What did you do to your Bronco today?

Acadist

Pokey doing Pokey stuff…..

Pitch & roll is one of my favorite displays!

Kenneth

After dusting day in the dirt yesterday, gave WildTrak a bath today.

And thinking 'bout our next upgrade - Winch front bumper. We keep our solo adventure trails pretty easy, but even so front end protection & winch capabilities seem essential.

With all the big critters 'round here, ARB Summit rig's our original pick. Fab Four & RCI're also interesting though. We like their 3/16" mild steel & made in USA.

One issue I worry about is keeping air flow max. I mean even with our capable bumper, we're up to 240f engine oil temp running 4L in M1 engine at 2.5k to 3k RPMs.

Luv Fab Four's design & protection, but even without a light bar, FF's air flow looks
constrained.

RCI's our local fav, but will require some bull bar mod for more grill protection.

ARB still seems to offer best protection, lights & winch features - With it's weight (200lb) and over the top 'cattle catcher' look..
Sinc
Your suggestions are very welcome!

EDIT: Interesting note when pricing these options. The freight is over $800 with a Bronco Nation ARB purchase, and $99 when purchased direct from ARB. Also, Fab Four has free shipping to their local dealer and they have several dealers in Denver area.

Cheers

Since you wanted suggestions, that Fab 4 / Four bumper is the most aesthetically pleasing for sure! Love the hidden winch and integrated bar. I wonder how much lower area air flow you get back without the mini-light bar (assuming that is open behind there).
I saw your later post also - fist time I have seen a chart with prioritized air flows, interesting. The ARB bumper is okay also, but has more of a "universal fit" look to it. Following along, as a new front bumper is on my "long term" mod list. Just have not defined long term yet...

Fillups

Since you wanted suggestions, that Fab 4 / Four bumper is the most aesthetically pleasing for sure! Love the hidden winch and integrated bar. I wonder how much lower area air flow you get back without the mini-light bar (assuming that is open behind there).
I saw your later post also - fist time I have seen a chart with prioritized air flows, interesting. The ARB bumper is okay also, but has more of a "universal fit" look to it. Following along, as a new front bumper is on my "long term" mod list. Just have not defined long term yet...

Yeah, we like Fab Four's design too - Interesting surface angles, tight fitment - Looks cool!

Obviously vs ARB, these folks are much smaller operation with limited deployed product & support materials. FF & I still working thru couple open questions. Although, airflow, sensor fitment and winch size are issues for us.

Their Matrix winch bumper description mentions 'Lower cutout' for airflow, but pics & schematic don't show any significant cutouts. FF's support is following up with their installer/tech support for more on that. Also, they confirm deleting the 20" light bar does provide more open air access.

FF's winch space is limited to Warn's EVO 10s 20+" length. We'd like to mount Warn's larger Zeon equipment that's 24+".

Also, FF's Bronco winch bumpers will need different/90deg parking sensors as there's not room for the straight sensors in our Bronco's bumper. Also, they refer us to DV8 for a tag bracket.

FF's sales/customer service has been very responsive, friendly, seem like good people. We'll keep after 'em to understand their bumper options, but gotta say ARB has way fewer issues & unknowns..

Cheers

Put it to work.

Fillups

Since you wanted suggestions, that Fab 4 / Four bumper is the most aesthetically pleasing for sure! Love the hidden winch and integrated bar. I wonder how much lower area air flow you get back without the mini-light bar (assuming that is open behind there).
I saw your later post also - fist time I have seen a chart with prioritized air flows, interesting. The ARB bumper is okay also, but has more of a "universal fit" look to it. Following along, as a new front bumper is on my "long term" mod list. Just have not defined long term yet...

FF has confirmed their Matrix winch bumper may not provide the best airflow for some Broncos. Their website description's 'Lower cutouts' for airflow are actually the 2 winch access hand holes that're higher on the bumper.

IMO, FF cool looking bumpers are great options for 2.3L Broncos with 7-manual trannys, but not for 2.7L automatics. Particularly, our WildTrak operating at 10k+' altitude where we ain't got a whole lot'a air..

..

Cheers

OrangecrushBronco

Pitch & roll is one of my favorite displays!

Sometimes it’s too distracting 😝

Damn that push bar/ bumper looks sick! It flows really nice.

What did I do today? Preparing for a week in the Quebec outback (the "Swisha Loop") 500 -miles (800 km, you internationals!) I finished reinstalling my MEKMagnet soft armor. The trip organizers (Northeast Adventures, Portland, ME) said "you can count on pinstriping." So here's my BadSquatch, with the very tough MEKMagnet armor--and my FabFour bumper! Trailrax TRMX + Heretic 40-inch LED roof array. (pic is from last year).



I'm more into function than aesthetics, but I just love the gray-black covering with the topo design. Compliments the carbonized gray, and I do get compliaments!

Today, I also added the corner protection covers from Ford Performance--got it on their July 4 sale. Other things: Took off the iAG steps--they're not for off-roading, they go off and back on easily.

I installed the Mabbet interior light upgrades (center dome light and side LEDs).

And had a tech eliminate (finally!!) the double-honk and the school zone chime which annoyed me no end.

And lastly, the interior cabin air filter, way overdue.

Pick up my passport tomorrow, and finish organizing and packing, all set!

I'll post images from Quebec, later.

