2023 Badlands Story

[Inlinejohn]

I'm almost ready!!!

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[m_grovs]

Those look awesome! I think you will need the Humvee run flats for the full zombie apocalypse effect.

I did notice you decided to go with 37s. Any thoughts on the pro/cons of using 37s for overlanding?

 

[Inlinejohn]

Those look awesome! I think you will need the Humvee run flats for the full zombie apocalypse effect.

I did notice you decided to go with 37s. Any thoughts on the pro/cons of using 37s for overlanding?

I gave a LOT of thought to this and there are pros/cons. Cons would be gas mileage as you travel the highways to get to your destination, but that did not outweigh all the Pros "in my mind" for protection in the wilderness, more cushion for the pushin, maybe a bit better flex. I went thru this thought process for a long time, originally wanting 37s, waivered several times but in the end I really just "wanted" 37s and the look. I figured since the Bronco can do it w/o major upgrades, why not do it. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure 35s would be just fine but in my mind I had this one chance to do it cuz they are expensive, so I made the decision. The final tire was equally as challenging a decision but in the end I chose my original choice as well. We'll see once I get the Bronco, get it all outfitted, start trekking and give an update. Also, if 37s can handle more weight better, then it's an easy decision. All/most the guys on TrailRecon run 37s and I follow their travels pretty closely.

 

[m_grovs]

That is a good point about Trail Recon's rigs. Since I have 35" already the Sasquatch, I figured I would keep them for a while, then eventually upgrade to 37s. I love the look of 37s, but know the added weight/stress cause more cost and things to break.

Let us know it all runs when you get everything on the truck.

 

[Inlinejohn]

Update as of 3/24/23 I have a VIN and Bronco should be here early-mid April.

Do to unforeseen circumstances I will be getting a SAS after all

2023 SAS-4dr, EG, 2.7, Auto, LUX, TOW, MIC, Leather, Carpet, Engine Block Heater

I AM ecstatic!!!! Now I just need suspension to get those 37s on and Overlanding extra weight

My Gobi rack/light setup is coming together. Most ordered parts are in my garage. I devised a plan to remove and store my 172lb RTT and installed winch/pulley system yesterday. Will test today. Using Smarterhome Garage Lifters.

STILL trying to sell new in box TRAILRAX. PM if interested

 

[Inlinejohn]

Freespirit Evo2 RTT secure to the ceiling. Lifted with Smarterhome Garage Lifters (4), secure with ratchet straps and straps connected to the lifters. A weekend job but accomplished and done. Super easy to raise/lower.

 

[Inlinejohn]

Details of my VIN:

2023 Badlands Sasquatch 4dr MIC, TOW, LEATHER, EG, LUX

• Leather Seats
• Upgraded Carpet Floor Mats -Inc: Custom Accessory Pre-Installed
• Hard Top Sound Deadening Headliner
• Front License Plate Bracket -Inc: Standard In States Requiring 2 License Plates And Optional To All Others
• Carbonized Gray Molded-In-Color Hard Top -Inc: Rear-Window Defroster & Washer
• Front Row Top Panels Storage Bag For On-Vehicle Storage
• Towing Capability
• Engine Block Heater
• Sasquatch Package -Inc: Wheels: 17" Black High Gloss-Painted Aluminum Warm Alloy Beauty Ring And Beadlock Capable Wheels
• High Clearance Fender Flares
• High Clearance Suspension
• 4.7 Final Drive Ratio
• Tires: LT315/70R17 Mud-Terrain
• Position-Sensitive Bilstein Shock Absorbers
• Black Onyx
• Leather-Trimmed/Vinyl Bucket Seats -Inc: 10-Way Power Driver Seat
• 8-Way Front Passenger Seat
• Second Row Armrest W/2 Beverage Holders And Front Driver/Passenger Seat Back Molle Strap System
• Carpet Flooring Replaces The Standard Rubberized Flooring
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Eruption Green Metallic
• Keyless Start
• Bluetooth Connection
• Equipment Group 334A Lux Package -Inc: Rear Parking Sensors
• Power Outlet - Back Side Of Center Floor Console
• Auto-Dimming Interior Rearview Mirror
• Dr & Pass Illuminated Sliding Visor Vanity Mirrors
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Additional Sound Deadening
• Information On Demand Panel
• Wireless Charging Pad
• Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
• Air Conditioning
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Enables Compatibility W/Fordpass Performance App W/Off-Road Navigation
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps
• Pre-Collision Assist W/Automatic Emergency Braking Pedestrian Detection
• Forward Collision Warning And Dynamic Brake Support
• Blind Spot Information System (Blis)
• Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear View Camera
• Backup Assist Grid Lines
• Lane-Keeping System
• Lane-Keeping Alert
• Lane-Keeping Aid And Driver Alert
• Ambient Footwell Lighting
• 2-Door Intelligent Access W/Lock/Unlock
• Intelligent Access Will Also Lock/Unlock The Swing Gate
• Connected Built-In Navigation 3 Years Of Service
• Pinch-To-Zoom Capability
• Live Traffic
• Predictive Destinations And Route Guidance
• 2 Smart Charging Usb Ports In Dashboard
• 1 A And 1 C
• 12" LCD Capacitive Touchscreen W/Swipe Capability
• Front Row Heated Seats
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic -Inc: 4.46 Axle Ratio
• W/O 99P-Inc: Trail Control And Trail Turn Assist W/99P-Inc: Trail Control
• Trail Turn Assist And Trail One-Pedal Driving
• Engine: 2.7L Ecoboost V6 -Inc: Electric Brake Boost
• Gvwr: 6180 Lbs

