Base Model or Outer Banks (2022) Advice

[Go Devils]

Quite a few people (including myself) have felt street drivability improved by going to larger diameter tires. For me on my manual trans base model (4.46 gears), going from 30" to 32" rim/tires (OBX takeoffs) made a noticeable difference in drivability. Others mention they like the switch to 33-35" tires. I thought the weight of the tires would make things sluggish, but that's not the case even with the 2.3. I'm doing mostly street driving so I wanted all terrain tires.

The auto trans with 30-31" tires and stock 3.73 gears may be good. Lockers with 4.27, 4.46 or 4.7 gears with larger tires should be a really good combo.

Definitely, order the aux switches they can not be reasonably added later.

Good point on the aux switches. Having the factory give you all the necessities makes sense. If I had to order again, I would be sure that I get everything I need/want. It may take a little longer, but will be worth it in the end.

Sponsored

 

[Koz44]

Just so you get some OBX perspective, I have the 2dr OBX and I love it. I had no interest in a stick shift, no interest in cloth seats, no interest in the most basic of wheels (like the one in the eBay listing). My OBX has enough to be nice inside but still has manual seats - which at the price point seems nuts.

Do you need aux switches and a tow hitch with multiple plugs (I actually have both on my OBX) to drive around town and go camping - which is what it seems like you’ll be doing based on your original post?

And would you really need a locking rear differential for mostly pavement driving?

 

[Koz44]

One additional note - the tires are the worst part of the OBX (in my opinion). But you can get the OBX and upgrade the tires at some point if you find you are off-road more than you thought or you just want to change the look.

 

[Go Devils]

Just so you get some OBX perspective, I have the 2dr OBX and I love it. I had no interest in a stick shift, no interest in cloth seats, no interest in the most basic of wheels (like the one in the eBay listing). My OBX has enough to be nice inside but still has manual seats - which at the price point seems nuts.

Do you need aux switches and a tow hitch with multiple plugs (I actually have both on my OBX) to drive around town and go camping - which is what it seems like you’ll be doing based on your original post?

And would you really need a locking rear differential for mostly pavement driving?

I agree that most people won't ever use many of these accessories, but for that one time you need to pull a small pop-up travel trailer, you will need the 7 pin trailer connector. And if you ever add extra lights, those aux switches will come in handy (keep your sunglasses in the case!). And I know so many people who have never used their lockers in real life, but adding them on later is cost prohibitive. OBX is definitely a nice build, but BB on ebay has nice wheels and there are many more off-road tire options for 17" wheels, vs 18".

 

[MNBigfoot]

The BB costs you an extra $5000 which get you a $50 grab handle, leather wrapped steering wheel, and tint on the rear window.......... that's right you're paying $5000 for $200 worth of accessories and the ability to pay extra for the mid.

And the OBX starts at an extra $10,500 for a bunch of frills..

Get the Base, bite the bullet and get the Sasquatch package which gives you the Advantaced 4x4, stronger axles, better gearing, better rims/tires and lockers front and rear. Then have aftermarket heated seats installed, tint the rear window, install sidesteps of your choosing and use your phone app for electric start in the winter.... for the cost of the OBX.

 

[Koz44]

Agree on the tire options. OP listed the 18” wheels as one of the nice to haves on the OBX - I actually see that wheel/tire combo as a downside (I think I will eventually buy 275/70/18 tires for mine).

 

[TheShark]

I think it really comes down to your wants, needs, and wallet. The base is certainly the most value but it is what the name implies, base. It can be a palette on which to build from as many guys have done in the forum. But you will spend time and $$ to add things to the base to bring it up to BB or OBX standard, now if you like doing that or want to control the part content then that's probably the way to go. But if you are like me and just want to tinker around the edges then getting a more upmarket model was the way to go. I think Koz44 said it best, if you are just going camping do you need a locking rear or really the Sasquatch package? I like the look of the Sasquatch and god knows the wheels are better than the OBX but I couldn't justify spending that kind of money for the minor offroading I do not to mention the MPG hit. Look at your needs and decide which model is best for you and which has the best value for you, that's why Ford offers an entire range.

Don't forget the Black Diamond which is above the BB and below the OBX. I tend to think of that though as a base WildTrak.

 

[TheShark]

One additional note - the tires are the worst part of the OBX (in my opinion). But you can get the OBX and upgrade the tires at some point if you find you are off-road more than you thought or you just want to change the look.

