Ketchup The Bronco Build: 2026 Big Bend 2.3L

[MRTperformance]

Hey B6G!

My name is Dana and I shoot and edit all of the video content for MRT. After spending years in the passenger seat of several Broncos, I finally have a Bronco to call my own. Meet Ketchup The Bronco: 2026 Big Bend in Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

Why Ketchup? Well, the Bronco is red…. and I feel like I am playing catch-up with all the Bronco owners I know who have already made their rig their own.

I plan on using this thread to share my journey customizing this 26 Big Bend. Not surprisingly, I installed an MRT Trail Rated exhaust before even clocking 200 miles on the vehicle. Of course, being here at MRT, I had several different options and sound profiles to choose from. I could have gone rowdy with a King Of The Hill system or chosen MRT’s newest Elite Series Muffler, which provides an elevated exhaust note that has manners when cruising but demonstrates a performance sound under wide open throttle. I wanted to have a decent amount of attitude without being too refined, leading me to choose the Trail Rated axle back.

I have always been a fan of the Trail Rated system and always suggest it to people curious about exhausts for their Bronco. After a week daily-driving with the exhaust I am happy to say I have 0 regrets. Every time I start up the vehicle, I get a big smile and find myself scooting around town in Sport mode having a riot. In Normal and Eco modes under light throttle the exhaust stays reserved but you can still hear as you climb through the RPMs. Plus I love the added benefit of the extra clearance that the Trail Rated axle back gives you over the big bulky stock muffler. I have included some sound clips in different G.O.A.T. modes.

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I have a list of mods I would like to showcase as time goes on, but would love to hear what mods the B6G community would suggest! I plan on doing everything from minor appearance to suspension to-who knows what else. I also want to use this thread as a place for new Bronco owners to ask their questions about mods as well.

I have some more goodies for the Bronco on the way. Stay tuned and let me know what mods I should put on the to-do list!

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[TheKim]

Have fun 'Ketching Up', and enjoy the journey!

Good luck on all your mods and trail rides.

 

[Sparkie]

Hey B6G!

... I finally have a Bronco to call my own. Meet Ketchup The Bronco: ....

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Welcome to the forum in your new capacity as a Bronco owner!
And that's a fabulous name for your Bronco.

 

[Direvarg]

Woo a new build to follow!

 

[MRTperformance]

Some updates from the weekend -

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I received and installed a V2 Boomba BOV on Ketchup. Super quick and easy ( & satisfying) mod. I love the sound combination of the Trail Rated exhaust and the BOV.

Friday afternoon I was perusing Facebook marketplace for Bronco parts and found a set of Sasquatch wheels for an awesome price. The only catch was the seller was located almost five hours away. Took my first road trip in Ketchup the next day for what ended up being about an eleven hour round trip.

This was going to be the ultimate test of living with the Trail Rated axle back. The exhaust note was pleasant the entire trip and mostly faded into the wind and road noise. I even was able to get a personal best 26 mpg on the trip.

As I was talking to the seller he mentioned he had his take off sasquatch suspension and flares. I jumped on it. When it was all said and done I ended up spending $900 for the lot of items. I feel like it was a pretty good deal. Next step is finding tires and getting the suspension installed!

 

[MRTperformance]

I was able to take some time and do a few things with the Bronco yesterday. First were a set of MRT No Drill Hood Struts. This kit is the sturdiest design I have seen available in the Bronco market. Installation took about 15 minutes. The kit utilizes factory bolts. Loosen the fender bolts enough to slide in the lower ball stud brackets then remove the hood hinge bolts and place the hood bracket onto the studs. All that is left to do is tighten the factory hood bolts back down and your done. Check hood alignment before completely closing. Once verified you are good to go.

Next up - Rock deflector. I like the look and functionality of this mod. Super easy installation. 10-15 minutes.

The last mod was purely cosmetic and that was adding a black MRT windshield banner to Ketchup.

Next up is tracking down a set of tires for my Sasquatch wheels!

 

[userdude]

Ketchup is murder.

- Tom Otto

 

[Nibroc99]

I wonder if you could store traction boards where the muffler used to be.

 

[MRTperformance]

I wonder if you could store traction boards where the muffler used to be.

MRT does have a "G.O.A.T." series we developed for a person who wanted to install the Braptor towing hitch which has a support that goes directly where the stock muffler is on the Bronco. There is a Mid ship version of the G.O.A.T. that has the muffler installed in the under the cabin of the Bronco and has a driver side turn down at the over axle for maximum space and clearance.


https://www.shopmrt.com/2021-Bronco...E_hqusdn60__i4Lt6cLr3XVXua4Jr9P07hOdnlS3CImZt

 

[Nibroc99]

Another thought, you could probably put a long-range aux fuel tank where the muffler used to be as well, just with some extra shielding between it and the exhaust.

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