2025 Broncos... 2-door going extinct?

[broncorik]

I've thought that the LJ would be an ideal toad for pulling behind our RV. Good usable space but in a tight package. I look every now and then.

I had one and I shouldn't have let it go...I tortured myself because I sold it to my neighbor so I still drive by it. It is very towable, however it weighs around 4,800 lb with the soft top and half doors (on 35s/winch/steel bumpers/lift/recovery gear). For comparison, my JL has only slightly less room in the rear cargo area, and it weighs 4200 (better axles/transmission/road manners/creature comforts/etc.). I'm addition, a decent used one can be had for less than the price of a nice LJ. Sure the value of the LJ will be much higher down the road, but eventually many (older) folks tend to let go of the "it will be worth more one day" and now focus on the "I like to be comfortable both on and off road" (and while towing). The LJ needs to be towed with the steering unlocked (key in first position) while the JL has no steering lock and key can remain off...little things like that add up with a toad. The towing a Bronco procedure, however, is not only a lot of steps but many people have shared that they have grenaded theirs even after following all those steps. Although a 6th gen. Bronco certainly wins with road manners, Jeeps win with dinghy towing all day long.

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[Gregus73]

Agree, the Bronco wins 100% for road manners.
My back was killing me after a 3 hour drive in my past JL. No issues with the Bronco for long trips.

At about 24, I drove my TJ from Santa Cruz to MT Shasta, that was brutal. Still loved it and rolled around in Safari mode with the half doors.

 

[mpeugeot]

Just go back about 4 years on this forum to when a good chunk of us started what you perceive as dividing ourselves, and you might discover that the majority of this is all in good fun.

This forum was originally populated with folks who like to tease each other like a bunch of wise-ass cousins at a family reunion who love each other, but let the insults fly.

Pineapple pizza for everyone, chair-throwing, and a mutual hated for Estevan. (His name was Estevan, right?)

It was all fun and games...

Now... I need to look out the window and admire my perfectly-proportioned proper 2-door.

Don't you know that this is serious, it's the Internet man! Now off to Dirt Mountain with you!

 

[Imaginary Friend]

As for space in the back of a 2-door, to be able to fit a couple dogs (no kids or passengers) my 2 door Bronco needed a Goose Gear setup (which is not super fun to install...seats needed to removed, and it is not easy to throw one or both back in if/when one needs to). I have since bought a used Jeep JL Rubicon 2-door (because it is light enough to tow behind my RV), and I must admit that the ability to simply squeeze two rods together under the tilt-forward seat to lift it right out (and quickly add back later if need be) was a great decision on Jeep's part. Additionally, I don't need to add a Goose Gear setup, because the floor is flat enough for dogs with out the clutter of things sticking out like my Bronco had (the rear wiper squirt line...that leaked...among other things). For a vehicle that weights about 1000 pounds less, the usable rear space isn't that much less than the Bronco. I think both the Bronco and the Jeep have their plusses and minuses, but having owned both, I can share that the rear space available in the JLs is larger than it appears (and a lot easier to access without a bunch of mods/headaches). I still went with a platform, of sorts (baltic birch that I trimmed with a jigsaw) to be able to extend a flat area right to the back of the seats (and to be able to store my recovery gear/compressor underneath). It simply lifts in and out, and if I need to quickly convert to seats it is WAY easier than in the Bronco. Just my 2 cents in case anyone is, like me, focused on not toting around any human passengers in rear seats (and instead has a dog or dogs).

All my Jeeps have lost their rear seat within the first few days of ownership. It doesn't get easier than removing the rear seat in a JL. It can even be done solo if you're physically able. I find my JL much roomier in back than my JKs were, perfect utility with a full mat.

