New Build Advice: Locker vs V6

[Nate Train]

The advanced auto 4x4 transfer case is a nice feature for winter driving.
It's not avail on Base or BB unless you add Sasquatch.

Did you want manual trans or auto? 2dr or 4dr? Those factor into the pricing since some models/packages include them.

But the advanced 4x4 is why I originally wanted Black Diamond.

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[mpeugeot]

Definitely 2 door. Auto vs manual was strictly based on engine option. If it's the I4, I was staying with the manual. I'd like the advanced 4x4 but not the Sasquatch. Guess I'm doing without advanced 4x4.

Advanced 4x4 without Sasquatch and adaptive cruise control are what pushed me into the OBX. I ended up with a 2 door OBX 2.7 advanced 4x4 with the Lux and Tow packages.

 

[Nate Train]

I respect your choice, but given what you are saying and especially when you are looking at a winter vehicle, think carefully about forgoing the advanced 4x4 transfer case.

From initial reports, the advanced 4x4 transfer case is stronger and more durable than the standard transfer case. It also allows full time 4A which is a big deal in the winter.

Well, damn. Now I'm starting to lean back toward Black Diamond. Haha

 

[mpeugeot]

Well, damn. Now I'm starting to lean back toward Black Diamond. Haha

I really think that you would be happier in the long run with the rear locker and advanced 4x4 transfer case. I would take a 2.3 with the adv 4x4 and locker over a 2.7 without the advanced 4x4, especially considering the winter driving.

 

[Fly by Nite]

But the advanced 4x4 is why I originally wanted Black Diamond.

Yeah, it's frustrating finding the perfect mix in the lower models as some options aren't avail separately.
I wanted the adv 4x4 and a rear locker, the pricing pushed me towards the BaseSquatch vs BB or BD. I wanted the cloth interior too. I would've been fine with the BD's 32's tho.
Unfortunately, you don't get a price break for the manual with the Sas package.

 

[Nate Train]

If your budget is that tight hopefully you’ll get lucky and there will be a small window to put an order in before it goes up. But last year the price went up in March and again a few months later.

price of my order went up $3000 in the 370 days between order and delivery and I barely beat the first price hike by a few weeks

Yes, and that potential (probable) price increase was another consideration.

 

[indio22]

Yeah, it's frustrating finding the perfect mix in the lower models as some options aren't avail separately.
I wanted the adv 4x4 and a rear locker, the pricing pushed me towards the BaseSquatch vs BB or BD. I wanted the cloth interior too. I would've been fine with the BD's 32's tho.
Unfortunately, you don't get a price break for the manual with the Sas package.

You might want to hold off on the manual transmission for now. Leastways some users are reporting a grumbling noise (mostly in colder climates), and possible galling of one or more synchros. You can find the 6G thread and read all about it. There is a Ford TSB notification already with procedure, but the fix is questionable at this point.

For the record, I test drove a Badlands manual 2-door including off-road, went through all the maneuvers including start after stall etc. I thought the trans was fantastic in terms of user operation. Fit like a glove the minute I started operating. Loved it. For me that Badlands with manual, was overall more fun than the Wildtrak I test drove having V6/auto/Sas. The Wildtrak felt a bit more mushy and not as connected to the road and driver.

 

[BroncoT]

lots of options, but if managing your price tag, the 2.7L should 100% be the first thing to go. I bought the 2.7L because price didn’t really concern me, but even then almost changed just to get my Bronco sooner. That 2.3L is an engine people absolutely love. I’d be very surprised if you ever regret owning one.

 

[Theherofails]

I had the same 4 cylinder in my Ranger Tremor putting out nearly identical stats. I have the 2.7 in my Badlands on 37s.

The 2.3 puts out plenty of power for its size.

You won’t be thrashing the 2.7 very often with the price of fuel trending up for the foreseeable future.

 

[indio22]

I respect your choice, but given what you are saying and especially when you are looking at a winter vehicle, think carefully about forgoing the advanced 4x4 transfer case.

From initial reports, the advanced 4x4 transfer case is stronger and more durable than the standard transfer case. It also allows full time 4A which is a big deal in the winter.

True. With my part-time tcases, and intermittent snowy/clear roads, I'm typically having to manually shift in and out of 4wheel drive more often. The "advanced" tcase should be more convenient for those situations. It can be a nice feature, although depends on locale. I drove most of this winter in a front wheel drive Kia Soul, it's not like 4wd is even needed much in Chicagoland, and I'd rather have the Kia rust out from salt than my 4x4s.

 

[BroncoT]

One thing I can’t recommend enough… play with build and price until you’re blue in the face. You can get to a similar price point a dozen different ways with a dozen different pros/cons. I had Outer Banks, Badlands, and Wildtrack builds within $1500 giving me wildly different features. I bet I priced 50 different combos within a $5k price range.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

In my opinion if you are going to order, get a Black Diamond with the 2.3. Best bang for the buck.

There are plenty of Big Bends laying around, I wouldn't wait on one.

 

[Jazer]

My ONLY build regret is not getting the rear locker with my OBX, just given the cost of the option (better to have and not need, than need and not have). BUT with that said, they are still very capable without it and I have still had fun on trails, beaches, etc... without much concern. I am still very easily able to live with this and the 2.7 is the one option I wasn't wavering on. 100% love my Bronco despite no rear locker and have no interest in swapping it for a different one. If I had gotten the 2.3, I know I wouldn't be able to say the same. I however, put engine performance at the top of the list in comparison. It depends on where you weigh certain needs/desires.

 

[Oldhippie]

You can always add a locker later, can’t change the engine...

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