Base Model Bronco Thread

[Incognito]

I'm not inadvertantly giving Ford shit.

They've earned every turd and wet bucket of pig slop.

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[drive21bronco]

Yah man we are in the same boat. I'm a bit torn, maybe the 5k step up to BB isn't that bad to get the ability to add the factory e-locker. I looked into installing an aftermarket locker on the ranger since the rear end is the same I believe. The ring gear is welded to the diff for the non locker rear end. So you are looking at new ring gear and pinion ($250), ring and pinion installation kit($250), ARB locker($1000), air compressor ($300), installation ($500). So aftermarket air locker you are looking at about $2300.

Unless Ford offers the locker over the parts counter. I put an Eaton E-Locker in my Jeep and it works great. Id do that again for the bronco if they offer it. But still would cost $1,200 with the ring gears just for parts.

 

[Old Guy]

I'm just hoping there's enough room to install a lunchbox locker in these diffs without having to remove the ring gear at this point. If I don't end up saying F the whole deal, I can now only afford to get a Base with no options, and 2 lunchbox lockers. I'm even tempted to just weld the rear. I KNOW I'll be able to get my MIG gun in there for that....
J/K, but this is no longer an affordable overlander. I think I'll end up just continuing to patch up my worn out junk until I can find a totaled Bronco at auction and rebuild it.
Boy, I'm tired of being a peasant....

Not disputing this, but curious. There are people Overlanding in all kinds of vehicles with no lockers. Guy/Gals are doing it in mini vans, subaru's, 2wd, etc. Why does the locker stop you? A lot of the stuff I see on videos, looks like roads we used to drive on with 2wd pickup with camper on it.

Isnt it about smart driving and picking the Overlanding to match the vehicle?

Not trying to be an ass (though wife says it comes natural to me), but seems like the Base would get to most places just fine. Maybe I am just out of touch with the Overlanding thing, it just looks like camping to me.

 

[drive21bronco]

Yah man we are in the same boat. I'm a bit torn, maybe the 5k step up to BB isn't that bad to get the ability to add the factory e-locker. I looked into installing an aftermarket locker on the ranger since the rear end is the same I believe. The ring gear is welded to the diff for the non locker rear end. So you are looking at new ring gear and pinion ($250), ring and pinion installation kit($250), ARB locker($1000), air compressor ($300), installation ($500). So aftermarket air locker you are looking at about $2300.

This is a good point you bring up. I forgot about the welded ring gear in the open differentials. I did some quick searching and it looks like the Jeep guys are having some trouble finding a locker solution other then ARB as well. Maybe in time Eaton or other brands will come out with somthing. I defiantly do not need a locker right away but if I end up taking to the trails like I have with my Jeep I may want one eventually as I use both front and rear. However not sure if Im going to do that same type of rock crawling with my Bronco. Looks like quite the production to put a locker in the base model. Almost better off opting for the $2,500 winch pkg and pulling yourself out the rare occasions that a rear locker may have gotten you out of.

 

[Incognito]

So no locker available on the base, is the 4.46 rear with the manual at least a limited slip?

No limited slip.

Also, the ring gears are welded to the carrier on open differentials now ( same as the Rangers).
So you will need to budget a gear set too.

 

[Hamhands]

Bare bones base 2 door manual is looking better and better

 

[Dillhole]

So most of us are a little taken back with the recent price changes, we're 133 pages deep and I'm a pretty casual member so I'm probably asking something already answered but here we go anyways.

So before the price hike I was looking at a 2dr base 2.7 Sasquatch. I might have become priced out of the Sasquatch but might still swing the 2.7. But here is the question since I don't see it listed anywhere in the model comparison charts or in the Build and Price. The Base comes standard with the M190 front axle and the M210 is a option, is that from the Sasquatch package? Or am I missing something entirely?

Asking since if I can't go with the Sasquatch package I'll probably just throw on a small lift and do larger tires on either the stock steelies or aftermarket entirely. Just wondering if going with 33s or even 35s is too much for the M190. Of course jury is still out on how the stock drivetrain with 3.73's vs the Sasquatch 4.70's will handle the tire size but if it's anything like the 3.73's in Jeeps it'll be a non issue.

