Southern IL Bronco club

FLorida camping was a blast!

Hi all.

Intro: Located in the Marion/Cdale area. We put on a gravel bicycle race in the spring out of Alto Pass. Bought the bronco to explore gravel/back roads and run them fast during course setup/take down. Came in real handy last year as we got 3/4"s the day before the race. Know some of the interesting back roads to run in SoIL, and always looking for more.

Hey, I just joined. Finally got my 4-door, OB, Sas, hardtop in Feb. Went to OffRoadeo in Moab in Apr and have since been looking for trails in the Southern Il/Mo areas without much success. Was told to join a group so here I am. Any recommendations or events planned this summer?

Welcome. Congrats on your nice ride

I also attended the Moab Off-Rodeo. I loved it. Trails are scarce in these parts (STL area), but you might find some near Shawnee NF, or over in MO in the Mark Twain NF. If you haven't already, get the onX Offroad app. It shows some trails in the area. There are other apps too but this one is pretty nice. I haven't heard of any events near us, but i keep my ear to the ground. Let us know if you hear of any.

@The Bronco 618

@The Bronco 618 I have the onX app and am headed to the Mark Twain area near Branson next weekend. Starting with Lookout Road, West Fork Trail, and Glade Top Trail. We'll see what happens!

Search for "Bronco Owner Group STL" on facebook, there is something coming up on 6/11

Thanks for the link. Will be in Southern MO on the 11th but will joint that FB group

@Bbelle32

Hello all!

Just wanted to say hi as I am new to the group. Live in STL but from Edwardsville IL area originally. @Bbelle32 and I landed this 2023 Badlands a couple weeks ago from someone who passed on their order. Luck would have it we got all the options we were putting on our build and did not have to wait. We also have a '71 we are finishing up building as well. Hope to see you all out on the trails

Sunset Ford.

71 is close. Hope to be done with it shortly.

Noyice Kurt!! And the Badlands is pretty cool as well. I'm more old school, just wish I had the money for one, had to settle on a 78 sometime back, first of the "full size" configuration that lasted into the 90s. It needs work and some day when I grow up, I'll take the time to fix it up a bit. Looking forward to seeing both those rigs on the trails.

@66Fan

I'lll have to come up and see you Waterloo guys at Hopskellar and German soon. @66Fan

From Waterloo, Il. Will be moving there next year.

@66Fan

I'm in Waterloo..... @66Fan which Bronco is yours? I know of 3 others besides mine; a white 2 door, a jacked up white 4 door, and a cyber orange 4 door. I'd be more than happy to meet up, but not real interested in meeting up at Sunset, not fond of that dealership.

I'm up just south of Belleville by Freeburg, but frequent Waterloo since an old friend of mine owns Stubborn German.
I've got a 4 Door Carbonized Grey Wildtrak. (WLDTRAK plates)
Never been to the Sunset meetups, but take mine there for service. I gave up on Auffenburg long ago due to an ignorant salesman.

So you know Chris and Tammy then? I'm from Waterloo and I'm up at Stubborn quite a bit (was just there last night for the Queen of Hearts drawing), along with Hopskeller and Happy Hour (the replacement for JVs). I'm familiar with a lot of the bar ownership. I'll have to keep an eye out on the Wildtrack, since I don't see too many of those, I would have thought I would notice one quickly. I have a 2 door VB Badlands with the Sasquatch, but I'm usually driving something else since it's all pavement to the bars and they frown on driving through ditches and people's yards.

Hey all - just joined this group and looking for recommendations for trails to get my new Bronco on near the Marion or Carbondale areas this month.

I’m originally from Southern Illinois but live in Nashville, Tennessee now and not familiar with current off-road options in that area. I’m up there visiting family often so it would be great to have some go-to areas for a quick Bronco adventure and/or Bronco meetup.

Thanks!

Hey! I'm almost in the exact same boat. Visiting home during the holidays, most of the land I used to run trails on, those people don't own anymore which is a pain.

Sorry guys, I just got this and it's probably too late of a response, but I did a "little" off-roading in Shawnee National Forrest which have some tricky trails. Based on what OnX Offroad was saying, these seemed to be more overlanding roads, but they are quite the opposite.

