Black Diamond Bronco Thread

[kodiakisland]

I can deal with a lot of things, but the black steel wheels was a big miss on this model. there needs to be some contrast. the lower end base or bb looks better than the black as well.

They are steel and have to be painted some color that will go with everything. They are easily repainted if you don't like black. Mine will be painted white like an EB as soon as I get it home. Not a problem.

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[Zinn]

I like the utilitarian look of the steel wheels but they also give off a “beater car” vibe that doesn’t quite make sense on a $40k SUV.

Im conflicted, but easiest thing would be to keep the OEM steel wheels and replace them later if they rust or I end up hating them. I’m sure Ford’s aluminum wheel option for BD will be like $1k, and I’d rather put that money towards the 2.7L or mid package. Minnesota winters are pretty rough on wheels so it doesn’t make sense to get too fancy.

 

[kodiakisland]

I like the utilitarian look of the steel wheels but they also give off a “beater car” vibe that doesn’t quite make sense on a $40k SUV.

Im conflicted, but easiest thing would be to keep the OEM steel wheels and replace them later if they rust or I end up hating them. I’m sure Ford’s aluminum wheel option for BD will be like $1k, and I’d rather put that money towards the 2.7L or mid package. Minnesota winters are pretty rough on wheels so it doesn’t make sense to get too fancy.

If it was me, I would not pay the upcharge for Ford wheels. I would be willing to wait a month or two for the factory takeoffs to start showing up on craigslist and ebay. Many people will be ditching their factory wheels for well below what Ford is charging. If you like the base wheels on the other trims, just wait a few months and pick them up cheap.

 

[Colorado buff]

As this is a second car for me and not necessarily my DD I want to keep it lower end and as cheap as possible. MT was a must and that's going to save me at least 3K on the squatch option.

When you look at the .pdf file on model comparisons you see some available options. If I can keep my build under 40 K and add

- advanced 4WD Automatic on Demand Engagement
- 17" High Gloss Aluminum Wheels
-Mid Package
- Tow Package
- hopefully a factory tune on the 2.3 engine is offered.

Afraid I won't be able to get all that and keep it under 40K but by ditching squatch I've got a good bit of money to play with. If I didn't have to have MT I'd be doing your build.

One thing your spreadsheet didn't account for is the 1500 delivery fee. Not sure if that's avoidable.

Why does everyone care about 4wd automatic engagement, I have manual on my old 4Runner and works fine.

 

[Bronc-OH]

Can you expound on this? Where are you seeing said Ford 2" lift.

There's a rumor of a ford factory lift, like they offer for the current ranger. I'm having trouble finding the thread at the moment.

 

[ChaseH9]

Can you expound on this? Where are you seeing said Ford 2" lift.

Spoke with Ford Marketing today and he confirmed the factory 2" lift on 37s will be an option come ordering. That thing looks NASTY. May be my supplement to the squatch, just so I can keep an MT.

 

[Zinn]

Why does everyone care about 4wd automatic engagement, I have manual on my old 4Runner and works fine.

I’m curious to know this as well. It’s usually easy enough to tell where 2H and 4H would be a good idea based on driving conditions. Having another clutch and automatic engagement seems like one more thing to go wrong, but maybe I just don’t understand the benefits.

 

[kodiakisland]

Spoke with Ford Marketing today and he confirmed the factory 2" lift on 37s will be an option come ordering. That thing looks NASTY. May be my supplement to the squatch, just so I can keep an MT.

Did Ford marketing happen to say what type of lift it is? Are we getting a real suspension lift or just spacers?

 

[Bronc-OH]

Did Ford marketing happen to say what type of lift it is? Are we getting a real suspension lift or just spacers?

I heard it's airbags so we can slam it on the fenders.

 

[BuckeyeinNV]

I’m curious to know this as well. It’s usually easy enough to tell where 2H and 4H would be a good idea based on driving conditions. Having another clutch and automatic engagement seems like one more thing to go wrong, but maybe I just don’t understand the benefits.

4-Auto is for on road.

 

[Bullitt]

4-Auto is for on road.

Yep...especially useful in the winter months here in Colorado. Leaving it in 4 Auto is nice going to and from work.

 

[elfshadow]

Haven't read the whole thread... I reserved aa Black Diamond, lean towards the Sasquatch, mainly for the lift.

I really could have done Base with Sasquatch, but as a formerJeep owner, carpet is a no-no for something you can go topless in, and drain plugs are a must.

I wish the Black Diamond had the disconnects, as we hope to move back to Arizona soon and I ran my Jeep Wrangler with the sway bars disconnected all the time. Made a *huge* difference in off-road capability.

 

[MCG DAWG]

Monday I was 100% on the squatch train. Now I'm back to just doing base BD and upgrading tires.

I'd pay good money to see a BD on 32's, a Badlands on 33's, and a squatch (any trim level) side by side.

Is the not knowing exactly what you're going to do with your BD driving anyone else as crazy as it is me?

 

[Frank N]

The more and more I sit here and marinate on the Bronco, the more I gravitate from picking up a Basesquatch as a starting point to the Black Diamond.

Same here, I was basequatch with a auto, this will have to be a decision based on the build and price comparisons.

 

[Frank N]

Black Diamond comes with a 4.46 axle in both auto and manual.

Ah, so the gearing would be good to run 35s, rear has a locker, throw on a 2" lift, imitation squatch on the cheap, I dont need the iron front diff for beach driving.

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