Things sure have changed over the years...back in the day (even if folks had families) the manufacturers of arguably the most sought after/popular/capable/timeless rigs (1st Gen Broncos/Jeeps/FJ40s) had no interest in adding extra doors. Imagine a first gen Bronco as a 4-door? Or a CJ5/7? An FJ40? Toyota did make an FJ45V-I back in the 60s, but it was very short-lived (and they then came up with the FJ55G/V). Point being that somewhere along the way (around 2007 for Jeep and 2021 for Bronco) 4-doors became more prevalent, and probably make more sense for folks who need the space...but there will always be those of us who are drawn to the 2-door versions (or the originals from yesteryear). I would wager that if Ford came up with a 2-door Raptor, and Jeep with a 2-door 392, those would immediately become some of the most sought after rigs of today (even some of the folks who own and love their 4-doors would be tempted). From the Jeep side, I would also think that bringing back a slightly longer 2-door modern version of the LJ would immediately gain customers...those who seek a little more space but don't need or want the extra 2 doors. Pointless to argue or propose why one of the other is "better"...about as productive (and subjective) as discussing politics or religion.

I'm salivating at the thought of a JL version of the LJ with a V8. I just ran across an absolutely mint, low-mile LJ Rubi (manual trans) for $35K and it's a good thing I don't have any free garage space.

I'd own a 2-door Gladiator in a heartbeat too versus the hideous monstrosity Jeep sells. Same box length, and just enough room behind the seat for long guns and a few smallish items.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Albeit the LJ Rubicon being the Holy Grail to off-roaders, in stock form it was ugly, trying to duplicate in a Bronco it would fair no better, and be a giant failure for Ford.

 

[broncorik]

Albeit the LJ Rubicon being the Holy Grail to off-roaders, in stock form it was ugly, trying to duplicate in a Bronco it would fair no better, and be a giant failure for Ford.

Agree that stock LJs are ugly...but then again, IMHO, completely stock Broncos in lower trims aren't a lot more attractive. Throw a set of tires on either with a tasteful, well-planned lift, and it can be a game changer (especially for 4-door versions from either camp). No need or benefit with a longer 2-door Bronco...but either a Raptor Bronco 2-door or a 392 Jeep 2-door would be a home run without a stretch. I would wager that a longer JL Jeep 2-door, similar to the earlier LJ concept, would also be a huge success (especially with a 392 in it). Many hard core Jeepers already stretch their 2 doors to get to a magic ideal wheelbase/approach and departure angles as-is...a factory option would be awesome.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Agree that stock LJs are ugly...but then again, IMHO, completely stock Broncos in lower trims aren't a lot more attractive. Throw a set of tires on either with a tasteful, well-planned lift, and it can be a game changer (especially for 4-door versions from either camp). No need or benefit with a longer 2-door Bronco...but either a Raptor Bronco 2-door or a 392 Jeep 2-door would be a home run without a stretch. I would wager that a longer JL Jeep 2-door, similar to the earlier LJ concept, would also be a huge success (especially with a 392 in it). Many hard core Jeepers already stretch their 2 doors to get to a magic ideal wheelbase/approach and departure angles as-is...a factory option would be awesome.

Not much difference in appearance between the lowly non-SAS Base and the Badlands or a Wildtrak, other than wheels/tires and a half too 1" of lift. The 2 door Base with simply a set of BD's takeoffs for $800 made it look great, I guess it would take $10k+ to make the LJ remotely attractive.

 

[broncorik]

Not much difference in appearance between the lowly Base and the Badlands or a Wildtrak, other than wheels/tires and a half too 1" of lift. The 2 door Base with simply a set of BD's takeoffs for $800 made it look great, I guess it would take $10k+ to make the LJ remotely attractive.