@jjvalerius

All Good! @jjvalerius

Thanks for the info. I'm back in TN now but have some more trips to Illinois planned over the next couple of months. I ended up fooling around on a friend's property near Lake of Egypt. About 60 acres with creeks, and some decent hill climbs. The snow made it interesting. Had to use some traction boards to get my buddy out of a bind but nothing seemed to faze the Bronco. We discussed an area of the Shawnee that sounds similar to what you are describing. Some areas near the Big Muddy River look promising. It's on our list to explore between now and spring. I'll try to remember to post a heads up here in this group before we go, in case you or anyone else might be interested in joining.

Had my first geek out moment while running errands in Champaign today. When I walked out of Meijer, there was a gray Sasquatch 2 door parked across from me and as we left we followed a white OB 4 door. Got all giddy and felt like we were our own crew even though no one else knew. Excited for more times like this in the future!

R u ready to take yours to the Badlands in Attica? Saturday was a good time and I saw a red 2 door and a blue 4 door.
Did not see much dirt on the red one, must have just got it

I've only saw one other 2 door in Champaign.

Joined the Bronco family last night! Not sure if I qualify for "Southern" Illinois but I grew up in Piasa and now live near Champaign. Traded my 2012 F-150 for a 2022 Black Diamond and am totally in love. I've been silently creeping the forums for over a year wanting to order one but decided to bite the bullet and buy one from the dealer that nearly matched my build. Excited for the adventures to come!

It's all a matter of perspective. There are people in Chicago who think anything south of Homewood qualifies as Southern IL, so welcome aboard and congrats on the ride.

When I was at U of I, most anyone from Chicago assumed south of 80 was "Southern". We make it down to our cabin in Golconda frequently so I suppose that works lol

Welcome, don’t see a central Illinois and we have definitely have a mindset closer to Southern than Chicago. The green is a pretty rig.

@JBMas

@JBMas Thank you! I was in love with the Antimatter Blue but when it was replaced, the Eruption Green was my favorite. Such a cool color and stands out among the silvers and basic colors on the road.

I just had my complete B&O system upgraded at Benchmark Audio in Springfield, IL. I am very pleased and they have a ton of experience. Best upgrade yet!!

hello from Plainfield, IL. Got my Cyber Orange Badlands last week.

Congrats. It looks great!!!

What do you do when central Illinois leaves are turning and your kids aren’t home for a photo shoot?? Btw do you ask oil change folks to cold start after oil change? A friend with a bronco recommended it.

Hey everyone!

Sorry for asking a dumb question but I wanted to get a leveling kit, and maybe a small lift, but not sure what shops I should look into. Got any recommendations?

@smoot618

@smoot618 Maxlider Bronco is in Bloomington, IL. Specialty shop with one shop for vintage restores, another shop for all the mods you could dream of on your MY21-22.

@ryanlbrooks

@ryanlbrooks Actually reached out to them. Hopefully moving soon, so might have a space to do some of the work myself.

@smoot618

@smoot618 - I'm down in the Waterloo area, still open to an opportunity to help out if you still haven't gotten that leveling kit or lift kit on yet. Also I'm coming up on a oil change/tire rotation that others have expressed interest in being a part of if anyone wants to learn how to do that work themselves.

@Crazyhorse8889

@Crazyhorse8889 check out Auto Trim Restyling

Hello everyone,
Last week I experienced the Moab Off-Rodeo. I must say, if you haven't attended one yet, I recommend the Moab trip. That's kinda weird since It's the only one I attended so I can't really compare them all. LOL. Our guide explained the reason theirs is the best is because their trails are TRUE trails, not an obstacle course set up on private property. He said it jokingly obviously, but I could see his point once we were out there on the trail. We actually had lunch down in a dry creek bed, sitting in the shade instead of going back to the lodge. Seeing the natural beauty of Utah and getting to explore some caves helped make it a spectacular day. But, be ready for the heat if you go during the Summer. The temperature reached 101 while we were having fun, but the Bronco AC stayed strong

.
Our group was small, maybe because it was a Monday. Only two Broncos went out that day. Since we were fast getting through orientation and things like that, our guide let us see a couple more trails and sights.
This was also my first time to drive West. I'd never seen Kansas City, or Kansas or Colorado. My son (21), daughter (17) and I went in my Badlands 2 -door. We were all comfortable for the entire drive. It was around 19 hours from Bunker Hill, and we stopped in CO to stay the night after about 11 hours on the road. I have decided that I definitely want to go back, but maybe not as far as Utah. Colorado or Wyoming will surely be my next adventure, and for a longer stay. Perhaps this group might organize a trip out there? Haha! I'd like to hear from anyone if you'd like to plan something (camping/trail ride, meet and greet, Sunday fun day, etc.)
Here are a few pictures.

