Big50's Badlands build

[Big50]

Hey Guys,

I just took delivery of my Badlands 2.7 on Monday. I'm super excited to get this thing in the dirt to see what she can do. I'll be taking her down to Baja in April for a week long overland trip.

I had a good amount of parts stock piled already.

Installed mods:

- 17" Icon Rebound Pro wheels
- Gladiator 35" XT tires
- Go Rhino B20 running boards
- VHF radio & antenna mount

Yet to install:

- radio antenna. Waiting on a longer coax. I recommend getting at least a 17' coax cord if you plan on mounting the antenna in the back of the Bronco.
- Antenna
- Spare tire reinforcement brace
- trunk drawer
- tailgate table

Future mods:

- Bronco buster steering rack bushing & tie rod brace
- Icon coilover kit once it's released
- Gladiator 37's
- Hard top once available

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[BlueBronco]

Congrats on the Bronco. Pics don't seem to be working

 

[Big50]

Congrats on the Bronco. Pics don't seem to be working

Thanks man...I just updated the pics.

 

[Bt_ostate]

Pics or it doesn't exist

 

[Big50]

Pics or it doesn't exist

lol should be there now.

 

[Bt_ostate]

lol should be there now.

Very nice!

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Whereabouts in CA are you?

 

[Big50]

Whereabouts in CA are you?

Benicia…it’s about 30 miles east of SF.

 

[71to21-2DR]

Hey Guys,

I just took delivery of my Badlands 2.7 on Monday. I'm super excited to get this thing in the dirt to see what she can do. I'll be taking her down to Baja in April for a week long overland trip.

I had a good amount of parts stock piled already.

Installed mods:

- 17" Icon Rebound Pro wheels
- Gladiator 35" XT tires
- Go Rhino B20 running boards
- VHF radio & antenna mount

Yet to install:

- radio antenna. Waiting on a longer coax. I recommend getting at least a 17' coax cord if you plan on mounting the antenna in the back of the Bronco.
- Antenna
- Spare tire reinforcement brace
- trunk drawer
- tailgate table

Future mods:

- Bronco buster steering rack bushing & tie rod brace
- Icon coilover kit once it's released
- Gladiator 37's
- Hard top once available

Hey that looks really good!
What offset icons are you using? It also looks like you put Sasquatch flares on there?

I was on the fence about the 25+ wheels or zero but I like the poke you have.
Thanks

 

[Big50]

Hey that looks really good!
What offset icons are you using? It also looks like you put Sasquatch flares on there?

I was on the fence about the 25+ wheels or zero but I like the poke you have.
Thanks

They are 0 offset. I think it’s the perfect offset for them with SAS fenders. Flares came with it ias it is a SAS package.

 

[Medicaptain]

Hey Guys,

I just took delivery of my Badlands 2.7 on Monday. I'm super excited to get this thing in the dirt to see what she can do. I'll be taking her down to Baja in April for a week long overland trip.

I had a good amount of parts stock piled already.

Installed mods:

- 17" Icon Rebound Pro wheels
- Gladiator 35" XT tires
- Go Rhino B20 running boards
- VHF radio & antenna mount

Yet to install:

- radio antenna. Waiting on a longer coax. I recommend getting at least a 17' coax cord if you plan on mounting the antenna in the back of the Bronco.
- Antenna
- Spare tire reinforcement brace
- trunk drawer
- tailgate table

Future mods:

- Bronco buster steering rack bushing & tie rod brace
- Icon coilover kit once it's released
- Gladiator 37's
- Hard top once available

SUPER Clean build.....well done

 

[Big50]

Just wrapped up installing a VHF. Figure this could be helpful regardless of what kind of radio you run.

I decided to mount the radio just below the steering wheel via self tapping screws. I have usually mounted my radios in the center console but it would have been a PIA to run wiring into it so I opted for this. I like the easy access and it eliminates the need for a auxiliary speaker.

I'm 6'4" and my knees don't make contact at all with the radio.

I ran the power through a perfectly placed existing bung in the firewall. I just cut a slit and ran the cord through. I wired direct to the battery.

 

[Big50]

Next, up was the antenna and coax.

I recommend at least 17' long coax if you route it similar to mine. To be safe 20'-23'.

I picked up this Jeep spare tire antenna mount with the intent to modify it but it was a perfect fit. I guess Ford probably uses the same supplier as Jeep for the tire mounts. Antenna mount - Amazon

I routed the coax through the vents behind the spare tire.

I then popped the plastic piece below off to access the coax and pull it through.

I then popped the trim up a bit to run the coax down.

 

[Big50]

If you remove the bolts holding the tie down points down, the rubber flooring can be pulled up easily. I ran the coax under that along the side to the rear seats. I then ran it in between the single seat and double to the floor. I was lazy and just ran it on the floor under the mat. I figure you'd never know it's there. I would have used the door trim but 17' wasn't long enough to take that route.

From there I ran it under this piece of the center console.

I backed out the bolt located below to run the cord up above it. It also keeps the coax from coming down.

All done!

 

[Big50]

My focus has been to get the Bronco ready for it's first off-road trip. I'm heading down to KOH Thursday for a couple days and then further south to Baja.

Last to take care of was the rear storage setup. I went to install the Rough Country drawer and discovered it was damaged in shipping. The rivets had all sheared that hold the top plate to it and the lip of the shell was dented and torn a bit. I'm now returning it.

I decided to go with this setup for now. I've used a chain setup like this in my trucks for years with great success. I think all in, I spent $25 on the turnbuckles and chain. It's pretty handy to have the additional tie down options.

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