Starting from scratch.

[dhsorrell]

Hello.

Just got my Big Bend 2dr manual about a week and a half ago and am starting to look at modifications I'd like to do. So far, I tinted the windows and added a front license plate holder so they didn't drill into my bumper.

Things I'd like to do and would love any advice... :
- Spacers to bump the wheels out slightly (but not if they are going to screw anything up).
- Tidy rock rails, maybe ones that you can also use as a step, maybe tubular?
- Light bar on the bumper or some fog lights that work with the plastic bumper (do have the aux switches)
- Would love taillights with an amber turn signal. I did see something from Oracle lights, but if people know better options I'm all ears.

That's to start. We'll see if anything else pops up.

It's been great reading through some of the threads already!

I also had a Bronco II back in the 90's!

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[Ford Motor Company]

Hello.

Just got my Big Bend 2dr manual about a week and a half ago and am starting to look at modifications I'd like to do. So far, I tinted the windows and added a front license plate holder so they didn't drill into my bumper.

Things I'd like to do and would love any advice... :
- Spacers to bump the wheels out slightly (but not if they are going to screw anything up).
- Tidy rock rails, maybe ones that you can also use as a step, maybe tubular?
- Light bar on the bumper or some fog lights that work with the plastic bumper (do have the aux switches)
- Would love taillights with an amber turn signal. I did see something from Oracle lights, but if people know better options I'm all ears.

That's to start. We'll see if anything else pops up.

It's been great reading through some of the threads already!

I also had a Bronco II back in the 90's!

Welcome back to the club, congrats on the new ride!

 

[userdude]

Congrats on your new ride.

You wanting to off road? Lots of good sliders out there. I have StinkyFab boatside ones that have a flat step part on top, there's also MetalTech 4x4 that has a flat and boatside option that can work as steps. Lots of folks also use RCI and LOD, the latter is literally a step embedded in a big tube slider.

If you really want to off road, get plates. You will not regret it. I don't recall if the Big Bend comes with a fuel plate, for instance. Which is required. The Ford stock ones (maybe take offs?) are decent for basic off roading. Again, I have StinkyFab, which are beefy. RCI, IAG, Next Venture Motosports and Talons Garage all also sell decent options for more or less difficult terrain.

Also, look up the TD Industries tie rod kit and get a spare. Unless you have a 24 BB w/Sas, you won't have a sturdy rack like Sas and BL/WT, so having a spare just in case is not a bad idea.

 

[PWillette]

Congratulations my MT brethren!

- Wheel spacers are OK but IMO I wouldn't go over 1". Also, make sure they are hub centric to match the Bronco wheels and stay with a well known brand.
- So many choices for rock rails/steps...some expensive, some cheap...stay away from the cheap.

 

[dhsorrell]

Thank you! I probably wouldn't be doing too much hard core off-roading, at least not yet. More about looks and being 5'9". Haha. But definitely bought it so I could get places my lowered VW GTI wasn't getting to, beat up and dirt roads. We'll see as I get back into it.

 

[dhsorrell]

Congratulations my MT brethren!

- Wheel spacers are OK but IMO I wouldn't go over 1". Also, make sure they are hub centric to match the Bronco wheels and stay with a well known brand.
- So many choices for rock rails/steps...some expensive, some cheap...stay away from the cheap.

Thanks for the advice on spacers. Yeah, have just heard very different opinions. Some people saying they destroy the ride or damage the car... and then others that have had them forever and love them.

 

[userdude]

But definitely bought it so I could get places my lowered VW GTI wasn't getting to, beat up and dirt roads. We'll see as I get back into it.

Somebody I think with a BB hit a tree limb that popped up and hit the fuel tank. So be careful if you don't have a fuel plate (I would look), it's not just hardcore rock crawling. The gas tank is kind've in a prime spot to get hit on a 2dr.

 

[dhsorrell]

Somebody I think with a BB hit a tree limb that popped up and hit the fuel tank. So be careful if you don't have a fuel plate (I would look), it's not just hardcore rock crawling. The gas tank is kind've in a prime spot to get hit on a 2dr.

Yikes!

 

[Metal-tech 4x4]

Hello.

Just got my Big Bend 2dr manual about a week and a half ago and am starting to look at modifications I'd like to do. So far, I tinted the windows and added a front license plate holder so they didn't drill into my bumper.

