UPDATE: Finally Drove a Manual 2.3L (Not What I Was Expecting...)

[Bronco_Mando]

Saw the list of Manual Mannequins currently at dealerships across the country.
There is a CO Badlands 4D Manual at Ricart Ford and I'm planning on driving it tomorrow (July 6).

Really hoping that it has enough get-up-and-go!
I'm currently driving a manual Tacoma TRD Pro and although it is a great truck, it is a little on the slow side.

We've been waiting essentially 1 entire year to get to drive these things and to say I'm excited is an understatement.
If there is anything you guys would like me to look out for, I will try my best to report it back here tomorrow

Going to bring a GoPro camera.

@ Cactus Jack - could you please report if the GOAT modes with change the driving dynamics in the manual?
Thanks!

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[Thed]

@ Cactus Jack - could you please report if the GOAT modes with change the driving dynamics in the manual?
Thanks!

You have to press the throttle a bit more in Eco vs. Normal.

You won't see much difference other than that since the computer cannot control when a human shifts.

 

[Lakelife36]

I have.

It was unbelievable how easy it was to drive. It felt as natural as getting in my Miata that I've had for 5.5 years. Truly, it was as if I designed it myself.

Well Ben, you've made my day.
Ben

 

[indio22]

Give an idea of the power. And also how well the gear progression works (given what some have said about gaps).

Having driven a 3-speed manual CJ5 for many years and enjoyed the hell out of it gaps and all, I bet the Bronco will be fine. But any manual Bronco insight is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Elonmsk]

I spent an entire day in a MT 4-door badlands during the Off-Roadeo event last week. Power is excellent, the crawler gear was amazing. The clutch is very lite, took a minute for me to adjust, otherwise it felt great. Keep in mind, I'm coming from a 5th gen 4Runner on 37s, so everything to me is quick. Let me know if you have any questions. Btw, I ordered a 4-door MT Badlands.

 

[indio22]

I spent an entire day in a MT 4-door badlands during the Off-Roadeo event last week. Power is excellent, the crawler gear was amazing. The clutch is very lite, took a minute for me to adjust, otherwise it felt great. Keep in mind, I'm coming from a 5th gen 4Runner on 37s, so everything to me is quick. Let me know if you have any questions. Btw, I ordered a 4-door MT Badlands.

I've only sat in a 4-door manual Bronco at a Ford early showing. But I did play around with the lockout ring, shifting into/out of the crawler gear. Seemed like a smooth operation. Was that your experience shifting?

Also probably my greatest manual concern is the electronic switch parking brake, because I am a big time user of manual parking brake lever when operating a vehicle. Still not clear how well the electronic parking brake is going to work in dicey off-road situations. Did you try it at all?

 

[WuNgUn]

Blast that radio! Let's have an opinion!

 

[Elonmsk]

I've only sat in a 4-door manual Bronco at a Ford early showing. But I did play around with the lockout ring, shifting into/out of the crawler gear. Seemed like a smooth operation. Was that your experience shifting?

Also probably my greatest manual concern is the electronic switch parking brake, because I am a big time user of manual parking brake lever when operating a vehicle. Still not clear how well the electronic parking brake is going to work in dicey off-road situations. Did you try it at all?

I don't like the electronic parking brake but the instructor showed me some unique features of the manual I had not used in past vehicles.

1. Hill Start Assist - This worked great and held the bronco for a couple seconds, I found this very helpful with some of the big inclines.

2. You have the option to start in gear, the instructor demonstrated this on the trail using the crawler gear. Didn't use any throttle, I just let out the clutch and the vehicle engaged.

Overall, I'm glad I went with the MT. I had the opportunity to drive the Auto on day 1 and the MT on day 2 - I felt much more engaged with the MT + the obvious fun factor.

 

[Cactus Jack]

Had the opportunity to drive this vehicle. Updated the original post with a review.

 

[dejones64]

What rpm's were you shifting at? As someone mentioned, keep rpm's above 2k, actually in my opinion shift between 2500-3000 rpms.

 

[kodiakisland]

Shift at 2500 for fuel economy. Shift at 3000-3500 for acceleration. This is a 4cyl, not a V8. Lugging it in the the 1800-2000rpm range won't do you any favors.

 

[kodiakisland]

How about rev hang?

 

[kodiakisland]

Just watched this video: Video: 4 Door Badlands Manual Review & Crawler Gear Demo | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

He is shifting as it it should be, but I doubt I'm that high in the rpms for the first 500 miles.

 

[MSparks909]

How about rev hang?

I didn’t notice much if any rev hang yesterday

 

[Efthreeoh]

Okay, a bit of rule of thumb for engines...

The smaller the displacement and less cylinder count means piston speeds need to increase to make comparable power to a larger engine engine with a higher cylinder count; i.e. means you have to rev a smaller engine faster for it to make power...

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