2023 Badlands Story

[Inlinejohn]

I will start my personal build thread even before I have Bronco in my hands. It’s been a journey to get to this point, starting my obsession in 2020, selling my built 4Runner in 2021, ordering Bronco BL-SAS Feb 2022, tweaking order a few days later, then this FORD debacle forcing me to update my order and remove LUX, SAS, but hell nor high water I’m KEEPING my MIC. But I do have a plan of success and here it is:

2023 Badlands, 4dr, MIC, 2.7L, Auto, HIGH, TOW, non-SAS, EG
My use plans are Overlanding, Camping at far reaching locations, handle the harsh short winters, tow an Overlanding trailer.

Mod Plan:
Suspension/Lift - OME BP-51 lift system with all new coilovers, UCA, ICON tie rods, (built for Overlanding and gear weight)
Bumpers - Front ARB Summit, Rear JCR Crusader
Sliders - RCI Offroad 20 degree
Skids - RCI Offroad full belly plus rear diff
Winch - Superwinch 10K
Gobi Stealth Rack
Freespirit Evolution Ver2 RTT
HiLift Jack
Black Rhino Abram wheels
BFG KM3 tires (37s)
Various lights including rear chase light
Rear storage for fridge, food, gear, etc etc (hence needing heavier rear springs)
Future - Turtleback Overlanding trailer

Hoping I get Bronco this year (fingers crossed). I’ve done TONS of research, listened to all of you, watched many videos, called vendors, learned from ALL to develop my final plan (always room for change tho). Once I get Bronco I will be excited to start a journal to share here.

Some pics attached of vision vehicle and parts

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[2020FordRaptor]

Nice!

 

[broncoj11]

Looking forward to hearing more in your build progress!

 

[rguest3]

You are going to Love the Icon Stage 8 Suspension!

 

[Inlinejohn]

Another part arrived yesterday. I’ll get this thing built 1 part at a time

ICON Upgraded Tie Rod. Probably will install steering rack bushing but have yet to commit.

 

[Inlinejohn]

Update Plan:

1) Tires/Wheels on their way (KM3 37s + Black Rhino Abram w shiny bead)
2) RTT on it's way (Freespirit Evolution Ver 2
3) Gobi Rack
4) ORACLE Ditch Mirror lights ordered
5) RCI skids, sliders on their way
6) Light Plan (Vision X: 4.7” light bar pods, 4.7" A Pillar, 3" Fog, Rear Chase, Campsite ??)
7) N/A
8) JCR Crusader Rear bumper ordered
9) JCR cargo flooring system w/ Fridge Slideout ordered
10) JCR ARB compressor mount ordered
11) JCR Tailgate reinforce ordered
12) ORACLE BRONCO emblem backlit lights in my garage
13) RAPTOR lights in my garage
14) ARB compressor/kit ordered
15) ROTOPAX 3gal ordered
16) Still on fence between ARB Summit & SRQ front bumpers (mods to SRQ shown are my thoughts)

Lighting Selections and Plan shown in pics:

 

[Inlinejohn]

Overall Plan Layout

 

[Overlander22]

I will start my personal build thread even before I have Bronco in my hands. It’s been a journey to get to this point, starting my obsession in 2020, selling my built 4Runner in 2021, ordering Bronco BL-SAS Feb 2022, tweaking order a few days later, then this FORD debacle forcing me to update my order and remove LUX, SAS, but hell nor high water I’m KEEPING my MIC. But I do have a plan of success and here it is:

2023 Badlands, 4dr, MIC, 2.7L, Auto, HIGH, TOW, non-SAS, EG
My use plans are Overlanding, Camping at far reaching locations, handle the harsh short winters, tow an Overlanding trailer.

Mod Plan:
Suspension/Lift - OME BP-51 lift system with all new coilovers, UCA, ICON tie rods, (built for Overlanding and gear weight)
Bumpers - Front ARB Summit, Rear JCR Crusader
Sliders - RCI Offroad 20 degree
Skids - RCI Offroad full belly plus rear diff
Winch - Smittybilt X20 Gen3 10K
TrailRax Rack
Freespirit Evolution Ver2 RTT
HiLift Jack (not sure yet but looking at ARB $$$)
Black Rhino Abram wheels
BFG KM3 tires (37s)
Various lights including rear chase light
Rear storage for fridge, food, gear, etc etc (hence needing heavier rear springs)
Future - Turtleback Overlanding trailer

Hoping I get Bronco this year (fingers crossed). I’ve done TONS of research, listened to all of you, watched many videos, called vendors, learned from ALL to develop my final plan (always room for change tho). Once I get Bronco I will be excited to start a journal to share here.

Some pics attached of vision vehicle and parts

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Do you mind sharing thought process on suspension wrt to overlanding and towing? I read your thoughts on other threads earlier and you were undecided on suspension at time. Sounds like that has changed. I have a BL 2.7 2dr SAS and 15ft off-road teardrop. In process on hitch and wiring install so haven't hooked up the trailer yet but obviously have co concerns about sag if it is problematic so trying to stay abreast of best option if I need to upgrade suspension. Thanks!

 

[Inlinejohn]

Do you mind sharing thought process on suspension wrt to overlanding and towing? I read your thoughts on other threads earlier and you were undecided on suspension at time. Sounds like that has changed. I have a BL 2.7 2dr SAS and 15ft off-road teardrop. In process on hitch and wiring install so haven't hooked up the trailer yet but obviously have co concerns about sag if it is problematic so trying to stay abreast of best option if I need to upgrade suspension. Thanks!

