2022 Outer Banks (Non-Sas) Build - Wife's Daily Driver - Blacked-Out

[MikeM173]

I should have mentioned. Wife is on stock wheels and the Mabett do wonders.

Im on zero offset and I like them.

They also have a hole in them for the stock steps. You can order without that, or with the factory rails. I opted for the steps, and then decided to switch to the new rail, so unfortunately that hole is still there. I don’t think it looks horrible, and if they survive the test of time I’ll end up putting the stock steps back on before selling since the rails will likely be banged up.

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[WLDCATR]

Yes, I found the interior noise on the highway quite loud. It's fine for short trips and such, but louder than I prefer on longer road trips. At highway speeds, it is right on the edge of an auditory nuisance IMO. Even more apparent when you get a phone call and have to turn the volume way up. I didn't notice much difference when I upgraded to the Nitto Recon Grapplers....they are surprisingly quiet.

Guess us soft-top Bronco owners mush pay some penance for the ability to throw back the top enjoying nice days. For highway driving or road trips, my '23 F150 Tremor is a dream to drive....comfortable, quiet, and spacious.

I’m glad to know I’m not the only one. I ordered a new bronco it came in with soft top. I drove it & very much quieter ….when I looked at the tops & compared them, The new one had a seam about 5 inches or 6 inches above the door & a tighter fit, can’t put your hand through it… where as the old one is one canvas piece & you can slip your fingers through it. The new one is so much more quiet so I ordered it from Ford about $1200. Looking forward to installing it Friday. Will let you know if indeed it’s quieter, and I can talk on my cell phone without turning the volume to maximum ditto the music!

 

[ADCell]

I love yours. I almost went with black but I they wouldn’t come down in price the same as they would this one since it was on the lot longer. They even went up on my trade in since I told them I was settling with this color, even though I still liked it. Mine is a 2023, and the wife got a matching 2022. Only difference other than year is hers is the Lux and mine is High. I’m not done yet, but I’ve been taking photos. I might need to do the same! Great idea and enjoy the completed ride!

Since you have both a high and lux package what would be your recommendation? Is lux worth it? Is the stereo on the lux noticeably different?

 

[MikeM173]

Since you have both a high and lux package what would be your recommendation? Is lux worth it? Is the stereo on the lux noticeably different?

Definitely subjective, but to answer from my opinion:

I would have loved it but I’m in a winter state and my hands are always cold and Lux has heated steering.

As for the stereo, it is noticeably different after speaker upgrade and Forscan. I’d much prefer my wife’s for the sub; however, it is nothing compared to aftermarket. I’ve owned systems in the past, and even had one put in my wife’s last vehicle. That was a small 6” in a Sierra Elevation and it hit harder and better overall compared to her Lux with Forscan. With that said, she still enjoys it and I would still be happy with it. Again, we did install aftermarket speakers as well.

The rest isn’t really much more for the cost in my opinion. My High package 2.7 with lockers is doing great, and I got it well below MSRP. I’m a speed guy though, and the 2.7 was a good compromise for her taking the heated steering wheel.

Hope that helps answer your questions.

 

[ADCell]

I live in a winter state as well. So you are saying you just did some simple aftermarket upgrades to your High package and that made it better than the lux?

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[MikeM173]

Oh sorry, I just meant I’m happy with the High package. I’d still rather have the heated steering wheel and the sub, but I’m ok with out it.

I added upgraded speakers to both Broncos, and the Forscan changes to both. It helped with both, but hers is still noticeably better in my opinion. Again, it’s still just a stock system that you can’t compare to aftermarket.

The upgrades I did to mine I could have done to hers. I’m just ok with her having the nicer upgrades while I got the bigger motor. Unfortunately they didn’t have another Lux on the lot, and both were under MSRP.

 

[WLDCATR]

High package & 2.7.

 

[WLDCATR]

PS….Lux.

 

[BreezyNVegas]

Love it. Get some of these.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gloss-Blac...p4429486.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

 

[dbattle]

I utilized this forum throughout the process of researching, ordering, and customizing our Bronco. Now that I have the build how my wife wants it, I figured I'd share some info back to the community and field any questions.

Goal was to get a good looking daily driver that can still handle dirt roads and hunting trips. We save the hardcore off-road for the UTV's (please keep any hate or negativity to yourselves). I will go through the items from largest to smallest in the thread. Here is a pic of the finished product:

Here is where we started...factory line photo!

