Warning: Bronco bolts strip easily

[SamG]

Heads up - using the provided star key/tool on the bronco bolts isn’t always the best idea. Not a super tight fit and as such slightly stripped a bolt.

Shocked that the provided tool doesn’t fit well enough tbh

Sponsored

 

[North7]

Heads up - using the provided star key/tool on the bronco bolts isn’t always the best idea. Not a super tight fit and as such slightly stripped a bolt.

Shocked that the provided tool doesn’t fit well enough tbh

Buy some quality Torx PLUS bits, NOT regular Torx bits, the regular style will strip out your bolts.

 

[MaverickMan]

Buy some quality Torx bits, such as Milwaukee Tool, available at Home Depot.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produ...and-Fastening/SHOCKWAVE-Driver-Set/48-32-4615
View attachment 180532

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Hand-Tools/Fastening/Screwdrivers-and-Nutdrivers/48-22-2103
View attachment 180533

And DO NOT use an impact.


As a side note I think largely everyone should think of the bronco bolts as place keepers. Since you may be mounting things differently or of differing thicknesses you will likely need a different bolt for your application. Use proper hardware and lock washers if you want things to stay put folks.

 

[Bigmoose]

The bronco tool kit is probably harbor freight quality or less. Definitely need a quality bit. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[BaseBD]

I think the bolts are also Torx Plus, so slightly different shape. I noticed my t40 is a Hair loose. Need to get a t40 torx plus

 

[Chuck_Ruck]

The bronco tool kit is probably harbor freight quality or less.

Has any manufacturer EVER provided a tool worth a damn? I'm surprised they didnt include these wonderful bits...

 

[GoTigersGoBronco]

I tested the tool kit on the Bronco Bolt and wasn’t a fan. I ordered a $10 torx bit set to take them on and off.

 

[Bigmoose]

Has any manufacturer EVER provided a tool worth a damn? I'm surprised they didnt include these wonderful bits...

I'd take those made in Japan ones over harbor freight any day! Haha.

 

[Rusty Sheckelford]

Buy some quality Torx bits, such as Milwaukee Tool, available at Home Depot.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produ...and-Fastening/SHOCKWAVE-Driver-Set/48-32-4615
View attachment 180532

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Hand-Tools/Fastening/Screwdrivers-and-Nutdrivers/48-22-2103
View attachment 180533

Wish websites would say if their products were made in USA or elsewhere. You can never be sure these days, even with so-called American companies.

 

[Herbie]

And DO NOT use an impact.


As a side note I think largely everyone should think of the bronco bolts as place keepers. Since you may be mounting things differently or of differing thicknesses you will likely need a different bolt for your application. Use proper hardware and lock washers if you want things to stay put folks.

Shane, if I'm mounting Pod lights on the mirror mounts you think I should not put the torx bolts back in rather I should use a bolt and washer I pick up separately? I was planning on just using the torx bolt like Middleton Motors did in one of their videos on here. I appreciate your input.

 

[MaverickMan]

Shane, if I'm mounting Pod lights on the mirror mounts you think I should not put the torx bolts back in rather I should use a bolt and washer I pick up separately? I was planning on just using the torx bolt like Middleton Motors did in one of their videos on here. I appreciate your input.

In some cases the factory bolts would be just fine. Especially on interior pieces where there is less vibration from wind. But as far as the pod lights goes or anything on the bumpers or elsewhere outside. Having a bolt that has issues stripping and has the potential to be the wrong length I would have to actually look at it. If it cant be torqued down enough then thats a problem. Also alot of products will come with bolts that have lock washers or grooves under the head to prevent backing out.

I would say try it with what you have. If you are unsure at all about it staying. Use a torque wrench and remember what you set it at. Then re-torque em after a week or a tank of gas or whatever. If they arent close to the torque you set them at then maybe you need to look at better hardware.

Just keep an eye on anything you modify, you dont want a edgy aluminum chunk dangling from a wire against your fender while on a rough road.

 

[Herbie]

In some cases the factory bolts would be just fine. Especially on interior pieces where there is less vibration from wind. But as far as the pod lights goes or anything on the bumpers or elsewhere outside. Having a bolt that has issues stripping and has the potential to be the wrong length I would have to actually look at it. If it cant be torqued down enough then thats a problem. Also alot of products will come with bolts that have lock washers or grooves under the head to prevent backing out.

I would say try it with what you have. If you are unsure at all about it staying. Use a torque wrench and remember what you set it at. Then re-torque em after a week or a tank of gas or whatever. If they arent close to the torque you set them at then maybe you need to look at better hardware.

Thank you

 

[Bradley Thornton]

If you own Fords make sure you have a big tool box

 

[GoTigersGoBronco]

I appreciate what Sandy Munro told the Mach E engineering chief “a threaded fastener is actually a threaded unfastener”

 

[jorgem31]

Does anyone know if there is a list of all the sizes of torx and bolts used on a Bronco? I would love to pack a toolkit with only what's needed.

Sponsored