Any Recommended Mods?

Broncos are very capable off-road vehicles, they can do a lot more than most think.. Some models are more off-road capable than others. Since you have a Badlands, it is very capable off-road. Learn how and when to use the lockers. Improper use of the front locker can snap a tie rod.

Broncos and off-roading will drain your bank account fast!

If you are new to off-roading then I would highly recommend that you do not go out 4 wheelin' alone. Find a local Bronco, Jeep, or 4x4 group and go out with them until you gain some knowledge and gear.

Once you are comfortable in your off-roading abilities, knowledge & ability to recover yourself, and you have a lot of recovery gear, then, and then only, consider going solo.

Since the Bronco is very capable, even in stock configuration, I would focus on getting off-road recovery gear 1st.

Off-road recovery gear: If going solo, you need all of this. If going in a group, someone in the group should have at least one of these. Make sure you learn how to safely use the winch and the recovery gear. People have been killed and / or maimed by improperly using a winch..

• Winch
• Recovery Boards
• Snatch Block
• Soft Shackles
• Tree saver
• Tow strap
• Gloves
• Air Compressor with hose and gauge
• Tire Deflators
• GMRS radio. Can be hardwired or handheld (you also need a GMRS license - cheap and easy to get one)
• Emergency Satellite Communicator
• Chainsaw
• Small foldable shovel
• Tool Kit
• Duct Tape and Zip Ties
• Hi-Lift Bottle Jack (if you are lifted)
• Extra Tie Rods
• First Aid Kit

As far as Bronco mods go, that is going to depend on how and where you plan on 4 wheeling. Many will opt for a suspension lift, larger tires, rock rails, ditch lights, HD tie rods, steering rack upgrades, etc..

When you go off-road, you need to air tires down. I almost always air mine down somewhere between 15-18 PSI. After off-roading you need an air compressor to air back up. The general rule of thumb is that you can safely do 2x the speed of your PSI when aired down. For instance, if you are aired down to 20 PSI, do not exceed 40 MPH..

A tip I would have never thought of, that was taught to me years ago by a 4x4 stud who was in a group I went out with while learning the ropes, was: If you have nowhere to attach the winch line to, you can dig a hole, remove your spare tire, attach the winch line to the spare, burry it, and winch yourself on out.

It might be a little overwhelming at 1st but you'll get the hang of it in no time flat. Being able to self recover is huge, especially if out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. Being able to safely self recover when solo is mandatory IMO..

< sad story of despair >

Mid 80's, I'm new to 4x4'ing and have a sweet used CJ I had just purchased.. Now remember, this is the mid 80's so no cell phones ect.. I have nothing, no recovery gear at all..

I go out and end up on a very narrow and muddy forest trail. At about 5 miles deep into the trail, the trail is blocked by numerous downed trees.. The sides of this very narrow trail are even more muddy and they are soft and very deep. I attempt a 5,000 point turn around and at some point, I back up to much and my driver side rear wheel instantly sinks into the mud at the side of the trail. The entire rear wheel is swallowed up.

I spend about 2 hours trying to get unstuck. I am digging mud out with hands, stuffing branches and everything I can find to try and get traction. No dice!

I hike back out the 5'ish miles to the main road and start trying to hitchhike a ride back to civilization. I am covered head to toe in mud and probably look like I had just murdered someone and buried them out in the forest.. 😂

Eventually someone stops and gives me a lift. The next day a buddy with a 4Runner dives me back out to the spot and we are able to get it out.

< / end sad story of despair >

After that, I joined a Jeep group and started going out with them. I purchased the recovery gear and items they recommended, including a winch. I do go out solo most times now but I have all the gear I need and I am comfortable in my ability to self recover..

There are plenty of very knowledgeable and friendly people here. I am sure you'll get other helpful responses.

Oh, and welcome to the Bronco Nation family! 👍 💪

raqball

Broncos are very capable off-road vehicles, they can do a lot more than most think.. Some models are more off-road capable than others. Since you have a Badlands, it is very capable off-road. Learn how and when to use the lockers. Improper use of the front locker can snap a tie rod.

Broncos and off-roading will drain your bank account fast!

If you are new to off-roading then I would highly recommend that you do not go out 4 wheelin' alone. Find a local Bronco, Jeep, or 4x4 group and go out with them until you gain some knowledge and gear.

Once you are comfortable in your off-roading abilities, knowledge & ability to recover yourself, and you have a lot of recovery gear, then, and then only, consider going solo.

Since the Bronco is very capable, even in stock configuration, I would focus on getting off-road recovery gear 1st.

Off-road recovery gear: If going solo, you need all of this. If going in a group, someone in the group should have at least one of these. Make sure you learn how to safely use the winch and the recovery gear. People have been killed and / or maimed by improperly using a winch..