A word on MEKMagnet. Originally, it's a magnetic protective fabric, but most of the Bronco's body is aluminum. So they make one for us, with an adhesive backing. It's very strong, and pulling it off the plastic backing is heavy work. I did it off and on over two days. And positioning it so there aren't any bubbles, and it's lined up right, is challenging. I recommend four hands' application. BUT:

It is very tough, and will definitely protect your paint. Definitely! Just don't think you can "throw it on" for a weekend trip. It's serious work. Now that I have it on, I'll keep it on until late October, then remove and store it for the winter--it's not designed for snow and cold weather.

Polaris425

Put it to work.

Great picture of your Bronco. We hope you continue enjoying it!

Got my ARB Dual installed that replaced my Power Tank that I sold.

What a PIA! Had to get an ARB extension hose from local 4x4 shop because I wanted to mount the connection point somewhere on the exterior of the Bronco.

The wiring was ran to the Aux 6 switch inside the Bronco. The goal was the ability to throw the Aux switch and connect the air hose without ever having to open the hood.

A local 4x4 shop had a brilliant idea on where to mount the connection point on the outside of the Bronco. It's on the passenger side crash bar area. I had previously removed my crash bars because I was getting rubbing. Hopefully the photos I took shows the location well enough for you to make out where it's located. It's protected and tucked up into the underbody of the Bronco and it's an easy access to connect a hose.

raqball

Got my ARB Dual installed that replaced my Power Tank that I sold.

What a PIA! Had to get an ARB extension hose from local 4x4 shop because I wanted to mount the connection point somewhere on the exterior of the Bronco.

The wiring was ran to the Aux 6 switch inside the Bronco. The goal was the ability to throw the Aux switch and connect the air hose without ever having to open the hood.

A local 4x4 shop had a brilliant idea on where to mount the connection point on the outside of the Bronco. It's on the passenger side crash bar area. I had previously removed my crash bars because I was getting rubbing. Hopefully the photos I took shows the location well enough for you to make out where it's located. It's protected and tucked up into the underbody of the Bronco and it's an easy access to connect a hose.

Keep on rockin in the free world!

Our Bronco did NOT hit an elk today - Sadly somebody did .. At least 1 here, maybe 2:



There's another bloody area at an intersection 'bout 3 miles from this location too.

This is the 4th elk/vehicle collision I've seen to the past month. Couple years ago, we had 4 elk killed by 3 vehicles in a single wreck on this road - Huge mess!!##** The Feds have spent $100s mills on nearby interstate I70 installing wildlife underpass and miles of 8ft fencing. Here, 4 miles from I70 - Nothing..

The right side of this location is a large mtn park - Elk Meadow. It's an elk birthing area, and we now have lots of elk calves running around. Heck yesterday, we had a mom and calf visiting our patio door. I walked up to the glass and waved at the calf that was up against the gless too. It looked at me, shock its head and layed down on the door mat while mom chewed on a nearby shrub.

This highway has 55mph speed limit and no lighting, and going downhill, most are doing 60 - 70. At night, it's very dangerous..

Welcomed it home after 8 weeks in prison. Those who are in the know, know what I'm talking about. That is all. 😜

Kenneth

Our Bronco did NOT hit an elk today - Sadly somebody did .. At least 1 here, maybe 2:



There's another bloody area at an intersection 'bout 3 miles from this location too.

We have critter issues like this here as well. Elk,Moose and especially Bison. Bison are almost impossible to see at night as their eyes do not reflect light and I swear the hide absorbs light. This is from last evening.

Bison vs Equinox not sure who won. TWO DEAD BISON. Guess that answers who won. but the human is needing a ride so the equinox isn't all that great either. WYPD

Sven

We have critter issues like this here as well. Elk,Moose and especially Bison. Bison are almost impossible to see at night as their eyes do not reflect light and I swear the hide absorbs light. This is from last evening.

Bison vs Equinox not sure who won. TWO DEAD BISON. Guess that answers who won. but the human is needing a ride so the equinox isn't all that great either. WYPD

The Bison here are fenced, haven’t seen them out on roads - Thank God for that too! They’re just a black hole at night, must be like hitting a 2ton boulder!

Think most of our locals know very well how to drive these roads at night. It’s all those visitors don’t know to keep their speed down and don’t out drive their headlights.

Cheers

Wanted some locking storage but don't like the console safes. Other option I saw is crazy expensive. Figured I could make my own tailgate safe. RPM Ford sells a Molle panel for tailgate. Bought a combo cabinet lock off Amazon. Had to make a small plate to bolt the lock on. Less than $100 plus a couple of hours and I have fairly secure storage.

Gave the Red Beast a much needed bath, sauna and massage.

Wife took the Bronc across county last week and killed every bug that Tropical Storm Beryl didn't drowned in TX. Cleaning that WT grill, with all those damn slots was a PITA!

So Saturday morning, in the hot AZ heat, was the only quality, Bromantic time I got to spend with my Ford homie. My brotha from an assembly line motha!

Kenneth

FF has confirmed their Matrix winch bumper may not provide the best airflow for some Broncos. Their website description's 'Lower cutouts' for airflow are actually the 2 winch access hand holes that're higher on the bumper.

IMO, FF cool looking bumpers are great options for 2.3L Broncos with 7-manual trannys, but not for 2.7L automatics. Particularly, our WildTrak operating at 10k+' altitude where we ain't got a whole lot'a air..

..

Cheers

Good info, thanks! What I am interested in knowing, is how well the Matrix bumper set up compares to the Everglades factory set up for airflow? I`m thinking that something replicating the factory install would work well, granted the Everglades is a 2.3, but with a 10spd, instead of a 2.7.

BuckYeah

Welcomed it home after 8 weeks in prison. Those who are in the know, know what I'm talking about. That is all. 😜

!!!! @#$% yeah, @BuckYeah !!