Great build. Thanks for all the info!So, here is my list, with photos and pros and cons for everything I have done on my bronco to date. A few worthwhile points before I begin:
1) I have no sponsorship; I have paid for all the mentioned items on my own
2) This is my Bronco, it’s not yours. So, I’m sorry if you would have done something different, but it’s not yours, you are welcome to do whatever you want to yours.
FYI: My bronco is a 2021 4 door outer banks Non-Sasquatch [I regret not waiting on this, but I did not want to wait any longer] with the 2.7L engine and a soft top, I do not have the Lux package.
The Modular Bumper – Lights (4x4TruckLEDs):
I installed Baja fog lights (Squadron SAE, Wide Cornering) and some additional lights for off-roading (S2 Pro, Driving/Combo and S2 Pro, Spot) using the KR Off-road bracket from 4x4TruckLEDs. I connected the SAE fog lights to Aux Switch 1 (maybe to move later when I find something that needs more power) and the S2’s to Aux Switch 2.
Link: https://www.4x4truckleds.com/baja-d...ad-bezel-flush-brackets-for-2021-ford-bronco/
Cons:
- Lights are not easy to adjust once installed
- I had to take the covers off and flip them because my OCD required the text being on the bottom
- Price is high
Pros:
- The wiring harness was a life saver it makes the installation to the Aux Switches silly easy
- Very well-made bracket
- Baja lights really can’t be beat, best of the best!
The Modular Bumper – Shackles (Smittybilt):
I’m using the Smittybilt ¾ inch D-ring
Link: https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/smittybilt-3-4-inch-d-ring-shackle-red-13047r/_/R-DSBP-13047R\
Cons:
- Nothing to mention
Pros:
- Nothing to mention
Under the hood – Hydraulic hood assist (Rough Country):
For this, I installed the Rough Country version. I realize many companies make these, and I’m not sure what would justify making one option better than another one.
Link: https://www.roughcountry.com/hydraulic-hood-assist-51060.html?find=2021-ford-bronco-4wd-784415
Cons:
- Almost impossible to install without help due to the hidden bolt
+ I found that I could do it with one person by holding the bolt in place with a magnet, otherwise you need 3 hands
- Should be clearer that the hood install brackets must be correct for driver and passenger side, initially I installed the wrong one and had to do the whole thing over
Pros:
- Very stout hood assist
Under the hood – ARB single air compressor (4x4TruckLEDs):
I installed the ARB single compressor in the engine bay using the KR Off-road engine by mount from 4x4TruckLEDs. I also relocated the front coupler to be located above the fog lights and am currently waiting on a part to also relocate a coupler output to the rear bumper. Currently the air compressor is run to Aux switch 6.
Link: https://www.4x4truckleds.com/kr-off-road-arb-compressor-engine-bay-mount-for-2021-ford-bronco/
Cons:
- Although the bracket is super straight forward to install, the air compressor is not. I wish that 4x4TruckLEDs would include a simplified wiring harness like they did for the fog lights
Pros:
- Again, bracket was amazingly easy to install, but the wiring was a nightmare
Spacer lift (Zone offroad):
I got the Zone offroad 4" Adventure Series. Honestly, initially I didn’t really want a 4inch lift, but I did want the new upper control arm, and I really wanted the additional clearance it would provide. I’m not rock crawling, but I do go off-roading semi-often. I found the standard clearance that the bronco had (8 inches) was not meeting my needs. I did not install this myself but had a local shop do it.
This was to provide me the lift I need for the larger tires I wanted while I’m waiting on the Ford Performance coil over option. Whenever it is obtainable I may or may not swap it out, depending on how I feel at that time. This option might meet my needs well enough, and an upgrade may not be required after all.. Also. This is my first zone lift, and thus far I’m happy with the outcome.
Link: https://zoneoffroad.com/products/4-...ck-package-models-only?variant=39919462023256
Cons:
- Ride is a little bumpier than it was before, but it’s not terrible (this may also be because my local shop is having a hell of a time balancing the tires… work in progress)
- Looked way too involved for me to install
- Not a full suspension option
Pros:
- Cost is not terrible given that the new upper control arms
- Gives the bronco a much more aggressive look
- Increased the clearance
New wheels (Black Rhino):
I’m not sure what in the world Ford was thinking with the stock wheels being 18 inches. And, although I didn’t think the look of them was too bad, I really wanted some wider 17-inch ones. So, I went with the Black Rhino 17x9.5, sand on black. I think it looks very good with the “Cactus Gray”. These seem to be close enough in weight to the standard wheel that the bronco is not moving any differently that it did with the stock wheels NOT SLUGISH (I have the 4.27 rear gearing). The wheels I am using have a -18 offset and are much wider than the stock was. I assume the wider tires also helps with the car compensate for the higher center of gravity due to the lift. Please note that my driveway is on a slope in the images, the bronco is level.
