alright, before anyone jumps on me, i've been looking for the following information for quite a while now, and i've either found nothing or contradictory answers. therefore, i'm posting:

can anyone tell me with certainty (or give me a link somewhere) about what emissions/smog equipment came on the 66-77 Bronco. i know it changed year to year. i've tried looking through god-knows-how-many forums, posts, webpages, etc. and i can't get a clear answer. i went ahead and bought a manual for 73-79 Ford Trucks and Broncos and the best i can get out of that is a description of what might be equipped on any given truck - no "by year" summary. according to the local auto parts stores, Haynes and Chiltons don't have a manual for 72-and earlier Ford trucks/broncos...or if they do, it's a special order item. so i'm SOL on this, so far.

my reason for asking is this: my next project vehicle (don't we all seem to have one of those?) is an early bronco. i've already got a '94 but we're going old school this time. i'm in North Carolina, and according to the DMV, any vehicle 35 years or older can be classified as 'antique' and therefore is not subject to inspection - emissions or otherwise. anything newer still has to have the emissions equipment that it came with installed and working. that gets me to september of 1970 without worrying about smog equipment. i know that sometime in the early 70's Ford started using smog equipment on their trucks, but the question is what and when? i really don't want to limit myself to the first half of the bronco production if i don't have to (finding a nice one seems to be hard enough already).

anyone that can give me any information on this...please do so. it's much appreciated.

 

'75 is the first year for cats. Look for the unleaded only sign on the instrument cluster. '74 and earlier and you should be good. If you can't find the info what makes you think they can? Before 75 there were PCV systems and charcoal canisters. As to when

 

hey, maybe they don't know either...good point. and yeah...leaded gas will eat cats. PCV i don't mind. i think i read somewhere that 71 was the first year on the evaporative emissions system, but nobody can corroborate this...

 

Emissions systems varied by manufacturer, model, engine, application, GVWR and also we had two state standards. Check with your local emissions inspection station for what they have listed for your vehicle of interest.

 

Hello, I have an '77 Bronco and I am looking to move to NC and noticed the emission conflict. I am hoping I don't have to have any of it cause it would be very expensive to replace all the emission items on my truck. It is far from original. 351W, C4 Auto, 3" Exaust, etc...I am in Michigan now and there are no emission tests done here. Even if there were it is 10 years and older are ok not to be tested. I do have PCV though so maybe that would help. I heard that if you go to get the emission test and you only fail by a dew points you can go get some "Turbo Blue" or HIGH OCTANE FUEL and run it on the freeway....getting the vehicle nice and hot and take it back and it will pass. Seems iffy.....but cheaper than the money to replace the emission parts. Wish me luck! Good luck with your search.

 

Sorry, can't specifically answer your question, but...
My 1967 had no emission equipment what so ever.
I've been told by numerous folks that 1968 is the beginning on these vehicles (ie: simple stuff like crankcase breathers not venting to atmosphere)

 

My '74 had 302, PCV, charcoal canister, and a small plastic tank right behind the drivers door on the inside of the cab. No idea what it was for. If I remember correctly it had small lines going to the rear gas tank (only 1 tank). The small tank had a metal cover that had to be removed to get to the front bolt for the cab. (Bronco had full top)
All that junk came off in '92 when I rebuilt it.

 

As I thumbed through my Clymer manual (the most useful one I have found- ISBN #0-89287-418-X), it is mentioned that:

1971 - first yr for evaporative emmission equip. (gas vapors)
1973 - EGR
1975 - Catalytic converter (Bronco only- not trucks)
1981 California -Air injection/Thermactor

Also- aftermarket part makers use pre '68 as the emissions cut off line as far as replacement parts are concerned.

Probably correct info but I can't verify. Hope it helps.
Ken

 

I live in NC and just had my 1974 ispected and passed. The only thing they checked was for the cats which didn't come untill 1975. The Inspector looked it up in his book to make sure.

Ed