For Bronco enthusiasts, suspension upgrades are one of the best ways to transform both capability and ride quality. With the introduction of the HOSS 3.0 package (FOX 2.5" internal-bypass shocks with remote reservoirs)—previously exclusive to the Wildtrak and now an option on the 2025 Badlands trim—owners finally have access to one of the most proven setups Ford and FOX Racing have engineered.
We installed the HOSS 3.0 kit on our 2023 2-Door Bronco Badlands and wanted to share the process, tips, and performance improvements.
Why Upgrade?
Two main reasons drove our decision:
- External Reservoirs – Improved heat dissipation for consistent damping under extreme use.
- Progressive Damping Zones – FOX’s five-zone, rate-sensitive valving that transitions from plush to firm depending on the terrain.
This setup has been validated not only by Ford’s development team and FOX but also through real-world testing in Baja, Moab, the Colorado Rockies, and Nevada’s desert terrain. This was the kit used in the NORRA 1000 race by the stock Bronco team this year.
What’s Included in the Kit
The Ford Performance HOSS 3.0 Package comes complete with:
- FOX 2.5" internal-bypass shocks with remote reservoirs
- Rear stabilizer bar and sway bar endlinks
- Mounting hardware and fasteners
Fitment: 2021–2025 Bronco 2-Door (Kit: M-18000-B2A)
Note: On pre-2022 Broncos, sway bar mounts may need to be welded since the rear sway bar wasn’t standard until MY22. Although we had the rear sway bar, we elected to delete it for more articulation.
Tools & Prep
Installation is a moderate-level project, doable at home if you’re comfortable with suspension work. A lift is ideal, but jack stands, and a floor jack will work. Required tools include:
- Full socket set (metric)
- Impact wrench or breaker bar
- Spring compressors (use with caution)
- Sawzall or cutoff tool
- Torque wrench
Removing wheels and tires are required to access the area.
Installation Notes
Although Ford Performance provides a complete installation guide, below is the process we used.
Front Suspension
- Several methods exist for front shock removal. We opted to cut the lower bolts at the bottom of the shock, saving time by avoiding a full teardown of the front end.
- On installation, we pressed out and replaced the lower bolts with Grade 8 hardware to make sure they are completely tight.
- Use caution with spring compressors, they’re risky but can save time if handled properly.
- We removed the bolt on the lower control arms for access but kept the uppers in place and we removed the stabilizer bar attachment bolts.
Rear Suspension
- Ford added a rear sway bar in 2022 to satisfy safety compliance. Our 2023 Badlands had it, but we elected to delete the rear sway bar during installation. The Bronco still handles confidently, with improved articulation off-road.
- On 2021 models, the sway bar isn’t present unless retrofitted. Adding one requires welding brackets.
After installation, we took our Bronco in for an alignment and you should too.
Performance Gains
After installation, the improvement was immediate, and every trail feels that much more comfortable. Besides comfort, what did we gain? Here’s how Ford Performance describes it.
Lift & Angles:
- +2" of ride height (on non-Sasquatch models)
- Approach angle: 44.3° vs. 35.5° stock
- Departure angle: 37° vs. 29.7° stock
Ride Quality: Plush compliance on chatter bumps and washboard trails, with firm, confident damping on big hits and landings.
Control: The progressive zones give the Bronco a prerunner-like feel, soaking up whoops while still planted on rocky climbs.
For those of you with 4 door Broncos, fear not. There is also a kit for you and installation would be the same. The part number is M-18000-B2
Final Thoughts
The HOSS 3.0 upgrade completely changes the Bronco’s personality. It’s no longer just trail-capable—it feels engineered to tackle Baja-style terrain at speed, without sacrificing daily drivability.
While this is a bolt-in kit, you should plan for a wheel alignment after installation. For those less mechanically inclined, having it installed by a Ford dealer or ASE-certified technician ensures the full Ford Performance 3yr/36,000-mile warranty coverage.
For us, doing the install ourselves added to the reward. The end result? A 2-Door Badlands that feels equally at home crawling Moab slickrock, ripping across desert washes, or cruising through the Rockies in comfort. And yes, we’ve already done all the above terrains and more since we did the installation and love the plug and play quality improvement.
It's also Jim Farley approved.
Want to chat more about our installation and results? We’ll be at Super Celebration Colorado this week and will have our Bronco onsite! Or feel free to comment below and let us know your thoughts.
Comments
You must log in or register to post here.