Not only the tires, I'd add the wheels as well. I started out just replacing the tires with 275/70R-18 General Grabber A/TX and it was a vast improvement but I still couldn't stomach the OBX wheels so I bought some '21 Ranger wheels on the cheap from eBay, much better! If I had it to do over though I would have gotten the wheels first probably 17's which give you a wider choice of both wheels and tires. Tried to do it on the cheap by just replacing the tires but in the end it just didn't make the OBX wheels look good enough, IMO.

 

[Koz44]

Do you still have the tires?

 

[Wanted33]

You are forgetting the middle trim, the big bend, which is right between base and outer banks. This might be a happy medium for you. You can go mid package with big bend (cant with base) and add on the things you like such as the signature lighting, without going for all of it that comes standard on the obx!

Dog gone it Jessica, I wanted to say that. But ya beat me to it.......

@Spooky Jon, IMHO the 3.73's should serve you well. In my mind the 4.27's would only be needed if you plan on going to 35" tires, going rock crawling, or hitting the harder trails. Plus, the 3.73 will net you a few more mpg's (or do you folks call them mpk's? ) during day to day use.

Also, if you like the OBX factory wheel/tires I would bet in a couple years you can buy a set from a fellow Bronco owner right here on the forum at a bargain basement price.

 

[[DELETED MEMBER 27901]]

Not only the tires, I'd add the wheels as well. I started out just replacing the tires with 275/70R-18 General Grabber A/TX and it was a vast improvement but I still couldn't stomach the OBX wheels so I bought some '21 Ranger wheels on the cheap from eBay, much better! If I had it to do over though I would have gotten the wheels first probably 17's which give you a wider choice of both wheels and tires. Tried to do it on the cheap by just replacing the tires but in the end it just didn't make the OBX wheels look good enough, IMO.

These look great! I'm doing the same tire swap with my OBX for the same reasons. My wallet can't stomach swapping the wheels though so I'll live with those. I feel like the OEM tires are the big sin with this trim.

Would have loved to see Ford offer the optional black aluminum BD wheels with the OBX. They could have done some type of nightshade appearance package that a lot of people would have thrown money at.

 

[e90steve]

I have an OBX 4 door with no big options, just the aux switches, hard top and mod bumper. If I were going to re-order I would go no frills Base.

I would only add hard top, aux switches and modular bumper. I would go aftermarket 2" lift, 35" wheel/tires and add leather/heated seats.

This would come in probably 5-8k cheaper vs. an OBX without leather and you would have basically the same vehicle.

 

[[DELETED MEMBER 27901]]

Hello,

I love the new Bronco and have decided to get one! I will be using it primarily for driving around the city but with the occasional adventure into the wilderness (I love back country camping and being out in the wilderness and sometimes drive on sand roads etc). I am also in Canada so generally lots of snow. As a result I am leaning towards a model more geared for driving on pavement.

My first choice would be the Outer Banks version (two door) but I am just wondering if the upgrades are worth the additional cost over the base model. I am generally pretty utilitarian and want less bells and whistles (less chance of things breaking down). I would probably also get the black colour so I'm not sure if the matching mirrors / fender flares would matter and I don't have strong feelings either way on the tube steps. The larger 18 inch tires and signature LED headlamps would be nice. The heated seats in the mid package would also make a big difference.

Also, do you think it would be worthwhile to upgrade to the 4.27 locking rear axle final drive ratio / rear locking differential?

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Cheers

If I lived in Canada heated seats would be a must for me too. This would leave Big Bend vs. OBX.

Based on your use conditions, advanced 4x4 could be really helpful and would lend itself to the OBX. If that's out of budget I'd go with BB mid pkg with signature lights.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Being from MN I would never consider open diffs when dealing with snow. A Base sasquatch with a 2.7 is cheaper than a OBX with a 4 banger and open diffs. At least when you stuck in your driveway with two wheels spinning in the snow, your ass should be comfortable, your rig will look nice with the color coated panels, and you'll be listening to your premium sound system. And by all means get the $800 lights, they should light of your garage doors nicely, when you're stuck there.

 

[TheShark]

These look great! I'm doing the same tire swap with my OBX for the same reasons. My wallet can't stomach swapping the wheels though so I'll live with those. I feel like the OEM tires are the big sin with this trim.

Would have loved to see Ford offer the optional black aluminum BD wheels with the OBX. They could have done some type of nightshade appearance package that a lot of people would have thrown money at.

The wheels were $400 for a set.

Sponsored