Help modding my bronco?

Madburchell

Dec 17, 2022

Hey y'all! I'm curious as to what everyone thinks I could do to my stock. I know that the bronco is very accessible when it comes to modifications so I suppose that is why I feel overwhelmed with opportunities. Like the rest of us, I have an absolute dream ideal of what I want my Outer Banks to look like -- 35s, maybe a heritage grille, powersteps, backlit logo, roof rack crossbars, more LED lights, and a muted but noticeable change to the wheels (on the fence about gold/copper).

Again these are just my ideas; I want to be very careful with what I do to it, and I am willing to get my hands dirty but I want it to be done right like the rest of you. Though my skills are *excruciatingly* limited, I am trying very hard to learn from others' experiences from Youtube and stalking these forums! 😂 I also am aware that due to my age this will be a project only achievable within the next 10 years (gotta make dat $$$); I don't want anyone to think I am feening for my parents money bc that's not how life works lol.

I know you guys are super educated in vehicular modifications, but treat me like I was born yesterday. I have no idea what some car lingo means. Thanks and any advice helps. I just want a badass ride 😜 😎

*the only modification I've made is literally a front license plate.*
Outer Banks 4D, Lux Package, 2.3 Engine, Navy Pier Leather Interior, Area 51

Laura

Last edited by a moderator: Dec 17, 2022

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Dec 17, 2022

Think about what ever you want to modify will that affect your warranty. Also know more than likely whatever you do to it is not going to increase the value and the money you put into those modifications will be lost. Only do what makes you happy and NOT worry about what anyone else thinks. Have fun.

Laura, Mikey D

Dec 18, 2022

What are your driving interests...ambitions? Are you more interested in tricking it out cosmetically, or accessorizing it for off-road exploration? Bear in mind, once you start exploring rough back roads, trails, and obstacle courses, it gets very interesting...addictive...expensive. At least that's been my experience!

Take your time, and take good care of your Bronco. Take the Off-Roadeo course* as soon as you can, and you'll get a feel for (and maybe a taste for) off-roading: you'll learn what your truck can do, and gain confidence. Look into some pleasure-driving along the Daniel Boon Historic Byway, not too far from you. There are also the Hatfield-McCoys OffRoad park which offers lots of options from easy to difficult and technical. As you gain some experience, you'll meet others, check out their rigs and accessories, and learn a lot. Most importantly, you'll be in a better position to decide, "Do I like this bumper because it's sexy? Or because it better supports a good winch for my purposes?) (Etc.)

*You're midway between the Texas and the New Hampshire courses. If you decide on New Hampshire, be sure to message me ahead of time. If your schedule and finances permit, Moab and Nevada are the best, but you can't go wrong with the others.

Laura, Calgecko

Dec 18, 2022

I have a OBX. I would seriously look into fifteen52 wheels if you are going to go with 35s (that is assuming you are changing the wheel as well). Also BFGoodrich KO2s, while pricey are worth it. I agree with what others say, do what makes you happy.

When I’m doing modifications that I don’t have the knowledge to do myself, I bring it to a ford dealer maybe an hour away. They are experts at upfitting and very good at what they do. Also, it helps me with warranty and knowing that they are doing a quality job. I’d find a dealer near you that may be able to do upfitting and consult with them too if you have questions.

2022 Eruption Green 2 Door Outer Banks

Laura, Madburchell

Dec 18, 2022

Bronco 202?
Think about what ever you want to modify will that affect your warranty. Also know more than likely whatever you do to it is not going to increase the value and the money you put into those modifications will be lost. Only do what makes you happy and NOT worry about what anyone else thinks. Have fun.

Thank you SO much! You’re very right, I need to be smart about it and remember the value of the vehicle itself, while also making it my own. I will try my best to gesture what is and *isnt* the most practical purchase 😅

Bronco 202?

Dec 18, 2022

BostonBadlands
What are your driving interests...ambitions? Are you more interested in tricking it out cosmetically, or accessorizing it for off-road exploration? Bear in mind, once you start exploring rough back roads, trails, and obstacle courses, it gets very interesting...addictive...expensive. At least that's been my experience!

Take your time, and take good care of your Bronco. Take the Off-Roadeo course* as soon as you can, and you'll get a feel for (and maybe a taste for) off-roading: you'll learn what your truck can do, and gain confidence. Look into some pleasure-driving along the Daniel Boon Historic Byway, not too far from you. There are also the Hatfield-McCoys OffRoad park which offers lots of options from easy to difficult and technical. As you gain some experience, you'll meet others, check out their rigs and accessories, and learn a lot. Most importantly, you'll be in a better position to decide, "Do I like this bumper because it's sexy? Or because it better supports a good winch for my purposes?) (Etc.)

*You're midway between the Texas and the New Hampshire courses. If you decide on New Hampshire, be sure to message me ahead of time. If your schedule and finances permit, Moab and Nevada are the best, but you can't go wrong with the others.

