Modular Bumper Direct Bolt On?

therealsteffenj
Aug 16, 2023

Hype Daddy

Aug 16, 2023

Hi all, I have a 23 Black Diamond on it's way by the end of the month. Theres a few items I really don't like. 1st being the capable bumper. Does anyone know if the Modular Bumper would be a direct bolt on if I went and ordered one from Ford? What happens with the light wires that are wired to the capable bumper. If this has been asked prior, I am sorry. Thanks in advance!
Last edited by a moderator: Aug 16, 2023

Burrito Connoisseur

Aug 16, 2023

#1
The mounting brackets are slightly different, but yes it's bolt-on. Should be noted the modular bumper isn't just a single part, it's actually about a dozen or so parts, so as long as you buy all of the necessary parts—including the mounting hardware—then yes... you can bolt it on. I haven't checked the price in awhile, but last time I did check it was around $1500 for everything. That said, I know the bumpers have leaked their way out of the factory where they are produced (probably China) and are readily available on eBay for less. And of course you may be able to find someone selling them online via various Buy/Sell/Trade forums (BN's is here).

The modular bumper doesn't have fog lights obviously. So you'd either swap out the factory flog lights with aftermarket lights that work with the HD modular bumper (such as these from Heretic), or you just leave them unconnected and wrap the electrical connectors in electrical tape to save them from the elements.
2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon
TK1215, Marine Vet

Rank 0

Aug 16, 2023

#2
You might want to check out Diode Dynamics too. They have a cool front bumper light kit that works on the modulars. A little pricey, but it’s really good stuff. Hope you get your Bronco soon.
Chief Ron

Rank II

Aug 16, 2023

#3
Pretty much yes you can. I started with a 23 BB 2.3L and it has the plastic "standard" bumper and frame tow hooks instead of up and out front d rings. I hate the plastic bumper which IMO is worse than the "capable" bumper. I bought one of those Chinese copies and it isn't bad. I got it for around $700. It comes with the d ring mounts but I wanted Ford mounts so I got the red ones. I also spent about $120 or dollars on Bronco Bolts. I also spent about $250 on Tricky Distributing's frame horn enhancement.

I cut off the two hooks with a saws all and an angle grinder. Pretty easy. The same three bolts that hold the plastic bumper where used to hold the modular bumper in place. When I used TD's frame horn enhancement I used longer bolts.

In the include picture, I have the Rough Country winch mount and Warn EVO 10-S winch installed. I hadn't installed the covers over the bolts yet as I had to cut them IAW RC's instructions. I did that this morning.

Oh, my plastic bumper had fog lights. I pulled the wiring harness and reused it with the new bumper. I used aftermarket fog lights mounted on the bumper and used a harness adapter to make it all plug in play with the stock fog light switch.

I'm happy with the results.

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Bob N - Capt., USAF-Retired
2023 Bronco Big Bend, 1942 Ford GPW (jeep)
Chief Ron, Marine Vet

OBIE

Aug 16, 2023

#4
Pretty much yes you can. I started with a 23 BB 2.3L and it has the plastic "standard" bumper and frame tow hooks instead of up and out front d rings. I hate the plastic bumper which IMO is worse than the "capable" bumper. I bought one of those Chinese copies and it isn't bad. I got it for around $700. It comes with the d ring mounts but I wanted Ford mounts so I got the red ones. I also spent about $120 or dollars on Bronco Bolts. I also spent about $250 on Tricky Distributing's frame horn enhancement.

I cut off the two hooks with a saws all and an angle grinder. Pretty easy. The same three bolts that hold the plastic bumper where used to hold the modular bumper in place. When I used TD's frame horn enhancement I used longer bolts.

In the include picture, I have the Rough Country winch mount and Warn EVO 10-S winch installed. I hadn't installed the covers over the bolts yet as I had to cut them IAW RC's instructions. I did that this morning.

Oh, my plastic bumper had fog lights. I pulled the wiring harness and reused it with the new bumper. I used aftermarket fog lights mounted on the bumper and used a harness adapter to make it all plug in play with the stock fog light switch.

I'm happy with the results.

That is one of the "cleaner" winch installs I 've seen. About the only thing I would miss is the winch front bar that comes with the Ford/Warn kit. I used Baja Designs light kit, see my pre-wire picture attached. Note, as I have Outer Banks with Lux, I moved my front trail cam to that bar, made my own bracked. I also relocated the adaptive cruise control module to behind the grille, used a kit.

