From Wrangler to Bronco

[javelina]

I was looking at early 90s, pre obd2, manual 4liter Wranglers as a project. Probably still will. I wanna hot rod the fk out of one so bad. Would be a rowdy ass go kart.

Indeed, love that 4L engine!

Sponsored

 

[AtomicKoalaJelly]

The clutch feels a bit inconsistent off the line, but I've learned to goose the throttle a bit first and let the clutch out into it as it winds back down - that seems to do the trick. The shift into 3rd is the best feeling I've had driving any car I've owned (which, admittedly is pretty limited to other Ford trucks).

Same on the Wrangler, you gotta tip the throttle every shift.

 

[Brian_B]

Same on the Wrangler, you gotta tip the throttle every shift.

I guess the nice thing about the Bronco is as long as it has some inertia you are good. Just have to tip it when you coming from stopped.

 

[bf4445]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/wrangler-jeep-death-wobble.html

Thanks. Seems to me i had something like this happen on one of my early Fords. Don't remember which one or even the year it was so long ago. None of my jeeps did this but i have never owned a wrangler didn't like them because they were to wide preferred the cj5.

 

[Audiomate]

I went from a 2020 JLR with sky one touch roof, built for rock crawling with the best Teraflex can offer and 35s - was going to 37s but sold it for my Bronco. At first, I was concerned I was going to miss the Jeep when out on the trails or even daily driving since I really loved it. The main reason I sold it is because it was killing my back! After putting over 70k miles on it I was having sciatic nerve pain, lower back issues, and other problems. Throughout ownership my jeep had issues with the small battery, had to replace it twice. My tailgate door hinges corroded (even tho was garage kept). Overheated twice going up a mountain into the alpine. Infotainment bricked during update, didnt have radio for over 3 months because Jeep couldnt source one for me. My screen was basically all black and nothing worked - it was a shit show without it for over 3 months. What frustrates me the most and what all my Jeep friends have noticed is that Jeep is NOT fixing the most common issues in their wranglers. They continue to overlook and release new models with the same problems over and over again. Completely different from Ford, that is at least trying to improve at every release.

Despite all that I still liked that Jeep. Like I said I thought I was going to miss it but honestly havent looked back since, not even for a second. Broncos can do 99% of what my jeep could do. It’s a much more comfortable rig, daily driving is smooth, no issues, no more engine fan screaming at you because you are going over 50mph. I have to be more cautions when offroading because IFS, but I still manage to do almost everything the Jeep did. And nowadays feel like the jeep was truly really good at the 1% the Bronco can’t do. I can’t justify that, so for me Bronco is the more resealable choice.

I rode shotgun on my friends Gladiator yesterday, it was my first time in a Jeep in two years. He was all happy he got the AEV lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks. He was all happy telling me “look how the ride quality is amazing!” And honestly… it drove like shit compared to our Broncos lol didnt want to be buzzkill so I said I was happy for him. But man, the difference in ride quality between these two is HUGE. Also I felt claustrophobic with the small room inside. Never thought I’d feel that way since I owned jeeps for years.

 

[javelina]

I went from a 2020 JLR with sky one touch roof, built for rock crawling with the best Teraflex can offer and 35s - was going to 37s but sold it for my Bronco. At first, I was concerned I was going to miss the Jeep when out on the trails or even daily driving since I really loved it. The main reason I sold it is because it was killing my back! After putting over 70k miles on it I was having sciatic nerve pain, lower back issues, and other problems. Throughout ownership my jeep had issues with the small battery, had to replace it twice. My tailgate door hinges corroded (even tho was garage kept). Overheated twice going up a mountain into the alpine. Infotainment bricked during update, didnt have radio for over 3 months because Jeep couldnt source one for me. My screen was basically all black and nothing worked - it was a shit show without it for over 3 months. What frustrates me the most and what all my Jeep friends have noticed is that Jeep is NOT fixing the most common issues in their wranglers. They continue to overlook and release new models with the same problems over and over again. Completely different from Ford, that is at least trying to improve at every release.

Despite all that I still liked that Jeep. Like I said I thought I was going to miss it but honestly havent looked back since, not even for a second. Broncos can do 99% of what my jeep could do. It’s a much more comfortable rig, daily driving is smooth, no issues, no more engine fan screaming at you because you are going over 50mph. I have to be more cautions when offroading because IFS, but I still manage to do almost everything the Jeep did. And nowadays feel like the jeep was truly really good at the 1% the Bronco can’t do. I can’t justify that, so for me Bronco is the more resealable choice.