I think it is pretty much all lift and tires initially...no matter what trim level, a Bronco (or Jeep) on less than 33s and zero lift (to me) just seems meh. For folks who care more about form versus function, with either brand, "the look" can be had rather inexpensively...takeoffs for both Bronco and Jeep are readily available and either one could be rising on 35s relatively cheaply. A decent lift kit for a Jeep (like a Savvy/Currie...not a Rough Country long arm geometry train wreck) or a Bronco (lots of options) is like 4-5k. Wheels/tires are same same for either brand...to make LJ attractive and not a super capable rig is as easy/cheap as new low-end coils and shocks (that would get it to 35s but produce driveline angles issues) but yes to get it both attractive and capable is probably 10k. To be fair, getting a Bronco as capable as an attractive as a well-thought out LJ would mean (ideally) not only a lift but also a 74Weld rack, programming, and tie rods (unless it has HOSS 3.0).

 

[MNBigfoot]

I think it is pretty much all lift and tires initially...no matter what trim level, a Bronco (or Jeep) on less than 33s and zero lift (to me) just seems meh. For folks who care more about form versus function, with either brand, "the look" can be had rather inexpensively...takeoffs for both Bronco and Jeep are readily available and either one could be rising on 35s relatively cheaply. A decent lift kit for a Jeep (like a Savvy/Currie...not a Rough Country long arm geometry train wreck) or a Bronco (lots of options) is like 4-5k. Wheels/tires are same same for either brand...to make LJ attractive and not a super capable rig is as easy/cheap as new low-end coils and shocks (that would get it to 35s but produce driveline angles issues) but yes to get it both attractive and capable is probably 10k. To be fair, getting a Bronco as capable as an attractive as a well-thought out LJ would mean (ideally) not only a lift but also a 74Weld rack, programming, and tie rods (unless it has HOSS 3.0).

I guess I see a the non-sas Badlands stance and 33's as about perfect for a 2-door, things just keep looking worse the bigger you go with tires or suspension. As far as getting the Bronco as capable, I'd say a solid axle swap or portals and really if we're just building a trail rig, no one cares how goofy the LJ's body looks.

 

[broncorik]

I guess I see a the non-sas Badlands stance and 33's as about perfect for a 2-door, things just keep looking worse the bigger you go with tires or suspension. As far as getting the Bronco as capable, I'd say a solid axle swap or portals and really if we're just building a trail rig, no one cares how goofy the LJ's body looks.

That...my SAS Badlands on 35s was about as much tire as I needed/wanted, but to get full use (no scrub/correct driveline angles/etc.) on my LJ with 35s took some work. For comparison, deals like this exist currently:

51,000 miles...Currie lift...33s.

For less than 30k, this:

Savvy control arms, 35s...axle upgrades, hard top and doors Metalcloak fenders JCR sliders etc.

Broncos are awesome but I doubt someone will spend less than 30k (total) on any trim level (new or used) and have as capable a rig (or one that would hold its value like the LJ). When I sold my Badlands, I advertised it here on the forum for 50k (and had easily 75 in it...and only 6k miles on it). I ended up selling it to Carvana for 45. It was a Badlands/SAS/Lux/winch/bumpers (rear with swing out), Goose Gear flat cargo area, Method Bead Grip wheels, Mishimoto intercooler, full skids, Ford tune, Rollpax/Rotopax (water and gas), RC bushings in the rack, Ford Performance tie rods, Diode Dynamics ditch/front bumper/rear bumper lights etc. etc. Conversely, LJs are selling for close to or even more now than what they cost brand new 10 years later (even with a crap ton of miles on them). It all depends on what one wants/how long they intend to keep it/what they expect to get out of it when it if they sell it. I fell victim to the "oh my gosh the new Bronco is awesome and I've got to have one craze," and made my reservation almost immediately as soon as the window opened, and then sat back and watched the insanity as dealerships did ASM's of up to twice the MSRP when they first hit the lots. Somehow some of that is still in the air, because there are loads of people in the forum who are super into ordering their new Broncos, yet lots across the country are filled with Broncos that have not been bought even below MSRP. As long as there continues to be willing customers who seek to order something as close to what they seek as they can, even if it means paying a lot more than what they should, there will be dealerships salivating to get them in the door. I try to rationalize my snap decision because at the time there were no Broncos out yet, but now they're getting as common as Jeeps. At the end of the day I should be all about driving what you enjoy, regardless of what anybody else thinks or says, but it just sucks that so many people get bamboozled (myself included...more often than most) into paying much more than what a vehicle should cost. I enjoyed my Bronco, but in retrospect I do not believe it was worth $60,000...the build quality was just not there and the gremlins were not and are not sorted out just yet. Since then, pretty much the exact same bill has gone up about $5,000, so even if someone can get one of those for less than MSRP, it needs to be about $10,000 less in my humble opinion to make it or worthwhile purchase. Better yet, someone looking to get into the world of 6th generation Broncos should ideally buy one that's lightly used from someone who got a good deal on it initially (and who ate it on the immediate depreciation). Cheap as guilty as well of having stupidly high prices, but at least they've always had a deal in which someone who is a member of Tread Lightly gets a guaranteed price that is below MSRP by a pretty big amount. Members order the Jeep the way they want it, and then it gets delivered to the dealer and there's no need to haggle. At the time I was waiting patiently for my bronco, I was almost swayed into buying a Jeep Rubicon because I could have got it for around 5 to 7,000 less than MSRP through that program.