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Chief Ron, Trialmx

Rank 0

Aug 16, 2023

#5
Looks real good Mikey. Did you have any OBD issues after relocating the ACC and camera? I really like the Warn setup, but would rather not loose the 2 inboard front parking sensors. Do you think a guy could find open space to drill/mount them on the Warn mount?
BobN

Rank II

Aug 16, 2023

#6
That is one of the "cleaner" winch installs I 've seen. About the only thing I would miss is the winch front bar that comes with the Ford/Warn kit. I used Baja Designs light kit, see my pre-wire picture attached. Note, as I have Outer Banks with Lux, I moved my front trail cam to that bar, made my own bracked. I also relocated the adaptive cruise control module to behind the grille, used a kit.
Very nice. I made my own bracket as well, used aluminum stock that I ordered off of Amazon. Took off the hawse head and traced it on some cardboard. Cut out the cardboard and mocked up a bracket. I have the mid 23 BB so no factory camera. So I run a 7 inch monitor on the dash perch, it comes on with an AUX switch. I can add one other camera and I'm thinking of finding a perch underneath...for spotting, not that have ever been able to do any rock crawling. Dirt/muddy roads is the most I've seen in Florida. I would stay out of the swampy roads and real mud as I hear the alternator is sensitive.

Anyway, I'm not done with the front camera. I bought a nozzle and hose with connectors, thinking of mounting the nozzle to spray the camera when it gets dirty. Not sure if splicing into the windshield washer line is a great idea or not.

I don't like the 7 inch monitor hanging over the dash so I'm going to try mounting it in front of the Aux switch box. I've ordered a Hooke Road Bronco Front Overhead Storage MOLLE Panel https://amzn.to/3qsdfQu . Then I will have some struts to hold the monitor in front of the Aux box. I would try running the cable up the a pillar or the b pillar. Going to have to watch some videos on how to remove the a pillar trim. I know I seen at least one...been awhile.

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Bob N - Capt., USAF-Retired
2023 Bronco Big Bend, 1942 Ford GPW (jeep)
Marine Vet

Rank II

Aug 17, 2023

#7
I swapped from the plastic basic one to the modular and had no issues outside the cutting off the tow hooks that are with the plastaic. I picked my modular up as a take off from another guy's rig and got it really cheap. I heard that the capable to modular needs 2 different parking senors so youd have to chagne those out but cant confirm if thats true. I didnt have to change any sensors on my swap. The hardest part of mine was moving the wire harness over. I just tucked my fog brackets up into the bumper and hid them away so I can grab them and use them once I get aftermarket fogs.
Outer Banks / 4DR / 2.3L / Auto / Catcus Grey / Lux / Soft Top / Sasquatch
Chief Ron, Marine Vet

OBIE

Aug 17, 2023

#8
Looks real good Mikey. Did you have any OBD issues after relocating the ACC and camera? I really like the Warn setup, but would rather not loose the 2 inboard front parking sensors. Do you think a guy could find open space to drill/mount them on the Warn mount?

Yeah, I turned the front parking sensors off. I considered relocating them, but would have to plastic-plug the holes, and I really just don't need them. And you likely would need to procure longer wiring. For the front trail cam, there would be nothing wrong with teeing into the washer hose, as quite frankly that is production anyhow. For relocating the adaptive cruise control, I used the kit made by Addictive Desert Designs, about $185. See picture, it was a bit of a teardown task, but the kit works perfect (contrary to my fellow Ford engineers who worked on that program). GO ARMY!

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Chief Ron, Marine Vet

Hype Daddy

Aug 17, 2023

#9
Great! Thank you all for the responses and ideas! I keep kicking myself in the butt for not just ordering it from the factory but oh well! Thanks again, cheers all!
Chief Ron, Marine Vet

I can't catch a break.

Aug 17, 2023

#10
Pretty much yes you can. I started with a 23 BB 2.3L and it has the plastic "standard" bumper and frame tow hooks instead of up and out front d rings. I hate the plastic bumper which IMO is worse than the "capable" bumper. I bought one of those Chinese copies and it isn't bad. I got it for around $700. It comes with the d ring mounts but I wanted Ford mounts so I got the red ones. I also spent about $120 or dollars on Bronco Bolts. I also spent about $250 on Tricky Distributing's frame horn enhancement.

I cut off the two hooks with a saws all and an angle grinder. Pretty easy. The same three bolts that hold the plastic bumper where used to hold the modular bumper in place. When I used TD's frame horn enhancement I used longer bolts.

In the include picture, I have the Rough Country winch mount and Warn EVO 10-S winch installed. I hadn't installed the covers over the bolts yet as I had to cut them IAW RC's instructions. I did that this morning.

Oh, my plastic bumper had fog lights. I pulled the wiring harness and reused it with the new bumper. I used aftermarket fog lights mounted on the bumper and used a harness adapter to make it all plug in play with the stock fog light switch.

I'm happy with the results.

