Who actually off-roads their 7MT?

[APG12]

I have a 26 Badlands 7MT on order and just curious on feedback from those who actually off road with it.

I learned to drive on a manual and many of my daily drivers have been manual over the years. That being said, I have basically no off roading experience with a manual. In all reality, my Bronco will mostly be a pavement princess, with the exception of navigating my treacherous driveway in NY winter storms.

But I’d love to hear some honest feedback and any tips or tricks anyone may have for when I do decide to venture out.

Sponsored

 

[96GreenBronco]

I do although not as serious as many of the people on this thread, mostly rocky northeast old roads. The crawler gear is great as are the lockers, they are your friends

It also drives really well on-road and the manual is super fun to drive.

I love it and would not get anything else again.

 

[BudgetBronco]

I am sure there are others here that have done a lot more off road than I, but I have done enough to offer a few suggestions:
- Use 4L even if you don't think you really need it. It will keep RPMs lower and make everything easier
- Use C gear. Especially when in 4L, the gearing is so low that you probably won't even need to use the accelerator when moving from a stop unless on a really steep hill
- Use the built in 5 second auto brake hold to your advantage. If you are on a steep hill, with clutch pedal in, when you take your foot off the brake the system will keep the brake engaged for 5 seconds, giving you lots of time to get your foot on the accelerator and get the RPMs you want before you move the clutch

 

[Q1svt]

… ;^)

 

[userdude]

There's an irony here for me: Been interested in off roading since high school, did some in my late teens and twenties. Had a YJ. Yada yada, nothing special.

Bronco gets announced and I distinctly remember the crawler gearing getting mentioned (it's like 92-1 or something)? The auto is 68-1 or therabouts?

However, I'm thinking all Broncos get the crawler gear. So I spent several sessions building and pricing various Broncos in mid-to-late summer 2021 and NEVER ONCE saw the manual trans option. Maybe I overlooked it?? I doubt it, though I scoured that thing for any combo that seemed interesting to me, and I would've gotten a manual if I'd known it was available. I've had three manuals already, including two I off roaded.

Fast forward to winter 2023, I join B6G after my auto BL Sas is in my hands and WHAT, there's a manual?? How come I didn't hear about that? Someone, I can't remember who, claimed it would only show up on Tuesday mornings in B&P back then. I don't know, I just know I had no idea and never saw it.

So I hope there are manuals out there (figuratively) tearing up the trails. It would be sad otherwise.

 

[Brian_B]

I am sure there are others here that have done a lot more off road than I, but I have done enough to offer a few suggestions:
- Use 4L even if you don't think you really need it. It will keep RPMs lower and make everything easier
- Use C gear. Especially when in 4L, the gearing is so low that you probably won't even need to use the accelerator when moving from a stop unless on a really steep hill
- Use the built in 5 second auto brake hold to your advantage. If you are on a steep hill, with clutch pedal in, when you take your foot off the brake the system will keep the brake engaged for 5 seconds, giving you lots of time to get your foot on the accelerator and get the RPMs you want before you move the clutch

Agree with this.

When I go out, I usually shift into 4L as soon as I air down and just stay there. C in 4L is ... pretty potent - haven't had any issues getting up over obstacles at all and doesn't require a lot of clutch play, as Brake Hold really does pretty well.

Most of my time is spent in 2 or 3 cruising around, it's almost one-pedal drive over typical back road in those gears - can get almost all the way stopped and still up to around 25 mph without needing to shift. Occasionally we get a nice open spot and it's kind of fun cruising in 5 at 30mph. 4L does have a governor at around 35 mph

It does take a bit more thought that someone off roading in an Auto. Auto's have that torque converter and it really is just one-pedal drive no matter what you are doing. But being able to choose your own gear and dial in your RPM band is an advantage too. You want to stay around 2500-3000 rpm - that's the sweet spot for the 2.3.

 

[jbellousux]

I’ve done some decent off-road treks.

Elephant Hill Road in Canyonlands.

Imogene, Pearl and Ophir passes in Colorado.

These are about the only times I have used my crawler gear, but as would be expected, it is an absolute beast in getting up the steep and rough stuff in 4L.

What might not be as appreciated, is how useful the crawler gear is when descending the steep stuff. It allows for considerable control with minimal breaking.

 

[timhood]

So I spent several sessions building and pricing various Broncos in mid-to-late summer 2021 and NEVER ONCE saw the manual trans option.

Fast forward to winter 2023, I join B6G after my auto BL Sas is in my hands and WHAT, there's a manual?? How come I didn't hear about that?

It's a bummer you didn't get the exact Bronco you wanted if it was just because of a Build & Price problem. I can't remember if the manual was offered in all trim levels back then, but it was a lot. Once you clicked the V6 upgrade, the manual went away, though you got a pop-up stating that the manual would be removed and the price increased by $1,800 or whatever. Not sure what happened to you during B&P, but it was an adventure using it during the first few months.

Did you end up getting the V6? If so, hopefully you are at least enjoying the extra power.

 

[CalvinT]

Crawler gear makes it possible to get out of your Bronco and walks along side it while steering. I've never had to do this, but a coworker did once. He was on snow on a steep hill side road. He wanted to make sure he didn't go over the edge if the snow gave way.

It has other uses such as getting out and checking which wheel is slipping. At idle the Bronco is going less than a walking pace when geared all the way down.

 

[Smocaine]

It's the best way to be. Don't overcomplicate things - stick it in 4L, pick C/1/2 based on obstacle, and stay in gear, especially when climbing or descending.
Learn about your crank-in-gear functionality and use it INSTEAD OF clutching out if you are going to stall going up.

 

[HighVelocity]

The Bronco doesn't need you when it's in 4L in Crawl.

Let off the clutch, get out, watch it work.

 

[Brian_B]

The Bronco doesn't need you when it's in 4L in Crawl.

Let off the clutch, get out, watch it work.

Someone has to drink the latte though

 

[Brian_B]

Learn about your crank-in-gear functionality and use it INSTEAD OF clutching out if you are going to stall going up.

Have to admit I don't even know what this is if I'm honest.

 

[Smocaine]

Have to admit I don't even know what this is if I'm honest.

If you stall in 4L, you will be prompted to Crank In Gear, which does what it says on the tin - it turns the starter motor while the clutch is still engaged, effectively driving the entire vehicle on the starter until the engine turns over.

 

[Brian_B]

If you stall in 4L, you will be prompted to Crank In Gear, which does what it says on the tin - it turns the starter motor while the clutch is still engaged, effectively driving the entire vehicle on the starter until the engine turns over.

I have learned something today. I always saw the popup but never really gave it any notice, just figured it was telling me that ASS was disabled or something stupid. I should learn to read one of these days

Sponsored