From Wrangler to Bronco

[AJKitebrder40]

Wonder what the Jeep sub would say outside of the few outliers there.

I feel like I can pretty accurately answer this one. I've owned 5 vehicles in my life time, 3 of them were Jeeps ('89 XJ, '07 JKU, '21 JLU), a '93 Toyota '22RE Pickup, and now the Bronco. I will tell you that the Jeep forum (which I'm on quite a bit) will say......never trust the IFS, and get ready for recalls. So.....if you do hardcore 4-wheeling, and I'm talking rock climbing here, the Jeep will still win out. Not to say the Bronco isn't capable, but it definitely feels more planted with a solid front axle. If that's your use case, I'd stick with the Jeep (4 wheeling a lot in difficult rocky terrain).

Here's the big things that made me switch:

1. Bronco 7MT, it is way, way better than the JL manual transmission. The syncro noise issue on this forum, I barely hear when I startup. I'm in a warm climate and it's garage kept.

2. MGV/Washout - I have jeeps because I'm at the beach and/or in the mountains surfing, mtb'ing, etc. and I want to be able to throw sandy gear in it without issue. The washout floor is really well done, and the seats are miles ahead of anything Jeep has.

3. 2 Door: The 2 door Bronco is damn near the size of the 4 door Jeep. There's pros and cons to that - pro for me is I can get away with a 2 door, and it is fun as hell to drive. There's enough cargo space (with the backseats removed) for camping trips, etc. Looks wise, I prefer the 4 door JL over the Bronco, and the 2 door Bronco over the 2 door Jeep, but that's personal preference.

4. 4 wheeling - I got pretty into mountain biking around the time I switched, so...when I go to the mountains I do that instead of 4 wheeling now. I only have but so much vacation time so....needs changed. The Bronco, again, does 99%, well 100% of anything I want to do in a $45k vehicle. I had one incident with that JL that I was afraid took out my transfer case, that pretty much ended my hardcore rock climbing.

I'd switch, it helps that I reserved in 2021, and when it finally was built in 2023, I could sell my JL for more than I paid for it, and I got price protection and invoice pricing on the Bronco. There's the day I got it and the next day the JL went to Carvana.

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[Nc211]

The 2.3 redesign is dual injection like the 2.7 is.

That's excellent to hear! I learned something new today! The 2.3 in all of it's various iterations has been a work horse for Ford and associates over the decades (Mazda, Volvo, etc).. I would have 0% issue buying one myself, especially now that they've address the carbon concerns with the DI design, which sounds like the industry in general is finding a way to fix via the dual port design. Perhaps the germans will follow (VW/Audi/Porsche).

I think the automotive world has made the carbon maintenance issue a more common and ease process now for the DI engines, which is nice to hear. Doesn't really bother me, and certainly not something that would prevent me from buying any car with the DI engine. Just a potential $1k kick to the wallet if you're going to keep the car for 100k+ miles. Turbos seems to accelerate it. My previous car was a non-turbo 3.5 V6 (Mercedes) that was direct injection, and carbon was rarely a problem for those, which would routinely see 250,000+ miles. Granted, they were like trying to hold water with a screen door when it came to oil leaks when going over 100k, but that's why they come with a trunk, to hold the extra oil.

OP, given the discounts that you can get as an employee.....I say take advantage of the opportunity and pull the trigger! You clearly know the car better than most from tip to tail, and have access to all of the info, tools, parts to keep it perfect. As long as it makes financial sense to do it for you, then I say retire the Jeep before it bites you. Plus, your boss will probably let you park on his property now too, instead of two counties away.

 

[Nc211]

I've been there a year come October. Outside of water pumps (any mileage, ford cant make a water pump in general it seems) and front cover leaks, Ive done two, on 80-100k+ examples of the 2.3l, nothing. I dont see these engine being rebuilt or replaced except a Focus RS that had a cam sheer at the vacuum pump a few months ago. One guy who's been 9 years owns one and he hasn't been aware of any real issues with em. Across the shop we do more transmissions (the r80 is junk), 5.0s and smaller ecoboosts.