 

[Badlux]

I've been stating this for years. A two door Jeep JL with the wheelbase of a LJ with the Xtreme Recon Rubicon package and I'm sold. Add the 392 and that's cherries on top. Any V8 would be fine with me.

I miss my old LJ. 05, 6sp manual. Bought it wit 54k miles for $12k ! Sold it for $18k when my Bronco came in. My dealer offered me $3000. What a joke.

 

[The Pope]

Quick theory: The Stroppe is just how they burn off the remaining 2dr (H/LE) flat-fender sheet metal, and it'll be done when they run out.

I've been a member of this forum for a long time. There have been heated discussions on the Round vs. Square Finders that happened before we ever knew what the Bronco would even look like. (I'm in the Square Fenders Group)

@fomoco in IMHO should do the A-La-Cart option that was mentioned by FoMoCo as a possibility of how the Bronco might be sold (IIRC back in 2019).

Let the Finder (Round or Square) be a Customer Choice.

I for one would be placing an order the very next day for a 2D with the Square Fenders if I could get it without all of the Stroppe wrapping and in a color of my choice (from the ones offered).

 

[Hokie_98]

This one has a hemi in it and all the modem amenities:

This is exactly what I’ve been thinking of for the Bronco. Having owned a 2 door and a 4 door, my preference has always been with the 2 door, but I’ve often thought if the 2 door used the wheelbase of the 4 door, and just stretched the doors another 2-3 inches (for access to the rear seats), it would be the perfect rig. I love the look of the 2 door currently over the 4 door (which has grown on me), but the 2 door is too short in the rear. A kit like what this company is doing with Jeeps would be ideal. The hardtop would be the biggest challenge/cost driver I would think.

 

[SHANUT]

Look at the truck market to see where this is going. How many people are buying 2dr pickups for personal use at this point? Even look at the car market and the emergence of the "4 door coupe" from MB, BMW, and Audi.

That’s exactly why 2 doors make the most desirable classics.

 

[SHANUT]

Yeah... unfortunately... this is a reflection of sales—or lack thereof.

What killed the Bronco back in the 1990s was the fact that it was 2-door, Ford ultimately replaced it with the 4-door Expedition. The 4-door Wrangler exists because Jeep needed it to keep the Wrangler afloat. And the existing Bronco would not be possible unless Ford offered the 4-door.

Those of us who are manual transmission enthusiasts have been in a similar position for the past two decades. Economies of scale is needed to build these vehicles, and if the scale isn't there they have to make cuts. The only other option is to increase prices on the less-popular configurations.

Which brings up a good question: How many of you would buy a 2-door Bronco if it cost more than a 4-door Bronco???

I have a manual two door and I have a V6 automatic two door and I absolutely would’ve paid more for the two door than the four door. Four doors will be plentiful and a dime a dozen in the future if you want or need one of them.

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