Hey...I've done a lot of research, phone calls and comparisons. For my needs (Overlanding with weight of add ons, gear, etc) I need a suspension setup for that. Many of the systems available now are more for simple suspension needs (articulation, comfort, etc) but none are really setup for extra weight. So after all my research,etc I've concluded that I'm waiting for OME to release their BP51 setup. They have done this for other rigs (Toyotas, ec) and their focus is Overlanding with gear and lots of miles thru wilderness. So I believe this is the best solution for me and my needs. I've talked to ICON and Eibach and both claim they don't have a setup yet for this use but maybe later this year. But I know OME is the best at this, so I'm holding out.

 

[Overlander22]

Hey...I've done a lot of research, phone calls and comparisons. For my needs (Overlanding with weight of add ons, gear, etc) I need a suspension setup for that. Many of the systems available now are more for simple suspension needs (articulation, comfort, etc) but none are really setup for extra weight. So after all my research,etc I've concluded that I'm waiting for OME to release their BP51 setup. They have done this for other rigs (Toyotas, ec) and their focus is Overlanding with gear and lots of miles thru wilderness. So I believe this is the best solution for me and my needs. I've talked to ICON and Eibach and both claim they don't have a setup yet for this use but maybe later this year. But I know OME is the best at this, so I'm holding out.

So that is why you went with Non-SAS, you know you will be doing custom anyway? For somebody with SAS and similar concerns (maybe not quite as much weight) do you have any recommendations to consider if I need to stiffen up rear? Or would you go down the same path you are on if you already had SAS? Appreciate your thoughts. I know you've done a ton of research.

 

[Inlinejohn]

So that is why you went with Non-SAS, you know you will be doing custom anyway? For somebody with SAS and similar concerns (maybe not quite as much weight) do you have any recommendations to consider if I need to stiffen up rear? Or would you go down the same path you are on if you already had SAS? Appreciate your thoughts. I know you've done a ton of research.

Not a real good way to "stiffen" SAS suspension. Spacers or perch will only lift the vehicle but not change the spring rate enough. For you if you want to stay with SAS shocks, hold out for Eibach to release heavier springs for the rear and have just the springs replaced.

 

[mspeter]

Well though out outfitting plan.

Similar with a milder build plan for another E.G. Badlands (but a 7-spd) for primarily NV mining roads.

35x11.5 Nittos/B-Rhino Fuji rims, Icon non-remotes /aluminum UCAs. Icon tie rods & B’Buster on both ends of the steering rack & dual ARB pump already installed. Currie aluminum rear arms & track bar. Parts in the garage, will install the lift in April/May.

May upgrade to the OEM BP51 rears at some point. I had OME HD rear springs on a Disco-1 that worked great for 10+ years/no sag with hefty overland loads: fridge, isolated fridge battery, water, fuel, firewood, 75 lbs of Rover spares, camp gear, hot water shower. For now, Icon rears will need to suffice; and plan to pack on the lighter.

Just installed the Goose Gear rear plate and Engle fridge mount. The left over space, after fridge, doesn’t seem match the sizes of Pelican or other gear cases. Still looking for options.

 

[Inlinejohn]

Decision update:

After much reflection I've decided to abandon the TrailRax rack plan and stay with my Gobi. This is the right decision for me and only was able to make once I learned the chart I'd been using for Badlands SAS height was incorrect and my Bronco will start off lower than expected. This is a good thing as once I lift it, install Gobi and my RTT, it will still fit in my garage with 2" to spare on a 8ft opening. This was a big realization and I'm happy the Gobi will work.

I also updated my lighting plan and have walked away from RIGID theme and embraced Vision X. After the Gobi decision it forced me to think about alternatives and when I saw some Vision X in person I really like them.

Parts are collecting and still no Bronco. Gettin semi-impatient

Still unsure UCA:

Future:

Future Add-on....maybe:

 

[m_grovs]

Not a real good way to "stiffen" SAS suspension. Spacers or perch will only lift the vehicle but not change the spring rate enough. For you if you want to stay with SAS shocks, hold out for Eibach to release heavier springs for the rear and have just the springs replaced.

I am building a similar setup, focus on Overlanding. I have a Basesquatch, and as soon as I loaded up the front with bumper, winch, skids. The front is significantly compressed. I started to realize the current coilovers in the market are mostly for lift/rock crawling improvements.

Thanks for the info on the OME BP-51. I used to have a OME setup on my LR Defender, and I loved that set up.

I have a trailer on order from Sasquatch Trailers, so I am going to need a stiff rear suspension as well.

 

[Inlinejohn]

I am building a similar setup, focus on Overlanding. I have a Basesquatch, and as soon as I loaded up the front with bumper, winch, skids. The front is significantly compressed. I started to realize the current coilovers in the market are mostly for lift/rock crawling improvements.

Thanks for the info on the OME BP-51. I used to have a OME setup on my LR Defender, and I loved that set up.

I have a trailer on order from Sasquatch Trailers, so I am going to need a stiff rear suspension as well.

Several companies claim they’re coming out with heavier springs sometime this year but I think the delay from OME is because they want to thoroughly test before they release. I hope soon

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