Canada to California, Keep it Classy Outer Banks Build

[Dom]

Congratulations on your find. Enjoy!

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[forthwest]

Nice build! Improved looks and capability but still practical. Especially liking the tires, didn’t realize Falken had a hybrid tire until today.

Yeah they just came out in December. I've always ran the AT3W's on my previous rigs and was totally stoked to try something a little more aggressive.

Which winch did you get with the case? The Pro 9500 or 12000?

12000, it was only, what, $50 more?

 

[forthwest]

I plan to go with the full set and gas tank set from RCI Offroad.

https://rcimetalworks.com/

They're a sponsor here and have a good price and choice of aluminum or steel. I'm planning to stop at their shop outside Denver on my way back to CA from Iowa in June when I finally get my Bronco OBX from Ganger Ford. They said they could install them for me saving shipping and saving me the work.

I'll actually be in Denver in June so I might be able to swing the same. Thanks for the idea man!

 

[BlakeD69]

Very Well done

 

[mike8675309]

I plan to go with the full set and gas tank set from RCI Offroad.

https://rcimetalworks.com/

They're a sponsor here and have a good price and choice of aluminum or steel. I'm planning to stop at their shop outside Denver on my way back to CA from Iowa in June when I finally get my Bronco OBX from Ganger Ford. They said they could install them for me saving shipping and saving me the work.

RCI is currently running 15% OFF during tax season and will give you 20% off orders over $1,000.

 

[El Bronco Blanco]

Allied Expedition Rear Trail Rack

How do you like this basket? I am interested in it, based on my soft top. Is it possible to remove the basket when not in use? Thanks!

 

[forthwest]

How do you like this basket? I am interested in it, based on my soft top. Is it possible to remove the basket when not in use? Thanks!

Yup! Just 6 bolts takes the basket and the legs off.

 

[Shrek27]

Yup! Just 6 bolts takes the basket and the legs off.

This looks like a great affordable option for what I would mostly use as a firewood carrier. Most of these tire baskets are a little overkill (on price too) for that.

Did you end up adding the tailgate reinforcement too? Post some more pics when you can. Your photography is top notch!

 

[jcgcbns22]

2021 4-Door Advanced 2.3L Outer Banks. High Package, Equipment Group 313A. 4.27. Cyber Orange Metallic. Roast Interior (because bougie).

I'm (technically) the second owner of this OBX. I had been scouring the internet for months for a decent deal, and everything in California was overpriced by $10k+ so I expanded my search country-wide. This baby popped up at a Jeep dealership in Ohio (Findlay Dodge Chrysler), it was the cheapest OBX in the country at that moment, and it was the easiest transaction I've ever had with any dealership. Called them up on a Monday, and I was flying out there to drive it 2200 miles home three days later. The Bronco was originally a Canadian vehicle, had one owner (in Canada) who put about 25000 miles on it within a year, then it mysteriously ended up at a car auction where Findlay picks up most of their used vehicles, and brought it over stateside. For anyone curious, the Ford warranty transfers over if the vehicle moves between Canada and the US, warranties for Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler do not!

Now let's get to the good stuff.

A friend of mine made a comment when I first talked to him about wanting a full-size Bronco. He said, "If I wasn't in the business of lift kits and modding rigs, I would have kept the suspension on the Bronco stock," and that always stuck with me. I wanted to keep this build classy and comfortable with as many OEM parts as possible.

March 27th '23 Mod List:

• Sasquatch Suspension Take-Offs
• Ford Modular Bumper
• Ford Safari Bar
• Black Rhino Convoys 17x8.5 -10 Offset
• Falken Wildpeak R/T Tires 35x11.50R17
• Swarfworks Front Light Bracket
• KC Hilites Pro6 Gravity LED (Driving) x3
• Rough Country Hidden Winch Kit
• Builtright License Plate Relocation Bracket
• Factor 55 Prolink Shackle Mount
• Allied Expedition Rear Trail Rack

Future:

• Ford Performance 2.3L Tune
• Redarc Trailer Brake
• Hardtop (yeah right)
• KC Hilites Fog Kit
• Rancho Armor
• Window Tint
• Sliders
• Camera Relocation

First I added the wheels, tires, and suspension all in one go. I was super lucky and found a set of Sasquatch coilover take-offs for $160. The guy had said they came off a Badlands Non-SAS so nobody wanted them, but after a part number search I was stoked to find out they came off a Badlands SAS! Those added roughly 2" in lift to the Outer Banks, but the whole setup drastically changed the ride quality. The OBX felt less confident on the road, and super floaty. I wasn't sure if it was the new tires, the suspension (which likely came off a 2.7 while mine is a 2.3), too much weight in the back, or a combination of everything. It looked rad, but the ride sucked compared to stock.

When I was reading reviews on the RC Winch kit, one of the comments noted how their Bronco ride improved and felt more stable after install thanks to the extra weight. The install wasn't too bad for the 2.3L, took a couple hours with two people and I'm happy to report that the extra weight in the front did the trick and it now drives great. Adding the modular bumper (which is 40 lbs heavier than the plastic bumper) also helped as well. The front dropped just a tad with all the extra weight but I do a lot of towing in the summer so I don't mind the rake.

The KC lights were a bit of a pain during the install. The hardware is too long for the Swarfworks rack so I had to add spacers to try and lift it a tad. The hardware is still pressing against the bumper but it's mostly working for now. The harness that I purchased from KC for this light set is too short to connect to the aux wiring so I'm waiting for an extension to come in so I can finally hook these babies up!

Next is the tune, trailer brake, and front camera relocation which is the final prep I need before I start doing some long-distance towing. I also want to do a clean fridge install in the back with a slide but I haven't done any research on that yet. I'll post pics soon with the trailer attached to show how the rake is affected!

The Ford Performance tune is worth it (fellow 2.3L owner), mine still in Canada. Asfir makes good stuff, as does GreenLane (Vancouver Island), brush bar/side steps and Teralume for driving /ditch lights. JCG

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