Bringing my Bronco to 'Next Level' enjoyment

[DriveAllNight]

3/19/2024 ... The Day the Fun Began!!

Note: This used to be titled 'The Expensive Journey Continues'

My intention was always to track what I did and hopefully help others making similar choices.

My goal for my Bronco has always been to make it a really great road trip vehicle that can also go off road when need be. I live in NJ, so no real rock crawling, but I love going through the woods on dirt roads and climbing anything I can find. The flip side is that I love cruising around with the top off in the summer along the beach. So I have made some good and not so good choices to get the Bronco to where it does what I need it to do in comfort.

I will be updating the list with what works for me, and what doesn't, along with swapping some stuff out. Again my hopes is to help others looking to do similar stuff, and I will always answer questions if anyone has any.



Maintenance:
Rain-X Silicone Endura Wiper Blades 830117 - 17 inch $23.83
Note: In package use adaptor A for Bronco
So much better than OEM, no smearing, clears the window the way it should.

Mishimoto Powerstack Air Filter Dry/Washable Reusable $74.99
HEPA Cabin Air Filter 2 pack $20.88

Gummi Pflege Stift for roof and back door rubber seals - protectant , prevents dry rot , and squeaking.

Changing oil every 5000 Miles

Everything under maintenance I highly Recommend


Exterior:
Ford Trailer Tow Kit (2024) $339 - Worth the effort
OEM FullBody BashPlates - $650 - selling front and engine skids - BUY NOW
Update - For my needs part of me wished I spent the extra money for aluminum. They aren't as strong, but they weigh a lot less, and I believe for my needs probably enough. Flip side - steel is a lot cheaper and stronger. I say this without ever owning the aluminum and I could be wrong, so this is just my thoughts for now.

2nd Rear_TowHook $54.96 - because Ford thinks some trims only deserve 1
M2M_TailgateLimiter $185 (-10%)
Small Bull Bar ( RPM ) $99.99 - preference - love the look
BossWalkerLinkSwayBar $498.75 - I finally broke down and made a choice
The Boss walker links work, I'm not certain for my needs they made a big enough difference, the ride on the highway isn't as tight - but still great. I'm still undecided.

OEM Soft Top (Private Sale) $1200 - unlock Convertible mode - love it for summer
Interior left and right cargo panels for soft top about $130 ( from Dealer)
For people who love the outdoors - this is the single best investment I made into the Bronco - nothing like driving with the top down, especially when going through

Roof Rack $445 - Looks just like OEM but with extra back section for 4 door

I have come to the conclusion that I am probably never going to put that rack back on. It makes a lot of wind noise, I don't use it, and I've always had plenty of room on the inside. I like the look of it, and the possibility of using it, but the reality is, I never do, and the extra wind isn't worth the effort.

Lights:
Headlamp Switch W/ Fog (OEM) $ 74.34 - Ford - save an Aux switch and feels more OEM
Rigid 3 Pod fogs (Radiance/Scene) $825.13 - with all the extra harness, brackets and stuff from Specialty Performance Parts - Highly Recommend - Love them
FordPerformance Rigid Ditch Lights $344 after sale normally $430 - loving them.

Convenience:
KeylessEntryPad (OEM) Normally $144 w/installation - got 25% discount - to leave fob inside
Redline Hood Lift $99.99 - works well, recommend

Styling:
Front windows tinted $150 - Ceramic 20% - recommend (also protects from heat)
DV8 Front License Plate Bracket $49.99 - recommend
Black Silicone License Plate Frame $4.76 each x2 Bell Automotive
Black License Plate Screws $8.79 - For rear plate - because they have to match
Smoked Ford tailgate emblem (OEM) $48.89 - Too Cool not to add
Bronco Script (OEM) $48.
Pinch weld covers - (Broaddict) $79 - I love them, easy to install, looks great
Spare tire cover (Mud Digger Design Co) $159.99
Hitch Plug (OEM) $12.81 - Because without the horse how would you know
Sasquatch tint overlay for front (Underground Graphics) $17.50
Antenna Delete ( YiGao Parts ) $16.99 - all I use now, music on Jump drive.
13 inch Antenna ( KSaAuto ) $23.99 - sits on dash uninstalled

Interior:
Auto Stop Eliminator $99.99 - highly recommend
Fuse Box Labels (StickerFab) $5.89 - should come in handy at some point
Fuse Labels (StickerFab) $5.65 - should come in handy at some point
RockWorkX Roof Tumbscrews $112.50
Rockworks Straps x2 $14.95 - don't love - don't use
Aluminum Grab Handles (front) ( ‎REFORM DESIGN ) $68.99
Aluminum Grab Handles (rear) ( ‎REFORM DESIGN ) $69.99
Seat Jackers (Desert Does It) $79.99 - not so sure they are needed

Protection:
Screen Protector (Ruiya) $14.63 - recommend
3D Maxpider Floor Mats $182.74 - recommend
3D Maxpider Cargo Mats $106.99 - recommend
Rear Seat Protectors ( Maxzina ) $46.79 -- Highly recommend - This should have been a day 1 mod
Cargo Sidewall protectors ( ‎Bestview ) $39.99 -- Highly recommend - should have been a day 1 mod
Velcro for Sidewall $16.15 - this is for the sidewall protectors - based on Amazon reviews
D-Pillar Roll Bar Padding $35.99 - I don't love them, but they work
Mabett Cargo Shelf Side Covers $59.99 - not installed

