2023 Badlands Story

[Inlinejohn]

JCR cargo floor system and fridge slideout experience:

Ok…JCR needs to find a better method than those press in inserts cuz they fall out. Anyway, I got the floor base built and installed. Not too bad. Then was the flat panels that you mount something to. I had planned to mount the fridge slideout on the driver side so when using my new table I could spin around and grab food easily. So this is what I set out to do and I followed JCR video to the T. Of course in their install they put the fridge on the passenger side but NO mention of this being the ONLY location possible. After all the assy and install, I went to close the tailgate VERY slowly and BOOM, the large inside bump in the tailgate (vent and electrical access) hits the slideout and will not close. It turns out the fridge slideout is longer than the drawer system and this is why it won’t work on the driver side. This was all yesterday, so this morning’s task was to flip it to the passenger side. Didn’t take too long, semi-frustrating but I got it done. The bummer is if I want to pull fridge slideout all the way out, I must close my tailgate table Bummer but this is reality. One bolt/insert is buried and forever loose, so I put some electrical tape over it to help rattles. There are many perimeter bolts, so one that’s not fully tight but still connected will be fine. I would suggest some changes to JCR (have done so) to avoid these issues. Abandon those damn threaded inserts where possible and just use a bolt/nut combo like I had to do on the tailgate reinforcement plate. You can see or reference the JCR pic that shows fridge slideout on passenger side. I would have just loved some mention that this is the ONLY way!!!!

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[GmoneyDD]

Bug / “rock” deflector installed…Bronco is a bug magnet, even just little short trips to get coffee. I think looks good as I’ve always like the look on other Broncos. Real test soon……

Which deflector did you go with?

 

[Inlinejohn]

Which deflector did you go with?

Factory FORD

 

[Inlinejohn]

Been busy…

Got all JCR cargo floor, fridge slideout, mole panels, and cargo basket installed. Pretty happy with layout. Today I mounted my hi-lift jack to the lower 2 roll-cage beams. It blocks basket a little but not enough to worry me. Access from other side is doable as well. Pretty happy with mounting method I devised. Several rubber/metal washers/spacers, a double sided stud and finally a wing nut to secure in place. I did find some rattling with subwoofer on high, so I strapped a bunch of loose joints and will see if helps. It’s secure now.

 

[Inlinejohn]

Exhaust Decision:

Well after much contemplation, research, and sleeping on it, I pulled the trigger and ordered BORLA ATAK axle back exhaust in polished tips. I wanted the tips polished but did ask if they could paint the rest and the answer was no. I might paint myself in VHT Satin Black, masking the tips of course or have my friend ceramic coat it….OR just leave it. More to come once I get and report out on the install and sound changes.

 

[Inlinejohn]

Installed RekGen front mudflaps today. With 37s, it just barely fits. We’ll see how well they hold up when off roading but at least I can minimize flinging all over Bronco sides.

 

[Inlinejohn]

ORACLE Mirror Ditch lights installed. Wired to AUX #4 (brown wire). My stock mirrors had to transfer 3 things NOT shown in the videos (puddle light, stock ditch light, camera). Not too difficult once I figured out how to remove the stock ditch light. Lights look great and can’t wait to try at night. Definitely took more than the 20min ORACLE quoted but that’s ok..I work slow and steady and precise.

 

[scotman623]

Great build, I’m enjoying following along.

 

[Portagebay]

I've been towing a Patriot Camper off road trailer for years. Highly recommend having Ford install the brake controller. They did a great job on mine and they installed a Redarc controller which I think is the best on te market (I have tried a few).

 

[timhood]

I will start my personal build thread even before I have Bronco in my hands. It’s been a journey to get to this point, starting my obsession in 2020, selling my built 4Runner in 2021, ordering Bronco BL-SAS Feb 2022, tweaking order a few days later, then this FORD debacle forcing me to update my order and remove LUX, SAS, but hell nor high water I’m KEEPING my MIC. But I do have a plan of success and here it is:

2023 Badlands, 4dr, MIC, 2.7L, Auto, HIGH, TOW, non-SAS, EG
My use plans are Overlanding, Camping at far reaching locations, handle the harsh short winters, tow an Overlanding trailer.

