My Nothing Fancy 2023 Badlands 2dr Build

raqball

Mar 13, 2024

This will be my nothing fancy 2023 Badlands 2dr build where I can keep track of all the modifications and adjustments I make to the vehicle. If you are looking for a lifted monster with 37's or above then this build will not be for you. At some point I might swap the 33" (285/70r17) for 34"'s (285/75r17) or 35"s (35x12.5R17).

A little back story. I am a long time Jeep owner going all the way back to the early 80's with the CJ 5 and 7 series, then I had a YJ, TJ and a few JK's along the way. This is my daily driver and my off-roading is mainly limited to easy and moderate trails. Nothing crazy and no extreme rock crawling.

I've always been a fan of the older Broncos but never owned one. When I was in the market for a new vehicle this time, I did briefly consider a 2dr Jeep JL but really wanted the Bronco!

Purchased on 3/8/2024. It's a stock'ish Badlands 2dr model with the only factory adds being:

10-speed Automatic Transmission
Modular Front Bumper
Hot Pepper Red Paint
Keyless Entry
Towing Package

Here are my immediate plans for the Bronco:

Wheel spacers (hub-centric) @ 1.75"
Ford Performance 17x8 Beed-Lock capable Wheels 5ea Kit (at dealer - waiting for me to pick them up)
- https://accessories.ford.com/2021-bronco-17x8-bead-lock-capable-wheel-kit-badlands
Ford Safari Bar (installed on 3-14-2024)
- https://accessories.ford.com/bronco-2021-safari-bar-kit
Rough Country Rock Sliders. (installed on 3-18-2024)
- https://www.roughcountry.com/product/ford-bronco-rock-sliders-90804
Rough Country High Winch Mount (wrong part sent, waiting on replacement)
- https://www.roughcountry.com/product/configurable/high-winch-mount-51066c
Rough Country 12,000 Pro Winch (in hand waiting on mount)
- https://www.roughcountry.com/product/pro-series-electric-winch-pro12000s
Auto Stop Eliminator (ordered 3-18-2024)
- https://www.autostopeliminator.com/products/2021-ford-bronco-autostop-eliminator

Future plans:

285/75r17 or 35x12.5R17 tires which would bump me up to about a 34" or 35" from the stock 33" and still fit the stock sized wheels I ordered w/o any other modifications
ARB on-board Air Compressor or Power Tank
12" Infotainment upgrade package. I wanted the 12" screen from the start

https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...ttribute_pick-your-bezel-color=Sinister+Black

I am sure there are other things I am missing and forgetting but I'll add them as I go. I'll post up photos of the mods and adds once they are completed.

For now, a photo of the day it was purchased.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Speed Devil, Link2mike

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Mar 27, 2024

#40

raqball
Strike 2 for companies properly fulfilling orders....

Rough Country sent me a front end lift for a Toyota instead of a winch mount. Was quickly corrected and I got correct part next day.

Tires arrived today. I ordered 285/75R17 C rated and got these delivered this morning: Wrong size (16 instead of 17) and they are E rated not C........ YAWN...

The correct tires were shipped and should be here tomorrow.. They are suppose to be sending FedEx to pickup the incorrect ones.

Fingers crossed they sent the correct tire size this time.. LOL

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Sven

Mar 27, 2024

#41

raqball
They are expensive and that one I listed is on the more affordable end of the ones I've seen.... I really only get out offroad once or maybe twice a month and it's just for short one night stays. I wheel to an area, stay the night, then wheel back out. And even then I do not get out in winter because I am a wimp and don't like the cold..

I have a very nice tent and probably should just stick with it as it works fine...

Do you have a thread on your tent / awning build? If not, you should start one as it could be helpful to plenty of others..

Hmm good idea. I have a thread on my teardrop build. Since this is an upgrade to that maybe I can add it to that.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

raqball

Mar 27, 2024

#42

Finally decided on an air system and ordered the Power Tank set up.. Also decided to go with 10LB instead of 5..