 

[Inlinejohn]

Suspension Update:

After an exhaustive search/research of suspension systems offered today for my application, I've decided to give OME Nitrochargers a try. I have ordered the BRONHK3 (Heavy/Heavy) kit. I looked at all companies I knew/learned about, made several phone calls to many of them, learned of what they offered TODAY and how it's not what I need for my build. Many of them are developing heavy springs for a future offering but OME has really dialed it in over years of usage on other rigs, so going to tried&true ARB/OME makes sense. I did become intrigued with Ironman4x4 FC Pro technology and maybe in the future I would upgrade but at the moment they have nothing for the Bronco. Bilstein 6112 was an option but even Bilstein agreed I need a heavy spring they don't offer yet (btw Eibach makes Bilstein springs). Both OME/Bilstein require use of my top hats.

The engineer in me researched this to death but I suspect I will be very happy with the OME choice and will report experience when I finally get it all done.

Any reservoir system was just not the application for me as they are designed for high speed off-roading of which I will not be doing. I will be loaded with upwards of an 1000lbs and plan to go slow off-road.

Anyway, that is my story and decision and hope my experiences and discoveries can help anyone in the same position.

Some great pics/videos that helped me make my decision are:

 

[Inlinejohn]

Got leftover suspension from a Bronco member so I could remove top hats, isolators, all nuts to use on OME when it arrives. I compressed springs and removed top hats easily myself at home.

 

[m_grovs]

I want a video of you trying to compress those OME Heavy springs at home.

 

[Inlinejohn]

I want a video of you trying to compress those OME Heavy springs at home.

 

[Inlinejohn]

Ok…OME Nitrochargers assy experience:

I first started off trying to find someone willing to give up their stock suspension for free/cheap so I could reuse the top hats on the OME. I found Hitachis and researched to make sure the top hats were common with SAS. They are. On my bench with manual spring compressor I removed top hats and went to shop to get installed on my OME. In my “infinite wisdom” I forgot to bring with me bump stops and boot/dust covers. I proceeded to assemble anyway and then researched later. Turns out the parts from Hitachi would not have worked (too short) so I ordered SAS bumps/boots ($174) and will now have to disassemble OME again and install new parts. Bummer for sure but mechanic said compressing this second time will be easier and can be done on the bench vs wall compressor. I’m still perplexed by this but willing to try. I ordered a manual compressor from Amazon ( Amerbm Spring Compressor Tool Macpherson Interchangeable Fork Strut Coil Extractor Tool Set with Safety Guard and Carrying Case https://a.co/d/5QrQFTn ) and will try this one instead of my long bolt simple ones I’ve used on smaller applications.​

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I wish OME would describe in more detail all the parts you need to reuse in their struts. I know I shoulda know better but alas here I am. It’s ok..I learn every time I screw up ​

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First impression of OME in my hands is VERY nice, VERY stout, VERY heavy, VERY good quality. I thought my shocks would have the OME label with Emu in black but does not Just aesthetic but looks cool. I might search for labels and secure to shocks to make look cool.​

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New bumps/boots will arrive in a couple weeks so I gotta just sit on the suspension until then.​

 

[Inlinejohn]

FOG Light Research:

Been following thread to install Fogs/Switch on non-fog Broncos and this video is pretty helpful so storing here for myself:

 

[Inlinejohn]

I really think the bumps/boots I took off Hitachi struts will work/fit on these OME

 

[Inlinejohn]

Tracking progress...Bronco ETA 4/20

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