 

[BigFootie]

So most of us are a little taken back with the recent price changes, we're 133 pages deep and I'm a pretty casual member so I'm probably asking something already answered but here we go anyways.

So before the price hike I was looking at a 2dr base 2.7 Sasquatch. I might have become priced out of the Sasquatch but might still swing the 2.7. But here is the question since I don't see it listed anywhere in the model comparison charts or in the Build and Price. The Base comes standard with the M190 front axle and the M210 is a option, is that from the Sasquatch package? Or am I missing something entirely?

Asking since if I can't go with the Sasquatch package I'll probably just throw on a small lift and do larger tires on either the stock steelies or aftermarket entirely. Just wondering if going with 33s or even 35s is too much for the M190. Of course jury is still out on how the stock drivetrain with 3.73's vs the Sasquatch 4.70's will handle the tire size but if it's anything like the 3.73's in Jeeps it'll be a non issue.

The M210 is sas only unless you move up to BL. 33’s will be fine for sure but people are saying 35’s will be too much. I suspect a lot will depend on what you end up doing with it but 33’s still look great on the 2dr IMO.

 

[DonM]

There has been a change in the home front....taking my F150 into the shop today. Making moaning noise from front left wheel area. Not sure if brake or wheel bearing or something else. Wife agrees that if its an expensive repair, that I can get a Jeep (a 2 door even) as a bridge vehicle to see how we like and if a 2 door would actually be feasible! And of course I found the potential replacement...now to see what the call is on the F150!

If I do get this bridge vehicle and a two door is not that much of a pain, I may have just walked myself into a Base Sasquatch 2 Door with the 2.3 at just under 40K!!

 

[DonM]

There has been a change in the home front....taking my F150 into the shop today. Making moaning noise from front left wheel area. Not sure if brake or wheel bearing or something else. Wife agrees that if its an expensive repair, that I can get a Jeep (a 2 door even) as a bridge vehicle to see how we like and if a 2 door would actually be feasible! And of course I found the potential replacement...now to see what the call is on the F150!

If I do get this bridge vehicle and a two door is not that much of a pain, I may have just walked myself into a Base Sasquatch 2 Door with the 2.3 at just under 40K!!

UPDATE - Talked to my mechanic....says its probably a wheel bearing (only based on my description of the sound). Also needs an oil change and its time for all fluids! Looking at $700 for everything. Just not sure if worth it. I sorta want to keep it, but not tied to it. We have money freed up so financially its not an issue if I do a bridge vehicle.

Waiting on wife's input on the "repair" costs!

 

[dingle87]

I would like Ford to info

UPDATE - Talked to my mechanic....says its probably a wheel bearing (only based on my description of the sound). Also needs an oil change and its time for all fluids! Looking at $700 for everything. Just not sure if worth it. I sorta want to keep it, but not tied to it. We have money freed up so financially its not an issue if I do a bridge vehicle.

Waiting on wife's input on the "repair" costs!

My 04 F150 has been giving me the same signals. "is it time to part with or can I get more time out of it" type discussions. My family loves having a truck, but not at the expense of the savings account/budget. It's almost a monthly conversation at my house. Good luck!

 

[DonM]

UPDATE - Talked to my mechanic....says its probably a wheel bearing (only based on my description of the sound). Also needs an oil change and its time for all fluids! Looking at $700 for everything. Just not sure if worth it. I sorta want to keep it, but not tied to it. We have money freed up so financially its not an issue if I do a bridge vehicle.

Waiting on wife's input on the "repair" costs!

Recommended to skip fluids, except for oil change and will repair the issue. Unless its an expensive something else!

 

[Thechief86]

Not disputing this, but curious. There are people Overlanding in all kinds of vehicles with no lockers. Guy/Gals are doing it in mini vans, subaru's, 2wd, etc. Why does the locker stop you? A lot of the stuff I see on videos, looks like roads we used to drive on with 2wd pickup with camper on it.

Isnt it about smart driving and picking the Overlanding to match the vehicle?

Not trying to be an ass (though wife says it comes natural to me), but seems like the Base would get to most places just fine. Maybe I am just out of touch with the Overlanding thing, it just looks like camping to me.

