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Sweet spot For the money - Black Diamond non-Squatch

MacHudson

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So like everybody I’ve been playing with Build & Price nonstop.
I think I found the sweet spot for capabilities vs. pricing. It’s a Black Diamond, non-Squatch, 2.7L engine with the 10 speed automatic. Go with the advanced 4WD system.

the only shortcomings vs the Badlands are front locker, Electronic disconnect Sway bar, and I think Bilstein shocks. Badlands has an even more aggressive gear ratio but looks like Black Diamond is pretty sweet too.

if you can live without the front locker and disco bar, and basically all of us who aren’t at Moab probably can, you then save $8K by going Black Diamond in this configuration as opposed to Badlands.

Amirite?
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Jr87mustang

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Clubs
 
I think your missing a lift and the better instrument cluster but yes BD is good for the money.
 

carrellslake

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So like everybody I’ve been playing with Build & Price nonstop.
I think I found the sweet spot for capabilities vs. pricing. It’s a Black Diamond, non-Squatch, 2.7L engine with the 10 speed automatic. Go with the advanced 4WD system.

the only shortcomings vs the Badlands are front locker, Electronic disconnect Sway bar, and I think Bilstein shocks. Badlands has an even more aggressive gear ratio but looks like Black Diamond is pretty sweet too.

if you can live without the front locker and disco bar, and basically all of us who aren’t at Moab probably can, you then save $8K by going Black Diamond in this configuration as opposed to Badlands.

Amirite?
Add the Mid package and that's exactly what I'm getting.
 

CCBronco

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I debated this, but decided on adding the Sas and mid package. I do agree, it’s the best bang for your buck trim and the steelies are cool.
I was set on Area 51, with White as my backup. After much debate today pissing off everyone around me, I’m now leaning towards carbonized grey which is similar to my Jeep. ?‍♂
 

jeep364

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Add the Mid package and that's exactly what I'm getting.
Agree I'm leaning to this as well. BD mid 2.7 mic auto4wd

Was considering base with squatch 2.7 but would downsize to 33 anyways... If I could get auto 4wd with base I'd be considering that for the cheapness
 

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Mattwings

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Missing a heavy duty front axle and a $2500 wheel and tire upgrade. I am at a similar decision point and agree it’s probably best bang for the $
 

AzScorpion

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So like everybody I’ve been playing with Build & Price nonstop.
I think I found the sweet spot for capabilities vs. pricing. It’s a Black Diamond, non-Squatch, 2.7L engine with the 10 speed automatic. Go with the advanced 4WD system.

the only shortcomings vs the Badlands are front locker, Electronic disconnect Sway bar, and I think Bilstein shocks. Badlands has an even more aggressive gear ratio but looks like Black Diamond is pretty sweet too.

if you can live without the front locker and disco bar, and basically all of us who aren’t at Moab probably can, you then save $8K by going Black Diamond in this configuration as opposed to Badlands.

Amirite?
I think so. lol I was all in for a BL but after building just about every model I'm now leaning more towards the BD too. Just about the same build as yours but with the Mid package and the HD modular front bumper. Saves me around $6,500 and while I really want the High package it's not worth the additional money to jump up to the BL. I've done a lot of off roading in my Ranger and while I'll do some more aggressive stuff with the Bronco I can't see needing the front locker or disco bar either.
 

5280Bronco

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If someone isn't wheeling it hard or trying to run 37s, i don't see how the front axle being a 190 should be an issue. I don't think i want the extra weight or cost of that axle when i won't even touch anything that needs it.
 

Bronco4lyfe85

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Still going BL just for the look and the availability of packages. Wanted to like the BD but Ford neutered it with removing options.
 

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Firefly

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If someone isn't wheeling it hard or trying to run 37s, i don't see how the front axle being a 190 should be an issue. I don't think i want the extra weight or cost of that axle when i won't even touch anything that needs it.
Agreed. It may be week for a locker but not as an open differential.
 

OspreyFE55

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I have been going back and forth on this exact same thing. But I’m tired of cutting myself short. I want that front locker, I plan on doing a lot more off-roading then my past vehicles and with having a Rubicon in the past having that insurance of a beefier axle and locker is amazing! Plus I get the signature Head & Tail lights with the BL! I have decided to forego the SAS package as I plan on getting different wheels so I don’t need to pay the extra 2500.
 

sjjohnny

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I like this build, thanks for posting!
 

Rcarpen22

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I was all set to go BD until the ManSquatch got green lit. I’d still consider a non-Squatch BD if you could get mid with 7MT. Hoping they change their minds on that, but I’m not holding my breath.
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