Notes about Bash Plates

TorgSurv
Dec 13, 2021
Moderator

Off-Roadeo Ranger

Dec 13, 2021

One of the main reasons I have always held Black Diamond, Badlands, and FE models in higher esteem than any other is the fact that they come with "Full Vehicle Steel Bash Plates" which are not included on other models and are optional only on WildTrak. Even when you add the HD Moduler Bumper it comes with steel bash plates, but only under the "front section of vehicle" (i.e. forward of the engine). Specifically, the full bash plates add protection underneath the engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank.
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A detail I have always failed to notice until now is that 2-door Broncos come standard with the fuel tank bash plate regardless of model! I don't know how I missed this before, but of course I had to rush out to the garage to verify that this was accurate, and to my delight there it is:
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the poacher, KennyMac
Last edited by a moderator: Dec 13, 2021

Rank IV

Dec 13, 2021

#1
Thanks for the information!

You see any way to increase the main tank size or add an auxiliary tank in the 2-door?
Moderator

Off-Roadeo Ranger

Dec 13, 2021

#2
Thanks for the information!

You see any way to increase the main tank size or add an auxiliary tank in the 2-door?
I'd say yes, a small aux tank (maybe 3 to 5 gallons) could be stuffed above the rear driveshaft, a little off-center toward the driver side.

Here's a picture taken with the camera just above the rear diff, looking forward:
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The cross member you see there is about even with the leading edge of the rear tire.

Here's one taken from just above the cross member, looking backward:
20211213_114802.jpg
Might be able to take advantage of those bolts for mounting. There's a potential conflict with suspension and exhaust components closer to the driver side, so the space available is about 18x18x4, or 18x12x6 depending on how you configure it.

I'm thinking this could also be an ideal spot to install an on-board air compressor.

Keep in mind, this is a 2-door. 4-door could be a whole different situation.
KennyMac

Rank IV

Dec 13, 2021

#3
Thanks for the pics and dimensions! The only down side to the 2dr Bronco that I have seen so far is the tank size that limits range when exploring off the grid. It would have been nice to not haul gas cans or other contraptions on the outside of the Bronco!

Hoping to have a 2dr built in the next couple of weeks (12/13, 12/20, 12/27, 1/03/22 build week) and looking at the undercarriage in a couple months!
TorgSurv, Buckin Bronco

Rank V

Dec 13, 2021

#4
I don't think the 2dr has a fuel tank skid plate. At least the plate kit on the Ford Accessory list didn't have it.

Rank V

Dec 13, 2021

#5
One of the main reasons I have always held Black Diamond, Badlands, and FE models in higher esteem than any other is the fact that they come with "Full Vehicle Steel Bash Plates" which are not included on other models and are optional only on WildTrak. Even when you add the HD Moduler Bumper it comes with steel bash plates, but only under the "front section of vehicle" (i.e. forward of the engine). Specifically, the full bash plates add protection underneath the engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank.
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A detail I have always failed to notice until now is that 2-door Broncos come standard with the fuel tank bash plate regardless of model! I don't know how I missed this before, but of course I had to rush out to the garage to verify that this was accurate, and to my delight there it is:
View attachment 23647
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I'm impressed, looks fairly stout! But it looks like you've been bashing the undercarriage of that scooter more than the Bronco ;)
One day I too will have a 2 door Bronco. A boy can dream anyway, right?
7/14/20 Res, took delivery 4/7/22!!
A51 2 door Badlands, 2.7L, Sasquatch, Lux, MGV, MIC, Roof Rails, Tow
Deano Bronc, TorgSurv

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