checked
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Engine coolant — drain, flush and replace
Sourced interval available
Source: Chilton — Ford Bronco 1966–81 preventive-maintenance tables (1981 edition) · General Information and Maintenance, printed page 39 — every 24 months: change coolant and flush · checked
Brake and front-wheel-bearing service
Sourced interval available
Source: Chilton — Ford Bronco 1966–81 preventive-maintenance tables (1981 edition) · General Information and Maintenance, printed page 39 — 20 months/20,000 miles brake and front-wheel-bearing rows · checked
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Sources
Other First generation years
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