I did the Moab Bronco Off-Rodeo as well last September (didn't have my Bronco yet). It was an awesome experience, we did the Dome Plateau Trail near the Dewey bridge. They only had 4 door Broncos and I have a 2 door, but that was no big deal. We did stop for lunch but it was on a plateau that over looked a huge gorgeous valley and made me realize why people take their 4x4s out and put them on crazy trails... the views you can get to or would not normally be able to see... Glad you had a great time, don't hear too many stories from the Moab Off-Rodeo.

Where do you guys take your Broncos for oil changes and regular service? I liked my dealer but they'rea 45min drive, Victory Lane in Litchfield. I'm near Edwardsville.

So the first oil change I had the dealership do at 1000 miles (just to replace the initial break-in oil) and was probably unnecessary, but this is my first ever new vehicle and I'm a bit of a obsessive compulsive shade-tree mechanic and like the idea that any break-in "stuff" gets out of the engine soon (probably a waste of money though). I've since did my own oil change and will continue to do so as well as tire rotations... So, I'm not being very helpful. Any local service shop or quick-lube should be able to change the oil. You'll get a lot of arguments from people in the car care business about the proper oil and which brand is better, blah blah blah. As long as the oil matches the required specs for what Ford says to put in it and you're not using Fram oil filters, you should be fine. I personally buy Motorcraft oil filters (since all my vehicles are Fords) and usually just use Valvoline oil, but the oil change I did on the Bronco was with Motorcraft oil, since it was actually cheaper than the equivalent Valvoline.

@jjvalerius

@jjvalerius I really would like to do my own oil and tires... Need to get some stands / ramp. I'm pretty handy but haven't ever done those myself. I've done wiring, installing rails, bullets, led headlights, etc so I think I could do it. How is the filter to reach, easy or pita?

@AlliB123

@AlliB123 - it's pretty easy and right there in front when you pop the hood. Just got to have the right socket. Let me know when you're looking to try it, or I can let you know when I'm about to do mine and maybe we can get together on it. I'm always happy to help someone who's looking to do their own maintenance.

@jjvalerius

@jjvalerius that'd be swell thank you! I'm at 1500mi and I may have the dealer do the first one just cuz I'm ocd like that. But after that I'd love the help or to watch and learn, thanks!

Jack Schmitt (Collinsville) and Weber (Glen Carbon) both have decent service departments.

I bought at Jack Schmitt in Collinsville and have service done there.

Hello from Bunker Hill, IL. I've had my 2 dr. Badlands, V6, LUX since last November. I'm glad to find a group in my area.
I'm headed to the Moab Off-Rodeo next weekend. Has anyone here been to an Off-Rodeo yet? Any advice or tips? Sorry if this has been asked before and I'm just repeating another post.

Went to NH, was a good time, we did everything out there manually, no GOAT modes, manual activation of all the toys, since you already have yours not sure anything will surprise you outside of putting you in situations you may not already be used to. In NH the insurance is prob a good idea, not sure about MOAB

I’m finally seeing a few on the road around FVH/Ofallon area. Anyone order from Awfulberg? Every time I check in to make sure my salesman still works there they seem to be getting “cancelled” orders in.

Sooo, I'm boycotting Auffenburg along with Sunset and Dave Sinclair due to what they did when Lou Fusz tried to buy out the small dealership in Milstadt, IL.... now Mertz in Milstadt doesn't exist anymore - not even a dealership. Sooo, good luck with your order. <no offense>

I saw that you were able to get yours there before they closed. Congrats. I don’t know the whole story about what went down. I’ll research it when I get a chance. I’m not a big fan of where I ordered from but this whole ordering a vehicle was new to me and back then (before ford changed the rules). I figured they couldn’t fuck this up. I should have known better when throughout the whole ordeal that I knew more about the Bronco than the salespeople, I’m on my third one, and the sales manager. Oh well, it will get built one day.

