I year with my Bronco and off-roading, necessary upgrades moving forward.

[Jdyount]

So, my Bronco's 1 year anniversary was this week, I've off-roaded it quite a bit in the last year, I figured it was a good time to do a quick off-roading review and talk about the things I've already upgraded and things I plan on adding in the next year.

First things first, the Badlands Sasquatch Bronco is a very, very capable off-roading platform (rock crawling included). I'm a member of an off-road club in the KC area that has over 700 members, most of which are Jeeps. I've done pretty much everything Rubicons in the same class have... There are things that Rubis make look easy that I struggle with and there are things that I make look easy that they struggle with. Do I scrape and use my skip plates more? Sure. Do I have some situations where I pull a wheel or 2 off the ground? Sure. But I keep up, period.


What I have I upgraded so far:

I have a RC 1" leveling kit up front.
1 Inch Leveling Kit | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

RC tie rod sleeves.
HD Tie Rod Sleeves | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

Broncbuster bushing kit.
BroncBushing – Broncbuster (broncbustertx.com)

RC hidden winch mount.
Hidden Winch Mount | All Models | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

Apex Badland winch.
12,000 lb. Winch with Synthetic Rope and Wireless Remote (harborfreight.com)

JUST added RCI frame mount rock sliders this week.
Rock Sliders | 21-Present Bronco - RCI Off Road (rcimetalworks.com)


The leveling kit was to address the weight of the winch up front. It's prefect, brings me back to stock stance.

The tie rod sleeves and bushings are for extra insurance, never had an issue with my tie rods.

The Apex winch is very well made, no complaints yet. Haven't actually need to use it yet but it's nice to know I have it when I need it.

I like the hidden winch mount but I do have complaints. First, there is no way to get to the lever to set the winch to free-spool so I have to pay the line out with the motor, annoying. Second, it sits low enough that I hit the winch shackle mount on quite a few things. Not super ideal. It is a compromise, I didn't want to have to move my ACC module and camera for an aftermarket bumper, which I will upgrade to at some point. It was a very inexpensive solution to get a winch mounted.

The sliders were added because I got into my door a bit with a rock several weeks ago. They seem like they're going to be a great addition. Super heavy duty, they weigh 70lbs each. My only complaint is that I don't like their top plate. The holes are too big. I want them to serve as additional rock chip protection for my poor beat up doors. Going to make my own.


What issues do I need to address:

First, the stock SAS tires. They are awful and the thing that holds me back the most. I want a set of 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers but they're almost $500 each right now (stoooopid). I may end up getting some 37" Ironman All Country M/Ts for now. You can get them on Ebay for $221 each free shipping. Another Bronco had them at Hot Springs ORP last weekend and they seemed to run just fine.
1 37x12.50r17 F 12 Ply IRONMAN All Country MT Mud Terrain 37x1250 17 Tire for sale online | eBay

With the 37s I want to do a lift. I want to do coil-overs so I'm looking at the Eibach stage 2 kit. $1720 for a full set of coilovers, can't beat that price.
PRO-TRUCK COILOVER STAGE 2 (Front Coilovers + Rear Coilovers) (eibach.com)

I'll also need some upper control arms, yet to be determined. I like the Camburg UCAs because they have a uniball design instead of a ball joint. They're a bit pricey but not too bad.
Camburg Ford Bronco 21-22 1.25 Performance Uniball Upper Control Arms

It is becoming more and more clear that I'm going to need a fender flare solution. These stock SAS flares catch on everything. Mine are all marked up, one got caught pretty good this weekend and part of the outer shell separated from the inner, I still need to glue it back together. I called DV8 and they should be releasing their new steel flares in about 4-6 weeks. I'm not a huge fan of mounting steel to aluminum fenders but my hope is they won't catch because they're a little more low-profile. If they do hit something, I think they'll be more likely to slide than catch. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

With the flares I'm probably going to have to look at a rear bumper. I can take the ends off of the modular front, but the rear is too wide and not modular. There are hundreds of choices there.