Mod Plan:
Suspension/Lift - OME BP-51 lift system with all new coilovers, UCA, ICON tie rods, (built for Overlanding and gear weight)
Bumpers - Front ARB Summit, Rear JCR Crusader
Sliders - RCI Offroad 20 degree
Skids - RCI Offroad full belly plus rear diff
Winch - Superwinch 10K
Gobi Stealth Rack
Freespirit Evolution Ver2 RTT
HiLift Jack
Black Rhino Abram wheels
BFG KM3 tires (37s)
Various lights including rear chase light
Rear storage for fridge, food, gear, etc etc (hence needing heavier rear springs)
Future - Turtleback Overlanding trailer

Hoping I get Bronco this year (fingers crossed). I’ve done TONS of research, listened to all of you, watched many videos, called vendors, learned from ALL to develop my final plan (always room for change tho). Once I get Bronco I will be excited to start a journal to share here.

As a Badlands non-Sas owner, I can 100% guarantee you don’t need any of those suspension mods, lift, skid plates, etc., for overlanding. You can tackle far, far, far more than you will encounter overlanding. Maybe you’re just going for a look, but if not, save yourself a ton of money, ride quality and fuel economy and skip all that. In the least, I’d go out and try your typical trip with the OEM setup. If you’re just going for a look, pardon the interruption.

 

[Inlinejohn]

As a Badlands non-Sas owner, I can 100% guarantee you don’t need any of those suspension mods, lift, skid plates, etc., for overlanding. You can tackle far, far, far more than you will encounter overlanding. Maybe you’re just going for a look, but if not, save yourself a ton of money, ride quality and fuel economy and skip all that. In the least, I’d go out and try your typical trip with the OEM setup. If you’re just going for a look, pardon the interruption.

Too late and I’m on a mission and have a goal and reason for everything I do, but thanks for your input.

 

[Bronco#2]

Loving your build!!!
How much lift did you gain?
What offset are your wheels?

 

[Inlinejohn]

Loving your build!!!
How much lift did you gain?
What offset are your wheels?

The lift quoted 1” but with 37s I measured lift points and they increased 3” to 18”. Wheels are 0 offset and I would not go positive with 37s

 

[denverbronco2023]

JCR cargo floor system and fridge slideout experience:

Ok…JCR needs to find a better method than those press in inserts cuz they fall out. Anyway, I got the floor base built and installed. Not too bad. Then was the flat panels that you mount something to. I had planned to mount the fridge slideout on the driver side so when using my new table I could spin around and grab food easily. So this is what I set out to do and I followed JCR video to the T. Of course in their install they put the fridge on the passenger side but NO mention of this being the ONLY location possible. After all the assy and install, I went to close the tailgate VERY slowly and BOOM, the large inside bump in the tailgate (vent and electrical access) hits the slideout and will not close. It turns out the fridge slideout is longer than the drawer system and this is why it won’t work on the driver side. This was all yesterday, so this morning’s task was to flip it to the passenger side. Didn’t take too long, semi-frustrating but I got it done. The bummer is if I want to pull fridge slideout all the way out, I must close my tailgate table Bummer but this is reality. One bolt/insert is buried and forever loose, so I put some electrical tape over it to help rattles. There are many perimeter bolts, so one that’s not fully tight but still connected will be fine. I would suggest some changes to JCR (have done so) to avoid these issues. Abandon those damn threaded inserts where possible and just use a bolt/nut combo like I had to do on the tailgate reinforcement plate. You can see or reference the JCR pic that shows fridge slideout on passenger side. I would have just loved some mention that this is the ONLY way!!!!

I did the exact thing with the fridge slide. I also bought a larger tailgate table (transformer) that had to be removed for tailgate to close. They should update instructions to mount only on passenger side. Had similar experience with plate though I had to use a drill to widen some of the holes on the floor attachments.

Love the build I have a similar one going with my eg wildtrak.

 

[Bronco#2]

with the 0 offset, do the tires stick outside the fenders?
Any side shots showing how much they poke?

The lift quoted 1” but with 37s I measured lift points and they increased 3” to 18”. Wheels are 0 offset and I would not go positive with 37s

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