Badlands - Rock Rails, Skid Plates, Bash Plate, Sway Bar Disconnect, etc

SlashRacer

Now that everyone is seeing the prices and deciding on which trim to go with, do forget about these items that are included with the Badlands. Rock Rails, Skid Plates, Heavy Duty Bash Plate, Sway Bar Disconnect, Vinyl Seats and Rubber Flooring.

Good point! Except for the front stabilizer bar disconnect, I think a Black Diamond has the others covered.
By the way, I have noticed a difference in the 4X4 engagement. Badlands has automatic and Black Diamond has selectable. My F150 has selectable and seems to work fine. Never had a vehicle with automatic. Although Ford's documentation says it is available on the Black Diamond, the pricing was left off. Maybe it is one of those features where if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Also remember rock rails, skid plate and bash plates are not cheap even in the aftermarket. I think Ford has done a good job at mixing a matching items for price ranges. It seems people are complaining about overall cost, but it’s an off road vehicle and that type of equipment is not cheap. I expected to be about 60k with options for a badlands. That’s the equivalent to a Jeep Rubicon JL or JT.

Bsooudi

Also remember rock rails, skid plate and bash plates are not cheap even in the aftermarket. I think Ford has done a good job at mixing a matching items for price ranges. It seems people are complaining about overall cost, but it’s an off road vehicle and that type of equipment is not cheap. I expected to be about 60k with options for a badlands. That’s the equivalent to a Jeep Rubicon JL or JT.

I was also expecting to pay around 60k. However, when I started crunching the numbers on a Black Diamond, I am at 48K for a two door. Interesting! Maybe I can stretch my Bronco dollars and buy accessories?! Or candy!

BuzzyBud

I was also expecting to pay around 60k. However, when I started crunching the numbers on a Black Diamond, I am at 48K for a two door. Interesting! Maybe I can stretch my Bronco dollars and buy accessories?! Or candy!

Wait I have a bad feeling when they drop those accessories you $ is going to sky rocket! Lol on the candy.

Bsooudi

Wait I have a bad feeling when they drop those accessories you $ is going to sky rocket! Lol on the candy.

That's the Icing on the Cake I mentioned in another thread I started. ;)

BuzzyBud

Good point! Except for the front stabilizer bar disconnect, I think a Black Diamond has the others covered.
By the way, I have noticed a difference in the 4X4 engagement. Badlands has automatic and Black Diamond has selectable. My F150 has selectable and seems to work fine. Never had a vehicle with automatic. Although Ford's documentation says it is available on the Black Diamond, the pricing was left off. Maybe it is one of those features where if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

I also noticed it was an option on the BD but have no idea what package you have to get to get it.
Living in the snowbelt, I really want to have the Automatic 4X4. Rarely are the roads around here completely snow/ice covered. Usually you come up on patches of ice or snow when you least expect them. When you do hit those spots, 4 wheel drive just automatically kicks in. I had that on my Explorer and loved it.

are they real rock rails, or are they some bolted to the body panels bs?

L.R.

BuzzyBud

Good point! Except for the front stabilizer bar disconnect, I think a Black Diamond has the others covered.
By the way, I have noticed a difference in the 4X4 engagement. Badlands has automatic and Black Diamond has selectable. My F150 has selectable and seems to work fine. Never had a vehicle with automatic. Although Ford's documentation says it is available on the Black Diamond, the pricing was left off. Maybe it is one of those features where if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

I just figured you had to get the Auto trans to get the automatic 4x4. but they do say you need the better transfer case and the MT to get the 95:1 gearing.:confused:

LoneRanger

are they real rock rails, or are they some bolted to the body panels bs?

L.R.

I think that I read they are frame mounted and support the weight of the vehicle. See if I can find that article.

Deano Bronc

I also noticed it was an option on the BD but have no idea what package you have to get to get it.
Living in the snowbelt, I really want to have the Automatic 4X4. Rarely are the roads around here completely snow/ice covered. Usually you come up on patches of ice or snow when you least expect them. When you do hit those spots, 4 wheel drive just automatically kicks in. I had that on my Explorer and loved it.

I second this. My expedition has the 4awd and it is amazing (my Trailblazer had it too). Being able to not be in 4wd fully is to me key to not degrade the drive train when the roads have snow/ice but not on the entire thing. Also, I don't like using 4wd going 70 mph straight down the freeway for 1 hour straight, all the binding and what not is bad for the four wheel drive system. So glad that the Auto 4wd is an option on the bronco!

Reidski29

I second this. My expedition has the 4awd and it is amazing (my Trailblazer had it too). Being able to not be in 4wd fully is to me key to not degrade the drive train when the roads have snow/ice but not on the entire thing. Also, I don't like using 4wd going 70 mph straight down the freeway for 1 hour straight, all the binding and what not is bad for the four wheel drive system. So glad that the Auto 4wd is an option on the bronco!

I third this motion. In the winter/ice season, it is nice to have this feature especially if someone else in the house borrows "my" Bronco. :D

SierraHotelBronco

I third this motion. In the winter/ice season, it is nice to have this feature especially if someone else in the house borrows "my" Bronco. :D

Ha me too! I always tell my wife she can always place the vehicle in 4awd but do not go into 4wd. In the expedition I really only use that feature a handful of times a year and always off of pavement (deep snow at a trailhead, or two tracking with more mud, etc) but I do plan on taking the Bronco at least offroad much more.

You have to think about what your paying. If you put it on your loan, you will pay 3 times its worth in interest if you have an average credit score. Remember you are paying an APR on every penny you spend. My advice is to do as little as possible on the loan and buy things afterwards at a pace you can afford.

Silver-Bolt

I think that I read they are frame mounted and support the weight of the vehicle. See if I can find that article.

I just saw on 4wheel magazine that they support 2 times the weight of the bronco on one side. a lot of aftermarket ones don't do that.

BroncoSarge

You have to think about what your paying. If you put it on your loan, you will pay 3 times its worth in interest if you have an average credit score. Remember you are paying an APR on every penny you spend. My advice is to do as little as possible on the loan and buy things afterwards at a pace you can afford.

I couldn't agree more.

If for example, Ford offers a winch from the factory and I want a winch on my Bronco, and I have them build it with my order, I will be paying more in interest just as you point out. Or, a wise decision would be to not order the winch from Ford and wait until you take delivery of the Bronco. Then buy a winch from a third-party company, or buy it from Ford Parts department (if they end up selling it that way) and you pay for it outright (hopefully not credit spending on a CC and paying interest there, too) and you save money on the payments due toward the Bronco.

I won't be buying any accessories from Ford on the Bronco order if I can get it later someplace else or from Ford separately.

ohvrider

I just saw on 4wheel magazine that they support 2 times the weight of the bronco on one side. a lot of aftermarket ones don't do that.

Would love to see an article on this.

L.R.

Another hint from a dealer friend, a little off subject though. dont buy the extended warranty on your Bronco at the time of sale. Your paying interest again. Buy it when you get the 500 robot calls at cost.

To be fair 3% of a $600 winch is only $18. I do agree you’re paying unnecessary interest on items, but I’m also willing to pay a small fee to have them item pre-installed on delivery.

If you were close by, I would help you install anything that can be done in a standard driveway. Done a lot over the years to wife’s Jeeps.