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EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep)

EXO Bronco

Badlands
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I figure I should get one of these rolling, since I already have a few mods under my belt now. Let's get started!

Did a few mods right:
- Icon Rebound Pro 17" Titanium Silver (0 Offset, 6x5x5 Bolt Pattern)
- Gladiator X-Comp A/T 37x13.50 (Dura-Dressing treatment)
- Underground Graphics "First Stripe" kit in Satin Black
- Matte 12" Screen Protector (TheOCDPlug.com)

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) D05A8CC7-DB1B-4250-8980-980408342416_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) A64A5649-4E74-4748-9F58-3A5D883E99AC_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 04826EA2-888F-4636-A5F8-1D155628B3CB_1_105_c


Love the stripes from UG... looks OEM.
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EXO Bronco

EXO Bronco

Badlands
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Badlands
Next on the list:
- Redline Hood Struts (Max Lift) This is how it should have come factory!
- JCR Offroad Tailgate Table
- Amber running lights to grille

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 596CEC40-E5B1-4C06-A4AE-883B4D4DBC6B_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) BC1D479D-4F03-4523-9A35-F7E9C4BD559A_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 42BD3CA5-6243-487D-AEFB-AC68FD458F3C_1_105_c

Really love this table! Solid, well built piece, drill-free install.

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 67538558-7197-4566-914D-E6106861D6C0_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 515812F0-5950-4042-AE2C-7601E561D528_1_105_c
 
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EXO Bronco

EXO Bronco

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Badlands
For my 100-Watt VHF radio install, I choose a great compact unit that seemed to be well-reviewed and tested by owners. Its a QYT KT-780PLUS, found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096ZTQP4M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For my antenna, I wasn't sure the direction I wanted to go at first. I actually ordered a bracket for the spare tire on Amazon, only to change my mind a day later. I never utilize the FM radio, and actually removed the antenna already, so I figured this was a GREAT place to install the new VHF antenna if I could make it work. It was easier than I had imagined. NO drilling needed, and just a fender washer is the only part needed! Very clean install.

For the install:
- Remove 2 of the "Accessory Ready" bolts on the windshield cowl
- Remove both wiper blade arms (arm puller tool required)
- Open hood to get the plastic clips started, and it pulls right out!
- Remove factory antenna with (3) 7MM bolts, secure underneath in place (I zip-tied to avoid banging around)
- Using a large 3/8" fender washer, install new antenna base in existing antenna hole
- Route antenna cable as needed (Reminder: DO NOT coil extra length, run long-way if needed)

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 4DB1E936-CE64-41DD-B4F2-D93635B3D4FF_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) FD319A4B-944E-4A60-A790-9AA5AEF3D43F_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) CD3BEC68-E684-4B07-96EB-6E454D7C00E5_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 199D4A15-7E0A-4A68-8AA0-40A8141327C6_1_105_c


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) C1B09E93-E29A-4692-9380-7E7DFE16711A_1_105_c
 
Last edited:
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EXO Bronco

EXO Bronco

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Next up, VHF radio install. Wanted to make this the least-intrusive and cleanest possible install. Another EXO crew member, Jeremiah, suggested this location which works great!

A few things:
- Doesn't interfere with leg movement at all, its hard to "make" yourself contact it even
- Doesn't affect feet or pedal movements, wires tuck clean up inside
- Allows the microphone to be mounted in a great spot below the vent, highly suggest magnet mounts
- Can still easily be read by the driver and adjusted as needed

As for the VHF radio, found a GREAT radio that is compact in size. Model: QYT KT-780PLUS

This radio allows you to punch in frequencies manually, which is fantastic, and also has been truly tested at 100W output. When we're down in Mexico, power and range is a high priority, so this fits the bill perfectly.

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) IMG_3103

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) IMG_3104

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) IMG_3105


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) IMG_3106


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) IMG_3107
 
Last edited:
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EXO Bronco

EXO Bronco

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Badlands
Last edited:

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JediMcMuffin

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Wow, that is one super clean antenna mount. I wonder if the same position on the other side of the vehicle is an option? i did a hood mount that looks great so far but this is way cleaner.
 