Rough Country 2" spacer lift:
Within days of receiving, I rolled it into my humble garage and installed the 2" Rough Country spacer lift. Took me pretty much a full day's work doing solo (split across 2 days). Only had a few small challenges, but overall went smooth. I opted to go the route of removing the front LCA vs the instructions of removing axle nut. I researched the pros and cons of both options and this is where I landed. I used this video for my main guidance.

I would say I only had 2 real challenges.:
-#1 - It was challenging getting the rear struts back in there after attaching the spacer....space is tight and no one really mentions that you rotate the strut to reinstall.
-#2 - It was challenging getting the rear sway bar back into alignment. I ended up using a combination of a floor jack under the diff, bottle jack under the passenger axle + ratchet strap to kinda winch it over for the bolt alignment. Super janky, but it worked.

Here are some measurements. I was pretty happy with the outcome of the kit...got me exactly where I wanted it

Ground to Fender	Before	After	Increase
Front Driver	36.313​	38.313​	2.000​
Front Passenger	36.125​	38.375​	2.250​
Rear Driver	37.750​	39.500​	1.750​
Rear Passenger	37.625​	39.500​	1.875​
AVG Front	36.219​	38.344​	2.125​
AVG Rear	37.688​	39.500​	1.813​
Front Rake Before	1.469​
Front Rake After	1.156​

Wheels and Tires
Bit of a story here. The rims we wanted were on serious backorder everywhere. @Discount Tire has always treated my right, so I ordered a package deal from them and started the waiting game.

In the meantime, I wanted to preview what it would look like blacked out. I bought a Hyperdip $130 Wheel Kit + 1 extra can for the spare(higher-end line of Plastidip). Cleaned wheels and got to spraying. It made an absolute mess. If you are going to do this anywhere besides over dirt/gravel, lay down plastic. Lots of plastic. I did it with the wheels attached, but not sure I would do it that way again...had to tape+plastic lots off. Best to do it upright so the cans spray properly, but made a mess regardless. Cans sprayed splotchy, finish was hard to perfect, etc. But it got the job done as a temporary solution. Here is a before and after pic (lift already installed).

After a few months of lead time, the wheels finally came in. It was now time to mount up and install. Here are the details:
Wheels = Fuel Twitch 20x9 +01 offset (D77220909850)
Tires = Nitto 35 x 11.50R20 Recon Grappler (218-090)
- I went with the 11.50 width over the "standard" 12.50 for a few reasons. Mainly it was a weight play. These were about 10lbs lighter...less weight on vehicle components (steering, drivetrain, tailgate, etc). Didn't need the heavier ply and extra inch....like the way these poke, but not too much. Still tall, but not too fat. Came out right where I wanted in my personal opinion.
- Skipped the Spare Tire tailgate reinforcement. No sag, currently no issues. I did, however, use a 2 black racquetballs for as spacer wedges for the bottom stabilizers....it works great and takes some pressure off when slamming the gate, hitting some bumps, etc.
- Here are some more pics the day we got them installed:

Diabolical Slipstream Cargo Enclosure
This was a tough decision for me. In the end, I saw value in the design and flexibility of the Slipstream system over the OEM (Tuffy) options. I was leaning towards the Tuffy raised lid version, but once I realized the process to remove the front wall, I moved onto the Slipstream.

Slipstream is a good product...sturdy and durable materials, made in USA, helpful and engaging owner, excellent design/engineering, impressive packaging, etc. However, it has some drawbacks. The installation is a 4+ hour, serial process of following along and piecing together multiple installation videos (soft-top option). Lots of alignment to get things right.

My number 1 complaint was overcoming the rattling challenge. I watched the "Slipstream Maintenance" video, I scoured the forums, I searched for any and all options. This thing rattles once installed...there should be no debate around that. The metal on metal, the enclosure lid, and most notably the quick-release pins. After days of incremental improvement and test runs I got enough additional foam padding spread out, bolts tightened, and Plastidip'd the pins to finally get it to an acceptable level. It is finally quiet, but the pins are now extremely challenging to pull out due to my rubberized coating hack, but it's a trade-off to keep the rattling down. Perhaps others don't have this problem or found a better way to solve it? I am still torn on if I should have just gone with the Tuffy brand, but time will tell to see how often I fold down the front wall and/or remove the lid with the Slipstream efficiencies and superior design/engineering.

Regarding the foam padding on the top....Wife didn't like the Diabolical skull logo and I didn't like the price. I later purchased some Marine foam decking off Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09GVC1RVN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), cut it, and installed. Worked great for my needs.

Xpel Ceramic Tint
Went with Xpel Prime XR Plus on all 4 windows and clear on windshield. Keeps the heat out...darkens things up...filters UV and IR. No brainer for me....best money I've spent.

