Hoss 3.0 steering rack on Non sas

[billyum]

Hey all, I recently almost bought the 74 weld stage 3 steering rack but I’m glad I didn’t. Saw some posts about programming issues with moving to a 3.0 rack. Did a little more research and come to find out the 3.0 rack ford sells says it does NOT work with 2021-2023 Non-sas broncos. (says nothing about the 2024s though) However I’ve seen mixed comments on if you can get it done and programed properly. PLEASE help me and point me in the right direction.

I have a 2024 Big bend Non Sas

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[RagnarKon]

Can you get it done? Yes, but not with a ProCal. Will it work? Yes-ish.

Will it program properly?? No. The C-factors are different, so switching to the HOSS 3.0 rack on a non-Sasquatch 2021-2023 it's going to mess up the calibration on various safety systems—ABS, electronic stability control, evasive steering assist, lane-keeping, etc.

Up to you if you feel like it is worth it.

 

[Ducati1098]

All the information you could possibly want.

https://bronco6g.com/forum/threads/...ord-performance-m-3200-wt.51284/#post-1540002

 

[BAUS67]

Well.............. Let me start here.

Have you seen/read this thread??????

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...nd-tie-rods-ford-performance-m-3200-wt.51284/


It's a big one, but short form, you can install the rack in any Bronco you need Forscan and FDRS. Need to switch the VIN to a Wildtrak, flash the module in the rack, then switch the VIN back to your VIN.


It can be done it is all in that thread. Be forwarned that thread is long. Also switching to this rack is not like installing mudflaps, not an easy task.

 

[billyum]

Can you get it done? Yes, but not with a ProCal. Will it work? Yes-ish.

Will it program properly?? No. The C-factors are different, so switching to the HOSS 3.0 rack on a non-Sasquatch 2021-2023 it's going to mess up the calibration on various safety systems—ABS, electronic stability control, evasive steering assist, lane-keeping, etc.

Up to you if you feel like it is worth it.

I hate that ford has to make this so difficult. I really want this rack so I can forget all the steering failure anxiety when testing the limits, but it seems like so many hoops to jump through

 

[billyum]

Well.............. Let me start here.

Have you seen/read this thread??????

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...nd-tie-rods-ford-performance-m-3200-wt.51284/


It's a big one, but short form, you can install the rack in any Bronco you need Forscan and FDRS. Need to switch the VIN to a Wildtrak, flash the module in the rack, then switch the VIN back to your VIN.


It can be done it is all in that thread. Be forwarned that thread is long. Also switching to this rack is not like installing mudflaps, not an easy task.

When you say set the VIN to Wildtrak and “flash” the steering rack, is that like wiping the programming on it? If so, is that the reason ABS and all the other stuff doesn’t work after installation?

 

[RagnarKon]

I hate that ford has to make this so difficult. I really want this rack so I can forget all the steering failure anxiety when testing the limits, but it seems like so many hoops to jump through

If you stick with factory tire sizes (32s - 35s) and factory ride heights you probably will never have an issue.

The vast majority of those who encountered issues were because they lifted the vehicle. When you do that it changes the steering geometry, which in turn increases the stress on the steering rack.

When you say set the VIN to Wildtrak and “flash” the steering rack, is that like wiping the programming on it? If so, is that the reason ABS and all the other stuff doesn’t work after installation?

As @Ducati1098 said, all of the information is in that thread. But quick version: You have to change the VIN code on your Bronco so the programming software thinks it is a Wildtrak with HOSS 3.0. Once it thinks it's a Wildtrak, it will let you program the HOSS 3.0 steering rack. After you're done you can change it back.

The reason why the other stuff doesn't work properly is because none of the other modules are aware that you are now running a HOSS 3.0 steering rack. All of the module configurations and calibrations are for the original steering rack, not your new HOSS 3.0 steering rack.

If you have Standard equipment package it may ultimately not be a huge issue because you don't have lane-keeping or evasive steering assist. But regardless, it's still a safety concern, none of this is supported by Ford, it can potentially impact your ability use your warranty, etc. etc. blah. blah.

 

[BAUS67]

When you say set the VIN to Wildtrak and “flash” the steering rack, is that like wiping the programming on it? If so, is that the reason ABS and all the other stuff doesn’t work after installation?

Yes. The rack is not programmed. The only way to program it is to make your Bronco think it came with one of those racks from the factory. Program the rack and then flip the VIN back so you are back to what you started with. It's all in that thread. As I said above this mod is not for the faint of heart. Not an easy job.