Link: https://www.blackrhinowheels.com/off-road-wheels-rims-arsenal.php
Cons:
- My local shop cannot seem to get them balanced with the tire, (though this is not really a con to the wheel, it’s a work in progress)
- Lug nuts are covered, so an additional step to remove the wheel if needed
- Not the cheapest option
Pros:
- They look AMAZING!
- The provide the perfect amount of “poke” I wanted
New tires (Falken):
I wanted 35” tires and I did not want MT or “hybrid” tires as this is a daily driver. So, I went with the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W LT315/70R17. I have always been a fan of these tires.
Also, I was going to reprogram the computer, but when driving by the speed limit signs that show your speed it’s reading the same as the bronco speedometer. Although, I assume I’m moving 2mph faster than it read. And with the 4 inch lift and the new tires, my clearance increased 6 inches!
Link: https://shop.falkentire.com/wildpeak/at3w
Cons:
- As mentioned, many times before, my local shop is having a hell of a time balancing these.
- Not the cheapest tire option
Pros:
- No driving noises
- Amazing performance
Tailgate – Spare Relocation (Rough County):
Because I installed new bigger tires, I also installed the spare tire relocation by Rough County. I have not felt the need to update the tailgate reinforcement thus far, but it’s still on the table as an option.
Link: https://www.roughcountry.com/bronco-spare-tire-relocation-plate-51053c.html
Cons:
- I don’t know if it’s possible to move the camera, but with the new wider wheel, it’s visible in the backup camera
Pros:
- Does exactly what is meant to do
Tailgate – 3rd Break Light Relocation (Rough County):
I initially didn’t include this, and the taillight was clearing the spare tire (kind of). Still, I added this, now its very visible.
Link: https://www.roughcountry.com/bronco...n-51051.html?find=2021-ford-bronco-4wd-784415
Cons:
-Nothing to mention
Pros:
- Does what it says it does
Tailgate – Tailgate table (Rock-Slide Engineering):
I debated long and hard about which tailgate table to go with, I ended up going with the Rock-Slide tailgate table. Because I wanted a two-tier table.
Link: https://rockslideengineering.com/product/trail-tailgate-table-2/
Cons:
- The installation manual shows the backside plate alone, but I could not figure out how (if it’s possible) to unattached it. Because I could not it is very hard to install without someone to hold the table up.
- Since I was installing the table alone the top table (that I bought it for) was blocking my vision and I drilled a hole in one of the oversized jeep holes thinking it was on the top row. I did used a rivet in that hole
- I know the star is there for hanging a trash bag off, but I don’t like it
- Does require drilling holes into the tailgate
Pro:
- Very cost-effective solution
- Would be easy to install if 2 people are doing it (I suspect)
- 0 rattle!
- Two tiers to put items on
- Will Support 100 pounds
- Has a built-in bottle opener
Cargo Area – Storage Box (Rough County):
I realize that this takes up a lot of real-estate in the cargo area. But it’s lockable and does support in organizing all overlanding gear nicely. This is a great alternative to the Ford option.
Link: https://www.roughcountry.com/bronco-metal-storage-box-51057.html?find=2021-ford-bronco-4wd-784415
Cons:
- Very heavy duty (hard to move the box in the cargo area by 1 person)
- Takes up a lot of real-estate in the cargo area
Pro:
- Very heavy duty
- Lockable
- 0 rattle!
- 6 inch gap under it, for additional storage options
- Ability to access the spare stuff, I also include my compressor inflator for easy access
- Drawer supports 400 pounds
- Very well built
Misc. – ARB coupler cover (Wit’s End) [Not shown on Bronco]:
I ordered coupler covers for both couplers from wit’s end that fit in the couplers to stop any dust/mud etc. But wit’s end is very behind at the moment and are not taking orders. I can say that Wit’s end does provide the best products and is worth the wait. But I have not gotten them yet so I included an image of them below.
Link (keep in mind he shut the site down until items are in stock): https://absolute-wits-end.com/arb-fitting-air-coupler-pacifier/
Cons:
- None in Stock
Pros:
- There is literally noting else on the market
Misc. – Shorter Antenna (Rydonair):
The antenna that comes with the bronco is way too tall. I installed the Rydonair 7-inch antenna.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-2009-2019-Replacement-Optimized-Reception/dp/B07MJKMGY4?th=1
Cons:
Does struggle at times to get my favorite FM stations
Pros:
Much smaller than stock
Misc. – Tire inflator (AstroAI):
After much reading I went with the AstroAI for the tire inflator.
