Went back 3 years at DMV

[Chipgolf]

Hello all,
I'm new to this board... what a great place!

Anyways, I began my Bronco project a couple of weeks ago. I was under the assumption that I had purchased a 1975 Bronco. The previous owner had lost the original pink slip, so I was doing a title-less transfer. But when I went to DMV, the DMV guy told me my Bronco is actually a 1972. I was shocked.

I went to broncohio's website and did a VIN decode and sure enough, it's a '72!

Now, I don't think this is actually a bad thing. I'm doing a full restomod, including adding power-steering, front disc brakes, EFI, AC, etc. I will be rebuilding my existing 302.

But now I'm wondering is there anything that I should know about that happened with Broncos between 1972 and 1975? So far the only thing I have found is the power steering differs between the years. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[sanndmann3]

Welcome aboard!
I think there were wiring changes between 74 & 75, specifically related to ignition box. If I am remembering correctly, I had a 74 wiring diagram and the colors weren't matching up to my 75 parts.
If you are going EFI, it may become a mute point...

 

[Glass Pony]

Welcome!
I believe catalytic converters started in 1975. So not having one is a good thing.

 

[Eoth]

If it is a 6-banger then the engine size of the 72 would be 170ci VS 200ci in a 75.

 

[romegadave]

Welcome to the best Bronco site around---can't wait for you to post some pics to share--Dave

 

[sprdv1]

Welcome, Welcome.. Good to have you on board.

https://web.archive.org/web/20131217104446/http://www.bronco.com/

 

[DirtDonk]

Is the 6th digit in the VIN a P, or a Q by any chance? A P would have made it a very late build '72 and, by most accounts anyway, a Q would have made it a '73.
But an N would have been back in the normal build time for a '72 no matter what. If I remember anyway.
There's a thread titled "72-73 owners, mind your "P's" and "Q's" started by Viperwolf, in case yours falls into that space.

Other than that, there were a LOT of subtle differences between a '72 and '75. Mostly under the hood, but some in the cabin too.

1. T-shift (early) vs J-shift (late) transfer case shifter. Still a Dana 20 box, but with totally different shifting mechanism.
2. No power steering on '72 from the factory at all until you got to the last month or two of production. Ratio didn't change until '76.
3. Light bars on the dash for indicating the knob functions. Also a very late '72 thing.
4. Steering column mounted hazard flasher knob starting in mid-'74. Vs on the dash only for a '72.
5. Related to that hazard switch location, the use of a horn relay under the hood starting in '74. So the steering wheels are not compatible between a '72 and the '75.

Under the hood, lots of stuff:
6. Different air cleaner.
7. Radiator overflow bottle on the passenger wheel well. None in '72 until the very end of production.
8. EGR and catalytic converter, as well as mucho other smog stuff starting in model year '73, so the engine compartment of a '72 is completely different and much less cluttered.
9. AS mentioned, the ignition. Would have been points on the '72 and electronic on the '75.

Trim options like Ranger stuff not available until '73, but a '72 could have had the Explorer options.

I'm sure there is more, but I can't think of it right now. Plenty of wiring differences, but the key components and wire colors remained the same.
Interested to see pics of the Bronco too when you can.

Of course, any of that stuff mentioned could have been swapped in, out and back and forth over the years too. Hard to tell until you verify each piece.
Even front 44's that would have been in either year could have been swapped out for an earlier 30 just to suit another rig.
Brakes, suspension parts, trim pieces, even labels and emblems could have been added or removed in the ensuing 45 years.

Have fun with your new rig!

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Oh, and now is the time to verify that the VIN on the registration/sales slip and the frame match.
Did you get the warranty tag with VIN on the glovebox door? Or did the DMV require a visible number on the frame?

Paul

 

[Justafordguy]

Automatic transmission not available until 73.

 

[73azbronco]

Dash is different between those years.

 

[sprdv1]

here's V wolf's thread

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221155