2022 Bronco

Post pics and info of your current projects.
User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:16 pm

While I do love me a good Jeep, those of you that really know me are well aware that my true allegiance has always been with the Bronco. I was raised in the back seat of a 1977 that was bought brand new and is still in the family, and I've owned a few of my own over the years as well. Good/bad/otherwise, when my kids entered the picture the overall automotive landscape had changed drastically from when I was in diapers, and the bottom line is the romantic memories of my younger days in the back of a Bronco are easily eclipsed with something as simple as a second set of doors, ala the Jeep Cherokee XJ and the Jeep JKU/JLU platforms. Not to mention things like fuel injection, power windows, and an HVAC system that functions so well you actually know when it's running :roll: Don't get me wrong at any level, I absolutely LOVE the original Broncos, but there are simply better options for families with small kids these days, and I said goodbye to my last Bronco back in the spring of 2011 :cry:

IMAG0061.jpg
IMAG0061.jpg (1.88 MiB) Viewed 5861 times


Fast forward a decade and some change, and the minions can not only fend for themselves, one of them is actually driving his own junk around so I don't even need to worry about a seat for him anymore, and the other one is a scant few months away from the same in her own right. The days of hauling kids and sports gear and their friends all over the place are fading quickly, and mamma got an itch to ditch the soccer-mom Explorer that had served her well over the last several years, in favor of something a little more sporty. We both enjoy our (OK, it's hers) JLU-R and as good of a driver as it is, it's still a Jeep and any conversation regarding it's driving characteristics is immediately qualified with "...it drives great, for a Jeep...". Enter the 2022 Bronco 8)

2faa8ff0ee0f6ba10a9db93dfd3487bf.jpg
2faa8ff0ee0f6ba10a9db93dfd3487bf.jpg (104.5 KiB) Viewed 5861 times

1f35391600c63819ea59162dc40e51ce.jpg
1f35391600c63819ea59162dc40e51ce.jpg (61.4 KiB) Viewed 5859 times


We spec'd out a Badlands edition for it's locking differentials and disconnectable swaybar (strikingly similar to a Rubicon), but shied away from the Sasquatch package due to the horrible looking fender flares and paper-thin Goodyear tires that come with it. Since this is mamma's daily, we opted for all manner of electronic gizmo and gadgetry, but paid close attention to those options that delay factory orders, like the towing package, and left those czek boxes blank. We also stayed away from the larger 2.7L engine based upon the rumored issues with dropping valves, and instead opted for the plucky 2.3L with a measly 300hp/325tq. What we ended up with is a completely civilized off-roader; the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. This thing drives like her Explorer, perhaps even better, has room for people and cargo should the need for either/both ever arise, and has magical buttons and switches to allow for prodigious use at elevation. Now if I could just get the keys :?
Last edited by tobyw on Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...
Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:42 pm

Make no mistake, the new Bronco is not intended to take the place of the JLU-R. To be blunt, it can't. They are simply different tools for different purposes, although they do have enough similar characteristics to blur the lines a little.

IMG_5361.JPG
IMG_5361.JPG (1.12 MiB) Viewed 5859 times


As much as I'd love to wheel the dickens out of it, and understanding it's limitations in comparison to the JLU-R, the fact remains this is her daily and I just can't. Therefore, at least for the immediate future, use will be limited to what I can get away with. And the same goes for modifications; they will be limited to cosmetics and creature comforts, with minor emphasis on functionality or any legitimate wheeling improvements.

With that said, we do plan to use it for camping trips and some light WABDRing, and that means towing our new micro camper. Since we wanted our Bronco this decade and therefore didn't get the factory tow package, a quick trip to the interweb netted some Father's Day savings on a Curt receiver hitch, Curt taillight wiring harness, and the rest of the wiring goodies necessary to make it all work for our needs. To the shop!!

IMG_5919.JPG
IMG_5919.JPG (1.2 MiB) Viewed 5859 times


A quick mockup install of the hitch to play with the placement of the trailer wiring:

IMG_5978.JPG
IMG_5978.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5859 times


The hot glue gun was used to marry the wiring plug bracket to the receiver:

IMG_5981.JPG
IMG_5981.JPG (1.43 MiB) Viewed 5859 times


Then the whole mess was installt for good:

IMG_5989.JPG
IMG_5989.JPG (1.25 MiB) Viewed 5859 times


Now the fun part; actually wiring this up. Step one was to destroy the interior in search of the OEM trailer wiring harness, which is very inconveniently located behind the plastic panel on the driver-rear fenderwell. This requires full disassembly of the rear interior:

IMG_5995.JPG
IMG_5995.JPG (976.14 KiB) Viewed 5859 times

IMG_5997.JPG
IMG_5997.JPG (1.19 MiB) Viewed 5859 times

IMG_5999.JPG
IMG_5999.JPG (1.18 MiB) Viewed 5859 times


Once I had eyes on the OEM trailer wiring harness, I probed the connectors for the desired connection points, and went about the business of making the necessary connections and routing the new wiring as cleanly as possible to get things working:

IMG_6008.JPG
IMG_6008.JPG (1.22 MiB) Viewed 5859 times

IMG_6014.JPG
IMG_6014.JPG (1.2 MiB) Viewed 5859 times

IMG_6018.JPG
IMG_6018.JPG (1.13 MiB) Viewed 5859 times


Lucky for me, everything went back together without issue and no one would ever be the wiser that I was in there. The trailer wiring functions perfectly, including the charge circuit that runs the Bluetooth trailer brake controller (best widget EVER). The first towing test is coming up in a few weekends, and I'm sure the begnnings of a laundry list of future modifications will be drafted during that very trip :thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Mon Aug 22, 2022 9:43 am

With gravel road duty pending, it was time to address one of the downsides of any vehicle with BFG A/T tires; throwing the aforementioned gravel. I don't know what it is about BFG A/T's, but they are some of the best gravel grabbers/throwers in the business, and have been for every generation that I've run. Anyhow, not wanting to have the lower body panels look like a czecker board, and recognizing that stiff plastic splash guards do not typically mix well with the rigors of off-road travel, I set about making some proper mud flaps fit. A quick mockup revealed the factory rocker guards interfered just slightly with the natural curvature of the fender opening and prevented the mud flap from sitting how I wanted it, so a quick trim was in order:

IMG_6473.JPG
IMG_6473.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6478.JPG
IMG_6478.JPG (868.89 KiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6486.JPG
IMG_6486.JPG (1.42 MiB) Viewed 5828 times


With that done, I took a look at mounting options and realized that the OEM crash bar would make a perfect foundation:

IMG_6479.JPG
IMG_6479.JPG (1.03 MiB) Viewed 5828 times


With a couple holes and a couple bolts, the flap was hanging in place:

IMG_6480.JPG
IMG_6480.JPG (1017.15 KiB) Viewed 5828 times


And to secure the upper portion and help ensure it holds shape with the curvature of the fender opening, I used a small self-tapper and a 1" nylon spacer to attach the upper portion to the fender flare itself:

IMG_6490.JPG
IMG_6490.JPG (1.04 MiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6494.JPG
IMG_6494.JPG (1.17 MiB) Viewed 5828 times


With that handled, I wanted to spruce up the aforementioned crash bars a bit, because the big wide-mouth opening just hanging out in space isn't particularly attractive to me. With a couple of plastic plugs installt, it looks significantly better to in my opinion:

IMG_6438.JPG
IMG_6438.JPG (962.22 KiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6442.JPG
IMG_6442.JPG (1019.27 KiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6440.JPG
IMG_6440.JPG (1.16 MiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6498.JPG
IMG_6498.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5828 times


Next up was some auxiliary lighting. One of the Bronco's design oversights is the lack of OEM fog lights when you order the modular steel front bumper. To remedy this situation, I picked up some inexpensive LED pod lights and a nice little pre-fabricated bracket. A couple of bolts and some wiring attached to the factory upfitter switches, and voila!

IMG_6453.JPG
IMG_6453.JPG (1.35 MiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6463.JPG
IMG_6463.JPG (1.21 MiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6467.JPG
IMG_6467.JPG (1.05 MiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6454.JPG
IMG_6454.JPG (1.13 MiB) Viewed 5828 times


The final item in this little round of upgrades was to address another glaring oversight in the Bronco, and that is the lack of rear cupholders... That's right, there are NO rear cupholders in the 4-door Bronco unless you upgrade ($2k :shock: ) to the power leather seat package. Had we known that was the only way to get rear seat cupholders, we may have considered it but we didn't realize this oversight until we took delivery, so learn from our mistakes kids... Anyhow, the aftermarket has finally addressed this massive flaw and provides a solution that is striking similar to what comes standard in a JLU:

IMG_6500.JPG
IMG_6500.JPG (1.16 MiB) Viewed 5828 times

IMG_6514.JPG
IMG_6514.JPG (978.65 KiB) Viewed 5828 times
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
Lurch
Peak Putters Member
Peak Putters Member
Posts: 2363
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:10 am
Location: Pasco

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby Lurch » Mon Aug 22, 2022 5:33 pm

Looking good :thu2: I still want to order one.
You can follow me.... but it's gonna hurt ;)

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:19 pm

Lurch wrote:Looking good :thu2: I still want to order one.


