"The Dirt Horse" - Area 51 Bronco Badlands build

[killaz05]

I have the ARB in route on bumper.
I plan on doing the HOSS 3.0 steering rack later. I added jks sleeves but am thinking of removing them. I carry two spare tie rods and would rather they fail than blow out a steering rack...I do push mine as far as terrain but I've been easy on the steering and not forcing it into the rocks.

I live in FL, so we really don't have anything to push the steering rack. The HOSS 3.0 steering rack would be nice, but it seems like a lot has to go into making it work. It would be really nice if Ford would sell it as an upgrade.

The ARB is nice, but it is massive for me. My friend has it on their bronco, and they love it. I just want to see a winch bumper and fall in love with it since I don't plan on ever changing it again. The JCR Vanguard is the closest contender for me so far. I mean Maxslider is really nice but wayyy too expensive. Another reason I might go JCR is that I want their skid plates.

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[Valhalla]

Yeah I did a thread where I asked the community for one that hit a lot of criteria.... lots of people posted a bunch of great bumpers, I just know how overgrown trails get here 3/4 s of the year (SE TN). And I wanted a bull bar because mild crashes total these. I may end up deleting the crash bars so I need it, I doubt the bull bar helps in this event, but every little bit as they say.

 

[killaz05]

Yeah I did a thread where I asked the community for one that hit a lot of criteria.... lots of people posted a bunch of great bumpers, I just know how overgrown trails get here 3/4 s of the year (SE TN). And I wanted a bull bar because mild crashes total these. I may end up deleting the crash bars so I need it, I doubt the bull bar helps in this event, but every little bit as they say.

That ARB bumper is super stout. If you are bending that then everyone is having a bad day...

I am heading to Windrock in TN at the end of April the week after supercel for an event with another car group of mine. Another reason I am doing some upgrades and contemplating tires. I have 23k on the goodyears. They look about 3/4 done but I would like the grip out on the trail of new tires.

 

[Valhalla]

What weekend, might meet you out there... jeep week destroyed trail 22 its no longer a 'blue" trail we need more than 35s to drive it in a bronco... with a winch you can drag it over on the skid plates. Here is the rock that stopped me. Rear left lower control arm mount hitting, the trail apparently got worse past that.

 

[killaz05]

What weekend, might meet you out there... jeep week destroyed trail 22 its no longer a 'blue" trail we need more than 35s to drive it in a bronco... with a winch you can drag it over on the skid plates. Here is the rock that stopped me. Rear left lower control arm mount hitting, the trail apparently got worse past that.

Actually, heading there on Thursday (4/27/23). The group is staying at Fontana in NC for tail of the dragon but those with 4x4s are going to Windrock. If you are having issues on that rock in a 2-door, my 4-door will definitely hit. Another reason for better skids. Looks like a lot of fun out there and a lot different than the wheeling here in flat Florida which is what I am looking forward to.

 

[Valhalla]

Careful on the Dragon sir!! if that's a cake walk for you you are very near the devils' triangle at windrock. I ride also.
PS that is my wedding anniversary weekend she likes to wheel but I doubt it that weekend...

 

[gaaangs]

I keep forgetting to update this haha.

Latest mods have been:

Air Design fender flares and 17" Icon Rebound Pros in Bronze at 0-offset

Icon HD tie-rods which are nice and beefy compared to stock

Lastly, a snorkel by Airaid. I am not too happy that the company is fine with leaving the stock intake inlet but claiming the snorkel adds protection to the air box. I will modify the airbox so that it is sealed but it should have come that way. There is plenty of air volume that the engine shouldn't have an issue with just the snorkel.

Next mod is tires. Looking at going with BFG KM3s but a lift would be nice if I could still fit the bronco in the garage...

Where'd you get the orange tow hooks from?

 

[killaz05]

Where'd you get the orange tow hooks from?

Amazon, search orange D-ring shackles

 

[killaz05]

Went to Windrock and had a blast with some friends (@ChompSticks ). It was for a tail of the dragon event but those with 4x4s went to Windrock for a day. The photographers did an awesome job. I am making a large print of the mud one for my wall haha.

 

[ChompSticks]

Had a blast! And that dirt one is the shit!

 

[Valhalla]

Similar

 

[OrlandoOBX]

Have my order with Brandon ford also, seems they won’t sign Dora , they will charge whatever amount is on the window sticker

 

[pandapaul]

Went to Windrock and had a blast with some friends (@ChompSticks ). It was for a tail of the dragon event but those with 4x4s went to Windrock for a day. The photographers did an awesome job. I am making a large print of the mud one for my wall haha.

Those are some excellent photos.

 

[ROCKO]

I keep forgetting to update this haha.

Latest mods have been:

Air Design fender flares and 17" Icon Rebound Pros in Bronze at 0-offset

Icon HD tie-rods which are nice and beefy compared to stock

Lastly, a snorkel by Airaid. I am not too happy that the company is fine with leaving the stock intake inlet but claiming the snorkel adds protection to the air box. I will modify the airbox so that it is sealed but it should have come that way. There is plenty of air volume that the engine shouldn't have an issue with just the snorkel.

Next mod is tires. Looking at going with BFG KM3s but a lift would be nice if I could still fit the bronco in the garage...

I almost purchased the snorkel as well until I found out they don’t block off the air flow from stock intake. How is it really doing anything lol

 

[killaz05]

I almost purchased the snorkel as well until I found out they don’t block off the air flow from stock intake. How is it really doing anything lol

I fully agree and the fact that the company gives zero response doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about it. I did close off the stock inlet with a piece of rubber and metal zip tie. Is it 100% waterproof? probably not but I am not planning on going in water that deep where the front is under water a long period of time. My main issue was water splashing up and into the intake from mud/water holes or going over the hood briefly where the stock inlet was drawing air. I can probably silicone the rubber piece to it and be 100% waterproof.

I have been through torrential rain and up in the mountains running the tail of the dragon and Moonshiners 28 without any issues of the snorkel being the only air source.

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