@Briley

@Briley - sorry to year about your experience so far, I was actually lucky in that I moved my reservation from Sunset in Waterloo, where I live, to Mertz in Millstadt due to some rumors about Sunset and the way they were treating some of their employees, nothing actually about the ordering process. It actually seemed to work out for me. I had all the big no-no's, a 2 door, and 2nd day reservation holder and just barely squeaked out a 2021 Bronco (12/23/21 signed the papers).

Hi all, here's my guy. 4dr big bend. I'm in Edwardsville area. Love this vehicle!!

Nice looking rig Allison, really like the white grill.

REDBIRD STATE RECREATION AREA 15298 West County Road 350 N • Linton, Indiana 47441 • (812) 847-0146

Anyone been to this park in Indiana?
Looking for the next park to go to.

I usually go over there about once a year. Trail 0 is the access trail into the rest of the trail system. Trail 3 is a nice scenic easygoing loop, as long as you stick to the main trail. Trail 5 is another easy one. If it has been raining/wet there then the difficulty will ratchet up quickly from there, Trail 3x will be the next most difficult and then 2x is the most difficult trail there for short wheel base 4x4's. The rest is mainly access roads and ATV/MX trails. Fun place to spend a day outdoors every so often. I have a bunch of trails videos of the place here:

I've had Gamora since late April. She is so much fun.

Love that green man... how do you like the removable steps?

Build date is the 27th with Window Sticker finally!! Can't wait to be officially baptized with wheels soon!

@Jchamp

@Jchamp - THAT'S AWESOME!!! Can't wait to see some pics.

Hi all. Took delivery yesterday. I'm in Champaign (anything south of Chicago is Southern IL, right?)

Badlands 4-door 2.3L manual. COMPLETELY worth the wait. Was praying my 2001 4Runner with 230K on it would make it. Now I think I have to shoot her.

Looking forward to some meetups and wheelin. Anyone go up to Badlands in Attica, IN?

I went a couple weeks after getting mine on a weekday. The only truck there. everyone else was in atvs. It was a good day only rubbed the fender flare once.
I'm in Champaign as well, we'll need set up a trip their in July. I'm doing the TWAT in two weeks.
If I see you on the road we can stop and chat, I'm the only 2dr in town as far as I know.

Very cool! What's the TWAT?

I'll watch for you around CU. I love the 2-doors!

Trans Wisconsin Adventure trail. Back road drive from Galena IL to Cornucopia WI.

Greetings from NH Off Roadeo

Can confirm!

Super jelly! Have fun!

We need an Off-Roadeo in the middles! NH is closer than Moab, but there's got to be some amazing spots that would host in Landlocked, USA.

Hey all in Springfield, Illinois currently have a Bigbend antimatter blue “Sparkles” is her name.Non SAS and am waiting for a Outerbanks eruption green non SAS with Lux and 4.27 gears here’s my rig now with more pics to come love to meet up and meet y’all sometime

I do have a soft spot for that color - mostly because it's only a 2021 color and it's closest to the legacy dark blue that the first gen had. Nice work on it, looks like you're getting it off road a bit eh?

I saw a black 2 door base with white wheels with IL tags parked in soulard last night. It was the best looking Bronco I've seen person. I don't know if it belongs to one of you 618ers, tip of the cap if it does, and sorry for gawking at it.

HI, I'm planning on attending Moore EXPO in Springfield, MO 4/7-4/10/22 and will be doing the SMOOR to MOORE rally. Anyone else attending and want to meet up? May do some light wheeling at SMOOR as well. MOORE EXPO April 8-10, 2022
I attended their inaugural year but haven't been since covid if you want my impressions.

I will be there Saturday, probably no wheeling though. Would still love to meet up.

@jjvalerius

@jjvalerius not sure which day I'm running the rally yet but should be able to find time Saturday, will DM you before next weekend

Sweet, thanks!

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