2024 Big Bend Adventure Journal

[lwilliams34]

This is the start of my build journal for my 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend.
I've been documenting the journey for my 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 on Mustang 6g for over 4 years now and have really enjoyed the experience and the community.
Hoping to do the same here.
I was not even aware that the new Bronco existed up until a year ago when I saw one for the first time up close. I'd seen the Bronco Sport version and thought it was a great throw back to the traditional rugged style of the Ford Explorers (before they emasculated them into boring cross overs).
I was originally looking at the Jeep Wrangler as my next adventure vehicle, but the more I researched I became hesitant to go down that route. No offense to the Jeep's or anyone that owns them. They are fun vehicles with a fantastic following and community. It just wasn't the right fit for me. Once I saw the two door Bronco at my local dealership I was hooked. Great looking, just enough storage in the back with the seats up and plenty with them dropped down.

On Sept 18, 2023 I placed my order:

2024 Big Bend 2 Door
Azure Gray
Mid Pkg (222A)
10 speed auto
2.3 L
4.27 axle with rear locking diff
hoop step
aux switches
LED Signature Lighting
Spare Tire Cover (bronco logo)
Trailer Tow Pkg
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[lwilliams34]

Got a call from the Dealership that my 2024 Bronco Big Bend had arrived. Ordered on Sept 18th of last year. I setup an appointment for last Thursday to go onsite and begin the paperwork process. I am still trying to decide what to do with my current daily driver. Had then give me a trade in value, but was not impressed with the offer.
A positive was that I found out they had discounted all of their Broncos (they have 8 on the lot) and included the discount on mine! I asked about X-Plan pricing and would save approx $300 more over their discounted price. Still trying to work with MCA to see if I can get a pin and confirmation as I let my membership lapse.
Got to say "Hi" to it before I left, it looks great. I was a little concerned about the stock wheels/tires, but I really like them. Love love the Azure Gray Color. The car was pretty dirty as I asked them not to "touch it" with their detailing rags, just hose it down. I plan on having a complete detail done and then ceramic coating. Will hopefully be taking delivery next week.
Here are a few pictures..
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[DBX2]

Great pics. Congratulations.
We love our 2D.
Love your "stable" with the Shelby, too!!

 

[lwilliams34]

Great pics. Congratulations.
We love our 2D.
Love your "stable" with the Shelby, too!!

Thanks I appreciate it. Excited to get things finalized. You've got some great roads in TN. I've been there multiple times with my Shelby.

 

[lwilliams34]

Finally picked up my Bronco from the dealership last week.
Ordered on Sept 18, 2023, picked up on Thursday Feb 8th
First impressions are wow.. this is fun, unique and looks badass.
I thought the 32" base tires on the big bend would look wimpy, but they look huge to me.
I am coming from a small Mazda cx-5 cross over which sits low to the ground.
The Bronco sits up high.. I think someone mentioned a "king of the road" type feel.
The 2.3L is peppy and responsive enough, at least for the 2 door. I still love the feel of a Naturally Aspirated engine, but this has been a pleasant surprise. I'm happy that the engine has some sound to it as well; it's not a V8 NA muscle car sound but it's not silent.
Visibility is fantastic!.. great view all around and no blind spot issues, really impressed.
The interior to me is totally fine. I love the utilitarian feel of the Bronco. I don't need a high luxury interior because this is not a luxury SUV/Cross Over. The seats are great, love the marine vinyl. Heated seats work very well. Yes the center gauge is a bit wonky, but I'm getting used to it. The stereo is adequate which once again fits the vibe of this off road truck.
Yes, the top is a bit loud, but nowhere near as terrible as I imagined. The weather here has been cold and windy so it's not silent on the interior and you can feel the wind pushing the body a bit. Once again it all adds to the visceral experience.
Love the Azure Gray color; worth the extra $.
It makes me want to put on a cowboy hat, boots and country music and drive in the mud.
Once summer comes I'll probably take off the doors, roof, etc and play some Jurassic Park sound track.
This is just a great looking, fun to drive truck.
Already starting ordering some accessories. More to come.
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[lwilliams34]

Had a chance to park the Bronco in my heated garage this weekend and complete the final prep and install a few accessories. I specifically asked the dealership not to wash the car or install the front license plate bracket. They even left some stickers and plastic on the interior and exterior as well.
The car was pretty dirty from snow and salt, but I would rather have it dirty than full of swirl marks from the dealership washing/detailing (if you want to call it that).
I have an appointment for a full ceramic coating next week.
Initial accessories/mods included:
1. Built Right Front License plate bracket
2. Havoc door sill scuff plates
3. Mabett back seat rubber cover protectors
4. Mabett trunk lower storage cubby insert
5. Ford Rear Cargo Tray Liner
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[lwilliams34]

Here are some Misc Pictures of the interior and exterior.
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[lwilliams34]

Some Pictures in the Garage next to my Shelby GT 350. Wanted to see if these two ponies would get along. I'm thinking they will be just fine.
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[lwilliams34]

A few pictures on her first day of work. It was lightly snowing and looked so good after I parked that I had to look back and take some pictures. Loving the Azure Gray Color
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[lwilliams34]

A few Bronco signs for the Garage decor to go with the Mustang theme.
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[lwilliams34]

Found this Bronco replica at the local Walmart for my office.
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[lwilliams34]

It's been over a month since I picked up my Ford Bronco.
Slowly getting used to the new ride as it has been a transition for me from my Mazda CX-5
Since ownership I have completed some additional modifications on the Bronco.
Nothing major to the suspension, etc.. just cosmetic and add on's
The first and most important was a ceramic coating application for paint protection and ease of cleaning. This included all paint surfaces, plastic, hard top and wheels.
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[lwilliams34]

Mabbett Pocket Storage Units
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[lwilliams34]

Rear License Plate Frame
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[lwilliams34]

Factory ordered wheel cover finally installed.
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