New Build Advice: Locker vs V6

[Nate Train]

Hi Everyone,

I will be ordering my Bronco when the banks reopen in March, and I'm waffling back and forth between a few different options. I'm trying to keep my price on the lower end, so I'm somewhat limited in what I can do.

Basically, this is where I'm sitting. I can either order a Base with a V6 and no lockers or a Big Bend with an I4 and lockers. The price difference is relatively small for me.

I'm not currently a big off roader, but the point of buying a Bronco is to do some off roading. Since I'm an amateur, I'll start small and build my way up to more difficult stuff. I've always wanted to get into it. I don't know if I'll ever get to the point where I'm doing serious rock crawling, but I want to be able to get myself out of trouble if I run into problems.

I've read a bunch about lockers on the threads here and they really seem desirable. It also seems, based on what I've read, that the V6 is really nice to have. I haven't seen a post yet asking this exact question, though: If have a choice between getting a V6 OR the rear locking differential, which is preferable?

Apologies if this has been done to death, but I just haven't seen it in all my reading.

Sponsored

 

[Fly by Nite]

Base with Sasquatch is a killer deal when compared to a Big Bend with a locker.... you get so much more for about the same price.

The 2.3 has gotten great reviews here, it's very capable. Get the V6 for the fun factor if that's what you prefer.

The regular traction control will help you get out of some 'stuck' conditions. It uses the brakes to slow the spinning wheel, transferring power to the wheel with traction.

 

[RagnarKon]

Oh that's easy.... Big Bend with an I-4 and a locker.

Black Diamond is also a good choice... I think once you option the Big Bend with a locker, it's within a few hundred dollars of a base Black Diamond. That said, it's going to be much easier to find/get a Big Bend than it will be to get a Black Diamond.

I do agree with @Fly by Nite that Base with Sasquatch is a really good deal, but sounds like that may be a bit beyond your budget.

 

[Bronco#2]

You can add a locker later for much less than adding power to the 2.3l

You will use the v6 every time you drive it but you’ll only use lockers 1% of the time

Go with the v6

 

[mpeugeot]

If you are not a big off-roader, then I would probably go with the Base with the 2.7, but as others have mentioned a Black Diamond is worth considering as well.

The problem with the Big Bend with the locker is that you really aren't gaining that much that couldn't be done with upgrades later on.

The Base Sasquatch with the 2.3 would be a better choice than the Big Bend with a locker. The Base 2.3 Sasquatch gives you so much more, suspension, lift, 35's, front and rear lockers, and the advanced 4x4 transfer case. When you go to resell it later, it will be worth a lot more than the big bend with just a locker and no advanced 4x4 transfer case.

The Base Sasquatch 2d is $41,275
The Big Bend with just a locker is $38,375

That $2,900 difference is more than made up for in wheels, tires, shocks, transfer case, and the front locker. Yes, it is a higher monthly payment of about $75/month, but like I said, you will certainly get that $2900 back on the back end.

 

[dgorsett]

I have a BB with locker. Within a couple hundred of a base Sasquatch. A few thousand less than a non Sasquatch Black Diamond. I liked the BB bits, didn't like the Sasquatch tires (too big for me personally) and didn't want the BD MGV, so here I am, and happy. The 2.3 has loads of power, maybe more reliable, lighter and sets up for flat towing easier.

 

[Mattwings]

Hi Everyone,

I will be ordering my Bronco when the banks reopen in March, and I'm waffling back and forth between a few different options. I'm trying to keep my price on the lower end, so I'm somewhat limited in what I can do.

Basically, this is where I'm sitting. I can either order a Base with a V6 and no lockers or a Big Bend with an I4 and lockers. The price difference is relatively small for me.

I'm not currently a big off roader, but the point of buying a Bronco is to do some off roading. Since I'm an amateur, I'll start small and build my way up to more difficult stuff. I've always wanted to get into it. I don't know if I'll ever get to the point where I'm doing serious rock crawling, but I want to be able to get myself out of trouble if I run into problems.

I've read a bunch about lockers on the threads here and they really seem desirable. It also seems, based on what I've read, that the V6 is really nice to have. I haven't seen a post yet asking this exact question, though: If have a choice between getting a V6 OR the rear locking differential, which is preferable?

Apologies if this has been done to death, but I just haven't seen it in all my reading.

