My 2023 Bronco Badlands 2DR Build

[raqball]

Got all the parts, just need to install 'em..

74Weld Stage 1 Kit:

Icon XD Forged Tie Rods:

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[raqball]

Got the 74Weld Stage 1 kit installed along with the Icon XD Tie Rods. Took about 5 hours and I also got an alignment done.

The stock steering rack end cap is kind of laughable next to the 74Weld. It's so thin that after seeing it, I am glad I upgraded it. The Icon Tie Rods are a lot beefier than the stock tie rods.

I have an off-road and camping trip planned for tomorrow and Friday so this will be a nice test of the new mods.

 

[Lak34ers]

Ordered a 74weld stage 1 steering rack and icon HD tie rods.

https://motorsports.74weld.com/product/stage-1-bronco-steering-cap-and-bushing-kit/
https://motorsports.74weld.com/product/icon-bronco-tie-rods/

A few updated photos as well.

Looks great. Does the 74 stage one provide more than the Ford Performance steering rack? Both are around 1k and ford rack has upgraded tie rods. Just trying to decide. I already have the procal to program the Ford rack.

 

[raqball]

Looks great. Does the 74 stage one provide more than the Ford Performance steering rack? Both are around 1k and ford rack has upgraded tie rods. Just trying to decide. I already have the procal to program the Ford rack.

I can't really answer that as I don't know.

Call 74Weld as they are very helpful and I highly doubt they are going to give you bad answers just to make a sale.

You don't need to reprogram with the 74Weld Stage 1 Kit.

 

[userdude]

Looks great. Does the 74 stage one provide more than the Ford Performance steering rack? Both are around 1k and ford rack has upgraded tie rods. Just trying to decide. I already have the procal to program the Ford rack.

You get the FP tie rods that come with the original rack. 74Weld buys the HD rack by the pallet, and it comes with the tie rods, then swaps the housing and programs. You can also buy the Icons from them, but I just kept the FP ones.

 

[BigSkyBronco]

@raqball Great work on your 2DR. I'm really curious about the 74Weld steering cap and bushing upgrade. Is this something you plan to install yourself? I already have the tie rods...

 

[raqball]

@raqball Great work on your 2DR. I'm really curious about the 74Weld steering cap and bushing upgrade. Is this something you plan to install yourself? I already have the tie rods...

Install images are a few up in post #32..

I'll be offline for a few days as I am heading out now for a 2-day, one-night camping and off-road trip.

 

[BigSkyBronco]

Install images are a few up in post #32..

I'll be offline for a few days as I am heading out now for a 2-day, one-night camping and off-road trip.

Thanks @raqball I consider myself to be an above average home mechanic. Did you run into any unforeseen issues with the install?

 

[raqball]

Thanks @raqball I consider myself to be an above average home mechanic. Did you run into any unforeseen issues with the install?

The hardest part was getting the bushings out of the stock rack so they could be reused on the 74Weld.

Another PIA was getting the pinion bushing and snap ring on.

If you are above average home mechanic (I am not) then I'd bet you could do it in about 3 hours or so..

 

[raqball]

Installed a Outback Adventures Trailgater and a set of Apex RPV XL Rapid Deflators.

https://outbackadventureproducts.com/product/bronco-trailgater-for-2021-22-ford-bronco/

https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/rapid-precision-valve-xl

 

[Doug_life]

Right color and right number of doors!

 

[raqball]

Got my ARB Dual installed that replaced my Power Tank that I sold.

What a PIA! Had to get an ARB extension hose from local 4x4 shop because I wanted to mount the connection point somewhere on the exterior of the Bronco.

The wiring was ran to the Aux 6 switch inside the Bronco. The goal was the ability to throw the Aux switch and connect the air hose without ever having to open the hood.

A local 4x4 shop had a brilliant idea on where to mount the connection point on the outside of the Bronco. It's on the passenger side crash bar area.