• Winch
• Recovery Boards
• Snatch Block
• Soft Shackles
• Tree saver
• Tow strap
• Gloves
• Air Compressor with hose and gauge
• Tire Deflators
• GMRS radio. Can be hardwired or handheld (you also need a GMRS license - cheap and easy to get one)
• Emergency Satellite Communicator
• Chainsaw
• Small foldable shovel
• Tool Kit
• Duct Tape and Zip Ties
• Hi-Lift Bottle Jack (if you are lifted)
• Extra Tie Rods
• First Aid Kit

As far as Bronco mods go, that is going to depend on how and where you plan on 4 wheeling. Many will opt for a suspension lift, larger tires, rock rails, ditch lights, HD tie rods, steering rack upgrades, etc..

When you go off-road, you need to air tires down. I almost always air mine down somewhere between 15-18 PSI. After off-roading you need an air compressor to air back up. The general rule of thumb is that you can safely do 2x the speed of your PSI when aired down. For instance, if you are aired down to 20 PSI, do not exceed 40 MPH..

A tip I would have never thought of, that was taught to me years ago by a 4x4 stud who was in a group I went out with while learning the ropes, was: If you have nowhere to attach the winch line to, you can dig a hole, remove your spare tire, attach the winch line to the spare, burry it, and winch yourself on out.

It might be a little overwhelming at 1st but you'll get the hang of it in no time flat. Being able to self recover is huge, especially if out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. Being able to safely self recover when solo is mandatory IMO..

< sad story of despair >

Mid 80's, I'm new to 4x4'ing and have a sweet used CJ I had just purchased.. Now remember, this is the mid 80's so no cell phones ect.. I have nothing, no recovery gear at all..

I go out and end up on a very narrow and muddy forest trail. At about 5 miles deep into the trail, the trail is blocked by numerous downed trees.. The sides of this very narrow trail are even more muddy and they are soft and very deep. I attempt a 5,000 point turn around and at some point, I back up to much and my driver side rear wheel instantly sinks into the mud at the side of the trail. The entire rear wheel is swallowed up.

I spend about 2 hours trying to get unstuck. I am digging mud out with hands, stuffing branches and everything I can find to try and get traction. No dice!

I hike back out the 5'ish miles to the main road and start trying to hitchhike a ride back to civilization. I am covered head to toe in mud and probably look like I had just murdered someone and buried them out in the forest.. 😂

Eventually someone stops and gives me a lift. The next day a buddy with a 4Runner dives me back out to the spot and we are able to get it out.

< / end sad story of despair >

After that, I joined a Jeep group and started going out with them. I purchased the recovery gear and items they recommended, including a winch. I do go out solo most times now but I have all the gear I need and I am comfortable in my ability to self recover..

There are plenty of very knowledgeable and friendly people here. I am sure you'll get other helpful responses.

Oh, and welcome to the Bronco Nation family! 👍 💪

Excellent info! I second all of it.

raqball

Broncos are very capable off-road vehicles, they can do a lot more than most think.. Some models are more off-road capable than others. Since you have a Badlands, it is very capable off-road. Learn how and when to use the lockers. Improper use of the front locker can snap a tie rod.

Broncos and off-roading will drain your bank account fast!

If you are new to off-roading then I would highly recommend that you do not go out 4 wheelin' alone. Find a local Bronco, Jeep, or 4x4 group and go out with them until you gain some knowledge and gear.

Once you are comfortable in your off-roading abilities, knowledge & ability to recover yourself, and you have a lot of recovery gear, then, and then only, consider going solo.

Since the Bronco is very capable, even in stock configuration, I would focus on getting off-road recovery gear 1st.

Off-road recovery gear: If going solo, you need all of this. If going in a group, someone in the group should have at least one of these. Make sure you learn how to safely use the winch and the recovery gear. People have been killed and / or maimed by improperly using a winch..

• Winch
• Recovery Boards
• Snatch Block
• Soft Shackles
• Tree saver
• Tow strap
• Gloves
• Air Compressor with hose and gauge
• Tire Deflators
• GMRS radio. Can be hardwired or handheld (you also need a GMRS license - cheap and easy to get one)
• Emergency Satellite Communicator
• Chainsaw
• Small foldable shovel
• Tool Kit
• Duct Tape and Zip Ties
• Hi-Lift Bottle Jack (if you are lifted)
• Extra Tie Rods
• First Aid Kit

As far as Bronco mods go, that is going to depend on how and where you plan on 4 wheeling. Many will opt for a suspension lift, larger tires, rock rails, ditch lights, HD tie rods, steering rack upgrades, etc..

