I am surprised too. Many of the B6G threads where people have HOSS 3.0 don't really elaborate on the ride quality or put it to the test.
Conveniently leaving out to fit my narrative? Lol ok.. I’m mentioning per multiple threads and documented itemization of what it includes. Steering rack, tie rods and shocks, and the shocks aren’t mentioned as being Elites. OP pointed out the same, bodies/reservoirs/DSC/lift are different. Ford Perf is also supposed to be offering a similar HOSS 3.0 upgrade. There are also potential wiring/programming mods going either way. I didn’t call the shocks junk, but they’re not the same. They are obviously < the 2.5 Elites. Radio <> HU or speakers, it was an example of marketing hype where the delivered product is not of the same quality, intended for high level production delivery at a cheaper cost. It happens all the time and across tons of lines of businesses.
that’s probably a sign any serious change in performance is either in people’s heads or only noticeable under extreme and sustained high speed driving. Disconnecting the sway bar makes bumpy service roads smooth like butter. I REALLY want that rack upgrade but can’t give up MGV seats. I ran leather on my off the lot bronco all summer without doors and a roof and damn having washout interior would be nice. Especially when getting caught in the occasional shower.
Lift is the same. One way to tell from the outside is that the Wildtrak with HOSS 3.0 comes standard with the capable bumper.
I've had my Wildtrak with HOSS 3.0 since late September and have put just over 2k miles on it.
The HOSS 3.0s are an internal bypass, so although the piston size is the same, you have position sensitivity. Basically, they are plusher in their normal ride zone and will ramp stiffness in both directions when you go through their normal ride zone. Although I have not tested them back to back on a Bronco, one would presume the 3.0s should have better small bump sensitivity and bottom-out support. I think cooling efficiency will be similar on both, so probably the biggest thing you get from the 2.5s is the Fox Dual Speed compression adjusters. They sound fancy, but you can basically tune your brake dive and body roll with the low-speed knob separate from your bump stiffness on the high-speed knob. I would have to see how good the HOSS 3.0s really are with my butt dyno, but I think for more normal driving you might be able to find a better balance in ride and handling. The 2.5s are not a big jump in travel, but they are set up around giving you some lift and are already really optimized for a 37" tire, so you wont have to space the bumps out anymore or worry about blowing up your fenders if you bottom out. Overall I do not really know if it would be worth it to go for the 3.0 shocks, as the aftermarket will definitely surpass them, and if you are not planning on crawling hard, I am sure the lesser rack would be fine. I am not sure that the Fox 2.5 is a fair comparison, but something like the 8112s orthe King 2.5 IBPs that are soon to be released may be the better call overall.
There is definitely a little brake dive, but nothing crazy. It corners very well on dirt roads and pavement, has the same amount of body roll that my Black Diamond did. I hope you love yours as much as I do mine.
I am doing the same swap in a few days. Non-SAS Black Diamond for a Wildtrak off the lot.
