New Build Advice: Locker vs V6

[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.

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[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.

 

[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.

 

[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...

 

[mpeugeot]

There will be a lot of people suggesting that the 2.7 or the 2.3 is the right motor, but the reality is that the engine choice likely matters far less than other considerations.

That said, I was getting the 2.7 for myself. If you get the 2.3, sure, you will give up some power. If you get the 2.7, then you MIGHT give up some fuel economy and you will certainly give up some simplicity.

The bottom line is that you really can't pick a "wrong" motor in the Bronco. Both engines have more than ample power, fuel efficiency, and reliability in general. This goes double for a non-sasquatch 2 door Bronco that has much less weight to haul around.

As far as transmissions go, I have not driven the manual transmission, but the 10R60 has been brilliant in my ride, both on and off road. While I generally dislike slush-boxes, off-road the automatic transmission is a hero and gives exceptional control for an automatic while requiring far less skill. The automatic will make you look far more skilled than you actually are. If I was going to be on the street only and the 2.7 was available in a stick shift... no question, I would have taken the stick shift.

 

[lemonslush]

if you want to go off road then you wouldnt want either option. You would want a base with SAS pkg. Gets you front and rear lockers with 4.7 gears for the 35" tires. Rear lockers alone are fine but if its actually going to be for off road you want both. Disconnecting sway would also be great, i expect they will come with a manual sway disconnect at some point if you cant afford a badlands. I would say the 4 bangers is perfectly fine for everyday driving especially on a non SAS bronco, for a SAS bronco its fine just gonna be a tad slower. If you need more power a ford performance tune gets it almost close to a v6 and its cheaper than the v6 and its all factory warranty covered. So for that reason I would say go BASE with SAS pkg, 4 and get a hardtop even if you dont want it. You can sell the hard top for 6-8k cash and then get someones takeoff soft top for $800-1000 and pay yourself back for the extra cost of the SAS PKG. Its not the suspensions honestly its the gearing and lockers thats what you care about. SAS take off coils are not alot but adding big wheels and tires then getting it all installed is gonna be thousands. Get the SAS and youll also be getting factory covered parts vs aftermarket stuff and a vehcile thats worth less over a stock on trade in.

 

[lemonslush]

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

true but the 4 is plenty adequate power and with a tune its even better. adding lockers front and rear aftermarket will cost more than the SAS Pkg let alone void yoru new cars warranty

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