When you go off-road, you need to air tires down. I almost always air mine down somewhere between 15-18 PSI. After off-roading you need an air compressor to air back up. The general rule of thumb is that you can safely do 2x the speed of your PSI when aired down. For instance, if you are aired down to 20 PSI, do not exceed 40 MPH..

A tip I would have never thought of, that was taught to me years ago by a 4x4 stud who was in a group I went out with while learning the ropes, was: If you have nowhere to attach the winch line to, you can dig a hole, remove your spare tire, attach the winch line to the spare, burry it, and winch yourself on out.

It might be a little overwhelming at 1st but you'll get the hang of it in no time flat. Being able to self recover is huge, especially if out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. Being able to safely self recover when solo is mandatory IMO..

< sad story of despair >

Mid 80's, I'm new to 4x4'ing and have a sweet used CJ I had just purchased.. Now remember, this is the mid 80's so no cell phones ect.. I have nothing, no recovery gear at all..

I go out and end up on a very narrow and muddy forest trail. At about 5 miles deep into the trail, the trail is blocked by numerous downed trees.. The sides of this very narrow trail are even more muddy and they are soft and very deep. I attempt a 5,000 point turn around and at some point, I back up to much and my driver side rear wheel instantly sinks into the mud at the side of the trail. The entire rear wheel is swallowed up.

I spend about 2 hours trying to get unstuck. I am digging mud out with hands, stuffing branches and everything I can find to try and get traction. No dice!

I hike back out the 5'ish miles to the main road and start trying to hitchhike a ride back to civilization. I am covered head to toe in mud and probably look like I had just murdered someone and buried them out in the forest.. 😂

Eventually someone stops and gives me a lift. The next day a buddy with a 4Runner dives me back out to the spot and we are able to get it out.

< / end sad story of despair >

After that, I joined a Jeep group and started going out with them. I purchased the recovery gear and items they recommended, including a winch. I do go out solo most times now but I have all the gear I need and I am comfortable in my ability to self recover..

There are plenty of very knowledgeable and friendly people here. I am sure you'll get other helpful responses.

Oh, and welcome to the Bronco Nation family! 👍 💪

Awesome info, @raqball !
I am always amazed at the things that folks who do a lot of solo off-roading include in their kits…
Much appreciate the info!

Do yourself a favor and get some interior lighting installed. I put in an interior dome light kit from IAG. This is hands down the best mod I have done. And everything @raqball said are excellent recommendations. Oh and if you plan to be enthusiastic about your off road travels, get some additional skid plates for the low hanging fruit. Lots of great posts and members to help you answer questions regarding stuff to purchase!

Thank you for replying! Amazing content and I am looking into all your recommendations now! My wife will be QUITE pleased looking at our bank account over the next few months. I sense a lot of “yes dear” responses coming from me for a while. You want that Louis Vuitton? Yes ma’am, you got it!

bigred2

Thank you for replying! Amazing content and I am looking into all your recommendations now! My wife will be QUITE pleased looking at our bank account over the next few months. I sense a lot of “yes dear” responses coming from me for a while. You want that Louis Vuttion? Yes ma’am, you got it!

You have truly joined the club!🤣

bigred2

Thank you for replying! Amazing content and I am looking into all your recommendations now! My wife will be QUITE pleased looking at our bank account over the next few months. I sense a lot of “yes dear” responses coming from me for a while. You want that Louis Vuttion? Yes ma’am, you got it!

Remember, get quality gear. The old adage of buy once, cry once applies to recovery gear.. The last thing you want is to have the proper gear but it's cheap junk that will fail on the trial.

They also say it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission? 😬

TK1215

Do yourself a favor and get some interior lighting installed. I put in an interior dome light kit from IAG. This is hands down the best mod I have done.

I think this is next on my to-do list.. The lighting inside the Bronco is bad, like really bad...

I am a use it then mod it once I have a need for it. Of course I do have a factory modded model, other than some storage upgrades it is pretty stock, we don't go wheeling all the time but when we do...

raqball

Broncos are very capable off-road vehicles, they can do a lot more than most think.. Some models are more off-road capable than others. Since you have a Badlands, it is very capable off-road. Learn how and when to use the lockers. Improper use of the front locker can snap a tie rod.

Broncos and off-roading will drain your bank account fast!

If you are new to off-roading then I would highly recommend that you do not go out 4 wheelin' alone. Find a local Bronco, Jeep, or 4x4 group and go out with them until you gain some knowledge and gear.

Once you are comfortable in your off-roading abilities, knowledge & ability to recover yourself, and you have a lot of recovery gear, then, and then only, consider going solo.

Since the Bronco is very capable, even in stock configuration, I would focus on getting off-road recovery gear 1st.

Off-road recovery gear: If going solo, you need all of this. If going in a group, someone in the group should have at least one of these. Make sure you learn how to safely use the winch and the recovery gear. People have been killed and / or maimed by improperly using a winch..