Link https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Inflator-Compressor-Accessories-Resolution/dp/B07D3PVBJ4
Cons:
- None so far
Pros:
- Built in Light
- Digital
Misc. – Floor Liner (WeatherTech):
As far as I’m concerned there really is only one option here, WeatherTech
Link https://www.weathertech.com/ford/2021/bronco/floorliner-digitalfit/
Cons:
- None so far
Pros:
- Fits Perfect!
Misc. – Seat back cover (Otomitake):
Let’s be honest, there is not much foot room in the back seat. I have 2 kids in car seats and they LOVE kicking the back of my leather seats. The solution I went with was using Otomitake Molle backseat cover and gun rack.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Org..._1_6?keywords=Otomitake&qid=1650834725&sr=8-6
Cons:
- None so far
Pros:
- Gun rack
- Molle straps
Misc. – Grab handles (BESTAOO):
I know these are made in China, there are American made ones, but these just happen to be the grab handles I ordered. They are made by BESTAOO.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/BESTAOO-Handles-Paracord-Handle-Bronco/dp/B09T2PS1QW/ref=sr_1_15?crid=3H39PZ1LRE886&keywords=bestaoo&qid=1650835057&sprefix=bestaoo,aps,127&sr=8-15
Cons:
- None so far
Pros:
- None to mention
Misc. – Seatbelt Retention Buckle (STICKERFAB):
I don’t know about you, but that noise the seatbelts make when you drive with the top down was driving me nuts. Thank goodness STICKERFAB solved this problem.
Link: https://www.stickerfab.com/products/seatbelt-retention-buckles-set-of-3-2021-bronco-4-door
Cons:
- Should include an alcohol wipe to clean area with product
Pros:
- Lighting fast shipping!
- Solves the noise problem
Misc. – AUX switch images (STICKERFAB):
This is a fun way to know what switch is linked to what. Product is made by STICKERFAB
Link: https://www.stickerfab.com/collecti...ed-series-auxiliary-switch-labels-2021-bronco
Cons:
- Should include an alcohol wipe to clean area with product
- Mute wife switch does not work as the switch shows
- Mute husband switch does not work as the switch shows
Pros:
- Lighting fast shipping!
- Well made product
Misc. – Cellphone mount (Tackform):
I know there are rails that you can add your phone to, but I just wanted a single rotatable point for my cellphone. Tackform did the job well, I was hoping to make videos using the Ford pass off-road app and my phone, but that app is still not released by ford.
Link: https://www.tackform.com/products/qi-wireless-phone-mount-ford-bronco?_pos=3&_sid=177bf715f&_ss=r
Cons:
- Because I got the wireless charging option, there is a cord that hangs down from the charger
Pros:
- Very well made! I have not tested it, but I assume it’s bulletproof
- Solid enough to take offroad with phone being held in place.
Items not covered
All recovery gear I use
Next steps:
I am waiting on the following:
Exoskeleton Roof Rack – Gobi
I plan on attaching lights to the rear of this rack, and I need to see how it attaches to the front before I sort out my ditch light options.
Link: https://www.gobiracks.com/product/ford-bronco-stealth-rack/
I am still undecided on:
1) What option I would like to do for the Bull bar or nudge bar or whatever you want to call it
2) Winch options. I really want the hidden winch; I can wait until Rough Country solves the 2.7L issue.
3) Would an air locker work for me missing the front locking option?
4) Hi Lift Jack Mount location
5) Should I change the rear bumper, I currently do not like the stock plastic one
6) What mesh covering for the top to reduce the sun exposure
7) What (if any) additional plating under the car is needed?
I had them on my jeep and had the same issue. Drove me nuts.
I use ceramic beads in my 39.5 Super Swampers, good to 80mph, maybe higher but I'll never find out. Super Swampers could be worst case scenario when balancing.
not sure how to take a pic of that. Can you do it so I can copy it. Sorry, I’m new to off-roading, so I haven’t given much thought to angles, my main focus was clearance. But now I too want to knowFirst off, sick obx!! Love the build. Well thought out and looks clean. How is the cv axle angles? Can you show a picture of them? Curious how they look since there is no diff drop brackets included with the kit.. Here is mine with a 4 inch fabtech. The cv's are at a steep angle, not sure what to do.
As of this second we are dealing with it.But I wonder if the tire fits without the RC mount. If so it won’t be an issue
