Losing my mind! BB or BD

[Garemlin]

I've gone back and forth many times too. The MGV and rubberized flooring is the biggest appeal with the BD. The blue accents are a nice touch too. But MGV only being available in dark color has me unsure if I want it. I could care less about signature lighting. The regular LED headlights is what I want. And I'm sure JW Speaker and KC will have aftermarket LED headlight and taillight options. I'm glad I'm sitting back and waiting. I'll be able to see real world opinions. And maybe MY 22/23 will have some lighter color MGV interior options.

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[Techun]

I have been going back & forth on BB or BD also with the different gearing being my sticking point. I have been studying all the comments and googled the hell out the gear differences as I have no experience with choosing this. If anyone sees a flaw in my gearing conclusions please let me know.

I will do mostly street driving and am just getting into off road fun, so I expect either choice will do what I need. Leaning BB for gearing. BD seems like a great package for anyone going off road at all with steel rear bumper, MGV, washout floors and I like the basic steel wheel look also.

BB offers 3.73 or 4.27 with the 4.27 feeling like a sweet spot, get a little more torque for low end performance around town and also better than 3.73 for off road, without going to 4.46 which would cost in mileage. Clearly 3.73 is best for mileage and I am looking for the best of both worlds. I am going with the 2.7 and 10spd and think the tranny overdrive may make the 4.46 & mileage on the BD not a problem from what I read here.

I like everything about the BD, would have to move up to the 4.46 gearing though which makes the truck more off road worthy and gas mileage takes a hit with rpms running higher around town. Daily driving will be around town & wouldn't mind getting best mileage possible since this is most of my driving, that being said still want to be off road capable and not under geared if I want to challenge the truck.

Please provide any thoughts on what you feel is the best of both worlds gear or if I am looking at it wrong and should gear for the way I drive most of the time.

I found this chart which shows performance in rpms at 65mph using the BD tires size.
If you change to the BB tires size the rpms went down about 40 rpm give or take.
at 65 mph 3.73 rpm 2577
at 65 mph 3.27 rpm 2951
at 65 mph 4.56 (close as the chart gets to 4.46) rpm 3151

Gear Ratio / RPMs for New Tire (@ 65 mph)

2.35	2.73	2.94	3.07	3.21	3.31	3.42	3.55	3.73	3.91	4.11	4.27	4.56	4.88	5.13	5.29	5.38	5.71	6.17	7.17
1624	1886	2032	2121	2218	2287	2363	2453	2577	2702	2840	2951	3151	3372	3545	3655	3718	3946	4263	4954

Around town there won't be a big difference because you'll just upshift. The difference will be when you're in top gear and can't upshift anymore.

 

[EvlNvrDys]

I have been going back & forth on BB or BD also with the different gearing being my sticking point. I have been studying all the comments and googled the hell out the gear differences as I have no experience with choosing this. If anyone sees a flaw in my gearing conclusions please let me know.

I will do mostly street driving and am just getting into off road fun, so I expect either choice will do what I need. Leaning BB for gearing. BD seems like a great package for anyone going off road at all with steel rear bumper, MGV, washout floors and I like the basic steel wheel look also.

BB offers 3.73 or 4.27 with the 4.27 feeling like a sweet spot, get a little more torque for low end performance around town and also better than 3.73 for off road, without going to 4.46 which would cost in mileage. Clearly 3.73 is best for mileage and I am looking for the best of both worlds. I am going with the 2.7 and 10spd and think the tranny overdrive may make the 4.46 & mileage on the BD not a problem from what I read here.

I like everything about the BD, would have to move up to the 4.46 gearing though which makes the truck more off road worthy and gas mileage takes a hit with rpms running higher around town. Daily driving will be around town & wouldn't mind getting best mileage possible since this is most of my driving, that being said still want to be off road capable and not under geared if I want to challenge the truck.

Please provide any thoughts on what you feel is the best of both worlds gear or if I am looking at it wrong and should gear for the way I drive most of the time.

I found this chart which shows performance in rpms at 65mph using the BD tires size.
If you change to the BB tires size the rpms went down about 40 rpm give or take.
at 65 mph 3.73 rpm 2577
at 65 mph 3.27 rpm 2951
at 65 mph 4.56 (close as the chart gets to 4.46) rpm 3151

Gear Ratio / RPMs for New Tire (@ 65 mph)

2.35	2.73	2.94	3.07	3.21	3.31	3.42	3.55	3.73	3.91	4.11	4.27	4.56	4.88	5.13	5.29	5.38	5.71	6.17	7.17
1624	1886	2032	2121	2218	2287	2363	2453	2577	2702	2840	2951	3151	3372	3545	3655	3718	3946	4263	4954

I'll give you "my" idiots guide to gearing and let the experts give you aore in depth answer.

If you don't plan on going up to 35's eventually or plan on towing, you will probably be fine with the 3.73's.

As for me, I plan on towing and going wider 33's,since I'm about settled on the BB, I'm going with the 4.27's for that reason. If I went BD I'd be happy withe the 4.46 for sure.

