- First Name
- Justin
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2020
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 30
- Location
- Ashland City, TN
- Vehicle(s)
- 2002 Toyota Tundra
- Your Bronco Model
- Badlands
- Thread starter
- #1
Our (Ok4wd) President, Jim Oostdyk was at the Bronco release in New York at NORA, Northeast Off Road Adventures and was able to get a good look at this exciting new 4WD vehicle.
We're incredible fans of the Ford Bronco. When OK4WD was founded in 1979, the Ford Bronco was in its second generation and moving into its third. However, we saw a lot of first generation and second generations.
Interior
The interior looked very similar to current vehicles, however they did their homework and have a dash mounting bracket that will accept various accessory mounts for accessory electronics, some well positioned grab handles, rubber floor with drains, and switching that appears to be able to take on some weather. The view through the windshield reminds me of a FJ Cruiser however the sloped hood will help with giving a better view of the trail.
Exterior
The side view mirrors are attached to the cowl and removing the doors required unlatching the door, disconnecting the electrical plug and lifting off the door from it's hinge pivot points. It was nice how there is no door frame as the window seals against the door surround which is part of the door pillar and roll cage.
The rear tailgate is very similar to Jeep's. It looks like Good Year has a new tire coming out as well, which is something else that excited us.
The tail lights are very Ford truck looking and I like how they kept the taillight from protruding out, which will help save little red plastic pieces from littering trails with trees or protruding rocks.
I really liked how there is so much open air and the roll cage circles the occupants. The door pillars are very stout allowing for no middle bar which will give the rear occupants an awesome unobstructed view.
They really kept the classic Bronco look with the grill, round headlights and hood. I liked how it has a very solid steel bumper and integrated front skid plate. You'll also notice the Independent Front Suspension (IFS) which is not a first for the Bronco, but really separates the new Bronco from a Wrangler. I know this will be a hot topic of arguments in 4WD enthusiast circles, but it is 2020 and I believe it's time for a change. I think the aftermarket will adapt and upgrade these suspensions and it will become more popular. Stay tuned...
Above the headlight is an interesting anchor point and Ford points out it helps the driver with front fender positioning. This can be used as a brush guard and I'm sure when a rack is added it can help tie down gear such as a canoe, etc.
Removable Top & Features
The 2 door hardtop consists of the back section and 2 front sections(3 pieces) and the 4 door is 5 pieces. The panels are very light weight however the rear section will require 2 people to remove or install.
I noticed this groove on the rear portion of the top on each side and it's for mounting options for a roof rack. This is a great addition and a much needed support area for mounting aftermarket rack systems. Above the windshield we also noticed painted covers which will also be areas for mounting the front supports for racks, light bars or other accessories.
The Fenders
It appears these clips allow the fenders to be removed without tools. We like that the flares are round and allow for large tires. Different models will have different width flares and should be easily changed
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension is a 4 link and the coil overs are very forward leaning allowing for ample travel. The outboard positioning gives the rocks some room to pass between the mounts and pumpkin and shows that the engineers did their homework.
Final Thoughts
Overall this vehicle really impressed me! I love the styling but more importantly it looks to be a solid off road vehicle. Ford has really put a lot of effort, thought and engineering into this and it shows. Many of the under carriage components and drivetrain look similar to the new Ranger which has proved to be a good truck. It's quite evident Ford is after the Jeep and competition breeds innovation so we all will benefit. -- by Ok4wd
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