I had previously removed my crash bars because I was getting rubbing. Hopefully the photos I took shows the location well enough for you to make out where it's located. It's protected and tucked up into the underbody of the Bronco and it's an easy access to connect a hose.

 

[raqball]

I have not really done any cosmetic upgrades or interior upgrades. My build has been mainly been focused on off-road functionality and capability for the deep forest trails of Washington that I love.

On-road comfort always has been, and always will be, a secondary priority for me. I don’t mind a rough on-road ride. Hey, I was a long time Jeep owner and I don’t think anything can compare to how rough of a ride my old CJ5 was on the road.. That thing was brutal but it performed like a champ off-road!

The only real interior upgrade I’ve done is the 12” screen. That upgrade was mainly for larger onX maps when off-roading.

Anyways, here is my updated list of upgrades and modifications:

• Rough Country Rock Rails
• Rough Country High Winch Mount
• Rough Country 12,000 Synthetic Winch
• Ford Performance 17x8 Wheels
• 35x11.5R17 Falken Wildpeak AT4w
• Bilstein 6100 (2 1/2” lift front and 1” lift rear)
• Ford Safari Bar
• Infotainment 12” Screen Upgrade Kit with dash
• Bikini Top
• Bora 1.75” Wheel Spacers
• 74Weld Stage 1 Bronco Steering Upgrade
• Icon HD Tie Rods
• ARB Dual Compressor
• Outback Adventures Trailgater
• Ford Rollup Tool Kit 84pc
• Motley Grab Handles
• Rough Country 3rd Brake Light Extension Bracket

Other Items and gear:

• Winch recovery gear (snatch block, tree protector, soft shackles etc)
• ARB Digital Air Gauge and air hose
• Staun Tire Deflators
• Dewalt 20V Battery Chainsaw
• MaxTrax Mini Traction Boards
• RainGear Trail Cover
• IceCo APL20 Car Fridge
• Dometic PB40 Power Station

Recent photos:

 

[Mirage]

@raqball Sorry for the ignorant question, but might I ask why you went with all the aftermarket/upgraded steering rack parts? All I did on my rack were the Delrin bushings on the ends of the rack and huge HD inner/outer tie rods, to run my 37's.

From my understanding, only the upgraded racks are used for racing? We did some serious off-roading yesterday and my 2.0 rack didn't struggle at all!

Not an expert or complaining, but if you know something that I don't, I'd love to know about it?

Unsure why I got a notification about this build, but I'll definitely check it out later today!

 

[raqball]

@raqball Sorry for the ignorant question, but might I ask why you went with all the aftermarket/upgraded steering rack parts? All I did on my rack were the Delrin bushings on the ends of the rack and huge HD inner/outer tie rods, to run my 37's.

From my understanding, only the upgraded racks are used for racing? We did some serious off-roading yesterday and my 2.0 rack didn't struggle at all!

My reasoning for upgrading to the 74Weld Stage 1 kit was that the stock tie rods are weak for a reason IMO. They are designed to break before you break the rack. Upgrading the tie rods to heavy duty ones, like the Icons I have installed, will then move the failure / pressure point to the rack. I'd much rather have a broken tie rod than a steering rack on the trail.

Look at the photos I uploaded in post #32. The stock steering rack end cap is so thin it's laughable. When you tap on it with something metal it sounds like tin. Photos don't really do the difference justice. Seeing them in person is like a WOW experience.. It's almost like Ford made the rack end cap as thin as they possibly could.

I wheel solo a lot and try to eliminate as many potential failure points as I can. Upgrading the Tie Rods was a must. After seeing how absurdly thin the stock steering rack end caps is, I am happy I replaced it with the 74Weld.

Would I have ever broken the rack? I'll never know and that was my point / reason for the upgrade..

Here is a good article on the issue. The rack end cap is covered in section 3

https://trailbronco.com/6th-gen-mods/6th-gen-bronco-tie-rods-problems-solutions/

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