Year and a half wait was worth it (so far!)

Congrats

omahabronco

Picked up my Outer Banks 4-DR hard top 2 weeks ago from Baxter Ford in Omaha, NE. They were great to work with, paid MSRP/sticker with no dealer markup BS (which I've heard Woodhouse in the area is notorious for doing!)

Considering there hasn't been a lot of opportunity to test drive the vehicle or check it out much before it came in, it was a bit of a gamble to order it site unseen. Of course I'm sure I could have walked out if I chose not to take it and someone else would have picked it up in my place.

After 2 weeks of ownership, I have a couple of minor gripes that some may side with me on, and others may simply say "get over it, at least you got the vehicle!" However, I haven't purchased a new vehicle for myself in about 20 years so IMO I try to get the most out of what I buy, especially at the cost of things today.

• Factory Stereo sounds awful - I've been pleasantly surprised with the stock stereos in other vehicles we've recently owned including a 2007 Chevy Tahoe, a 2017 Chevy Camaro and even a 2004 Jeep Liberty. I upgraded to the "high" package in the Bronco mainly because I wanted the larger screen to fill the dash. I am also well aware that the "high" package is not an audio upgrade like the "luxe" package which includes the B&O system. Here are my complaints or areas where I feel Ford could improve on future builds:
  • Factory speakers are all paper cones. Not polypropolene (plastic), or even treated paper... just paper with foam surrounds (not rubber). Given the fact that whether you ordered a hard top or soft top, the roof is meant to be removable, so this is perplexing to me. They made most of the switches on the dash and steering wheel weather/water resistant with the rubber covers... why are the in dash speakers that are exposed to UV/sunlight and possibly rain made out of paper? The only reason has to be cost - the factory speakers are at best a few dollars/each. This also goes for the 6.5" speakers in the kick panels. On some trims it's sorta meant to be washed out, right? If you get water on those paper cones, those speakers will not last.
  • The factory stereo seems to make its own decision whenever it wants to - what I mean by this is if I have my iphone nearby and the bluetooth is turned on, the stereo automatically changes over from FM, Sirius, etc to my phone. If I change it back and happen to check something on my phone, occasionally it will change back to the BT connection - and this isn't due to watching a video with audio, streaming on social media, etc. It could be when I'm reading news on Flipboard.
  • One other minor critique would be with the high package it appears you also do not get HD radio. If it is included, I can't figure out how to turn it on and I've followed the manual's directions that's built into the stereo. Now I normally could care less as I've never had it before. But of course I rode in my brother-in-law's hybrid Jeep Wrangler a couple of weeks ago and the stereo sounded amazing and also had HD radio. Only an 8" touch screen, but the stereo's sound was far superior to the Bronco. This is coming from me, my wife, my brother-in-law and anyone else that can hear.

Again, these may be petty things to some - but if a truck/Bronco lists at nearly $50,000 I feel you should get a stereo that most would be VERY happy with. Not OK, or satisfied with... but very pleased with. I was barely off the dealer lot before I looked at my wife and said, "Man, the stereo sounds terrible". I can't imagine it would be any better with the windows down going 35-45MPH or even worse yet with the top off, doors off, etc. I suppose one could argue that when you buy a Bronco, you're buying the experience and capability of an off road vehicle. At the same time, you could also argue then why even offer stereo upgrades of any kind? I think Ford misses the mark on this vehicle at this trim level and perhaps even at the mid package given the amount of $ people are spending. I've even heard the luxe system with the B&O speakers isn't that great - I've seen forums where people are yanking the B&O speakers, amplifier, etc.

With all of that being said, I went ahead and ordered a powered subwoofer that I'm hoping to fit under a seat (although I've already looked and found gobs of wires and motors due to the power seats in the front). I also ordered new speakers for the front dash, kick panels and rear corners. I'm hoping to get this installed this weekend. Funny thing is the upgraded speakers including the powered subwoofer was barely $300. Ford could probably invest 1/2 of that cost by buying in bulk and put in something comparable to what I ordered.

I apologize for hopping on my soap box with my first post - a lot of visitors are anxiously awaiting taking delivery of their Broncos on order and I am grateful to have finally received it. At the same time, I believe it getting my money's worth when I spend a lot and my wife's Camaro cost about 1/2 the price of the Bronco and it's not even a contest in the sound quality of the stereo that was included as stock.

Last thing I'd like to add is a question - does anyone know of the best place to tie into the OEM wiring to get a remote turn on lead to the powered subwoofer?

Thanks for reading - appreciate being a part of The Bronco Nation (in Omaha)!

Click to expand...

