It’s no secret the Bronco is capable and fun straight from the factory. There’s nothing wrong with a stock Bronco –– and keeping it stock. We can almost guarantee you’ll be happy getting where you need to be, totally as is. But Ford made it easy to modify, and we all use it in our own unique ways, from daily driver to dream adventurer. So why not make it your own?
One reason: Even though we’re only four model years in, with the fifth just announced, the options of anything from bumpers to lights are stacking up, making choices overwhelming. Another reason you’ve put off mods could be that you want the best, and you like hearing from personal experience a product works well and lasts.
The Bronco Nation Build Series
Because options are so plentiful and it IS nice to hear from folks who have been there, we’ve put together some of our favorite parts and accessories as a guide: Over the coming days, we’ll be doing a three-part series that covers upfits from $500 to $2,500 to help you get started on increasing the look and function of your vehicle. Use your Bronco Nation member discount, and the total price comes down further.
The $500 Build: Intro to Upfitting
Let’s start with a doable number: $500. For the price of maybe your Bronco payment, you can add storage durability, better visibility, preparedness for off-roading, and upgraded ponies … er, an aesthetic bucking bronco emblem for the back. You CAN increase your horsepower and torque, but the Ford Performance Calibration for the 2.3L/2.7L will cost you more than this mod set allows.
Don't forget, you can now redeem your FordPass Rewards Points in the Bronco Nation store. You have until 12/31/2024 to claim the offer.
The List
- Rock Slide Engineering Bronco Front Door Pockets: $89.11*
- Ford Performance Off-Road Recovery Kit: $117*
- Ford Performance Rear Bronco Emblem in Black - $40.50*
- Heretic Interior Cabin Light Kit - $224.99*
Total: 471.60*
*member pricing
What For, and Why Buy
Rock Slide Engineering Bronco Front Door Pockets: $89.11*
Listen, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But if you haven’t already ripped/stretched out your netted door bags, you’re going to. I don’t even put things in mine and somehow the bottom has already come undone on the passenger side. Luckily, there’s an easy fix from an American-made company: RSE’s aluminum front door pockets for 2- or 4-door Broncos.
The powder-coated pockets are perfectly shaped to fit a water bottle and other stuff without taking away from leg room. Get a pair and install them in 30 minutes or less thanks to simple bolt-on construction. Now you can truly get use from this spot, without concern of failure!
Ford Performance Off-Road Recovery Kit: $117*
Live a life that lets you need this recovery kit spontaneously (or, OK, just plan ahead to go off-roading). With it in the rear of your Bronco, you’re more prepared to pull out another vehicle or have one help you.
It includes winching gloves (size XL, so smaller hands may want to carry a backup pair), a recovery strap-rated to 14,400 lbs., a WARN Industries ¾” D- shackle-rated to 18,000 lbs., and a sturdy storage bag. Please remember that buying quality recovery equipment is crucial, but you still need to know how to use it. Learn and practice in advance! Have questions? Ask Bronco Off-Roadeo's veteran off-roaders and trail guides, like Evan Liotta, Melissa Clark, and Chuck Yarbrough. Find them on the Bronco Nation News page and in the Bronco forums.
Ford Performance Rear Bronco Emblem in Black: $40.50*
So easy, your forum admin can do it. It was one of my first additions to my Bronco Badlands. The former owner swapped the trim’s wheels to those from a Wildtrak, so I wanted to black out the horse to match.
Installation is easy:
Just mask off the old emblem, loosen the emblem’s adhesive with heat, wipe off any residue, and line up the new horse with the tape. Being officially Ford’s, the OEM shape and size fits perfectly. Thanks to the provided two-way tape, mine is still strongly in place.
Heretic Interior Cabin Light Kit: $224.99*
How many times have you had to pull out your phone flashlight to see something in the Bronco? How many more times do you want to do that? Zero? Same. It’s good that Utah-based Heretic has a solution – the interior cabin kit that turns night into day.
The aluminum lights are equipped with Cree LEDs for 600 lumens of bright and wide-angle illumination. You can turn them on even while the engine is off –– gathering cargo and unbuckling kids will be faster, simpler, and less frustrating!
This is the most-time consuming mod of the bunch, but it’s worth it. If you’re not comfortable doing the wiring yourself, a local off-road shop can install.
Next Up: $1,000
Come back for two more suggested build sheets, and tell us below: Did you try (TRY) to stick to a budget for your Bronco, and what was on your must-do list?
Read:
Comments
You must log in or register to post here.