Differences between 81 & 96 models?
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Differences between 81 & 96 models?
Was just wondering what differences there were on these models cosmetically
From what i can tell obviously the front clip needs changing but was wondering if the rear quarters from a 96 could be fitted to the 81 model donor or are they completely different?
Also if there are any other cosmetic differences could you let me know
From what i can tell obviously the front clip needs changing but was wondering if the rear quarters from a 96 could be fitted to the 81 model donor or are they completely different?
Also if there are any other cosmetic differences could you let me know
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: St Louis
It is mostly sheet metal on the fenders for the major differences. Otherwise you could get very technicial on all the tiny details in differences between the two. You should be able to attach the 96 fenders to the 81 body and acheive the 96 look with an 81 innards.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Moscow ID
here's some info ... LMC Truck Parts - Page 10
I do believe the 81 is carbed while the 96 is efi
the 81 had the AOD auto while the 96 had the E40D
Pretty minor differences... why are you asking? whats the plan?
I do believe the 81 is carbed while the 96 is efi
the 81 had the AOD auto while the 96 had the E40D
Pretty minor differences... why are you asking? whats the plan?
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Thanks for info guys
Plan is i just bought the 81 Bronco for motor, box, power steering and front clip to put my 81 F350 together and if the Bronco shell isn't too rusty structurally i was thinking of updating look to 96 series and either installing fuel injected windsor or injected 5.4 modular motor and build up to become my everyday cruiser/tow car as my F350 will be a dedicated business vehicle
And reason for this - we don't have 96 series shape Bronco's over here
Plan is i just bought the 81 Bronco for motor, box, power steering and front clip to put my 81 F350 together and if the Bronco shell isn't too rusty structurally i was thinking of updating look to 96 series and either installing fuel injected windsor or injected 5.4 modular motor and build up to become my everyday cruiser/tow car as my F350 will be a dedicated business vehicle
And reason for this - we don't have 96 series shape Bronco's over here
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
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From: St Louis
You can put the 92-96 sheet metal on the outside but you will need the ECU harness and the ECU, plus a place to locate the ECU in the truck. The early 80's didnt have an ECU, but a floor vent on the driver's side kick panel. The later 80's up to 86 only had an ECU with the EFI 5.0 V-8 and EFI 4.9 I-6 motors. The 87 through 96 had the ecu location for all trucks in the lower driver's side kick panel rather than a vent so you will have to have a custom location for the ECU to remain dry and happy. I think one of the American 4x4 magazines did an injection swap into this year of truck, or a private guy. I do remember there was a write up for the EFI set up.
As for the 5.4, that has been done; it is almost completely drive by wire system where your 81 would have the older cables and linkage systems. It would require some fabrication and lots of patience vs the almost plug and play character of the windsor V-8 EFI system.
I have to stop and ask, what motor does the 81 have in it?
As for the 5.4, that has been done; it is almost completely drive by wire system where your 81 would have the older cables and linkage systems. It would require some fabrication and lots of patience vs the almost plug and play character of the windsor V-8 EFI system.
I have to stop and ask, what motor does the 81 have in it?
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Thanks heaps for that info - gives me lot to think about
Wiring in computers and the such is a sinch to me - i could play with wires all day long
81 has a 351 cleveland and 4 speed manual it which will go to the dually
I think i may just put my windsor motor i have here in the Bronco - she's a DART blocked 363cu/i motor with AFR alloy heads etc
I was kinda trying to keep this motor to put into an old classic though that's why i wanted reliability and reasonable fuel efficiency of the later model 5.4 as this windsor will drink the fuel
Wiring in computers and the such is a sinch to me - i could play with wires all day long
81 has a 351 cleveland and 4 speed manual it which will go to the dually
I think i may just put my windsor motor i have here in the Bronco - she's a DART blocked 363cu/i motor with AFR alloy heads etc
I was kinda trying to keep this motor to put into an old classic though that's why i wanted reliability and reasonable fuel efficiency of the later model 5.4 as this windsor will drink the fuel
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Florence, SC
Take a GOOD LOOK at those fender wells.
The sheet metal from 1980-1986 has SQUARE fender wheels, front and back.
The sheet metal from 1987 - 1996 has ROUNDED fender wells, front and back.
Which means it will work, but the fender wells are not going to match front to back.
The sheet metal from 1980-1986 has SQUARE fender wheels, front and back.
The sheet metal from 1987 - 1996 has ROUNDED fender wells, front and back.
Which means it will work, but the fender wells are not going to match front to back.
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Take a GOOD LOOK at those fender wells.
The sheet metal from 1980-1986 has SQUARE fender wheels, front and back.
The sheet metal from 1987 - 1996 has ROUNDED fender wells, front and back.
Which means it will work, but the fender wells are not going to match front to back.
The sheet metal from 1980-1986 has SQUARE fender wheels, front and back.
The sheet metal from 1987 - 1996 has ROUNDED fender wells, front and back.
Which means it will work, but the fender wells are not going to match front to back.
By looks of it so far this may be the only difference and if it is then this will be an easy conversion
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