Hey Husker !!!
Yeah, I’ve gotta agree with you on Fords lack of concern for Music/Tunes in any of the Bronco lines.
It was obvious that the intent on Fords part was to pursue extra $ for upgrades.
My Build
2dr Black Diamond
Stock sound system.
For me ? I’m not that bothered with upgrading the speakers myself as I generally don’t like what so many others appear to love.
People will choose what they choose and Cudos to Ford for making the speakers so easy to get to.
I finished changing out all four of my 4” speakers and it now sounds great.

The sound system in the Bronco is a funny thing. Yes, the first couple of days I got my new Bronco, I had some of the exact same thoughts. The sound/volume/clarity in the upgraded B&O system did not live up to the price!!!!
Granted normally my vehicle is my sanctuary (rarely listen to music or anything), but I wanted to enjoy the Bronco.

THEN

I took the top off, blared the radio and all my cares and frustrations went away!!!!
My kids were smiling in the backseat, my wife was happy in the passenger seat and I got absolutely zero compliants!!!!!!

Welcome, @omahabronco! Thanks for that thoughtful review of what you like and don't like. It's great to have you here.

omahabronco

Picked up my Outer Banks 4-DR hard top 2 weeks ago from Baxter Ford in Omaha, NE. They were great to work with, paid MSRP/sticker with no dealer markup BS (which I've heard Woodhouse in the area is notorious for doing!)

Considering there hasn't been a lot of opportunity to test drive the vehicle or check it out much before it came in, it was a bit of a gamble to order it site unseen. Of course I'm sure I could have walked out if I chose not to take it and someone else would have picked it up in my place.

After 2 weeks of ownership, I have a couple of minor gripes that some may side with me on, and others may simply say "get over it, at least you got the vehicle!" However, I haven't purchased a new vehicle for myself in about 20 years so IMO I try to get the most out of what I buy, especially at the cost of things today.

• Factory Stereo sounds awful - I've been pleasantly surprised with the stock stereos in other vehicles we've recently owned including a 2007 Chevy Tahoe, a 2017 Chevy Camaro and even a 2004 Jeep Liberty. I upgraded to the "high" package in the Bronco mainly because I wanted the larger screen to fill the dash. I am also well aware that the "high" package is not an audio upgrade like the "luxe" package which includes the B&O system. Here are my complaints or areas where I feel Ford could improve on future builds:
  • Factory speakers are all paper cones. Not polypropolene (plastic), or even treated paper... just paper with foam surrounds (not rubber). Given the fact that whether you ordered a hard top or soft top, the roof is meant to be removable, so this is perplexing to me. They made most of the switches on the dash and steering wheel weather/water resistant with the rubber covers... why are the in dash speakers that are exposed to UV/sunlight and possibly rain made out of paper? The only reason has to be cost - the factory speakers are at best a few dollars/each. This also goes for the 6.5" speakers in the kick panels. On some trims it's sorta meant to be washed out, right? If you get water on those paper cones, those speakers will not last.
  • The factory stereo seems to make its own decision whenever it wants to - what I mean by this is if I have my iphone nearby and the bluetooth is turned on, the stereo automatically changes over from FM, Sirius, etc to my phone. If I change it back and happen to check something on my phone, occasionally it will change back to the BT connection - and this isn't due to watching a video with audio, streaming on social media, etc. It could be when I'm reading news on Flipboard.
  • One other minor critique would be with the high package it appears you also do not get HD radio. If it is included, I can't figure out how to turn it on and I've followed the manual's directions that's built into the stereo. Now I normally could care less as I've never had it before. But of course I rode in my brother-in-law's hybrid Jeep Wrangler a couple of weeks ago and the stereo sounded amazing and also had HD radio. Only an 8" touch screen, but the stereo's sound was far superior to the Bronco. This is coming from me, my wife, my brother-in-law and anyone else that can hear.

Again, these may be petty things to some - but if a truck/Bronco lists at nearly $50,000 I feel you should get a stereo that most would be VERY happy with. Not OK, or satisfied with... but very pleased with. I was barely off the dealer lot before I looked at my wife and said, "Man, the stereo sounds terrible". I can't imagine it would be any better with the windows down going 35-45MPH or even worse yet with the top off, doors off, etc. I suppose one could argue that when you buy a Bronco, you're buying the experience and capability of an off road vehicle. At the same time, you could also argue then why even offer stereo upgrades of any kind? I think Ford misses the mark on this vehicle at this trim level and perhaps even at the mid package given the amount of $ people are spending. I've even heard the luxe system with the B&O speakers isn't that great - I've seen forums where people are yanking the B&O speakers, amplifier, etc.

With all of that being said, I went ahead and ordered a powered subwoofer that I'm hoping to fit under a seat (although I've already looked and found gobs of wires and motors due to the power seats in the front). I also ordered new speakers for the front dash, kick panels and rear corners. I'm hoping to get this installed this weekend. Funny thing is the upgraded speakers including the powered subwoofer was barely $300. Ford could probably invest 1/2 of that cost by buying in bulk and put in something comparable to what I ordered.