I really like Oracle's flush mount taillights. I can see where the stock ones could get hit (seen it happen several times on other vehicles).

SO now that I've planned out my next $10k in upgrades (and my death if my wife finds out I'm planning on spending that much). What is everyone else planning for off-road specific upgrades? What issues are you seeing that need to be addressed?

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[Merc4x4]

Which angle did you choose on the RCI sliders?
I've been considering them.

 

[orion]

I would wait on the upper control arm purchase. @BigMeatsBronco, I believe, had bought some aftermarket ones and had less range. He put the stock ones back on.

 

[Yeti-X]

Sweet build right now I am running a Zone off road 3.5" adventure lift for badlands not as nice as a coilover however the upper control arms seem nice and and the lift was a stepping stone I have had the Bronco for a week and a half Lol. But I digress possible tires for your build Kanati Armor Hog ATX 37x12.5r17 also F rated I paid 1300 to my door for 5 from Walmart. My intentions are to do a long travel suspension like the baja kits setup and fiberwerx fenders. As far as a bumper I am leaning towards the DV8 FS15, rear bumper don't know but I agree for rock crawling need to tuck in the hips on the rear

 

[RC Bronco]

Sounds like you’ve had some really good adventures with your rig and the build is great too!

I’m curious about the KC off road club you mentioned - I’m just south of KC myself

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

I would wait on the upper control arm purchase. @BigMeatsBronco, I believe, had bought some aftermarket ones and had less range. He put the stock ones back on.

The Fab tec ones I bought had less droop available than the OEM. Icon has the best ball joint with the most angle and travel avaiable, I havent bought icons yet and probably wont because Im gonna buy Braptor OEM UCAs and LCAs.

 

[orion]

The Fab tec ones I bought had less droop available than the OEM. Icon has the best ball joint with the most angle and travel avaiable, I havent bought icons yet and probably wont because Im gonna buy Braptor OEM UCAs and LCAs.

Dope!

 

[Jdyount]

Sounds like you’ve had some really good adventures with your rig and the build is great too!

I’m curious about the KC off road club you mentioned - I’m just south of KC myself

Midwest Krawlers. It's a great group, very active, lots a group events, lots of community outreach. Just search for our Facebook page.

I'm probably a bit further South of KC, in Fort Scott, where are you?

 

[WheelMe]

I like how you've been using your Bronco, as it's close to what I do. My rig's identical to yours in spec, except the soft top.

I currently have a 1.5" lift (front) from Bilstein 6100s - not quite 2" due to my winch weighing things down (Mod bumper w/RC winch plate, Warn Evo 10S). I'll be sticking with the Territories for a while, as I've found them grippy on rocks in the CA Sierras, and hear that they're pretty good in snow; they're also good on dry/wet pavement. The intention is to take it through the Rubicon next spring - we'll see if I can make it through with the above spec.

I'm interested in your RCI slider experience - why did you decide on RCI, and as another poster wrote, what slider angle did you choose? How was the install? Furthermore, what armor do you have underneath? I currently have the OEMs, and the bash plate failed to protect my LCA mounts where the cam bolts go; the RCI engine skid seems to protect that area well, from what I can glean from the website photos, and a conversation with a company representative.

A lower-profile rear bumper may be added in the future - my favorites are from Addictive Designs.

Love your post!

 

[Jdyount]

Which angle did you choose on the RCI sliders?
I've been considering them.

I went 20 deg but to be honest I wish they had a tad more stick out so I would probably prefer the 4 deg. Install was super easy, took me about 45 mins by myself. The worst part is trying to hold up 70 lbs and get a bolt started at the same time. The sliders actually fit under the stock BL sliders but I don't like the look so I'm going to take them back off and take the stock sliders off. May go with a pinch weld cover after that.

 

[Jdyount]

I like how you've been using your Bronco, as it's close to what I do. My rig's identical to yours in spec, except the soft top.