 

[EvlNvrDys]

I've gone back and forth many times too. The MGV and rubberized flooring is the biggest appeal with the BD. The blue accents are a nice touch too. But MGV only being available in dark color has me unsure if I want it. I could care less about signature lighting. The regular LED headlights is what I want. And I'm sure JW Speaker and KC will have aftermarket LED headlight and taillight options. I'm glad I'm sitting back and waiting. I'll be able to see real world opinions. And maybe MY 22/23 will have some lighter color MGV interior options.

Some people love the regular headlights.
I love the signature lights I agree someone will have aftermarket, but that's also an added cost. JW Speaker sure isn't no Amazon LED headlight for a 100 bucks, we're talking another 600+.
That's the beauty of it all though, we don't have to like the same thing. But for people (like me) it's sometimes a bitch trying to decide fancy lights VS MGV VS Squatch VS lower gearing... The damn list goes on.

 

[TJ Freestone]

Replace the lighting aftermarket on the BD...MGV would be the put over the edge.

Lights replaced a lot cheaper than putting money into interior

I agree and I have heard there will be some great aftermarket lighting, including grills. Ford has supposedly designed it to be easily replaced.
Im planning a his and hers. OB for her and BB or BD for me. I too have gone back and forth. lately I have been thinking BD. The reason being I can choose my own wheels and lighting.

 

[Garemlin]

Some people love the regular headlights.
I love the signature lights I agree someone will have aftermarket, but that's also an added cost. JW Speaker sure isn't no Amazon LED headlight for a 100 bucks, we're talking another 600+.
Thatd the beauty of it all though, we don't have to like the same thing. But for people (like me) it's sometimes a bitch trying to decide fancy lights VS MGV VS Squatch VS lower gearing... The damn list goes on.

I think the signature lights are a cool gimmick. But every vehicle has some sort of LED beauty ring now. It's getting played out. And IMO the Bronco signature lighting screams Wrangler with the exception of the horizontal line. OEM and most aftermarket Wrangler LED headlights have the halo ring. And the one other thing is once the LED DRL start to fail it makes the headlights look silly. And they won't be cheap to replace. Give me a good set of LED headlights with a good beam pattern and cutoff line and I'm a happy camper. I'm so glad lights aren't in my decision making process. LOL

 

[Headsong]

So maybe a dumb question... But with the BD, since it has wash out floors, do you still need the floor liners? Not expensive, but just wondering.

Fwiw, I'm in the same boat dude. If BD had signature lights it'd be a done deal. But maybe that's my answer... Is the BB really worth it bc of the signature lights?

Ugh...........

You do get carpeted mats.

 

[Headsong]

I have been going back & forth on BB or BD also with the different gearing being my sticking point. I have been studying all the comments and googled the hell out the gear differences as I have no experience with choosing this. If anyone sees a flaw in my gearing conclusions please let me know.

I will do mostly street driving and am just getting into off road fun, so I expect either choice will do what I need. Leaning BB for gearing. BD seems like a great package for anyone going off road at all with steel rear bumper, MGV, washout floors and I like the basic steel wheel look also.

BB offers 3.73 or 4.27 with the 4.27 feeling like a sweet spot, get a little more torque for low end performance around town and also better than 3.73 for off road, without going to 4.46 which would cost in mileage. Clearly 3.73 is best for mileage and I am looking for the best of both worlds. I am going with the 2.7 and 10spd and think the tranny overdrive may make the 4.46 & mileage on the BD not a problem from what I read here.

I like everything about the BD, would have to move up to the 4.46 gearing though which makes the truck more off road worthy and gas mileage takes a hit with rpms running higher around town. Daily driving will be around town & wouldn't mind getting best mileage possible since this is most of my driving, that being said still want to be off road capable and not under geared if I want to challenge the truck.

Please provide any thoughts on what you feel is the best of both worlds gear or if I am looking at it wrong and should gear for the way I drive most of the time.

I found this chart which shows performance in rpms at 65mph using the BD tires size.
If you change to the BB tires size the rpms went down about 40 rpm give or take.
at 65 mph 3.73 rpm 2577
at 65 mph 3.27 rpm 2951
at 65 mph 4.56 (close as the chart gets to 4.46) rpm 3151

Gear Ratio / RPMs for New Tire (@ 65 mph)

2.35	2.73	2.94	3.07	3.21	3.31	3.42	3.55	3.73	3.91	4.11	4.27	4.56	4.88	5.13	5.29	5.38	5.71	6.17	7.17
1624	1886	2032	2121	2218	2287	2363	2453	2577	2702	2840	2951	3151	3372	3545	3655	3718	3946	4263	4954

I'll trade my 4.46's....I'd rather have gas mileage....lol.

 

[Beach_Bum]

I have been going back & forth on BB or BD also with the different gearing being my sticking point. I have been studying all the comments and googled the hell out the gear differences as I have no experience with choosing this. If anyone sees a flaw in my gearing conclusions please let me know.

I will do mostly street driving and am just getting into off road fun, so I expect either choice will do what I need. Leaning BB for gearing. BD seems like a great package for anyone going off road at all with steel rear bumper, MGV, washout floors and I like the basic steel wheel look also.