Haha!! I know— just browsing the options itself is addicting! But yes, you’re spot on with the recommendations for the Off Road experiences. I was in Moab for one of them, but didn’t have my physical car. We watched the event from a distance since I was on a school related trip. Nonetheless, I definitely need to look into the off road abilities since that’s the Bronco’s intended purpose.. not just jumping the curb at my local Panera Bread🤣 Still, I want it to get dirty like it should, so I def will educate myself on its capabilities. Thank you so so much for taking the time to reply!!!

Laura, BostonBadlands

Dec 18, 2022

EGBronco
I have a OBX. I would seriously look into fifteen52 wheels if you are going to go with 35s (that is assuming you are changing the wheel as well). Also BFGoodrich KO2s, while pricey are worth it. I agree with what others say, do what makes you happy.

When I’m doing modifications that I don’t have the knowledge to do myself, I bring it to a ford dealer maybe an hour away. They are experts at upfitting and very good at what they do. Also, it helps me with warranty and knowing that they are doing a quality job. I’d find a dealer near you that may be able to do upfitting and consult with them too if you have questions.

This is SUPER helpful. That is what I was planning to do— consulting my local dealer for the best aftermarket products while also trying to avoid their up selling abilities. I will 100% look into those 35s and thank you SO MUCH!! Can’t wait to be up there with the big dogs!!😂😂

Laura, BostonBadlands

Dec 18, 2022

The best advice I can give anyone starting out is to find a group of people to go wheeling with. Watch what they use and ask questions, and never be afraid to ask for help. The truth is, people buy gear all the time and never encounter an opportunity to use it. So you will make someone’s day if they get to finally use any of the gear they acquired.

You should absolutely plan on spending the week at Bronco Super Celebration East and go on as many trail rides as possible. You’ll make friends and learn a lot.

With that being said, here are the three pieces of equipment I see universally owned and used every time I go out:

Communications. GMRS radio. MidlandsUSA has a lot of great options. This is a hobby where people work together and help each other out. Get a radio so you can easily communicate with the people you are with.

Tire air down kits. Lot’s of different fancy styles to choose from. I used a simple tire pressure gauge for a long time, but other options make it a little easier.

Air compressor. I have a cheap smitty built one, but having your own air is a god send.

Hope this helps!

Laura, Madburchell

Dec 18, 2022

Madburchell
... on a school related trip. Nonetheless, I definitely need to look into the off road abilities since that’s the Bronco’s intended purpose.. not just jumping the curb at my local Panera Bread🤣

Speaking of "school-related," my idea of the soft "SUV" vehicle market is: being able to jump the curb at school and drive up to the playing field, so Mom and Dad can stay out of the rain while they watch their kid sit on the bench of a soccer game. And never mind the ruts they leave in the lawn!

Madburchell, you seem to have a sensible head on your shoulders. 👌 Carry on!

Madburchell

Dec 18, 2022

Madburchell
This is SUPER helpful. That is what I was planning to do— consulting my local dealer for the best aftermarket products while also trying to avoid their up selling abilities

Dec 18, 2022

#10

Others have mentioned this, but it ultimately depends on what you want to do with your Bronco.

Personally my Bronco will be my camping/skiing/hiking/vacation vehicle, so a lot of my upgrades have revolved around storage and getting gear from point A to point B. Interior storage, roof racks, lighting suitable for driving in winter conditions, etc. In the end it'll likely be an overlanding vehicle, but I tend upgrade my vehicles over time and see where life takes me. (In the past I upgraded my vehicle just for the sake of upgrading my vehicle, and I managed to burn a LOT of cash that way... so trying to avoid that this time around.)

If my focus on off-roading, I likely would be adding more robust suspension, bigger tires, more armoring, etc. If I just wanted a cool-looking vehicle to drive around town and go to the beach/lake during the weekends... I would probably be looking at something like powersteps, upgrades to the interior, and a soft top for the summer (if you don't have one already).

So it all depends what you want/need, and there is nothing wrong with keeping a vehicle close to stock if it already has everything you need.

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

Laura, Madburchell

Dec 18, 2022

#11

Don't $tint on recovery gear. When you get into genuinely technical trails, you'll want a good winch with synthetic cable, a good shovel, quality recovery ("tread") boards, soft shackles, and a kinetic tow line, as opposed to a mere tow strap. The difference is that the kinetic one will stretch a bit before engaging the pull, allowing the towing/recovery vehicle to pick up a bit of speed (momentum), without delivering an excessive, possibly harmful, "yank" on the line--and the vehicle being extracted.
As Technical Disaster points out, if you join a group others will be happy to share their gear, and their knowledge. With that in mind, you might postpone the compressor gear until later. But start doing your research now on what winches your OEM bumper can accommodate, whether you want to $pring for an aftermarket bumper, and whether (or how) your parking sensors, front camera, and adaptive cruise control radar will be compromised. There are solutions to all that, but it's complicated, and may cost you more.

Laura, Madburchell

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