Capt. Obvious Transmission/Trim PSA: if considering a manual, try to find one you can test drive - even if used

[Lujess]

I placed an order for a 2-door manual Big Bend non-SAS at the end of October. The only 2-door models at dealers close by at the time were SAS. I test drove a 2-door BD automatic SAS at my local dealer more for fit (6'5") and driving position than anything else...and then placed my order.

As I am sure many others have done, I started second guessing my trim choice....looking for a personal unicorn of manual, 2-door, heated seats, upgraded lights, drain-plug floor and off-road capability to grow into as I have more time for off-roading as I head into retirement......meaning in my personal Calculus I should consider a Badlands.

Fast forward to this week - was able to test drive low mileage used 2023 2-door non-SAS BB and Badlands models within about an hour of each other at different dealers. Man did that help.....not only settling on Badlands and testing out the entry height between the 2 non-SAS models, but also loving the personality that comes out of this truck with the manual.

Order is now 2-door non-SAS manual Badlands

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[userdude]

I like the non-Sas Badlands. The ones I've seen look pretty great. I think there's even some benefits to a BL non-Sas which I can't recall right now.

You gotta get a lift though so you just slide in instead of sit down... lol

 

[Bee Bop]

The Non Sas Badlands has more articulation than the Sas equipped one.

 

[Lujess]

You gotta get a lift though so you just slide in instead of sit down... lol

Ha! Actually, the non-SAS BL on the 33's is pretty much the perfect seat height for me .

 

[Sitruc_btb]

Nice choice. I like the non squatch Badlands myself. Crazy me ordered a manual without road testing beforehand, but I wanted that deep final drive ratio. Luckily I saw a BB for sale at a dealer down the street, after I had placed the order, and it was a 7mt. So I took it for a quick road test, and yes, I made the right choice.

The Badlands is the no compromise package I think. Washout floors, simple interior, all the offroad goodies we could want. And the vinyl seats are super comfortable to boot.

 

[Boreal]

Welcome to the Unicorn Club. What colour and wheel set did you opt for?

 

[userdude]

Welcome to the Unicorn Club. What colour and wheel set did you opt for?

Somebody betrays their commonwealth heritage... lol

 

[Lujess]

Welcome to the Unicorn Club. What colour and wheel set did you opt for?

Iconic Silver and the gray painted wheels. Classic old guy with gray hair mature colorization

 

[redone17]

Good choice sir. If I didn’t need a family vehicle and had an extra 10k, that would be my decision as well. Perhaps one day.

 

[Lujess]

Good choice sir. If I didn’t need a family vehicle and had an extra 10k, that would be my decision as well. Perhaps one day.

yes - kids are grown, making this possible

 

[HPNQ420]

I've been particularly passionate (aka: angry) about this topic in the past. But yes... if you want the Sasquatch package with a manual transmission, there is two obvious options:

- Heritage
- Badlands non-Sasquatch

Considering the difficulties around manufacturing for the 2-door Heritage and the fact that there are basically none available out in the wild... the Badlands is looking mighty fine right now.

If you only need a rear locking axle... Big Bend is king. Black Diamond is now worthless.

That concludes my mini-TED talk.

Correct. But my ‘23 Black Diamond MT with Advanced 4wd is perfect. Getting Bilstein 5100’s for a 1” lift and 33’s for the trails and eventually dedicated winter 32’s. If I were ordering today non-squatch Badlands.

 

[lapazleo]

Manual non sas badlands 2 door is the proverbial bronco to me.

 

[Lifeliberty]

Get a non black /white /grey color since you are ordering and can choice something other than a fleet vehical color

 

[Lujess]

Get a non black /white /grey color since you are ordering and can choice something other than a fleet vehical color

Yup, something radical...like silver... ​

 

[Lujess]

Correct. But my ‘23 Black Diamond MT with Advanced 4wd is perfect. Getting Bilstein 5100’s for a 1” lift and 33’s for the trails and eventually dedicated winter 32’s. If I were ordering today non-squatch Badlands.

BD was my original Intended choice for my '24 order, until I learned that you can't choose manual with the mid package in that trim for '24

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