Storage:
BroncoSunglassesHolder (2) ( ONKENTET) $27.72 - recommend
Center Console 2 level Organizer ( TripleAliners ) $23.49 - highly recommend
M2M_AtticShelf $461.99 (- 10%) recommend but not silent
AdhesiveBackedFelt $5.59 to quiet the attic shelf
CenterConsoleCover ( ‎BEEGROW ) $24.99 - not sure I like this - we shall see

To Quiet the Ride:
Dynamat (cargo area) $205 - this makes a difference
Siless Liner Closed Cell Foam (cargo area) $49.95 - this makes a difference
SoundSkins_DoorsAndFloors $399 ( the Bronco kit, that has both layers combined) - it makes a difference

WindProofing Stuffs B6G Link - this works!!!
Z Shape $ 8.99
B Shape $14.99
D Shape $21.99
DShape $12.89
Weatherstrip $11.99

Molle Bags:
10.18"L x 4.13"W x 0.68"H $17.99 Great for hand tools
11.5"L x 5"W x 8"H $21.50
9.5"L x 3.2"W x 7.5"H $23.99
8"L x 3.8"W x 10.6"H $27.99
4.5"L x 2.2"W x 6.1"H (2 pack) $14.95
FirstAidBag $9.49 Contents from older case and bought fresh supplies as needed
StrapsForOtherStuff $9.99 Used to strap to rollbar, first aid kit and Noco jumper

Ordered :
Nothing currently on order - very weird -

Bronco 4dr Under Seat Storage Kit $229.70

Not Installed yet but here:
IAG MudFlaps $139.99 - Not sure I want these, time will tell
Expel_PPF_for_DoorSills 6x60 inch roll $20.79
D-Shape for Car Door $11.39
StickerFab AuxSwitch Stickers $14.99


Other Stuffs:
De-badged Dealership Emblem (Giant pain in the a$$ to do)
Note: A great dealer to work with, was really a great experience, but I really wish they didn't badge my ride.

OBDLink EX FORScan OBD Adapter $59.95 - worth it, worth it worth it.
Also - I paid for a year activation on ForScan, I feel strongly about supporting software peeps who put in a lot of time to make things possible. Still a great deal.

ForScan changes:
Active Noise Cancellation disabled
Engine Running Honk – disabled
Blinker Noise – lowered
Global Windows Closed & added to screen menu – Activated
Activated Fog lights, dash fog symbol, and all that fun stuff
Bambi Mode - now activated
Rock Crawl – maybe

Using Ford's Seatbelt change method (not ForScan) - Turned off Driver seatbelt chime

Already owned, put in Bronco
NoCo Boost (Battery Jump) - highly recommend
Boost Adaptor (leave on Battery) - had to modify to accommodate 90 degree bend
Boost Case
Viair Portable Offroad Air Compressor (until I can justify an onboard ARB)

Tools that will come in handy
Trim Removal Tool Kit
Torque Wrench
12PC Torx Star Plus Set
100lb Torque lug drive extension
NonMarringSocket
... so much more

Sponsored

 

[Red Sox 4Life]

3/19/2024 ... after a very long day into the night - let the fun begin!

Day (-1) The day before, at dealer
View attachment 622554 I

Day 1 - Straight from the dealer

View attachment 622512

I have the exact same one! Except for the running boards.

 

[userdude]

Congrats! Your wallet has already fled to a country without extradition.

 

[DriveAllNight]

I have the exact same one! Except for the running boards.

My plan was to get oem (or like) rails and get removable steps for those that need them to get in, but this is what the dealer had, and it was close enough and the long wait is over.

I'll keep these for awhile and see how it goes, but at some point I'll probably get rails.

 

[raqball]

Congrats!

I purchased mine on the 8th and already have over $6K into it... If my previous Jeeps are anything to go off, it's gonna be a never ending siphoning from the bank account...

I have another $5K to $6K already planned

 

[DriveAllNight]

The boxes are coming in, going to be a busy weekend and the bull bar should be here on Friday...

 

[DriveAllNight]

Love this picture in the rain

 

[Ninjak]

Grats! So since you started, I will say it anyway....

So let the mods....BEGIN !!!!

Enjoy it. I know I do.

 

[Oldhippie]

Such a short list…

 

[DriveAllNight]

Had to go into Manhattan today...

 

[DriveAllNight]

Finally was able to connect my OEM hitch and module, not a bad job.

While I was at it I sound deadened and proofed the whole cargo area, that's a suckfest of a job.

Edit, additional note:
I also put Dynamat on the outside sides and bottom of the plastic bin that Ford put in the middle of the cargo floor.
If you take it out, you'll see there's a hole to the ground, and I have to believe that plastic acts like an echo chamber.
I haven't seen people talk about this, so I thought I'd mention it.
.........

And time to update signature...

79.99

 

[DriveAllNight]

And the computer updated to show tow stuff

 

[DriveAllNight]

ForScan Success!!!!!!
And a big thanks to those that posted, created spreadsheets, videos and contributed to the spreading of this knowledge.

No more crazy double honking.
You don't realize how often you need to leave your car running and get out until your Bronco assaults you with it's horn. Good riddance.

Also, lowered the blinker noise - I swear someone at Ford must be hard of hearing.
I disabled the 'fake ass engine noise' - Updated: This makes a huge difference - completely worth it

 

[DriveAllNight]

Front windows tinted today - love it

 

[DriveAllNight]

Full rack installed for now, coming off for the summer.

Sponsored