Dusty

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Stealing your idea for the race radio antenna mount as I don't use my factory radio either :cool:. So how did you mount the radio? Haven't seen a clean solution for that yet.
 
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EXO Bronco

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Wow, that is one super clean antenna mount. I wonder if the same position on the other side of the vehicle is an option? i did a hood mount that looks great so far but this is way cleaner.
It would fit for sure, there is plenty of space under that Cowell, you will just need to drill a new hole instead of using the factory FM antenna hole. I never listen to FM and don’t intend to, so it was an easy choice for me.
 
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EXO Bronco

EXO Bronco

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A few updates above... more coming soon!
 

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EXO Bronco

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Rear cargo storage area was my next project. I wanted a storage drawer that locked, a fridge, room for groceries if needed, and access to the storage pockets under the floor. Figured out a solution that has a few compromises but still has everything I need.

Started with the Overland Vehicle Systems cargo box. It has a locking drawer and a sliding top, also an integrated work table. Pretty slick design! The box had a few annoying rattles out of the box, but some high density foam wedged in the right spots solved all my issues. Bolted the drawer through the floor in 4 corners, solid mounting.

Link: Overland Vehicle Systems Cargo Box With Slide Out Drawer & Working Station Size - Black Powder Coat Universal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJCVSW...t_i_BS541KA2P4JVPN4Y8V3P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

What makes this install unique, is that I didn’t want to lose all the underfloor storage… so I cut the lid in half! Using a handheld jigsaw it worked perfectly and looks clean! Allows me to lift half the lid still, and access the storage as needed.

Bought the IceCo JP30 electric fridge, which sits perfectly on top of the sliding lid… also still allows easy access with the soft top! Can open the lid both fully or partially. Installed an SAE quick 12v plug in the rear for the fridge, on a dedicated always-on circuit.

Overall I’m happy with my new setup… looking forward to trail-testing it.

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48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74.jpeg
 

Here4fun

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Installed the ICON 3" Coilover Spacer (Leveling) kit last week... Aside from cosmetic curb appeal, this kit results in gained ground clearance and the ability to run 37" tires without rubbing at full compression.

https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/accessory/17743/icon-accessories-21-up-bronco-3-c-o-spacer-kit/

We'll be testing this out next week in Mexico!

Before:
Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74


After:
Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74


Link to install video:
Beautiful build! I’m doing the same lift on my wildtrak. I was wondering if it took away from the nice ride the bronco has Is it stiff or any change at all ? Thank you
 
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EXO Bronco

EXO Bronco

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Beautiful build! I’m doing the same lift on my wildtrak. I was wondering if it took away from the nice ride the bronco has Is it stiff or any change at all ? Thank you
No change at all in ride quality.
 

cybercoaster

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For my 100-Watt VHF radio install, I choose a great compact unit that seemed to be well-reviewed and tested by owners. Its a QYT KT-780PLUS, found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096ZTQP4M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For my antenna, I wasn't sure the direction I wanted to go at first. I actually ordered a bracket for the spare tire on Amazon, only to change my mind a day later. I never utilize the FM radio, and actually removed the antenna already, so I figured this was a GREAT place to install the new VHF antenna if I could make it work. It was easier than I had imagined. NO drilling needed, and just a fender washer is the only part needed! Very clean install.

For the install:
- Remove 2 of the "Accessory Ready" bolts on the windshield cowl
- Remove both wiper blade arms (arm puller tool required)
- Open hood to get the plastic clips started, and it pulls right out!
- Remove factory antenna with (3) 7MM bolts, secure underneath in place (I zip-tied to avoid banging around)
- Using a large 3/8" fender washer, install new antenna base in existing antenna hole
- Route antenna cable as needed (Reminder: DO NOT coil extra length, run long-way if needed)

Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74


Ford Bronco EXO Bronco Build (37’s, 3” Lift, Desert Prep) 48D3C64B-B024-446C-A8D9-AC9CF1DC3C74
Thanks for the write up,I was just installing my ditch lights and when I saw the antenna mount,I thought that's a great place for my ham antenna!
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