There are 4 or 5 places within about 20 miles of me that will refill your own personal Co2 tank so that's not an issue for me. The closest place does it twice a week and they said you drop it off then come back to get it once it's filled.. Not interested in tank swaps as then you'd lose the Power Tank.

I plan on rolling with the top off most of the spring, summer and fall so I need to find a crappy little lock to use just so it's a little bit of a barrier to someone reaching in and grabbing the tank via the quick release.

It's garaged overnight so that's not an issue..

https://powertank.com/products/10-lb-2-door-bronco-edition-power-tank

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Mar 27, 2024

#43

New tires actually came today and got them slapped on.

So the _left unnamed_ tire company that screwed up the order sent a set of 5 replacement tires via UPS and the tracking shows them as getting delivered tomorrow by UPS. They scheduled a FedEx pick up for the incorrect tires for today.

This morning FedEx knocks on my door and I say cool you are here for the pick up? He says no I have 5 tires for you.. Wait, what? They were sent UPS and I have the tracking #'s.....

Contact the tire company and sure enough they snafu'd up and sent 5 tires via FedEx and 5 tires via UPS..

So, I guess I am now running a tire shop out of my garage!

My plan is to refuse delivery of the ones that UPS has.. What a mess!

And my Bora 1.75" wheel spacers shipped today and should be here Friday!

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Jakob1972

Mar 29, 2024

#44

It's been a busy few days..

Got the 285/75R17 (34's) mounted, balanced and slapped on
Put the Bora 1.75" Wheel Spacers on
Put hardtop into storage
Put the BroncoBikini on
- https://broncobikini.com/

I had to remove both the front and rear crash bars from the front of the Bronco as I was getting rubbing at both ends. Not a big deal but an extra step along the way. I assume the rubbing was due to a combo of the 34's and the slightly wider spacers.

Photos:

Bikini Top (sorry for the cruddy image). No flapping at 70 MPH on freeway:

Bora 1.75" Spacer Poke:

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Unicorn, djp

Mar 30, 2024

#45

raqball
It's been a busy few days..

Got the 285/75R17 (34's) mounted, balanced and slapped on

Put the Bora 1.75" Wheel Spacers on

Put hardtop into storage

Put the BroncoBikini on

https://broncobikini.com/

I had to remove both the front and rear crash bars from the front of the Bronco as I was getting rubbing at both ends. Not a big deal but an extra step along the way. I assume the rubbing was due to a combo of the 34's and the slightly wider spacers.

Photos:

Bikini Top (sorry for the cruddy image). No flapping at 70 MPH on freeway:

Bora 1.75" Spacer Poke:

Up next is a 10LB Power Tank kit and the Infotainment 12" Screen upgrade kit..

I like the look of a topless Bronco. I think it is because the sports bar is color matched to the body. Nice work!

raqball

Mar 30, 2024

#46

Jakob1972
I like the look of a topless Bronco. I think it is because the sports bar is color matched to the body. Nice work!

Yeah the Broncos look sweet topless...

My only concern is that I am going to run for about 6 months with the hard top off.. I am not worried about the interior getting wet as long as the electronics up front are protected from rain, which they appear to be by the Bikini.. My worry is those rear speakers. They are going to get soaked.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Jakob1972

Mar 31, 2024

#47

raqball
Yeah the Broncos look sweet topless...

My only concern is that I am going to run for about 6 months with the hard top off.. I am not worried about the interior getting wet as long as the electronics up front are protected from rain, which they appear to be by the Bikini.. My worry is those rear speakers. They are going to get soaked...

Nice looking rig!
Unless you already upgraded the speakers, they won’t sound any worse waterlogged.🤣

22 Badlands 2-door, 7MT, HP Red, delivered Nov 2022
Former fords: '83 Mustang Conv, '94 Bronco XLT, '05 Excursion PSD, '10 Expedition EL EB (still the family wagon).

Unicorn, raqball

Mar 31, 2024

#48

Fillups
Nice looking rig!
Unless you already upgraded the speakers, they won’t sound any worse waterlogged.🤣

Hahaha.. True...