I apologize for hopping on my soap box with my first post - a lot of visitors are anxiously awaiting taking delivery of their Broncos on order and I am grateful to have finally received it. At the same time, I believe it getting my money's worth when I spend a lot and my wife's Camaro cost about 1/2 the price of the Bronco and it's not even a contest in the sound quality of the stereo that was included as stock.

Last thing I'd like to add is a question - does anyone know of the best place to tie into the OEM wiring to get a remote turn on lead to the powered subwoofer?

Thanks for reading - appreciate being a part of The Bronco Nation (in Omaha)!

Click to expand...

Did you plan on changing settings in ForScan or getting the JBL flash?

I've noticed that swapping the speakers does help, but still isn't all that great. I've changed Forscan setting which will increase volume and sound a little bit better. Next will be to install a kicker key 200.4 (in a couple of weeks). All I'm trying to say here is don't expect a major difference from just swapping speakers, sadly more needs to be done.

Well, rookie here... I had to Google Forscan and apparently that's some type of system software you can use to change OEM settings?

I'd certainly consider looking into it if it doesn't screw up other important aspects... I've seen computer software that lets you alter the turbo thrust, gear shifting, etc. I don't want Ford coming back saying I blew up the transmission, engine, etc due to a software mod.

The only other thing that comes to mind is that there could certainly be limits in place that Ford established for the existing hardware that may not change when you swap out hardware (ie, speakers). However, there will always be limitations to the existing equipment simply due to the grade of materials used in making them (ie, speakers).

omahabronco

Well, rookie here... I had to Google Forscan and apparently that's some type of system software you can use to change OEM settings?

I'd certainly consider looking into it if it doesn't screw up other important aspects... I've seen computer software that lets you alter the turbo thrust, gear shifting, etc. I don't want Ford coming back saying I blew up the transmission, engine, etc due to a software mod.

The only other thing that comes to mind is that there could certainly be limits in place that Ford established for the existing hardware that may not change when you swap out hardware (ie, speakers). However, there will always be limitations to the existing equipment simply due to the grade of materials used in making them (ie, speakers).

First off, Congrats on your new Bronco! I too waited almost 18 mo (picked mine up 3/10), but well worth the wait IMO.

Yes, unfortunately the stereo system in the Bronco is not one of it's strong points. Good thing is though, there are tons of threads and YouTube how-to's on how to upgrade the factory speakers.
My second car is a 2002 BMW 3 Series with the factory Harmon Kardon system - 20 yrs old and it sounds 110% better than the Bronco.

Since I had plenty of time to wait to get my Bronco, I joined BN, started watching YouTube videos of people who had already received their Broncos (likes/ dislikes/ mods ect...). I made a list of everything, so that when mine got here, I knew what to buy/ fix/ mod, ect...

So on the stereo here's what I did:
Front dash and rear pod 4" - replaced with Pioneer 2-way poly cone/ rubber surround ~ $60/ per pair on Crutchfield. I also Dynamatted the insides of the rear pods and put some craft foam down in the front dash to get rid of the tin/ echo sound. Used the Metra brand connectors off Amazon so I didn't have to cut any wires.

Note: on the front dash, the speakers are actually tied into the 6.5" in the kick panels (to operate kind of like a component system), so you'll need to install an in line bass-blocker on the positive connection on the front 4"s - Also avail on Amazon.

Here's where I messed up though: I ordered the exact same 2-way Pioneers for the 6.5" kick panels, not knowing the factory speakers are set up to act as a component woofer. I went ahead and put in the Pioneer's and although a lot cleaner sound, it took away from what little mid-bass I had from factory. I will be going back and replacing these in the near future with a 6.5" component sub. Crutchfield has several to choose from.

I had considered doing a separate sub, but may just put a small amp on a good quality pair of 6.5"s and see how that sounds first. I am doing a rear seat delete soon, and plan to run topless most of the summer, so I really don't want anything in the rear that would attract a would-be thief.

Remote power for amp: if you have the upfitter switches, you can use one of the 10a switches for the remote wire (main power you would obviously want to connect straight to battery). This is how I wired my F250 with a Kenwood 10" powered sub - ran it like that for 4 yrs, never had an issue.

ForScan: There is a hack in ForScan to increase the volume output of the rear pods, google Budget Bronco's YouTube channel, he has a video where he did this. I may try this later, but I'm going to wait because when I get into ForScan, I want to do tire/ speedo correction, bambi mode, and everything else at the same time. You'll need the USB to OBDII dongle, a laptop with Windows (preferably WIN10) to run the software. You can download a 60 day trial for free. Just be VERY careful getting into ForScan, and be SURE to save a copy of your original file BEFORE making any changes in the system. Again there are tons of videos on this as well. @1 Five 1 Garage has a few good videos on this as well.

Good luck and enjoy your Bronco!!!