I guess overlanding is a bit misleading, but fits what I have in mind. I can "Overland" just fine in my Subaru. I do it all the time. But I want to drive my rig to Moab, Rubicon, Holy Cross, Johnson Valley, Uwharrie, Tellico, etc, and actually wheel the thing, and then drive it home. I also want to drive deep into the desert to camp, and maybe even cross the Darien Gap in my Bronco one day. I truly do hope to navigate through some of the toughest terrain on this hemisphere, and after offroading a Jeep with lockers for the last 2 decades, I'm spoiled. I hate getting stuck just because I got one wheel off the ground or in a mudhole. That said, my base model Tacoma did very well offroad despite a lack of lockers, and the traction control system made up for it fairly well in many cases. The same may ring true on the Bronco. In fact, it will probably be even better.
But if I'm not going to use the Bronco for tougher trails than I could do in my Tacoma, then I don't even need to spend the money. I sold the Tacoma to buy a Bronco, because it should be more capable. I don't want to compromise here. The Bronco's value to me lies in its level of capability for the money. If that ratio is skewed, the value diminishes.
Meanwhile, I've been building my Subaru with a lift and a rear locker, and I'm pleased that this car that I only have about 2 grand in, is as competent an offroader as the Bronco Sport, so it will be my cross-country road trip machine until it dies.
I've cancelled my Bronco reservation (7/18), but might come back in a couple of years when everything is more solidified as far as available options and pricing, and demand dies down a bit.
I love the Bronco, but it is no longer the deal I thought it was going to be, especially knowing now that they blocked the options for a budget build to add the things I couldn't afford at ordering time.
I really wish I hadn't followed the roll out so closely and gotten my hopes up as much as I did. Then I wouldn't be so disappointed to learn that I can't afford it.

 

[Hoofnmouth]

I guess overlanding is a bit misleading, but fits what I have in mind. I can "Overland" just fine in my Subaru. I do it all the time. But I want to drive my rig to Moab, Rubicon, Holy Cross, Johnson Valley, Uwharrie, Tellico, etc, and actually wheel the thing, and then drive it home. I also want to drive deep into the desert to camp, and maybe even cross the Darien Gap in my Bronco one day. I truly do hope to navigate through some of the toughest terrain on this hemisphere, and after offroading a Jeep with lockers for the last 2 decades, I'm spoiled. I hate getting stuck just because I got one wheel off the ground or in a mudhole. That said, my base model Tacoma did very well offroad despite a lack of lockers, and the traction control system made up for it fairly well in many cases. The same may ring true on the Bronco. In fact, it will probably be even better.
But if I'm not going to use the Bronco for tougher trails than I could do in my Tacoma, then I don't even need to spend the money. I sold the Tacoma to buy a Bronco, because it should be more capable. I don't want to compromise here. The Bronco's value to me lies in its level of capability for the money. If that ratio is skewed, the value diminishes.
Meanwhile, I've been building my Subaru with a lift and a rear locker, and I'm pleased that this car that I only have about 2 grand in, is as competent an offroader as the Bronco Sport, so it will be my cross-country road trip machine until it dies.
I've cancelled my Bronco reservation (7/18), but might come back in a couple of years when everything is more solidified as far as available options and pricing, and demand dies down a bit.
I love the Bronco, but it is no longer the deal I thought it was going to be, especially knowing now that they blocked the options for a budget build to add the things I couldn't afford at ordering time.
I really wish I hadn't followed the roll out so closely and gotten my hopes up as much as I did. Then I wouldn't be so disappointed to learn that I can't afford it.

Like they say you can do it the hard way or the smart way,lockers for everyone?

 

[ronstar]

I'm rethinking my BL decision. I don't need most of the extras that BL offers. I don't intend to do any rock crawling or major off road driving. And I'm thinking that the cloth seats will be better than vinyl in hot and cold extremes. I just want a cool looking truck that I can take the top off. And something that will get me through some snow. It's going to be just a toy - I'm keeping my F-150.

Which leads me back to the base. I only see 2 downsides to the base. Small tires and no nav system. I can fix the tire situation by getting a squatched base.

But I can't fix the lack of a nav system. The wife is adamant that she has to have a nav system. And it has to be built in - not some system that relies on a phone connection.

Anyone know of a way to get built in navigation aftermarket?

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