2021 Badlands with just over 17,000 miles in the shop with this issue. I outlined this thread to the shop foreman at my dealer and his words were "an ABS fault wouldn't cause a limp mode condition". Maybe back in 2002 when you started it didn't but these modern cars are so intertwined...
Nitto also makes their Ridge Grappler in a 35x11.5R17, but it is an E load tire. I'm psyched for this because I was looking to buy a set of A/T3W's in the 35x11.5 size because I don't wanna spend a good chunk of change to upgrade both wheels and tires to fit a 35x12.5.
The spring feels lighter, which gives you more feedback from the clutch. The factory spring was pretty heavy and really felt kinda vague on when the clutch was biting.
I had the same experience as you doing it with one person until I remembered I had a fast idle stick (2x4) lying around. The stick made the job easier.
Before I bought my Bronco, I had zero practical experience behind the wheel of a manual transmission, but having grown up watching my dad drive his '87 Ranger with the 5 speed and my uncle driving his '91 F-150 with a 5 speed, it wasn't like I didn't understand the mechanics of it. Save...
I decided that I didn't want the automatic after a dealer mannequin test drive. Driving the automatic felt boring and soulless.
Learning how to drive a manual on a $50,000 vehicle is fun, don't let anyone tell you different.
I've started doing a few 5-6 shifts with the Bronco on and clutch in when I start it every morning. The noise seems to be lessened to an extent, but it is also getting warmer here in Philly, so it may just be that as well.
I suggested it because I’m self sufficient and mechanically inclined, and others may be as well. For those people that don’t want to wait a day or two for someone else to fix their vehicle, this is an option.
You could also DIY the fix with some wire, a pair of pliers, and a Dremel. Just take your Dremel to the red marks on the plastic and make sure not to go through the fabric itself, and then thread your wire through and twist tight.