No locking diffs

That's kind of a difficult question to answer honestly. The answer is "farther than most people would probably ever go", but if you are big on hiking/camping/skiing other outdoor stuff that may not be far enough. The Bronco does have a traction control system which will independently apply brake pressure to individual wheels in an attempt get the vehicle un-stuck... but there are limits to that system and it isn't really a true locker. If you got the rear locker (available upgrade on Big Bend) I would say you could go just about anywhere the vast majority of people would ever want or need to go. Very few people need a front locker and those people that do need a front locker are likely somewhat dedicated off-roaders who enjoy purposefully pushing the limits of where their vehicle can go.

I would refer to the video below from TFL. Their Bronco is a First Edition, which has all of the bells and whistles, but they test every aspect of the Bronco's 4x4 system, both with and without lockers, with and without traction control. So it should give you a good idea as to what the exact limits would be if you got a Big Bend without lockers.

Note that the First Edition has the Advanced 4x4 transfer case, so when he is referring to "4x4 Auto," you won't have that mode unless you upgrade to that transfer case (which can't be done on a Big Bend without also adding the Sasquatch package).

saharnotsarah

How far can I get off roading without locking diffs and using all terrain tires on a Big Bend? Would I be able to use my brake with my left foot and push gas to attempt to distribute the power more evenly across my wheels?

For the record in my area there would be lots of mud and ruts. Might not go when it's too muddy, and it's probably a good idea for me to get stuff to protect the undercarriage.

Aside from Bixby Road in Monterey and Hollister Hills, anything good in the Bay Area CA?

I recently went for a trail ride with a bunch of Broncos, including a Big Bend. The BB did great on all of the trail (yes, it was mostly considered easy), but it was a fun ride. The only issue came when it high-centered on a stump. Long story short, ground clearance is a factor, if you can protect the underside with protective plates, it would be a good investment. This story had a happy ending thanks to some experienced trail goers, a winch and some careful cutting of stump to avoid puncturing the transmission pan.

With all that said, the locking diffs provide an added degree of capability / confidence when off-roading. However, with planning and staying within the limits of your Bronco and wheeling experience, you have LOTS to Explore! :-)

saharnotsarah

How far can I get off roading without locking diffs and using all terrain tires on a Big Bend? Would I be able to use my brake with my left foot and push gas to attempt to distribute the power more evenly across my wheels?

For the record in my area there would be lots of mud and ruts. Might not go when it's too muddy, and it's probably a good idea for me to get stuff to protect the undercarriage.

Aside from Bixby Road in Monterey and Hollister Hills, anything good in the Bay Area CA?

How are you doing with all the rain in your area?

I suppose you could use that old advice go as far as you can in two wheel drive and then use four wheel drive to get yourself out. What fun is that?
I do not have lockers my big band 2 door I've had it in the mud and Hills a couple of times and yet to spin a wheel. One of the Hills put that pitch gauge at 20°?

Bronco 202?

How are you doing with all the rain in your area?

Rain isn't too bad. Flooding at times but the rain has given a few breaks. El Niño year was worse.

FatbikerJo Bronco

I suppose you could use that old advice go as far as you can in two wheel drive and then use four wheel drive to get yourself out. What fun is that?
I do not have lockers my big band 2 door I've had it in the mud and Hills a couple of times and yet to spin a wheel. One of the Hills put that pitch gauge at 20°?

I think I am more concerned with clearance as the mud dries out around here. It's a lot of clay here so a deep rut can mess up the underbody. I already kinda had one hit the underbody in the summer (drought weather) and I probably should have aired out the tires. Oh well. I think I should buy the portable air compressor/deflator before I get the underbody armor.

Yes, brake throttle modulation can help if you're just slipping. Won't do much if you actually get a wheel in the air. The only other (legal) place near the bay area is Frank Raines OHV, but it's much smaller and much less interesting than HH. There's a few fairly active groups going in NorCal right now if you're looking for other Broncos to wheel with. Not sure how they feel about linking other sites here but search for Bay Area Broncos, Central Coast Broncos, and Gold Country Broncos.