Lots of opinions, mine is locker over V6. Contrary to what others mentioned on cost, to get the locker that operates with the ease and simplicity of the factory unit vs. a tune to get similar performance of the V6 is probably higher. Don’t listen to anyone that hasn’t driven both. I have the 2.7 and have had two others, Inlove it. The 2.3 is very good as well. I have driven several Broncos, including a SQ with the 2.3l and it’s excellent engine. Locker and gears gives you way more flexibility if you decide to pursue a more off road capable vehicle on a budget IMO.

 

[illverado]

The v6 has a wet-belt driven oil pump. You don’t want that setup on something you’re gonna rely on after warranty. Just google ford oil pump belt failed

 

[Nate Train]

Love all the responses. Great thoughts. I originally thought Black Diamond, but realized I also have to consider sales tax, so I was trying to get the price lower (trying to pay cash for it - don't want a payment).

I'd honestly feel good about any of the options mentioned, but a Base Sasquatch gets me a little over what I was hoping to pay. There's around $1000 difference between each one I've priced out. I didn't mention that it will probably also be a part time winter vehicle.

I think having read the responses and reasoning, the BB w/ lockers is the way to go for me. It sounds like something that can be versatile enough to do what I need it to now, and to grow into what I will want later as I get some experience.

Thanks, all.

 

[indio22]

You don't need a locker to off-road. Probably half the people buying lockers (and some other stuff) don't even have a real use for that functionality.

Some folks here say they like the way lockers and stuff "make them feel", kind of like an emotional benefit? So see where you fit on that spectrum of buyer type. My buddy bought a loaded Rubicon for the emotional aspect, he never off-roads or uses the lockers etc.

If you have a heavy foot, then V6 might be the way to go. In that case you will get a real benefit, every time you drive the vehicle and hit the throttle.

 

[illverado]

If your budget is that tight hopefully you’ll get lucky and there will be a small window to put an order in before it goes up. But last year the price went up in March and again a few months later.

price of my order went up $3000 in the 370 days between order and delivery and I barely beat the first price hike by a few weeks

 

[Fly by Nite]

Love all the responses. Great thoughts. I originally thought Black Diamond, but realized I also have to consider sales tax, so I was trying to get the price lower (trying to pay cash for it - don't want a payment).

I'd honestly feel good about any of the options mentioned, but a Base Sasquatch gets me a little over what I was hoping to pay. There's around $1000 difference between each one I've priced out. I didn't mention that it will probably also be a part time winter vehicle.

I think having read the responses and reasoning, the BB w/ lockers is the way to go for me. It sounds like something that can be versatile enough to do what I need it to now, and to grow into what I will want later as I get some experience.

Thanks, all.

The advanced auto 4x4 transfer case is a nice feature for winter driving.
It's not avail on Base or BB unless you add Sasquatch.

Did you want manual trans or auto? 2dr or 4dr? Those factor into the pricing since some models/packages include them.

 

[Nate Train]

The advanced auto 4x4 transfer case is a nice feature for winter driving.
It's not avail on Base or BB unless you add Sasquatch.

Did you want manual trans or auto? 2dr or 4dr? Those factor into the pricing since some models/packages include them.

Definitely 2 door. Auto vs manual was strictly based on engine option. If it's the I4, I was staying with the manual. I'd like the advanced 4x4 but not the Sasquatch. Guess I'm doing without advanced 4x4.

 

[mpeugeot]

Love all the responses. Great thoughts. I originally thought Black Diamond, but realized I also have to consider sales tax, so I was trying to get the price lower (trying to pay cash for it - don't want a payment).

I'd honestly feel good about any of the options mentioned, but a Base Sasquatch gets me a little over what I was hoping to pay. There's around $1000 difference between each one I've priced out. I didn't mention that it will probably also be a part time winter vehicle.

I think having read the responses and reasoning, the BB w/ lockers is the way to go for me. It sounds like something that can be versatile enough to do what I need it to now, and to grow into what I will want later as I get some experience.

Thanks, all.

I respect your choice, but given what you are saying and especially when you are looking at a winter vehicle, think carefully about forgoing the advanced 4x4 transfer case.

From initial reports, the advanced 4x4 transfer case is stronger and more durable than the standard transfer case. It also allows full time 4A which is a big deal in the winter.

Sponsored