Reagan did not formally use the term I endorse when speaking about Ford, but he clearly called for a Ford victory as soon as he took the stage.
Reagan referred to Fords running mate, Bob Dole, as the vice president to be, prompting applause from the crowd of delegates.
We must go forth from here united, determined that what a great general said a few years ago is true: There is no substitute for victory, Mr. President, Reagan said in closing.
Read this, because revisionist history does not change the fact that no they hated each other with a passion and Reagan (after you read this) was forced to the stage by Ford calling him after Reagan had told Brokaw three times he was not getting on the stage to endorse Ford
http://www.craigshirley.com/archive/4037/