I rode shotgun on my friends Gladiator yesterday, it was my first time in a Jeep in two years. He was all happy he got the AEV lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks. He was all happy telling me “look how the ride quality is amazing!” And honestly… it drove like shit compared to our Broncos lol didnt want to be buzzkill so I said I was happy for him. But man, the difference in ride quality between these two is HUGE. Also I felt claustrophobic with the small room inside. Never thought I’d feel that way since I owned jeeps for years.

forgot all about this. I replaced mine 4 times in over 5.5 years of owning it....

 

[Badland-Mansquatch-ATX]

I started with an early Wrangler TJ four cylinder. Hugely underpowered and traded for a 2002 Wrangler with the 4.0L six and manual transmission, lift and 33’s. Had that for about 13-14 years with a normal level of issues with over 150K miles. The most expensive being top replacement. Got a Wrangler Unlimited which was ok, but uninspiring. Sold it and got an 1983 CJ-7, which ran horribly. After about $8000 in repairs and additions, it was a blast to drive around. No AC in Texas, wouldn’t go over 55, but everyone on the road waved and I loved driving the open air five speed. Sold it at a profit when I got the new Bronco. Meanwhile, I bought my daughter a 2018 Wrangler lifted by the original dealership. In and out of the shop for two years with death wobble and other minor issues. Jeep dealers in Austin are by far the worst experience of my 45 years of car ownership. I absolutely love my 2022 Badlands 2.3L manual. It’s certainly had its share of recalls and minor issues, but Ford dealer has been pretty easy to deal with. The manual transmission is the best I’ve ever owned, and I love being able to drive it 14 hours to Colorado and actually being comfortable while going 80-85 on the Interstate. Then doing everything off-road that I did with the Wranglers I owned. In fact, since the Bronco has lockers and disconnecting sway bar, more than I could do with my Jeeps (I never had a Rubicon or 35’s). Add the extra touches, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise, 12 in screen, etc. and I’ve got the best of all worlds. Daily driver, long trips, desert rally style, rock crawling, shelf roads, and doors and top off fun. Loved my Jeeps a LOT, but never going back.

 

[cmtaz]

That there is my hang up. As odd as it is to some, I like how the Wrangler drives. Its has an early 90's truck ride with a Go Kart feel....

That is true. The Jeeps have a "Go Kart" feel to them. While this is fine / entertaining around town or on a short trip (< 2 hours), drive one from Yellowstone to Phoenix (2 days (8 hours / day)) or even the Grand Canyon to Phoenix (5.5 hours). The Jeep probably won't "beat you up" but YOU WILL feel it. With the Bronco, you will probably feel more refreshed when you arrive.

 

[Icetek]

I had a 2012 Wrangler that was basically flawless for 11 years. Had to change the battery once because I aired back my tires after off-roading with the engine off, and the thermostat was stuck open, a common issue. I heard that modern versions of the 3.6L are less reliable. Replaced with the Bronco because we got tired of the manual transmission. Our Bronco is too new to gauge reliability.

I'm coming from a 12 Rubicon. I loved that thing when I got it and until I sold it. Never really did crazy offroad to justify the Rubi but it was great on the trails I did take it on.... Only thing I had was the battery failure at 7 years (OK) and then one front brake caliper locked up (that was expensive since they do not repair anything here they just replace - so I could have done aftermarket rotors and calipers on both front wheels for less!)

I sold it because I thought I was going to leave my work in Portugal and head back to the US, had a guy willing to pay top US $$ (way below EU Prices though - it was a gas and US model so issues both ways), and then picked up a used 12 BMW I thought would hold me over until I left and easy to sell...

2.? years later still here in Portugal. The BMW was a bust with numerous and expensive issues. Found my US Spec 24 BB SAS in Cactus Grey at the customs port in Germany with Military Auto Source - Wasn't sure of the color since there are none in Portugal so took the chance and so glad I did. Night and day for me compared to the 12 Rubi.
- Rubi was a 3.6 manual and had a lot of the off road capabilities
- BB SAS is a 2.3 with the auto and maybe not as off road capable but so far love everything about it - especially driving over (above!) all the small European cars!!!
- I have a 40 minute commute and on the highway portions I use Eco mode but have just recently switched to Sport for the non-HWY... WOW!!!
- I smoked all 4 wheels on my Rubi when I was trying to move a large trailer mounted satellite terminal (semi-tactical) with a tow strap at my old work in Italy. I did move it in the end and it is a fun story... But I feel that Sport mode in this 'little' 2.3 is Awesome!!! Way more off the starting line feel when I punch it!

Maybe a newer Rubi would impress me more if I got in one and drove it but I am really liking the inside, outside, and overall feel of the Bronco...

I know I went far off tangent from the OP's post but jumped on your '12 post...