Things I'd like to do and would love any advice... :
- Spacers to bump the wheels out slightly (but not if they are going to screw anything up).
- Tidy rock rails, maybe ones that you can also use as a step, maybe tubular?
- Light bar on the bumper or some fog lights that work with the plastic bumper (do have the aux switches)
- Would love taillights with an amber turn signal. I did see something from Oracle lights, but if people know better options I'm all ears.

That's to start. We'll see if anything else pops up.

It's been great reading through some of the threads already!

I also had a Bronco II back in the 90's!

Congrats on the new 2D!

For the rock sliders/steps @userdude (thank you Userdude) shared from Metal-Tech 4x4, here is a link to them. They have a full flat top for them to work as a step, but most importantly, they bolt to the frame, not the body. They will support the full weight of the truck, + due to the tubular rails being outpast the radius of the doors, will protect as "Urbon Armor" for door dings, and they bite back!

We work to keep these in stock too!
https://metaltech4x4.com/metal-tech-2021-ford-bronco-2-door-rock-sliders/

Reach out if you have any questions! Thank you Mark.

 

[userdude]

Congrats on the new 2D!

For the rock sliders/steps @userdude (thank you Userdude) shared from Metal-Tech 4x4, here is a link to them. They have a full flat top for them to work as a step, but most importantly, they bolt to the frame, not the body. They will support the full weight of the truck, + due to the tubular rails being outpast the radius of the doors, will protect as "Urbon Armor" for door dings, and they bite back!

We work to keep these in stock too!
https://metaltech4x4.com/metal-tech-2021-ford-bronco-2-door-rock-sliders/

Reach out if you have any questions! Thank you Mark.

Whatever happened to the 2dr Sidewinders? That was what I was waiting for but finally decided to go full SFR bumper/sliders/plates.

 

[Bikeric]

Welcome!! You might want to consider getting the ProCal4. It gives you extra ponies under the hood and provides Rev-Matching on your 7MT. It makes driving around town so much smoother, at least it did for me.

Edit: I almost forgot the most important upgrade. Get the @Suma Performance mirrors. The driver side mirror will help you see traffic behind and next to you SO MUCH BETTER.

 

[CarmeloS]

Welcome and congrats on the beauty!

Off the top of my head, get a KN Filter and a BOV, plus a Steeda Clutch Spring. ALSO highly recommend a short shifter, doesn't have to be Boomba, but a weighted shift knob and short shifter make a world of difference as well. Also, as @Bikeric said, get a tune and then enable rev matching, makes a world of difference

For Fogs, went with these (Just don't do Max like I did)

Here's two tail lights.

Do you have a capable or modular bumper, Dave? I highly recommend a pair of these for Modular bumpers, helped offset the weak headlights at night until I upgraded to Morimoto's XRGB Headlights .

 

[PWillette]

Thanks for the advice on spacers. Yeah, have just heard very different opinions. Some people saying they destroy the ride or damage the car... and then others that have had them forever and love them.

Key is to not go too thick. 1" is the sweet spot for me.

 

[dhsorrell]

Welcome and congrats on the beauty!

Off the top of my head, get a KN Filter and a BOV, plus a Steeda Clutch Spring. ALSO highly recommend a short shifter, doesn't have to be Boomba, but a weighted shift knob and short shifter make a world of difference as well. Also, as @Bikeric said, get a tune and then enable rev matching, makes a world of difference

For Fogs, went with these (Just don't do Max like I did)

Here's two tail lights.

Do you have a capable or modular bumper, Dave? I highly recommend a pair of these for Modular bumpers, helped offset the weak headlights at night until I upgraded to Morimoto's XRGB Headlights .

Yeah, starting to think I should have gotten the modular bumper. Didn't do my research on that one. I guess it's the capable (plastic that comes with it, 2 little fog lights?). But also trying to keep on the lighter side. I am using it to commute a few times a week to work. I know that isn't the smartest, but wanted a Bronco again and don't have a spot for 2 cars at the moment. haha.

 

[dhsorrell]

Welcome!! You might want to consider getting the ProCal4. It gives you extra ponies under the hood and provides Rev-Matching on your 7MT. It makes driving around town so much smoother, at least it did for me.

Edit: I almost forgot the most important upgrade. Get the @Suma Performance mirrors. The driver side mirror will help you see traffic behind and next to you SO MUCH BETTER.

I might need to understand that better. What do you mean when you say it makes driving around town smoother? I have noticed that 1st gear is very short, but just assuming it's something I'll get used to.

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