Do it!! I am completely infatuated with it right now, definitely still in the honeymoon phase... Every time I get the opportunity to drive it, I'm just enamored. That being said, it's been 100% road miles to this point, so I cannot yet comment on any sort of wheeling prowess, and to be honest I have my suspicions that there are things I will not like it about it on the trail. But for the vast majority of the time, I'm betting it'll be just dandy :smile:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Sat Sep 03, 2022 4:21 am

It's been long enough... Time to PHAB :lol2

I wanted to add juuuuuuust a little something to the otherwise standard-issue front bumper, but I didn't want it to stick out like a sore thumb or get in the way of the forward facing camera or collision avoidance system bits. With some 1.5"x0.065" tube and a few minutes of mockup, a plan was hatched:

IMG_6543.JPG
IMG_6543.JPG (1.02 MiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6544.JPG
IMG_6544.JPG (1.4 MiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6547.JPG
IMG_6547.JPG (1.01 MiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6554.JPG
IMG_6554.JPG (1.18 MiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6555.JPG
IMG_6555.JPG (989 KiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6577.JPG
IMG_6577.JPG (1.47 MiB) Viewed 5800 times


While I had the tube kinker and hot glue gun out, I decided to whip up some shopping cart sliders using some 1.5"x0.120" tube:

IMG_6539.JPG
IMG_6539.JPG (979.96 KiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6564.JPG
IMG_6564.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6571.JPG
IMG_6571.JPG (1.42 MiB) Viewed 5800 times

IMG_6575.JPG
IMG_6575.JPG (1.56 MiB) Viewed 5800 times


I may not get away with much more, but I'm going to keep trying to butter her up and let me take it wheeling one of these days :thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Wed Sep 21, 2022 6:51 am

Not exactly a modification, but removing the top adds a factor, even in the driveway 8)

IMG_6673.JPG
IMG_6673.JPG (1.43 MiB) Viewed 5744 times
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Mon Oct 17, 2022 8:41 am

Well... in true Wilcox fashion, things have changed. After roughly 3 months and about 2,500 miles of daily driving mamma decided that a Bronco is not her ideal vehicle. Between the entry/egress challenges and the road noise (both relative compared to a sedan or mommy SUV), she wanted to get back into something more civilized. We spent a few hours shopping the local lots and settled on a brand new Grand Cherokee L:

002.jpg
002.jpg (47.57 KiB) Viewed 5703 times

001.jpg
001.jpg (42.56 KiB) Viewed 5703 times


What does this mean for the fleet? Well, something had to go... The choices were the truck, the JLU-R, or the new Bronco. We've tried to live without a truck a few times, never ends well, so it was allowed to stay. Down to the JLU-R vs. the Bronco :? After much debate, it was decided that Oscar the JLU-R had been fun over the past 4-1/2 years, but we've been there, done that, and made the T-shirt so why not give something new a try?! The Bronco STAYS, and it's MINE (OK, it's still hers :oops: )!

Let's get this party started :thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Mon Oct 17, 2022 9:19 am

In an effort to replicate and improve the game of Tetris that was the adventure gear load-out in the JLU-R, for the Bronco I took a markedly similar approach with a few tweaks thanks in part to the Bronco's slightly larger cargo area dimensions. These increased specs allowed for a very specific improvement that had always been troublesome in the JLU-R, and that is the inclusion of a storage spot for a proper table. Having struggled for years with an aluminum roll-up table, which worked reasonably well, we can now put those barbaric days behind us :lol:

I started with a slab of OSB that will anchor down to the Bronco's factory floor tie-down locations:

IMG_0354.JPG
IMG_0354.JPG (1.26 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


From there, I added a shelf to house the aforementioned trail table:

IMG_0356.JPG
IMG_0356.JPG (1.12 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


Then I mocked up the upper deck to ensure I had adequate head space for the storage bins:

IMG_0363.JPG
IMG_0363.JPG (1.1 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


Out came the hot glue gun to build some brackets to hang the cargo basket from the Bronco body, utilizing the factory mounting points intended for the soft top brackets:

IMG_0387.JPG
IMG_0387.JPG (1.33 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


Here they are installed (passenger side) and supporting the cargo basket:

IMG_0391.JPG
IMG_0391.JPG (1.06 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


Waiting on the paint to dry before I can get a "final" picture...