Less that 5000km and no issue on it so fingers crossed it continues to provide reliable joy...

(Need to get it offroad!!! It's only 2 months old!)

 

[PrepVet]

I’ve owned YJ’s, TJ’s and JK’s. I bought a brand new 2013 JK in July and sold it in September as it was in the shop at least twice a month. However I miss my 2007 JK that I sold when I got the Bronco. Over 225k miles and I loved and trusted that thing.

 

[RK Racing]

I went from a 2020 JLR with sky one touch roof, built for rock crawling with the best Teraflex can offer and 35s - was going to 37s but sold it for my Bronco. At first, I was concerned I was going to miss the Jeep when out on the trails or even daily driving since I really loved it. The main reason I sold it is because it was killing my back! After putting over 70k miles on it I was having sciatic nerve pain, lower back issues, and other problems. Throughout ownership my jeep had issues with the small battery, had to replace it twice. My tailgate door hinges corroded (even tho was garage kept). Overheated twice going up a mountain into the alpine. Infotainment bricked during update, didnt have radio for over 3 months because Jeep couldnt source one for me. My screen was basically all black and nothing worked - it was a shit show without it for over 3 months. What frustrates me the most and what all my Jeep friends have noticed is that Jeep is NOT fixing the most common issues in their wranglers. They continue to overlook and release new models with the same problems over and over again. Completely different from Ford, that is at least trying to improve at every release.

Despite all that I still liked that Jeep. Like I said I thought I was going to miss it but honestly havent looked back since, not even for a second. Broncos can do 99% of what my jeep could do. It’s a much more comfortable rig, daily driving is smooth, no issues, no more engine fan screaming at you because you are going over 50mph. I have to be more cautions when offroading because IFS, but I still manage to do almost everything the Jeep did. And nowadays feel like the jeep was truly really good at the 1% the Bronco can’t do. I can’t justify that, so for me Bronco is the more resealable choice.

I rode shotgun on my friends Gladiator yesterday, it was my first time in a Jeep in two years. He was all happy he got the AEV lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks. He was all happy telling me “look how the ride quality is amazing!” And honestly… it drove like shit compared to our Broncos lol didnt want to be buzzkill so I said I was happy for him. But man, the difference in ride quality between these two is HUGE. Also I felt claustrophobic with the small room inside. Never thought I’d feel that way since I owned jeeps for years.

I do get / understand your point……. However… AEV & Bilstein’s = Beginner rookie crap. No wonder it rode like crap…… my gladiator rides awesome. P.S. if you’re running 35 inch tires and larger on a jeep, you really should have long arms. Short factory arms are great for 33 inch tires or less. Badlands Bronco on order……

 

[TrailCrawler25]

I drove a 2014 JKUR as a daily for 8 years. Eventually morphed into a daily, trail capable build on 37” tires.

Only a couple problems that weren’t trail/build related. Guessing if it had stayed stock, it would’ve been a reasonably reliable car.

I ditched it in 2022 for a Silverado seeking road trip comfort and no longer into trail runs.

Don’t think I’d EVER purchase a solid axle vehicle for a daily driver ever again. (Based on my experience and dozens of friends who stayed stock, or very close to stock including many JL)

Purchased a 2025 Base Bronco for a fun extra car a few months ago.

My take away is that the Bronco is a WAY better CAR, that is also capable to run trails. But if your building to run trails, Jeep platform is probably better platform.

 

[Sgt Badlands]

2024 Wrangler is in the shop again within 4k miles for more Misfire issues.

I work for Ford, my dealer doesn't see many high mileage Broncos (all sub 45/50k), the ones I do see in the shop and have had in my bay haven't had major issues outside of the occasional waterpump (wtf ford, why cant you cant these right? Looking at you Bronco Sport...). So, as a tech, I am asking you owners: How are the high mileage 2.3 7 speed Broncos holding up?

The Wrangler is my first car owned from new with 11 miles, currently at 19k. Its looking like I can trade it in for more than what I have left on the loan on top the of Ford Employee Discount and Dealer Employee discounts. Not to mention, when it does need warranty work, I'll be getting paid to fix my own vehicle... A Base with the Sasquatch package is looking pretty attractive and I have the wife nudging me to do it.

Opinions?

You work for Ford. Shouldn’t you know these things?

 

[AtomicKoalaJelly]

You work for Ford. Shouldn’t you know these things?

As I said, I dont see high mileage examples. I see the TSBs and recalls but dont know how common these failures are amongst the wider population, especially amongst the 50k+ vehicles. Im at a lower volume dealer and us lowly techs dont have access to that information.

 

[javelina]

Wow, that's a nice looking rig! (at RK...)

Sponsored