I currently have a 1.5" lift (front) from Bilstein 6100s - not quite 2" due to my winch weighing things down (Mod bumper w/RC winch plate, Warn Evo 10S). I'll be sticking with the Territories for a while, as I've found them grippy on rocks in the CA Sierras, and hear that they're pretty good in snow; they're also good on dry/wet pavement. The intention is to take it through the Rubicon next spring - we'll see if I can make it through with the above spec.

I'm interested in your RCI slider experience - why did you decide on RCI, and as another poster wrote, what slider angle did you choose? How was the install? Furthermore, what armor do you have underneath? I currently have the OEMs, and the bash plate failed to protect my LCA mounts where the cam bolts go; the RCI engine skid seems to protect that area well, from what I can glean from the website photos, and a conversation with a company representative.

A lower-profile rear bumper may be added in the future - my favorites are from Addictive Designs.

Love your post!

I went with the RCI sliders because they're true frame mount, no drilling or welding, any they're decently affordable. Plus I really liked that the top plate was optional. They have a rear kickout too.

So I'm stock on skid plates (except the RC winch mount skid). Starting to get beat up pretty good. I finnally bent one of the rear-end coilover mounts enough that it's making a noise when I hit bumps. I have a waterjet at work and a welder at home, so I plan on making several small weld-on strengthening plates for stuff like that. Not too many issues uo front, other than I've dented in the RC skid pretty good.

 

[Merc4x4]

I went 20 deg but to be honest I wish they had a tad more stick out so I would probably prefer the 4 deg. Install was super easy, took me about 45 mins by myself. The worst part is trying to hold up 70 lbs and get a bolt started at the same time. The sliders actually fit under the stock BL sliders but I don't like the look so I'm going to take them back off and take the stock sliders off. May go with a pinch weld cover after that.

Thanks for your thoughts!
Looks like you could trim the ends of the stock rail back a bit to better align to the RCI, but the angle of the face might still throw the combination off. A bit hard to tell from pics.

I'm interested in the step aspect, so the flatter option would be better for me.
Still debating the RSE power step slider, but I'm not too keen on opening up the grommet and giving room for water to ingress. Also looking at the Icon remote reservoir shocks and the rear placement of those interferes with them (last I heard).

 

[RC Bronco]

Midwest Krawlers. It's a great group, very active, lots a group events, lots of community outreach. Just search for our Facebook page.

I'm probably a bit further South of KC, in Fort Scott, where are you?

Sweet, I’ll check it out!
Yup, you’re further out than I. Currently in Overland Park

 

[VIRUS]

So, my Bronco's 1 year anniversary was this week, I've off-roaded it quite a bit in the last year, I figured it was a good time to do a quick off-roading review and talk about the things I've already upgraded and things I plan on adding in the next year.

First things first, the Badlands Sasquatch Bronco is a very, very capable off-roading platform (rock crawling included). I'm a member of an off-road club in the KC area that has over 700 members, most of which are Jeeps. I've done pretty much everything Rubicons in the same class have... There are things that Rubis make look easy that I struggle with and there are things that I make look easy that they struggle with. Do I scrape and use my skip plates more? Sure. Do I have some situations where I pull a wheel or 2 off the ground? Sure. But I keep up, period.


What I have I upgraded so far:

I have a RC 1" leveling kit up front.
1 Inch Leveling Kit | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

RC tie rod sleeves.
HD Tie Rod Sleeves | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

Broncbuster bushing kit.
BroncBushing – Broncbuster (broncbustertx.com)

RC hidden winch mount.
Hidden Winch Mount | All Models | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

Apex Badland winch.
12,000 lb. Winch with Synthetic Rope and Wireless Remote (harborfreight.com)

JUST added RCI frame mount rock sliders this week.
Rock Sliders | 21-Present Bronco - RCI Off Road (rcimetalworks.com)


The leveling kit was to address the weight of the winch up front. It's prefect, brings me back to stock stance.