I was not aware that there were issues with the ABS and whatnot. Maybe @RagnarKon could elaborate. I have followed the thread, and I do not recall anyone having those kinds of issues. Only early on when everyone was trying to figure out how to program it. But once it was figured out I didn't think there were any issues.

 

[billyum]

If you stick with factory tire sizes (32s - 35s) and factory ride heights you probably will never have an issue.

The vast majority of those who encountered issues were because they lifted the vehicle. When you do that it changes the steering geometry, which in turn increases the stress on the steering rack.


As @Ducati1098 said, all of the information is in that thread. But quick version: You have to change the VIN code on your Bronco so the programming software thinks it is a Wildtrak with HOSS 3.0. Once it thinks it's a Wildtrak, it will let you program the HOSS 3.0 steering rack. After you're done you can change it back.

The reason why the other stuff doesn't work properly is because none of the other modules are aware that you are now running a HOSS 3.0 steering rack. All of the module configurations and calibrations are for the original steering rack, not your new HOSS 3.0 steering rack.

If you have Standard equipment package it may ultimately not be a huge issue because you don't have lane-keeping or evasive steering assist. But regardless, it's still a safety concern, none of this is supported by Ford, it can potentially impact your ability use your warranty, etc. etc. blah. blah.

I appreciate the insight, I’ll have to do some more digging to see if it’s actually worth it. I do plan on lifting 3-4 inches which is why I’m a little concerned, but 35’s is most likely the biggest I’ll go. And of course there is the elephant in the room which is maybe it’s more worth it to trade it in for a new badlands that has the 3.0 already and all the other goodies

 

[RagnarKon]

I appreciate the insight, I’ll have to do some more digging to see if it’s actually worth it. I do plan on lifting 3-4 inches which is why I’m a little concerned, but 35’s is most likely the biggest I’ll go. And of course there is the elephant in the room which is maybe it’s more worth it to trade it in for a new badlands that has the 3.0 already and all the other goodies

For what it's worth... someone had contacted Ford Performance a few months ago, and they had mentioned they were working on a steering rack upgrade those of us with the 4-door non-Sas models. So it probably makes sense to just wait it out until you are ready to do that lift.

Which is basically the approach I'm taking. Initially I planned to lift right away, but honestly I've been able to do everything I've needed to do on stock 33s without too much difficulty. So I'm focusing on other upgrades for now—probably will revisit the lift (and steering rack) once I go to replace the factory tires.

 

[billyum]

Hold up wait a minute, Is it just 4 doors with the programming issue?

 

[billyum]

For what it's worth... someone had contacted Ford Performance a few months ago, and they had mentioned they were working on a steering rack upgrade those of us with the 4-door non-Sas models. So it probably makes sense to just wait it out until you are ready to do that lift.

Which is basically the approach I'm taking. Initially I planned to lift right away, but honestly I've been able to do everything I've needed to do on stock 33s without too much difficulty. So I'm focusing on other upgrades for now—probably will revisit the lift (and steering rack) once I go to replace the factory tires.

Yep I’m doing the same, I’m going to squeeze as much as I can out of the factory tires. I’ll probably get the lift, tires, and wheels all at the same time

 

[Brian_B]

Hold up wait a minute, Is it just 4 doors with the programming issue?

Nope. Yup. Apparently all 2drs are compatible.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-3200-WT

 

[Bikeric]

You had zero need for the HOSS 3.0 rack, so the difficulty/compatibility of the install saved you thousands $$.

The entire Bronco “weak steering rack” has really been overblown.

 

[Brian_B]

You had zero need for the HOSS 3.0 rack, so the difficulty/compatibility of the install saved you thousands $$.

The entire Bronco “weak steering rack” has really been overblown.

I agree. I think a lot of it came from the "OMG Tie rods!" so people went out and beefed up their tie rods - without regard to the entire system - to the point that the rack started to go. Not for everyone, mind you, all it takes is one or two prominent Youtubers out there and it's suddenly epidemic proportions.

Had they not done anything -they might have bent a $30 tie rod that could have been swapped in the field. But instead they blew a $1,300 steering box that leaves them stranded. But at least that tie rod still looks great with that brace on there!

I'd say if you are out there actually popping tie rods like they are Tylenol on the night after a bender - then yeah, you need the upgrade. But if you are still on stock tie rods and just think you might have an issue running up the curb at Starbucks... just throw a Tricky Dick tie rod kit in the back

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