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Apr 01, 2024

#49

Up next is a 10LB Power Tank kit and the Infotainment 12" Screen upgrade kit. Both are ordered and waiting for arrival. I was told the Infotainment system will take 6 to 8 weeks to ship. These will be my final 2 major mods to the Bronco. After this, it will more than likely just be minor details, minor items, and minor upgrades..

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

TK1215

Apr 01, 2024

#50

Ordered the Bronco 84pc tool kit:

https://motleyind.com/products/ford-bronco-tool-kit?_pos=1&_sid=b71d35b62&_ss=r

Email them and they'll shoot you a 15% off discount code. It's the same kit as on Ford Accessories as they are Fords supplier of the kit.

I also added their grab handles in black.

https://motleyind.com/products/motl...sher-2pack-black?_pos=11&_sid=b71d35b62&_ss=r

In my previous Jeep I use to do the same overnight camping topless.. A few times I'd find that critters got in overnight which I guess is expected. However, this one time, as I was driving off the trail, a snake came slithering out from under the pass side seat. Freaked me out and I almost crashed! LOL.

Pulled off to the side of the trail, found a stick and got it out but man that freaked me out.. Now I always take a stick and poke it around under the seats to make sure nothing is chillin' under them... 😨

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Apr 04, 2024

#51

Got the Power Tank installed.. The only PIA was getting the bolts and their spacers to line up with the holes in the floorboard. I also know I had a T40 but it was MIA so I had to go buy another..

Need to drop the tank off tomorrow to get filled.. My goofy and crappy little lock I purchased off Amazon appears to do the trick. Does not really rattle around or bounce off the tank or the metal bracket. The Fire Extinguisher pin rattles more than it does.

My plan, at some point when I am bored, is to paint the fire extinguisher flat black.

The Infotainment 12" radio upgrade kit has arrived and is scheduled for install on Wednesday (4-10-2024).

It will be the last of my major mods..

I also ordered this for when I go on overnight camping trips topless. Will keep the dew and critters out for the most part.

https://www.raingearcovers.com/product-page/ford-bronco-2-door-2021-2023-trail-cover

Power Tank photos:

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Unicorn

Apr 10, 2024

#52

Had the 12" Infotainment screen, new APIM module and the new dash upgrade installed today.

Holy cow what a difference the 12" screen makes over the 8"

The photos don't really do it justice but here is a before and after.

My build, or at least the bulk of it, is now pretty much complete. There will always be things added and changed but for the most part, it’s done!

Completed Mods:

Rough Country Rock Rails
Rough Country High Winch Mount
Rough Country 12,000 Synthetic Winch
1” Front Leveling Kit
285/75/R17 (34”) Toyo Open Country A/T III
Ford Performance 17x8 Wheels
Ford Safari Bar
Power Tank 10LB System
Infotainment 12” Screen Upgrade Kit
Bikini Top
Bora 1.75” Wheel Spacers
Motley Grab Handles
Ford Rollup Tool Kit 84pc
RainGear Trail Cover

What’s left:

Midland MTX275 with antenna (or a better protable)
Tailgate Fold Down Table
Tie Rod Upgrade. (either new tie rods or sleeves)

I had a $10K budget for upgrades and mods and I am slightly over it. Luckily the remaining items on my list are not very costly. The 4 items that took the largest chunk from my budget were the Performance Wheels ($2500), the tires ($1500), the 12” Screen Upgrade Kit ($2200), and the Power Tank Kit ($900).

I spent about $700 on installers as I had the 1” front leveling kit professionally installed. The install with the alignment ran me about $450. I also paid for the 12” Infotainment system to be installed and that ran $230. It was about $150 to mount and balance the new tires.

I already have a ton of camping gear and winch recovery gear left over from when I had my Jeep so no need to rebuy any of it.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Deano Bronc, Sven

Apr 17, 2024

#53

I was going to go with a Midland MXT275, antenna, mount kit etc for the Bronco but decided against it. I have and old Midland portable radio that's left over from the Jeep JK days but the battery life is horrendous and it's pretty beat up.

I generally off-road solo and on the rare occasion when I meet up with others, I don't really need anything other than a portable for close'ish group communications..

