Full-Size or Mid-size for the New Bronco?

[BroncoMike]

I just can't get unstuck from the theory (from Ford's perspective) that if they were to make a full-size Bronco, why wouldn't it be an F150 with a shortened and enclosed back end? Same as it (almost) ever was.

That updated Rover is beautiful. I don't know it's dimensions (looks big), but with 4 doors, isn't the closest Ford competitor an Expedition? Or are you wanting a 2-door? More 4x4 capability than an Expedition can offer?

P.S. I feel like I've been waiting 20+ years to see a new Bronco myself. I had just sold my '85 when my 1st wife declared she wanted an Explorer. It wasn't bad... but I regret not getting a '96 Bronco, I am certain I'd still have it today.[/QUOTE]

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[BroncoMike]

Ah, well, the removable tops and doors part makes sense, though none of that stuff was truly easily removable on either the EB or FSB. Jeep made that a standard, Ford will have to catch up and if rumors are accurate it sounds like they will. And I agree, those major features would be more difficult to integrate into an Expedition (slightly less so with a pickup) than if they did a ground-up design.

As for some of the SUV offerings looking like a van, yeah, I get that also. From the right (or rather, wrong) angle, my Excursion can look a little like an E-series van though it is fairly capable off-road - same wheelbase and mostly the same underpinnings of an extended cab Superduty F250. That said, I've always loved the E250/350 Diesel 4x4 conversions. Maybe not on a crosswind mountain highway, but they're tough and have a ton more room than even the Excursion.

 

[BroncoMike]

Ah, I stand corrected on the frame the Ex is based on. It is, in fact, a 138" wheelbase (137.1 according to the manual). Dana 50 instead of the slightly better 60 up front, but the stout Sterling 10.5 in the back.

Maybe the monster is why I don't feel the need for a fullsize Bronco. My girlfriend has an '86 that we're working on, so that will fill the "upper-middle" ground, my '71 will be an off-road toy with occasional jaunts to town for a beer or two.

The great thing about driving the Ex is that anything else feels like a race car!

 

[3crows]

New here, Wrangler/Tacoma owner. I voted mid-size.

Dear Ford, I am very interested in the Bronco but if the top does not come off, the doors cannot be removed (easily on and off) and the front axle is not solid then I will have no interest in another rolling entertainment console jelly bean crossover.

So, my needs:

1. Must be compact in exterior dimensions
2. Must have a pop top
3. Removable doors
4. Solid front axle
5. Aftermarket mods
6. Two-door, short wheelbase

The Bronco must be able to go toe to toe with a Wrangler off road and to do that it does not need a V8, what it does need is compact exterior dimensions, true and generous ground clearance and be easily modified in the aftermarket.

What I do not care about or want:

1. Entertainment and built in obsolete electronics.
2. A V8 engine
3. Full size anything, that is a game ender for me.
4. Jelly bean styling, faux trim, gates that open with my toe and silly junk like that.

I will not be selling my TJ, but I am in the market for a new JL Rubicon TWO-door but holding off for the Bronco TWO-door. And it will need to go up against this, if it cannot equal this off road then I will purchase the Wrangler JL:

J

 

[Nanook]

FSB 2 door, coyote, 10speed, raptor suspension, front and rear lockers, full convertible top.
It may be a pipe dream but I’ll continue to smoke. I’ll pass on the Ford 4Runner and Ford FJ

 

[JimmyDean]

FSB 2 door, coyote, 10speed, raptor suspension, front and rear lockers, full convertible top.
It may be a pipe dream but I’ll continue to smoke. I’ll pass on the Ford 4Runner and Ford FJ

I'll pass on the 10 spd, want a stick. manual TCase as well. While we're at it, how about a twin stick T-case, double parking brake, and line lock for the fronts. And no raptor suspension, SFA. removeable doors.

 

[Nanook]

Your SFA has as much of a chance as my FSB raptor dream. And who are we kidding it’ll have an eco boost something.
But ya it’s fun to dream.

 

[Nanook]

New here, Wrangler/Tacoma owner. I voted mid-size.

Dear Ford, I am very interested in the Bronco but if the top does not come off, the doors cannot be removed (easily on and off) and the front axle is not solid then I will have no interest in another rolling entertainment console jelly bean crossover.

So, my needs:

1. Must be compact in exterior dimensions
2. Must have a pop top
3. Removable doors
4. Solid front axle
5. Aftermarket mods
6. Two-door, short wheelbase

The Bronco must be able to go toe to toe with a Wrangler off road and to do that it does not need a V8, what it does need is compact exterior dimensions, true and generous ground clearance and be easily modified in the aftermarket.

What I do not care about or want:

1. Entertainment and built in obsolete electronics.
2. A V8 engine
3. Full size anything, that is a game ender for me.
4. Jelly bean styling, faux trim, gates that open with my toe and silly junk like that.

I will not be selling my TJ, but I am in the market for a new JL Rubicon TWO-door but holding off for the Bronco TWO-door. And it will need to go up against this, if it cannot equal this off road then I will purchase the Wrangler JL:

J

My money is on you buying the JL.

 

[Nickp]

Your SFA has as much of a chance as my FSB raptor dream. And who are we kidding it’ll have an eco boost something.
But ya it’s fun to dream.

An SFA is way more likely than a FSB.

 

[phillyfx4]

all I read here is that Ford will not offer a SFA for the new Bronco, why ?

you really don't think there's gonna be an option for one or a trim level for a SFA ?

I'll be STUNNED if there ISN'T

 

[Nanook]

An SFA is way more likely than a FSB.

No way, this is FJ cruiser all over again. The bronco will get cool roof options.
SFA would have been spotted on something by now.

 

[Toyhoarder]

No way, this is FJ cruiser all over again. The bronco will get cool roof options.
SFA would have been spotted on something by now.

I’m afraid you’re probably right.

I need to decide whether to SFA swap a new Bronco or LS swap a new JL.

 

[Nickp]

No way, this is FJ cruiser all over again. The bronco will get cool roof options.
SFA would have been spotted on something by now.

The one Bronco mule we’ve seen has been confirmed as a powertrain mule, nothing about the suspension was finalized. The final suspension design likely will not be seen until the reveal.

We know for a fact that the full size bronco IS NOT happening.

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