Jtops Bimini Shade
Pretty solid product, I've been very happy with it. Does what it says...keeps the sun off of you and makes a world of difference sitting at a stoplight mid-Texas summer. No flapping, no issues.


WeatherTech Mats
I am very happy with these mats. Evaluated Husky brand....but kinda a toss up for your average consumer. One consideration is that I wish the rear cargo mat had a lip for the rear cargo ledge. In hindsight, I might have ordered the Ford Factory cargo mat as it has this lip covered as part of the mat.

Modified Crash Bars from 4WP
Plenty of debate over these, but for $216 total, the safety + peace of mind is worth it. Simple install, would recommend.

PPF, lettering, vinyl, etc.
- Bought mostly everything from @StickerFab ....great buying experience. Ford Emblem Vinyl, CF door kick plates, CF roll bar PPF, CF cargo protector, etc...too much to list.
- Tuffskinz Grill Lettering. Easy install, came out perfect.
- Added a heavy amount of adhesive padding around the soft top folding mechanisms to avoid the dreaded roll bar scratches.

Curt Receiver Hitch
I skipped tow package on my order to get it in sooner. Won't do much hauling, so wasn't too bummed about not having the trailer lights. Bought this for $100 and install was a breeze....15 minutes tops.

Other small things
- Removed factory Badge (hairdryer and plastic tool) and bought a Bronco Script Badge off Etsy.
- Console and Glove box organizer from Amazon...this made a huge difference!
- Bartact Fire extinguisher mount

That is all for now. I had some other items on my original list; but think it's currently at a good place for our want/needs. I was originally planning on adding ARB Zenith front/rear bumpers, but have since cooled down on that. Any suggestions welcome.

Hope this helps anyone out there trying to make decisions. I will answer any questions I can. Happy Bronco'ing

Looks great. I've got an OBX being built right now.

How do you like the Recon's overall? Noise level, ride quality etc? I'm pretty sold on them but I'd love some real world input.

 

[kmach321]

Looks great. I've got an OBX being built right now.

How do you like the Recon's overall? Noise level, ride quality etc? I'm pretty sold on them but I'd love some real world input.

Apologies for the delay, been traveling.

I really like the Nitto Recon Grapplers. I have been a longtime fan/advocate of the Nitto Terra Grapplers and Terra Grappler G2's. I put them on all my vehicles and recommended to family/friends. Good quality, not too loud, and great mileage longevity.

When it came time for the Bronco, I started at the Terra's but pivoted after some basic research. Ridge Grapplers are a popular choice for the Bronco and look great, but I wanted more of an all-terrain for ride quality, noise, and mileage. I also evaluated Toyo Open County, Falken Wildpeak, and a few others.

Recon Grapplers seem like the follow-on of the popular Terra Grapplers....they check all the boxes for me. I am happy with the choice. Look great with 2 different sidewall options. Functionality and ride quality feels great....I run them around 37psi and will rotate every 5k. Good on pavement but still capable off-road. 65k mileage warranty. Yes, I recommend the Recon Grapplers.

I also feel good in my decision to go with the 35x11.50R20LT E 124R. Not as stiff as the LT315's or 35x12.50's, shaved about 10lbs off, and still look great.

 

[dbattle]

Apologies for the delay, been traveling.

I really like the Nitto Recon Grapplers. I have been a longtime fan/advocate of the Nitto Terra Grapplers and Terra Grappler G2's. I put them on all my vehicles and recommended to family/friends. Good quality, not too loud, and great mileage longevity.

When it came time for the Bronco, I started at the Terra's but pivoted after some basic research. Ridge Grapplers are a popular choice for the Bronco and look great, but I wanted more of an all-terrain for ride quality, noise, and mileage. I also evaluated Toyo Open County, Falken Wildpeak, and a few others.

Recon Grapplers seem like the follow-on of the popular Terra Grapplers....they check all the boxes for me. I am happy with the choice. Look great with 2 different sidewall options. Functionality and ride quality feels great....I run them around 37psi and will rotate every 5k. Good on pavement but still capable off-road. 65k mileage warranty. Yes, I recommend the Recon Grapplers.

I also feel good in my decision to go with the 35x11.50R20LT E 124R. Not as stiff as the LT315's or 35x12.50's, shaved about 10lbs off, and still look great.

Thanks. I think I’m sold.

 

[SLBronco11]

Love the blacked out look! I did mine similar.

 

[KRAKEN]

Nicely done... looks great!!!

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