My issue with most portables are battery life and weatherproofing..

During my research into a better portable, I found this and pre-ordered a single. It should be here tomorrow.

https://rockytalkie.com/products/5-watt-radio

Yes it is expensive for a 5 watt portable but it has very long battery life (multiple reviews confirm this) and it's IP67 weatherproof rated.

Before I purchased it, I inquired about a possible dash mount for the radio. They said they have a RAM compatible mount with an AMPS hole pattern that will release late May or early June.. I will 100% be ordering this for it when it drops..

This image sort of shows the dash mount.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Deano Bronc

Apr 24, 2024

#54

Got my coms and electronics sorted, mount wise.. Rocky Talkie is suppose to be coming out with a dash mount for the 5w radio in June so after seeing it, I'll either get it or stay with that I have now..

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

May 09, 2024

#55

raqball
Had the 12" Infotainment screen, new APIM module and the new dash upgrade installed today.

Holy cow what a difference the 12" screen makes over the 8"

The photos don't really do it justice but here is a before and after.

My build, or at least the bulk of it, is now pretty much complete. There will always be things added and changed but for the most part, it’s done!

Completed Mods:

Rough Country Rock Rails

Rough Country High Winch Mount

Rough Country 12,000 Synthetic Winch

1” Front Leveling Kit

285/75/R17 (34”) Toyo Open Country A/T III

Ford Performance 17x8 Wheels

Ford Safari Bar

Power Tank 10LB System

Infotainment 12” Screen Upgrade Kit

Bikini Top

Bora 1.75” Wheel Spacers

Motley Grab Handles

Ford Rollup Tool Kit 84pc

RainGear Trail Cover

What’s left:

Midland MTX275 with antenna (or a better protable)

Tailgate Fold Down Table

Tie Rod Upgrade. (either new tie rods or sleeves)

I had a $10K budget for upgrades and mods and I am slightly over it. Luckily the remaining items on my list are not very costly. The 4 items that took the largest chunk from my budget were the Performance Wheels ($2500), the tires ($1500), the 12” Screen Upgrade Kit ($2200), and the Power Tank Kit ($900).

I spent about $700 on installers as I had the 1” front leveling kit professionally installed. The install with the alignment ran me about $450. I also paid for the 12” Infotainment system to be installed and that ran $230. It was about $150 to mount and balance the new tires.

I already have a ton of camping gear and winch recovery gear left over from when I had my Jeep so no need to rebuy any of it.

Looks awesome! May I ask what it cost (roughly) for the 12” infotainment upgrade? Seriously considering this on my ‘23

2023 Bronco,Black Diamond 🏴‍☠️ Velocity Blue 🟦, 4Door, SAS, MIC, Mid, 2.7m, Orig Order: 9/10/21 Blend Date: 11/30/22. Built: 12/02, Shipped 12/4, Arrived at dealer on 12/23, Took possession on 12/30/22!!! 476 Days after ordering.
Goodyear, AZ 🌵🔆

May 16, 2024

#56

BroncoFred
Looks awesome! May I ask what it cost (roughly) for the 12” infotainment upgrade? Seriously considering this on my ‘23

Sorry for the delay as I did not see your post.

I got 10% off and paid $2200 for the kit. It now looks like they've increased the price.

https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...ade-with-wireless-apple-carplay-android-auto/

It comes with everything you need including a new dash..

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

BroncoFred

May 16, 2024

#57

Ordered a 74weld stage 1 steering rack and icon HD tie rods.

https://motorsports.74weld.com/product/stage-1-bronco-steering-cap-and-bushing-kit/
https://motorsports.74weld.com/product/icon-bronco-tie-rods/

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Deano Bronc

May 25, 2024

#58

Not sure how my thread ended up in the feature builds area since most of my threads get auto moved to the new user area when I make a post in them. LOL.

Got all the parts, just need to install 'em.

74Weld Stage 1 Kit:

Icon XD Forged Tie Rods:

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Deano Bronc

May 25, 2024

#59

looks good, love the Hot Pepper 2 doors

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