... and so it begins ...

[BadSquatch]

And so the more serious modifications to the Bronco begin. It's in the shop right now getting the following installed:

1. Front Ride 2.5" Coilovers with 550 lan/in Spring. https://rideshocks.com/shop/vehicle...nco-2-5-front-coilovers-0-4-5-lift-525414389/
2. Rear Ride 2.5" Coilovers, 235 Lb/in springs. https://accutuneoffroad.com/product...-0-5-5″-lift-dpa-235-lb-in-multi-rate-spring/
3. Icon Tubular UCA's with Delta Joint Pro Kit. https://accutuneoffroad.com/product/icon-2021-ford-bronco-tubular-uca-kit-delta-joint-pro-kit/
4. Icon Rear Tubular Upper Adjustable Control Arms. https://accutuneoffroad.com/product/icon-2021-ford-bronco-rear-tubular-upper-control-arms-2/
5. Icon Rear Tubular Lower Control Arms. https://accutuneoffroad.com/product/icon-2021-ford-bronco-rear-tubular-lower-control-arms/
6. Icon Rear Adjustable Track Bar. https://accutuneoffroad.com/product/icon-2021-ford-bronco-rear-adjustable-track-bar/

This was all a "kit" I bought through Accutune Offroad. https://accutuneoffroad.com/product...d-travel-suspension-kit-stage-3a-ride-shocks/

Should be ready tomorrow, and then we will see if it lives up to expectation. Right now I'm sticking with my SAS wheels and tires, but the intent when these Goodyears wear out is to replace them with 37's and new wheels. I'm not sure what wheels I want to get yet. I want something with internal bealocks however. I'm curious what other folks are doing with tires/wheels? That probably won't happen until late this year or early next year so I have some time to research it. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to the better "ride" from the Rides.

 

[Dusty]

Sounds like a nice build! Always exciting to get new Bronco parts I've only heard good things about those Ride shocks, looking forward to hearing your input on them. Thank you for contributing to my salary with the rest of your components LOL

At the risk of sounding biased I'll recommend either the Rebound Pro or Recon Pro wheel from Icon. We have the Rebound Pros on both of our Broncos and they've been SO much better than the traditional beadlocks I've owned in the past. No leaks, no broken bolts, no constant re-torquing, and we can run them aired down to almost nothing.

 

[BadSquatch]

Happy to contribute Dusty! Internal beadlocks are definitely something I’m seriously considering, thanks for the advice!

 

[BadSquatch]

OK, the install is complete. As expected about 2" in the front, and 1.5" in the back. The ride home from the shop was pretty nice and comfortable. Will take it to some nice easy trails this weekend to see how it does. Here are some pictures.

 

[tom b]

Nice upgrade Jorg! I think yur gonna like that

 

[BadSquatch]

I took it out this weekend to a local trail that was basically a fire road that was pretty rutted up. I can definitely tell the difference, that's for sure. I also definitely get more attriculation that the stock SAS, that's for sure. I should have taken a picture! Darn it! Maybe this weekend. Bur the on-road manners, the handing of washboard, and so far offroad is all a lot better than my stick Bilsien's.

 

[BadSquatch]

OK< so, took her out again on a similar trail (fire road with a lot of ruts). it definitely feels more planted, and I'm pretty sure that I get better articulation.

 

[BadSquatch]

OK, next step, I got rid of those tie rods that are "brittle as an old dry twig"! I installed the Ford Performance Severe Duty Steering Upgrade Kit. Our, rather, I should say that I had it installed by Galpin Autosports who did a fantastic job! The description says: "Featuring a higher torque motor and improved and reinforced steering gear casing from the Bronco Raptor, stronger inner tie rods with improved articulation, and reinforced outer tie rods with increased deflection ball joints. Significantly reduces steering efforts in various off-road conditions. ". If you're interested you can find it here.

 

[Dusty]

Good call on having a shop install it. I've R&R'd the steering rack a couple of times and it's a struggle every time. Even lubed with plenty of curse words and beer!

 

[BadSquatch]

Good call on having a shop install it. I've R&R'd the steering rack a couple of times and it's a struggle every time. Even lubed with plenty of curse words and beer!

yeah, I looked at that and went "nope, don't have a lift, and my back Dr. would probably kill me.". So I took it to Galpin Autosports (GAS). Since I bought the install along with the part n the Ford Performance site (I used some of my Ford points to offset the cost of the install right there on the site) and it gave me a choice of Ford dealers to perform the install. I picked Galpin Ford, since it was the nearest dealer that participates in the install program (yup, Autonation Ford Valencia my nearest dealership doesn't). Here's the glitch, I scheduled the install with Glalpin Ford, and the day of I got a call from the Service Manager asking "do you have a broken steering rack"? I said "no", it's an upgrade to the Hoss 3.0 rack, and he told me that they didn't do that kind of work, that I had to call Galpin Autosports. After that, everything went smooth. I called them and they got me in a few days later and did the install for me. One thing to note is the level of detail from the GAS guys. They noticed that my UCA on the passenger side was lose and called me about it. I had them go through my entire suspension and make sure everything was torqued to spec. The also removed the passenger UCA and inspected everything to make sure there was no damage, which there wasn't. They did a front end alignment, and I was all set. All of this ended up taking a few extra days, but overall I appreciated the level of detail and care they took with my Bronco.

I took it out this weekend to Rowher Flats Sierra Palona trail which, after the rains it's a bit rutted up, which was a good opportunity to check my suspension. I definately noted that the articulation was improved. I ran the trail as quickly as I could, but the "fog" was so bad that I could only see about 2 car lengths ahead of me at the top so it slowed me down quite a bit. But overall, I call it a success.

 

[tom b]

yeah, I looked at that and went "nope, don't have a lift, and my back Dr. would probably kill me.". So I took it to Galpin Autosports (GAS). Since I bought the install along with the part n the Ford Performance site (I used some of my Ford points to offset the cost of the install right there on the site) and it gave me a choice of Ford dealers to perform the install. I picked Galpin Ford, since it was the nearest dealer that participates in the install program (yup, Autonation Ford Valencia my nearest dealership doesn't). Here's the glitch, I scheduled the install with Glalpin Ford, and the day of I got a call from the Service Manager asking "do you have a broken steering rack"? I said "no", it's an upgrade to the Hoss 3.0 rack, and he told me that they didn't do that kind of work, that I had to call Galpin Autosports. After that, everything went smooth. I called them and they got me in a few days later and did the install for me. One thing to note is the level of detail from the GAS guys. They noticed that my UCA on the passenger side was lose and called me about it. I had them go through my entire suspension and make sure everything was torqued to spec. The also removed the passenger UCA and inspected everything to make sure there was no damage, which there wasn't. They did a front end alignment, and I was all set. All of this ended up taking a few extra days, but overall I appreciated the level of detail and care they took with my Bronco.

I took it out this weekend to Rowher Flats Sierra Palona trail which, after the rains it's a bit rutted up, which was a good opportunity to check my suspension. I definately noted that the articulation was improved. I ran the trail as quickly as I could, but the "fog" was so bad that I could only see about 2 car lengths ahead of me at the top so it slowed me down quite a bit. But overall, I call it a success.

View attachment 2742
View attachment 2743

did you notice any difference in the steering?

 

[BadSquatch]

did you notice any difference in the steering?

It might be my imagination, but it feels a bit "tighter" to me, so yes. Keep in mind that it has a bigger motor, but wether you can feel that on the street, or even on rutted out trails, I'm not sure.

 

[Terry760]

Looks great

 

[BadSquatch]

Looks great

Thanks!