I went through a nearly identical upgrade on my front bumper as you did. Although I started with the modular bumper, I removed it to install Tricky’s frame horn kit. Then I added the RC winch kit and heretic light. It looks super fab.
But the very next week I hit a rock at SMORR and dented and bent the whole unit into the lower grill trim piece. Sigh.

Pro tip: if you are really going to rock crawl with the Bronco, you’re going to want a stronger and more higher clearance bumper. Or at minimum remove the end pieces.

I was moving slow on Peewee’s crossing during a night run. I was trying to avoid a tree stump from puncturing tires on the driver side, and failed to notice a boulder on my passenger side.


Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Rank 0

Aug 17, 2023

#11
Yeah, I turned the front parking sensors off. I considered relocating them, but would have to plastic-plug the holes, and I really just don't need them. And you likely would need to procure longer wiring. For the front trail cam, there would be nothing wrong with teeing into the washer hose, as quite frankly that is production anyhow. For relocating the adaptive cruise control, I used the kit made by Addictive Desert Designs, about $185. See picture, it was a bit of a teardown task, but the kit works perfect (contrary to my fellow Ford engineers who worked on that program). GO ARMY!

Thanks Mikey! Appreciate the feedback. BTW, presuming you served… thanks for your service. It takes all of us. LOL Semper Fi
BobN, Chief Ron

OBIE

Aug 20, 2023

#12
Thanks Mikey! Appreciate the feedback. BTW, presuming you served… thanks for your service. It takes all of us. LOL Semper Fi

Was married and had a 9-month old when drafted Nam era. Last thing I need, my father was a Col and a lifer...
Chief Ron, Marine Vet

Rank 0

Aug 21, 2023

#13
Two stints in Nam myself… 3rd Marine Air Wing. DaNang mostly. But we made it; many of our Brothers not so fortunate. Lousy war, but we served our country. Hopefully you’re a happy grandpa now. Thankfully our Lord has kept us around long enough to enjoy the 6th gen Bronco. Go Army!
Chief Ron, Gyoja

OBIE

Aug 21, 2023

#14
Two stints in Nam myself… 3rd Marine Air Wing. DaNang mostly. But we made it; many of our Brothers not so fortunate. Lousy war, but we served our country. Hopefully you’re a happy grandpa now. Thankfully our Lord has kept us around long enough to enjoy the 6th gen Bronco. Go Army!

This was my 1st Bronco. it was 2 weeks new when i dropped a built 460 in it. Most of my Ford engineering career was advanced powertrain. I actually worked on what was supposed to be a "Blazer-fighter" and a "Suburban-fighter" in 1974 (was active duty Army reserve then), but the programs got thrifted. What a stupo mistake!

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Chief Ron, Marine Vet

OBIE

Aug 21, 2023

#15
This was my 1st Bronco. it was 2 weeks new when i dropped a built 460 in it. Most of my Ford engineering career was advanced powertrain. I actually worked on what was supposed to be a "Blazer-fighter" and a "Suburban-fighter" in 1974 (was active duty Army reserve then), but the programs got thrifted. What a stupo mistake!

This specific truck, along with 23 others, was supposed to be fabricated into a Bronco prototype. When the (called U100) program got canned, i bought it. Ford was just starting to mess with fancy interior trims, and one of my development buddies gave me leather seats, super thick Lincoln carpeting, insulated headliner and door deadener.

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Chief Ron, Marine Vet

Rank 0

Aug 21, 2023

#16
Well Mickey, some job & connections you had. Nice perks back in the day, eh. Musta been really fun to work there. In the mid-70's me & two buddies and I were into asphalt circle track and bought a Holman-Moody chassis, put a '73 Grand Torino body on her, and ran a 455 tunnel port. We knew Dick Trickle pretty well and came up north to run with him, Reffner, Senneker, Shear & others. They were 2800# vs our 3600# and cleaned our clock routinely until we built a Howe chassis '72 Camaro L88 427. U still live up north?
Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Rank 0

Aug 21, 2023

#17
Mikey...darn spell chk

OBIE

Aug 22, 2023

#18
Well Mickey, some job & connections you had. Nice perks back in the day, eh. Musta been really fun to work there. In the mid-70's me & two buddies and I were into asphalt circle track and bought a Holman-Moody chassis, put a '73 Grand Torino body on her, and ran a 455 tunnel port. We knew Dick Trickle pretty well and came up north to run with him, Reffner, Senneker, Shear & others. They were 2800# vs our 3600# and cleaned our clock routinely until we built a Howe chassis '72 Camaro L88 427. U still live up north?
My current 427. Well, it's .030-over. Haha, and a bit more than the 390HP sticker.

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Deano Bronc, Marine Vet

Rank 0

Aug 22, 2023

#19
Well done. Takes me back… Thanks!
Gyoja

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