Badlands or Wildtrack

[eb-nutt]

I honestly would shop price rather that BL vs WT. If you get a WT you can add the swaybar disco and Armorlite washout flooring easily. I like the idea of the disco being on a switch, so it can be used however you want. IMO, the Armorlite flooring is better than the factory washout flooring.

Looking at the 2 biggest dealers in my area, both have about 10-15 BL/WT anywhere in the 58k-62k range, a few SAS BD, in the 55k range. Given Ford did the smart play in 24 and give all SAS Broncos the 3.0 rack, i will probably now go SAS

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[NCWildtrack]

This!

I would buy the Wildtrak over the Badlands to have a more unusual (rarer) truck.

 

[eb-nutt]

This!

I have two 1st gens, not looking for unusual/rare with this purchase.

 

[NCWildtrack]

I have two 1st gens, not looking for unusual/rare with this purchase.

Cool

 

[MNBigfoot]

This!

Back when they had the tracker, the Wildtrak was like the 2nd (?) most popular trim, it's like saying I'm buying an Accord over the Camry because I like rare cars, LOL.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Ford Performance has clearanced the Everglades Warn winch at a great price with mounting plate. I don't think it fits the bumper that's standard on WT? I think it needs the mod bumper, which you're more likely to get on the BL off the lot.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-1821-B

The OEM kit works on the Capable bumper with an easy modification, Ragnar has a video on it. $800-850 for the factory kit that includes a $1100 winch is a killer deal.

 

[ezapar 2]

If you are going to rock crawl, get the Badlands. Otherwise, you’re just splitting hairs.

Why do you say that? I really don't think another 4 inches of travel for having the stay bar disconnected would do me any good here.

Grab a Wildtrak if you want the 2.7 and a two door.

I chose mine because I wanted the stronger steering rack and some peace of mind while out in the woods.

 

[NCWildtrack]

Ok I was kidding since I'm obviously biased...

But great point.

Back when they had the tracker, the Wildtrak was like the 2nd (?) most popular trim, it's like saying I'm buying an Accord over the Camry because I like rare cars, LOL.

 

[CalvinT]

May not be relevant for you, but I bought a Badands over the Wildtrack for two reasons. I wanted a manual transmission and I did NOT want a Sasquatch package, mainly because I did not want larger tires. For my intended use I see no use for them, in fact they could be a disadvantage. I almost bought a Black Diamond with advanced 4x4 because of steel wheels and smaller tires. (they were available without SAS in 2023).

 

[Hkak45]

I paid $650ish for the Armorlite - installing yourself is free and easy.

Not bad at all. I was assuming they were more than that to buy

 

[Fordfreek]

What was the modification? And did you have sag in the front with the winch?

Had to cut 2 small notches in the bumper and open up the notch a little bit on the opposite side of the opening in the bumper to allow the new bracket to fit.
RagnarKon has a yt video on the installation.
Front sagged about 3/4 of an inch. I'll address that later on.

 

[BodieMonster]

Not sure if this has been thrown out there yet but there has probably never been a better time to buy a Braptor. There are still some '23's out there for $70k-ish. Having gone from a BL to a Braptor, I can tell you it's a significant upgrade.

If a Braptor is not in the cards and you are not in a hurry, then I would wait for a '25 BL as it's essentially a BL and WT merged together (which is what Ford should have done in the first place), so you get the best of both worlds with stay-bar disconnect, HOSS 3.0 + the option for Fox Suspension.

Otherwise, if you are set on a 2024, I would go BL and then upgrade the suspension down the road when the Bilstein's wear out. Good luck!

 

[pte0616]

Ford Performance has clearanced the Everglades Warn winch at a great price with mounting plate. I don't think it fits the bumper that's standard on WT? I think it needs the mod bumper, which you're more likely to get on the BL off the lot.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-1821-B

Also, although someone mentioned the skid plates on the WT, I don't believe most WT's come with them off the lot either, since they're an option and would need to be ordered that way by the dealer or abandoned. You can buy them from Ford, but I think like a lot of Ford's parts like this, aren't that easy to order. The BL comes with them standard.

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/part-model/ford-bronco-skid-plate.html

Also easier with a BL Sas or WT to go "real 35", since they come with 34.5 tires standard already. I have 34.8" tires and no issues (BL Sas 2dr).

I'll repeat: IMO, these are decisions you have to make for yourself. The WT is "easier" to customize, the BL is more ready to rock (pun intended) at purchase but updating is a little more work or costs money again to undo (like changing plates or rock rails).

The BL with the 2.7 and mod bumper (Sas or non-Sas) is nearly identical, and if you're going winch, it's possible you'll end up getting a suspension upgrade like springs.

All 24 Wildtraks come standard with modular bumper. Capable bumper is no longer offered

 

[Joshz]

I purchased a 2023 SAS BL and now have a 2023 WT. If I had to do it again, I would go with the BL for the interior and the sway bar.

 

[userdude]

All 24 Wildtraks come standard with modular bumper. Capable bumper is no longer offered

Oh really? Didn't realize that. The skid plates are still an option in 24 though, right?

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