Anyone got one of these?
I got one available to me locally for about $40k...pretty basic 4 door Big Bend model...rag-top, minimal goodies...it's got the basic GOAT modes(6) and all that...the 2.3 turbo that I want (daily driver) & it's got "open" 3.73 diffs that I'll have to install Thorsen limited slip units in...been there, done that!
But, it's exactly what I want for trail-dogging in the Eastern Sierra and they drive soooooo damn good as a daily driver compared to other Jeep-type rigs I've driven over the years for this purpose.
Anyhoo...any of y'all got one of these things?
I've already got the 34s(11 wide) on 17x8.5 wheels coming...like I said...it's a turbo 4 banger; so, I'm not going to bog it down with huge tires. Beyond that I'll add are FoxShox, lights, larger fuel cell, skids and steel bumpers w/receiver winch capability (it's already got factory sliders with removable steps...perfect!).
I've been driving a 1st release Wildtrack with all the goodies for a while and it's cool...but, mlg is mediocre at best and it's a bit much -especially price-wise- for what I want for a trail-dogger/daily driver. I've been able to get over 20 mpg in a 2.3T and they do just fine off-road. Besides all that...between Wildtracks and Raptors...we always seem to end up going to damn fast...way too often...I'm thinking this rig will slow me down a little bit! 
When I'm done building it out I'll be in to it around $50K. That's not bad for one of these.
Anyone-else got one or built one out?
"I'm thinking this rig will slow me down a little bit!"
Not a chance.
I'm partial to my 4th gen V8 4runner, and same year Tacoma prerunner.
If I were to spend $50,000 on a bronco, I'd restomod an original one.
You'd then have a 302 V8, 4 speed, light weight very off road capable machine.
Not to mention off the chart style.
I've had Gen I Broncos and I still love those things. They are absolutely THE BEST looking rigs in their class. I stuck with the FoMoCo 302V8/350-400hp on my builds. Good times.
The new gen Broncos off-road soooo much better. The 5 link rear seals the deal. For exploring AND driving it daily...the new ones are great rigs. We've got a relationship with Ford due to Baja and Hammers that makes "utilizing" Fords a good thing for our little band of idiots.
When the new Bronco 1st came out, I discovered rather quickly that I can do 250-275+ fairly gnarly off-road jaunts in the 4 cyl and, lately, less than 200 in the 6 cyl...(3.0 Raptor)...it seems that I drive the Raptor version a bit harder. Go figure. The 2.7 in the Wildtrack does a little better than the 3.0...but, not much. They're all impressive when it comes to output; but, for what I want to do...300H/325T is plenty good enough and takes A LOT less fuel. The 3.73 diffs really pay off on long runs and I don't need the 4.27/4.46/4.7 Lockers for the stuff I'm going to do...not a Hammers/Rock Destroyer rig...it's more about scouting out trails along/thru the sierras and into Nevada Dez and Forrest systems (linkng trail systems for long runs on Motos/ADVs...etc.). Also, it'll be great for Pre-Preruns in Baja where we take it pretty damn easy and just try to slowly chart the race line and develop our pit strategy/locations. I'll end up with about a 400-450 mile range with the larger cell and that's the thing I'm really going after.
Done deal. $42K (46OTD/CA)
Waiting on my wheels/tires & then I’ll start driving it. Gonna sell the stock stuff to someone with a Ranger that wants 32s that bolt straight on. after that it’s a few bolt on items and off to the Sierras as the snow melts.
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Congrats, sweet ride.
Think the 2.3 is the better engine anyway. Well done!
Thanks guys. The intent is to be a trail-searching/discovering rig that can do everything from old 2 track to some light trail making across long ranges and broad desert areas (where allowed by forest/BLM/land owners) for moto/ADV & in that capacity this thing is gonna be awesome. After driving it a little bit yesterday…I’ve already seen for myself that it gets WAY BETTER mpg than the Bronco Raptor & Wildtrack. The best part? It was soooo much cheaper than the other hi-line V6 hot rods. The other nice benefit, it drives softer/smoother than any of the other Broncos I’ve driven. And it’s still got plenty of power to do what I want.
So, less is more!
