Bronco R&D

[cgr]

I know we have had a couple of comments on the bronco comparing to 392. Yes, this is another one - but primarily targeting r&d for jeep. I have commented before on you are either a camaro or mustange member of the car club, and yes I am a lifelong camaro member. All of that being said, and I am not a fan of the bronco, but... They did a really good job at r&d. Just watched a portion of TruckU where they were doing some mods on the new bronco. Eight push pins and six FORWARD facing bolts and the front bumper was off. Replacement bumper they were adding used the factory mounting locations. Factory rock rails came off with the usual 6 bolts. However, new side steps used exactly the same mounting locations. Now, I realize the rbp steps I used were the same as bronco on the JK - but on the JL they have too many bolt locations not attaching to the body or frame that allow movement for larger individuals like me. And truly, that part is on which aftermarket product you use. I know we have all thought "what the crap was jeep thinking with this cavernous gap between the fenders and body"?!?!?!?! And whether you are replacing the front bumper or removing it to add a winch, not having to go through what we do would be nicer. I know this is a gripe session that really has nothing to do with the beast 392 that we have, but how long has jeep been around and how long have we been modding them??? A little more attention to r&d by people who actually understand the market would be nice. For example - using the "mopar" winch mount and a smittybilt winch on the 392 (future thread on this - spoiler alert, sawzall required).
Chris

 

[YukonCornelius]

use. I know we have all thought "what the crap was jeep thinking with this cavernous gap between the fenders and body"?!?!?!?!

Exactly… why you can get pieces to fill in “debris protection” on the Sahara but not in the Rubi is beyond me. At least AEV gives that option in bumper replacement, but, I actually like the stock steel bumper of the Rubi.

 

[Shortcut]

Exactly… why you can get pieces to fill in “debris protection” on the Sahara but not in the Rubi is beyond me. At least AEV gives that option in bumper replacement, but, I actually like the stock steel bumper of the Rubi.

I like the factory bumpers as well. Had no problem using the MOPAR winch mount kit when installing a Warn EVO VR10S winch. I do get remarks concerning the bumper crush zone extensions though.

 

[BenLandry]

I like the factory bumpers as well. Had no problem using the MOPAR winch mount kit when installing a Warn EVO VR10S winch. I do get remarks concerning the bumper crush zone extensions though.

Maximus 3 makes really nice filler plates for that space. Looks stock, if I’m thinking about the same space you are talking about

 

[cgr]

I like the factory bumpers as well. Had no problem using the MOPAR winch mount kit when installing a Warn EVO VR10S winch. I do get remarks concerning the bumper crush zone extensions though.

I think the key is WARN winch. I had smittybilt on my JK and thought I would just stay with it for 392. Yeah, what are your thoughts on the extensions? I used them, but hind sight being 20/20 - might have just stayed with factory.
Chris

 

[Shortcut]

I think the key is WARN winch. I had smittybilt on my JK and thought I would just stay with it for 392. Yeah, what are your thoughts on the extensions? I used them, but hind sight being 20/20 - might have just stayed with factory.
Chris

I didn't consider that a Smitty Built winch would be that much different design wise that would interfer with installation than the Warns. As for the extensions, I am partial to them as they add some uniqueness to my 392 and as stated previously they do get remarks though not all positive.

 

[Shortcut]

Maximus 3 makes really nice filler plates for that space. Looks stock, if I’m thinking about the same space you are talking about

The Maximus fillers look great! I am not able to use them though because I lock the winch rope to a point on the inside of the frame to prevent it's theft. The crush zones I'm referring to are the "Nipples" on the front of the bumper.

 

[Blankman]

The bronco is boring, in a good way. The way you want to drive it across country and be completely comfortable. The interior could be a lot better and the Jeep smokes it in that aspect. The goat modes in the bronco are really nice. We recently had a snow storm where it dumped 12 inch of snow. I put it in slippery mode and it reduces the throttle sensitivity and stiffened the suspension. It made it much easier getting around. With the 392 it’s on the power all the time. Ford needs to rework the top, the quality is trash. It’s much louder than the wrangler, tons of wind noise, it rattles from the guide pins, and the sound deadner they sell is a joke. It’s just glued on felt. I can go on and on both have pluses and minuses. I feel the wrangler has a better quality (materials) interior over the bronco.