As far as carbon on newer ones, and I'd have to check manufacturer data to be sure, I believe the 2.3l has port injection as well now same as the Tacoma.

I say buy it, and then make sure you stick around here too so we can all pester you with "insider" questions!

 

[zuke]

Thanks. Seems to me i had something like this happen on one of my early Fords. Don't remember which one or even the year it was so long ago. None of my jeeps did this but i have never owned a wrangler didn't like them because they were to wide preferred the cj5.

Pretty much anything with a solid front axle can get death wobble, It's just that there aren't many consumer level vehicles left with them.

I've personally experienced it in Jeeps, International Scouts, and Chevy Pickups, But there are lots of Pre-2000 trucks that can get it too, Including EBs.

 

[bf4445]

Haha that’s exactly why. And I love how resembles the OG broncos. I wish the grille was more flatten like the OG ones and less curved. But everything else is really spot on for me. Ford knocked out of the park with how classic yet modern it looks.

Also there’s different view modes to the camera, you can choose whichever helps you the most. I like the one that splits the screen between frontal + 360c at the same time. The cool thing about it is that on the frontal camera side it shows you where your wheels will likely drive by, so you can have an idea where your line will be. I find it super helpful!

Thanks for the input that answers my question. I agree from the specs they pretty well gave the Bronco everything you would need in the dirt and yet kept it tame enough for the street. Yep, definitely knocked the ball outa the park

 

[AZ_Craig]

think the reason for no high mileage is because of the poor gas mileage so not many are used for daily drivers. No sense in using a Bronco for doing errands when you can use something like I do which averages 44 mpg my Ford CMAX ENRGY.

While my logical self agress with you, it is definitely more fun to drive my Raptor to Starbucks than my EV6 GT.

Of course, part of the problem also if I try to have any fun with my EV6 GT I'll end up in jail .

 

[Sledge]

2024 Wrangler is in the shop again within 4k miles for more Misfire issues.

I work for Ford, my dealer doesn't see many high mileage Broncos (all sub 45/50k), the ones I do see in the shop and have had in my bay haven't had major issues outside of the occasional waterpump (wtf ford, why cant you cant these right? Looking at you Bronco Sport...). So, as a tech, I am asking you owners: How are the high mileage 2.3 7 speed Broncos holding up?

The Wrangler is my first car owned from new with 11 miles, currently at 19k. Its looking like I can trade it in for more than what I have left on the loan on top the of Ford Employee Discount and Dealer Employee discounts. Not to mention, when it does need warranty work, I'll be getting paid to fix my own vehicle... A Base with the Sasquatch package is looking pretty attractive and I have the wife nudging me to do it.

Opinions?

ok so i'm running a wildtrak with a 2.7L automatic transition, which isn't what you were asking about. However the odometer just flipped past 90k miles this weekend, and i can share that i've had zero issues with the engine. The only thing i've encountered was a pinion seal between the drive shaft and the rear differential, at around 87k miles. Easy repair (under an extended warranty). Hope that helps.

 

[Audiomate]

That is true. The Jeeps have a "Go Kart" feel to them. While this is fine / entertaining around town or on a short trip (< 2 hours), drive one from Yellowstone to Phoenix (2 days (8 hours / day)) or even the Grand Canyon to Phoenix (5.5 hours). The Jeep probably won't "beat you up" but YOU WILL feel it. With the Bronco, you will probably feel more refreshed when you arrive.

That’s so true. Used to have a lot of driver’s fatigue with the jeep. Would usually get crushed and tired at the destination when roadtripping or going back home after a trail. With the Bronco now I have zero drivers fatigue.

Broncos are basically an SUV on steroids while Jeeps are more truck-like.

 

[timhood]

What is a death wobble?

Jeepers would say, "It's a Jeep thing. You wouldn't understand." And they'd be right. Nobody who hasn't owned a Jeep would understand why it's a thing.