If ANY of you are interested in some trail/route searching in the Eastern Sierra & adjoining Dez’s of Cali-Nevada…? Let a brother know! And…NO! I don’t care if we’re of different political minds or any of that shit. We’re still just a bunch of moto-heads that need more & more & more places to explore.
How's the noise level on the freeway with the ragtop?
Surprisingly quite. That’s the 1st thing I noticed during the media-intro…what…2-3 years ago…?
I’ve wanted a 4DR/2.3/Soft-Top & all we’ve had around our crowd was hard tops with 2.7/3.0…
I’m gonna be out around $2500 for Sasquatch Suspension, Wheels & Tires. I’m building this thing from all the stuff that the cool kids take off their brand new Pimp Editions…I’m guessing I’ll be somewhere well south of 55K when I’m done.
Even my audio upgrades are coming from other people’s “take-offs”. This is fun.
Looks good. Price looks okay too, compared to what I have seen dealerships markups. Didn’t you order a Transit van, or is that someone else? Enjoy the Bronco.
I don’t have any experience with the new models. But we love our 77. It’s been around family and friends since it was new. Runs like a champ! We have all kinds of cool toys to drive but this is usually my go to in the summer.
Enjoy your new ride!
Think I can follow a Bronco down a sketchy road?
Yup
There’s some rock-climbing…especially atop the Sierra range; but, most of what I’m gonna do is connect 2-tracks and find the best connectors between trail systems.
After getting 600 miles of “assorted driving” in this thing, I’m stoked on my purchase. As a daily driver it’s head and shoulders above my previous 4X4 “trail rigs”.
I’m jealous. My life is all about towing horses now, I miss having a good off road ride.
The craziness begins…
$500 on the Bronco forum…
I think I’d have to go straight to the F450 if I started hauling horses, again. Soon as you get to 2 horses or more…the weight adds up!
Add an LQ trailer because my old ass wants a bathroom, and now I’m a dually guy.
That truck means 2 things…
1. You’re wise.
2. You’re a horseman that’s learned a thing or 2 and you know what you like.
Pit Row
Damn, what a beauty...
Thanks. Now I just hope that my kids are learning that to have to money to get what you want when you’re older. You have to bust your butt when you’re younger.
And, I think my crazy horse girl partner is going to trade her 1500 in on a 4 door bronco.
If…and when…the Bronco thing looks like it’s gonna happen…PLEASE…reach out and pm me…there are ways to get what ya want for a legitimate “good deal”…seriously, let a brother help ya save a few $.
Here’s where we’re at as of “2 weeks in”…
Next week we add “Sasquatch” suspension (“take offs” just like the wheels & tires you’re looking at). Currently working with Fox to have EXACTLY the suspension I want by summer’s end.
Again, IF she’s serious…I can find something for a HELLUVA lot less than the Sasquatch’s you’re gonna see on dealer lots. Please don’t hesitate to ask.
Manny
Thanks Manny! I 100% will. Just ordered a new tractor so it might be a few weeks, but we are looking. Not many lots with a proper bronco so I think we have some time.
Sorry for interrupting - but what color tractor?
Back to Orange after an experiment with red.
We have an orange (M6-131) and an older red (CX105). Always watching for feedback on what to look at the next time around. Blue seems to be surging a bit around here lately. Still have lots of green loyalists though.
What's your thoughts on the Jeep Sport?
I'm looking a 2019 Sport S for some of the same reasons you went with the BB Bronco. Some decent all terrain tires and I figure it ought to be a good commuter that can also hit a dirt road or two.
Any of these rigs that will deliver the cabIlity you need to get to/thru the places you want to explore…with a little work…right? Hell, they’re all good.
Hit the Eastern Sierra today with Milo to try the new stuff out…it went surprisingly well for “open diffs” and the various GOAT modes actually work (haven’t installed LSDs, yet).
Funny how pics just don’t convey the steepness very well
Good lookin' husky.
Here's our Ollie.
He demands to go hit the trails every single day.
Travels well too.
Just lies in the back seat saving energy until the door opens.
Awesome. Milo just chills out or surfs the window. I’ve got those dog-seat covers draped all over the back of the Bronco; but, that doesn’t mean the Husky hair isn’t gonna be EVERYWHERE!
Making things a little more “Old School”…
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