The tie rod sleeves and bushings are for extra insurance, never had an issue with my tie rods.

The Apex winch is very well made, no complaints yet. Haven't actually need to use it yet but it's nice to know I have it when I need it.

I like the hidden winch mount but I do have complaints. First, there is no way to get to the lever to set the winch to free-spool so I have to pay the line out with the motor, annoying. Second, it sits low enough that I hit the winch shackle mount on quite a few things. Not super ideal. It is a compromise, I didn't want to have to move my ACC module and camera for an aftermarket bumper, which I will upgrade to at some point. It was a very inexpensive solution to get a winch mounted.

The sliders were added because I got into my door a bit with a rock several weeks ago. They seem like they're going to be a great addition. Super heavy duty, they weigh 70lbs each. My only complaint is that I don't like their top plate. The holes are too big. I want them to serve as additional rock chip protection for my poor beat up doors. Going to make my own.


What issues do I need to address:

First, the stock SAS tires. They are awful and the thing that holds me back the most. I want a set of 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers but they're almost $500 each right now (stoooopid). I may end up getting some 37" Ironman All Country M/Ts for now. You can get them on Ebay for $221 each free shipping. Another Bronco had them at Hot Springs ORP last weekend and they seemed to run just fine.
1 37x12.50r17 F 12 Ply IRONMAN All Country MT Mud Terrain 37x1250 17 Tire for sale online | eBay

With the 37s I want to do a lift. I want to do coil-overs so I'm looking at the Eibach stage 2 kit. $1720 for a full set of coilovers, can't beat that price.
PRO-TRUCK COILOVER STAGE 2 (Front Coilovers + Rear Coilovers) (eibach.com)

I'll also need some upper control arms, yet to be determined. I like the Camburg UCAs because they have a uniball design instead of a ball joint. They're a bit pricey but not too bad.
Camburg Ford Bronco 21-22 1.25 Performance Uniball Upper Control Arms

It is becoming more and more clear that I'm going to need a fender flare solution. These stock SAS flares catch on everything. Mine are all marked up, one got caught pretty good this weekend and part of the outer shell separated from the inner, I still need to glue it back together. I called DV8 and they should be releasing their new steel flares in about 4-6 weeks. I'm not a huge fan of mounting steel to aluminum fenders but my hope is they won't catch because they're a little more low-profile. If they do hit something, I think they'll be more likely to slide than catch. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

With the flares I'm probably going to have to look at a rear bumper. I can take the ends off of the modular front, but the rear is too wide and not modular. There are hundreds of choices there.

I really like Oracle's flush mount taillights. I can see where the stock ones could get hit (seen it happen several times on other vehicles).

SO now that I've planned out my next $10k in upgrades (and my death if my wife finds out I'm planning on spending that much). What is everyone else planning for off-road specific upgrades? What issues are you seeing that need to be addressed?

I have a Badlands 4dr Sasquatch 2.7.
Put Bilstein 6100's on with 37's
Was happy with results until I checked the tires 1500 miles after install.
Place that did the lift badly botched the alignment.
Took it back and they couldn't align it.
The rear axle was so far out, needed to change to adjustable rear everything. Did CORE 4x4 upper and lower control arms and 4 Wheel Parts adjustable track bar.
It's crazy how much improved the ride is. Bumps, cornering, overall stability and handling is night and day improvement.
They couldn't tell me why the rear was so far out.
In the future, any vehicle I lift will include upgrading the rear links with adjustable ones at time of lift.

 

[Smith_F1]

So, my Bronco's 1 year anniversary was this week, I've off-roaded it quite a bit in the last year, I figured it was a good time to do a quick off-roading review and talk about the things I've already upgraded and things I plan on adding in the next year.

