After running the engine for awhile in stop and go traffic it runs hot and start to sputter and cough and quits running. hard to crank till it cools down

Ignition components. Replace plugs, wires, rotor, cap, and possibly coil. Could also be fuel pump, as they can sometimes come and go.

What size Bronco and what engine? don-ohio (:^)

Wrong fuel octane water in fuel...

I had the same problem and it was the throttle position sensor. have you replaced this? Very easy and solved everything.

Sounds like the crank sensor or ignition module. I would try the crank sensor first. It is cheaper and usually the problem.

Is it harder to start in cool weather?...My Olds would crank but not start in cool weather, she would cough and sputter and finally start...Shop fixed her, replaced COIL.

do you mean wont crank over and start till it cools off? if thats the case it sounds like you got a bad crankshaft position sensor,,thge sensor is fine when its cold and warm but when it gets hot it goes open and the cars computer cant see the rpm and shuts the engine off,and then when it cools off the sensor works again and the car starts and is ok till it gets hot again,if thats the case thats what it is,,,hope this helps,,,about $100 for the part

Check the mass air flow sensor (clean both heated wires with carb cleaner and Q-tip). Remember...cleaning does not always work...sometimes they are actually bad. Also check map sensor. Check for vacuum leaks at all hoses and fittings. If engine rpm drops sufficiently, engine vacuum will drop which may have caused a/c malfunction (controls work with vacuum signal) so I wouldn't worry about that 'till the run problem is dealt with.

I just went through this same issue and it turned out to be the engine cooling sensor, a $50 part.