BB offers 3.73 or 4.27 with the 4.27 feeling like a sweet spot, get a little more torque for low end performance around town and also better than 3.73 for off road, without going to 4.46 which would cost in mileage. Clearly 3.73 is best for mileage and I am looking for the best of both worlds. I am going with the 2.7 and 10spd and think the tranny overdrive may make the 4.46 & mileage on the BD not a problem from what I read here.

I like everything about the BD, would have to move up to the 4.46 gearing though which makes the truck more off road worthy and gas mileage takes a hit with rpms running higher around town. Daily driving will be around town & wouldn't mind getting best mileage possible since this is most of my driving, that being said still want to be off road capable and not under geared if I want to challenge the truck.

Please provide any thoughts on what you feel is the best of both worlds gear or if I am looking at it wrong and should gear for the way I drive most of the time.

I found this chart which shows performance in rpms at 65mph using the BD tires size.
If you change to the BB tires size the rpms went down about 40 rpm give or take.
at 65 mph 3.73 rpm 2577
at 65 mph 3.27 rpm 2951
at 65 mph 4.56 (close as the chart gets to 4.46) rpm 3151

Gear Ratio / RPMs for New Tire (@ 65 mph)

2.35	2.73	2.94	3.07	3.21	3.31	3.42	3.55	3.73	3.91	4.11	4.27	4.56	4.88	5.13	5.29	5.38	5.71	6.17	7.17
1624	1886	2032	2121	2218	2287	2363	2453	2577	2702	2840	2951	3151	3372	3545	3655	3718	3946	4263	4954

Am a 2 year transplant from NE. expecting to get out of Florida 2 -3 times a year (anywhere in the country that looks cool to 4x4) and find other terrain to have fun off road. Will not be towing. Currently driving mostly Palm Beach County major arteries at average 50 mph, some highway not much now until new Bronco takes me to out of state parks in the future. Plan to drive back to NE a couple times a year putting on highway miles. Will be exploring many off road venues across FL (flat & swampy - I am thinking). Thx for your advice!

I'm including your previous message on clarity of your driving patterns/expectations. I'm also making the assumption that you aren't considering any tire size larger than the BD stock. If you are wanting larger tires, than get the lowest gear ratio (4.46 or 4.7) that you can. BB (excluding SAS) gear ratio maxes out at 4.23. So the ultimate argument is 4.23 (BB) or 4.46 (BD). I'm not considering the base (3.73 ratio) as you seem to indicate that isn't a consideration.

This conundrum is really making a mountain out of a mole hill. You aren't going to see a dramatic delta in fuel economy running stock tires between the 2. The BB will be more than capable to get out of town and have fun. The BD comes better outfitted with the upgraded armor (bumper/bash plates) and is more utilitarian with the washout interior. The cloth seats in the BB will likely be more comfortable in Florida than the MGV. The floor liners should be considered whether you get carpet (BB) or washout floors (BD). The liners cover up the sides of the flooring and will capture the majority if not all of the slop that you may track in.

 

[JB93]

There will be custom fit seat covers for BB from aftermarket. MGV sounds hot and sticky. Waterproof and washable seat covers sounds niiicce. Design the colors of covers however you want.

 

[PowPow]

You do get carpeted mats.

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

well I was gonna get the liners anyway. but now that i know carpet ones come with it, that helps me understand.

thx!

 

[Markubis]

I decided earlier today, subject to change obviously, that I should go BD for the AUX switches. We will see how long that decision lasts... lol

You can get aux switches for any of the trims.

 

[Headsong]

The lights on the sport and wildtrak are "pretty" and very trendy, but I'm pretty sure we all know which one looks more aggressive here. Ole angry eyes on the left. Just my opinion of course.

Yeah, I'm kinda digging the non-sigs....esp as I see so many Fiats now with the ring led's....

 

[Headsong]

Don't forget they are still led and have configurable drl's. orange in this picture.

I just wish we got the cool taillights and wonder if we can at least just change the lenses? Seems like an easy one....

 

[williamoneal]

Having a hell of a time choosing between the BD & BB.

near identical specs (2.3/7 spd/ rear locker/ mod bumper/brush guard/ rock rails/bikini top and roof rack)

BB has signature lighting, tow package (for recovery points since the BB doesn’t have rear hooks (I THINK?) and the matching grill to the top.

BD has the MGV and washout floors (obvi), upgraded t case, rear tow points, better tires to start with (can be changed later), and the ugly steelies scream functional to me.

I’m ultimately going up to 285/75r17 tires, it’ll be my DD and weekend warrior. I generally prefer functional over fancy, but dammit I’m torn.
I have a 5 y/o that is autistic whos my wheeling buddy every weekend, but he can be extra messy, which leans me towards mgv but not locked in.
Less than $500 difference.

I love smart ass comments, but if you want to be snarky or condescending, save the keystrokes for someone else.

I would go with the BD. I think you will appreciate the MGV and Wash out. I’ve had three daughters. Kids can make a mess. (So can off road adults) ?

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