First things first, the Badlands Sasquatch Bronco is a very, very capable off-roading platform (rock crawling included). I'm a member of an off-road club in the KC area that has over 700 members, most of which are Jeeps. I've done pretty much everything Rubicons in the same class have... There are things that Rubis make look easy that I struggle with and there are things that I make look easy that they struggle with. Do I scrape and use my skip plates more? Sure. Do I have some situations where I pull a wheel or 2 off the ground? Sure. But I keep up, period.


What I have I upgraded so far:

I have a RC 1" leveling kit up front.
1 Inch Leveling Kit | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

RC tie rod sleeves.
HD Tie Rod Sleeves | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

Broncbuster bushing kit.
BroncBushing – Broncbuster (broncbustertx.com)

RC hidden winch mount.
Hidden Winch Mount | All Models | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

Apex Badland winch.
12,000 lb. Winch with Synthetic Rope and Wireless Remote (harborfreight.com)

JUST added RCI frame mount rock sliders this week.
Rock Sliders | 21-Present Bronco - RCI Off Road (rcimetalworks.com)


The leveling kit was to address the weight of the winch up front. It's prefect, brings me back to stock stance.

The tie rod sleeves and bushings are for extra insurance, never had an issue with my tie rods.

The Apex winch is very well made, no complaints yet. Haven't actually need to use it yet but it's nice to know I have it when I need it.

I like the hidden winch mount but I do have complaints. First, there is no way to get to the lever to set the winch to free-spool so I have to pay the line out with the motor, annoying. Second, it sits low enough that I hit the winch shackle mount on quite a few things. Not super ideal. It is a compromise, I didn't want to have to move my ACC module and camera for an aftermarket bumper, which I will upgrade to at some point. It was a very inexpensive solution to get a winch mounted.

The sliders were added because I got into my door a bit with a rock several weeks ago. They seem like they're going to be a great addition. Super heavy duty, they weigh 70lbs each. My only complaint is that I don't like their top plate. The holes are too big. I want them to serve as additional rock chip protection for my poor beat up doors. Going to make my own.


What issues do I need to address:

First, the stock SAS tires. They are awful and the thing that holds me back the most. I want a set of 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers but they're almost $500 each right now (stoooopid). I may end up getting some 37" Ironman All Country M/Ts for now. You can get them on Ebay for $221 each free shipping. Another Bronco had them at Hot Springs ORP last weekend and they seemed to run just fine.
1 37x12.50r17 F 12 Ply IRONMAN All Country MT Mud Terrain 37x1250 17 Tire for sale online | eBay

With the 37s I want to do a lift. I want to do coil-overs so I'm looking at the Eibach stage 2 kit. $1720 for a full set of coilovers, can't beat that price.
PRO-TRUCK COILOVER STAGE 2 (Front Coilovers + Rear Coilovers) (eibach.com)

I'll also need some upper control arms, yet to be determined. I like the Camburg UCAs because they have a uniball design instead of a ball joint. They're a bit pricey but not too bad.
Camburg Ford Bronco 21-22 1.25 Performance Uniball Upper Control Arms

It is becoming more and more clear that I'm going to need a fender flare solution. These stock SAS flares catch on everything. Mine are all marked up, one got caught pretty good this weekend and part of the outer shell separated from the inner, I still need to glue it back together. I called DV8 and they should be releasing their new steel flares in about 4-6 weeks. I'm not a huge fan of mounting steel to aluminum fenders but my hope is they won't catch because they're a little more low-profile. If they do hit something, I think they'll be more likely to slide than catch. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

With the flares I'm probably going to have to look at a rear bumper. I can take the ends off of the modular front, but the rear is too wide and not modular. There are hundreds of choices there.

I really like Oracle's flush mount taillights. I can see where the stock ones could get hit (seen it happen several times on other vehicles).

SO now that I've planned out my next $10k in upgrades (and my death if my wife finds out I'm planning on spending that much). What is everyone else planning for off-road specific upgrades? What issues are you seeing that need to be addressed?

Awesome setup. Did you install the RC hidden winch mount yourself or have the dealer or another outfit install it? I think that is the direction I am going to go.

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