• Winch - This is not your wife or girlfriend
• Recovery Boards - He said boards, not broads...there's a difference
• Snatch Block - Won't touch this one with a 10 foot borard or broad!
• Soft Shackles - Might need to see a doctor if you have this problem.
• Tree saver - That's for 4 low...just run them over.
• Tow strap - TO tie things up with...will leave this to your imagination.
• Gloves - Not the latex kind.
• Air Compressor with hose and gauge -
• Tire Deflators - He was not referring to your wife or girl friend!
• GMRS radio. Can be hardwired or handheld (you also need a GMRS license - cheap and easy to get one)
• Emergency Satellite Communicator
• Chainsaw
• Small foldable shovel - To help dig a hole to bury the truck so the wife, or girl friend doesn't see all the damage.
• Tool Kit - A. waste of time....see GMRS radio
• Duct Tape and Zip Ties - These are to put back on what the chainsaw took off.
• Hi-Lift Bottle Jack (if you are lifted) - It's not a fifth of something or Jack Daniels.
• Extra Tie Rods
• First Aid Kit - See Duct tape and zippy ties.

As far as Bronco mods go, that is going to depend on how and where you plan on 4 wheeling. Many will opt for a suspension lift, larger tires, rock rails, ditch lights, HD tie rods, steering rack upgrades, etc..

When you go off-road, you need to air tires down. I almost always air mine down somewhere between 15-18 PSI. After off-roading you need an air compressor to air back up. The general rule of thumb is that you can safely do 2x the speed of your PSI when aired down. For instance, if you are aired down to 20 PSI, do not exceed 40 MPH..

A tip I would have never thought of, that was taught to me years ago by a 4x4 stud who was in a group I went out with while learning the ropes, was: If you have nowhere to attach the winch line to, you can dig a hole, remove your spare tire, attach the winch line to the spare, burry it, and winch yourself on out.

It might be a little overwhelming at 1st but you'll get the hang of it in no time flat. Being able to self recover is huge, especially if out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. Being able to safely self recover when solo is mandatory IMO..

< sad story of despair >

Mid 80's, I'm new to 4x4'ing and have a sweet used CJ I had just purchased.. Now remember, this is the mid 80's so no cell phones ect.. I have nothing, no recovery gear at all..

I go out and end up on a very narrow and muddy forest trail. At about 5 miles deep into the trail, the trail is blocked by numerous downed trees.. The sides of this very narrow trail are even more muddy and they are soft and very deep. I attempt a 5,000 point turn around and at some point, I back up to much and my driver side rear wheel instantly sinks into the mud at the side of the trail. The entire rear wheel is swallowed up.

I spend about 2 hours trying to get unstuck. I am digging mud out with hands, stuffing branches and everything I can find to try and get traction. No dice!

I hike back out the 5'ish miles to the main road and start trying to hitchhike a ride back to civilization. I am covered head to toe in mud and probably look like I had just murdered someone and buried them out in the forest.. 😂

Eventually someone stops and gives me a lift. The next day a buddy with a 4Runner dives me back out to the spot and we are able to get it out.

< / end sad story of despair >

After that, I joined a Jeep group and started going out with them. I purchased the recovery gear and items they recommended, including a winch. I do go out solo most times now but I have all the gear I need and I am comfortable in my ability to self recover..

There are plenty of very knowledgeable and friendly people here. I am sure you'll get other helpful responses.

Oh, and welcome to the Bronco Nation family! 👍 💪

I added a few clarifications to the list above. Important to review. Enjoy your truck!!!!

raqball

I think this is next on my to-do list.. The lighting inside the Bronco is bad, like really bad...

I think the IAG kit is on sale right now....

bigred2

Hello,

I am new to off roading and primarily intend to just do mud trails, nothing crazy. I bought my second Bronco- a used 2021 2DR Badlands- with no after market mods except a winch I just had installed. For what I am wanting to do (for now), does anyone have any modifications they recommend? Or is what is factory installed sufficient? Thanks!

I'd reccomend just starting small.
Like others have said, build out your gear kit.
For mods, your Badlands will go anywhere you're comfortable with.
There are some cheap easy things that Ford did us no favors on - the paracord grab handles, better door pockets, a pad for the center console etc are all creature comforts you might like.

I know I love my bulletpoint dash grid & phone & tablet mounts.
Can't imagine any road trip without them now.

If you can find a good price on one, the Ford storage drawer for the rear is a really nice way to keep your gear & other daily items organized & not in the way. I see them on FB Marketplace for 400/500 pretty often.

MIGeezer

I added a few clarifications to the list above. Important to review. Enjoy your truck!!!!

HAHA! I just read your edit! Hilarious 😂 . Thanks for the clarification!