 

[Dark Horse Allegiance]

Honestly, I love them both. I had a first day Bronco order that got tired of waiting on since I needed a new vehicle. I ended up with a JLUR with the intention of trading it in when I eventually got the call that my order was in; except I fell in love with my Jeep. It’s been great with no issues and drives way better than I expected.

My order came in, but in the end I didn’t see the point in trading in my Jeep. It had features like the sky one touch top that I love. It’s been all around the east coast on every trail I can get it on and just keeps going without issue. It’s now four years old with over 40,000 miles and it still runs and looks new.

I still hang out on here because I like the Bronco. I have been waiting to potentially trade the wife’s car in on one, especially now that they put rear AC vents in.

I love seeing Broncos pull up at a stop light, I gladly check out their vehicle as they check out mine. Jeep and Ford both did a great job paying homage to their heritages and seeing as Broncos add variety to the off-road community it’s win-win.

There will be lemons in both communities and the forums confirm that each has its own series of known quality issues. But for the most part, most owners love their vehicles and compared to past car manufacturing, these are two terrific vehicles.

The comparison between the two as to which is better is kinda stupid to me. They both offer freedom to their driver and since the Bronco has been released Jeep has been great about trying to stay competitive by offering 35” tires and more options like a factory winch. The reality is, there would be no Bronco without the Jeep, and Jeep would still be sitting on there haunches without the Bronco. So drive what you like, or drive both, because why not.

 

[broncobase1]

Having driven a Gladiator on a cross county trip, Broncos are hands down superior when it comes to ride and handling. Broncos are composed and drive straight on the highway with little steering correction. I'm not knocking Jeep they probably do have more off road creed with the solid axle, but I value a nice ride and handling. I've had no issues with my 2.3L Bronco aside from some door and window alignment issues which were easily remedied.

 

[Bugkillah]

I own a 2 door JK, bought a 4 door Bronco, fell in love with Broncos so I bought another Bronco, a two door. I still daily the Jeep to work (4.5 miles through town) 1/2 the time, and 1/2 the time the two door Bronco. I much prefer the 2 door Bronco, but Jeep is iconic and it’s cheap to maintain, just don’t drive over about 45 mph.

 

[AtomicKoalaJelly]

Update time:

They called about the jeep today. Advisor said they can't duplicate it. So naturally I asked what codes were stored. Now keep in mind I had full a on check engine light blinking, loss of power, and could feel it running like it was dead missing on multiple cylinders.

The advisor said "No codes were stored"

No codes. Full on dead missing. Flashing MIL. And he said no codes.

I responded: So youre telling me I had a flashing check engine light and there are no pending or history codes stored. Nothing at all, not even a P0300?

His response was: Well, we can keep it until tomorrow and try again.

I know thats not how this works, cars store codes even if not current, and that should have stored freeze frame data for diag purposes.

The idea of owning a car of the brand I work for is now seeming very appealing as I wouldn't be at the mercy a dealership. It would be my car, in my bay, being worked on by me. I've never had a warranty, so I'm now seeing the other side of this equation.

 

[Nc211]

You being a tech yourself, what does that response from the Jeep dealership tell you about (1) the car and (2) the service? Tells me, that (1) the problem is bigger than (2) they're willing to invest themselves into fixing for you, with hopes that (3) you just go away.

I think you know what to do from this point on.... Welcome to the club!

 

[AtomicKoalaJelly]

You being a tech yourself, what does that response from the Jeep dealership tell you about (1) the car and (2) the service? Tells me, that (1) the problem is bigger than (2) they're willing to invest themselves into fixing for you, with hopes that (3) you just go away.

I think you know what to do from this point on.... Welcome to the club!

Yeah, my first thought was that they didnt look at it today. We'll see what they feed me tomorrow. If its the same thing I'm walking in there and asking them to show me nothing is stored in history. At a minimum I need it running good to trade.

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