Next up was addressing the need to air up after running trails. While I loved the Warn Powerplant that had an integrated air compressor, the fact of the matter was that it was simply massive and just wouldn't physically fit anywhere on the Bronco. Having a few years of experience now with the ARB twin air compressor in other rigs, it seemed to be a logical option here. I popped the hood, popped a cold one, and stared at things for a few minutes:

IMG_0399.JPG
IMG_0399.JPG (1.5 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


After trying a few locations and orientations, I settled upon this little space behind the air filter and above whatever that magic box is hanging off the inner fender:

IMG_0400.JPG
IMG_0400.JPG (1.29 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


Using my CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) skills, I whipped out a template to mount the compressor:

IMG_0405.JPG
IMG_0405.JPG (1.1 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


Out came the plasma cutter to replicate the template onto some 10ga steel:

IMG_0403.JPG
IMG_0403.JPG (1.32 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


After a little more mockup and fab work, the mount was complete and ready for paint:

IMG_0411.JPG
IMG_0411.JPG (1.41 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


The ARB twin looks right at home, and is ready for wiring and plumbing. Thanks to the Ford Upfitter switches, even I can wire it with little fear of an electrical fire, and the plumbing should be equally idiot proof once I settle on a final location for the air chuck.

IMG_0413.JPG
IMG_0413.JPG (1.37 MiB) Viewed 5702 times


Next up will be some suspension enhancements and some form of self-recovery device :thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Sun Oct 23, 2022 5:23 am

Here is the cargo area in it's "finished" form, with the table storage in full plumage:

IMG_0414.JPG
IMG_0414.JPG (1.34 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0415.JPG
IMG_0415.JPG (1.25 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


:thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Sun Oct 23, 2022 5:53 am

Ford missed the mark on a few key elements for the Bronco, and one of those is winch mounting. Similar to the Wrangler, the factory modular steel bumper is anything but "winch ready" and to make matters worse on the Bronco, FoMoCo decided to slap the module for the adaptive cruise control smack dab where a guy might want to try and mount a winch :? The aftermarket is starting to develop a few bumpers and other mounting solutions that ultimately relocate the cruise module, but between the Bronco Tax and the PITA factor of relocating that module, I'm headed down a different path... Plus I'm a pharmer and I just like to tinker :lol2

Having had great luck with off-brand winches on the last two builds, and watching the reviews over the years on the newest line of winches from our friends at Harbor Freight, I decided to save a few sheckles and give the APEX Badland 12k a shot for the Bronco. It was not lost on me that the Bronco is a Badlands edition and is about to receive a Badland winch :roll: Anyhoodles, given my plan of attack here there were a couple of key features that actually made this a good choice: it's highly water resistant and it has a wireless remote, both of which have nothing but glowing reviews everywhere you can find them. So... fingers crossed I don't get burnt trying to pinch a penny or seven. Let's get it mounted:

IMG_0428.JPG
IMG_0428.JPG (1.38 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0429.JPG
IMG_0429.JPG (1.37 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


The first order of business was to remove the factory skid plate and see what's what in the cavity that exists between it and the lower suspension crossmember:

IMG_0431.JPG
IMG_0431.JPG (1.04 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0436.JPG
IMG_0436.JPG (1.23 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0438.JPG
IMG_0438.JPG (1.2 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


Next was a little test fit, the first of many:

IMG_0441.JPG
IMG_0441.JPG (1.42 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0440.JPG
IMG_0440.JPG (1.27 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


I have no idea what these little protruding brackets are for, but they gotta go:

IMG_0445.JPG
IMG_0445.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0452.JPG
IMG_0452.JPG (1.4 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0456.JPG
IMG_0456.JPG (1.36 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0458.JPG
IMG_0458.JPG (1.36 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


With that area cleared out and tidied back up, it was time for another test fit:

IMG_0463.JPG
IMG_0463.JPG (1.33 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


Now we're getting somewhere!! On to the easy part - actually fabricating a winch cradle. Some carving of an off-the-shelf winch plate (I was low on 8" box tube to make my own :oops: ), a few slices and dices of 3/16" plate to make some bracketry, and voila:

IMG_0474.JPG
IMG_0474.JPG (1.54 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0477.JPG
IMG_0477.JPG (1.17 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0479.JPG
IMG_0479.JPG (1.57 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0482.JPG
IMG_0482.JPG (1.31 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0486.JPG
IMG_0486.JPG (1.13 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


IMG_0485.JPG
IMG_0485.JPG (1.14 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


And time for paint:

IMG_0495.JPG
IMG_0495.JPG (1.5 MiB) Viewed 5674 times


I need to run to the store and grab a couple pieces of metric hardware that I didn't have in my bolt bin, and then I can get the winch mounted for the last time. Once that is done I'll work on skidplate modifications to accept the hawse fairlead and then we should have this one czeked off the list :thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Sun Oct 23, 2022 3:44 pm

Finished up the fairlead mount between football games today:

IMG_0499.JPG
IMG_0499.JPG (1.62 MiB) Viewed 5669 times


IMG_0504.JPG
IMG_0504.JPG (1.46 MiB) Viewed 5669 times


Time for some field testing 8)
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Sat Oct 29, 2022 5:12 am

With snow season looming, having the Bronco setup for moderate gravel road exploration simply won't cut it. Time for a little added elevation and flotation in the form of 2-1/2" of suspension lift and 37" BFG KO2 tires 8)

IMG_0526.JPG
IMG_0526.JPG (1.3 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0528.JPG
IMG_0528.JPG (1.36 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0539.JPG
IMG_0539.JPG (1.43 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0545.JPG
IMG_0545.JPG (1.55 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0550.JPG
IMG_0550.JPG (1.55 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0554.JPG
IMG_0554.JPG (1.6 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0555.JPG
IMG_0555.JPG (1.16 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


Upon reassembly of the front end, I made a deviation from the kit instructions and instead of reusing the factory pressed in studs to attach the coilover assembly to the lower A-arm, I pressed the studs out and replaced them with 1/2" Grade 8 bolts. Why? Well, the factory studs have the threads facing down and leave not only the locking nut but a few threads exposed below the A-arm, and it just seemed to be begging to get hung up or otherwise snag on trail bits:

IMG_5923.JPG
IMG_5923.JPG (1.26 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0560.JPG
IMG_0560.JPG (1.14 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


The rear setup is much simpler, just a basic 5-link with similar coilovers. Didn't even take but one picture:

IMG_0562.JPG
IMG_0562.JPG (1.19 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


With the lift installed, it was time to drop it back down, torque the suspension joints with it sitting on it's own weight, and set the alignment. Here's a quick before/after:

IMG_0518.JPG
IMG_0518.JPG (1.29 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


IMG_0564.JPG
IMG_0564.JPG (1.29 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


After a little test drive and a double czek of the alignment, it was finally time for the payoff:

IMG_0573.JPG
IMG_0573.JPG (1.89 MiB) Viewed 5660 times


:thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Tue Dec 27, 2022 7:05 pm

For comms, it seems the way of the future (and perhaps the now :? ) is GMRS... Not wanting to get left behind like my MS-DOS desktop computer, I dipped my toe into the water and ordered up a Midland MXT115, 3db gain antenna, and matching coaxial cable. Unfortunately, I was sent the wrong coaxial cable to go with my antenna, so for install v1.0 I just went with the incredibly tiny mag-mount antenna that comes with the radio. Fingers crossed it doesn't completely suck, as the New Years run will be here long before the correct coaxial cable :roll:

Anyhow, here is how I installt the unit in the seemingly endless, non-flat, plastic abyss that is the 6G Bronco interior. As always, my requirements are three:

* My radio will not be hung overhead, as I am not a truck driver
* My radio will not be mounted on top of the dash, as I am not a law enforcement ocifer
* My radio will not be slapped on the transmission tunnel so as to ruin the day of my unwitting passenger

IMG_1211.JPG
IMG_1211.JPG (1.08 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1215.JPG
IMG_1215.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1225.JPG
IMG_1225.JPG (1.07 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1218.JPG
IMG_1218.JPG (1.46 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1222.JPG
IMG_1222.JPG (1.61 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1223.JPG
IMG_1223.JPG (1.32 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1233.JPG
IMG_1233.JPG (902.06 KiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1242.JPG
IMG_1242.JPG (1.31 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1245.JPG
IMG_1245.JPG (1.2 MiB) Viewed 5528 times


And, to finally address what is perhaps the biggest omission from the Bronco design (ranking a very close second to the lack of rear seat HVAC vents), I spent a couple of hours with some frosty beverages and stared at the A-pillar looking for a way to integrate a proper grab handle... Although I completely understand Ford's take on occupant safety taking some precedence over entry/egress ergonomics, it simply wasn't working out for me. I gingerly removed as much plastic as I could, exposing the side curtain airbag, and then stared some more. Finally, I gathered the courage to break out the Dremel and start making way for some bracketry to attach to some fortuitously placed hardware in the factory rollcage superstructure. A short while later, victory was mine...

IMG_1247.JPG
IMG_1247.JPG (1.09 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1248.JPG
IMG_1248.JPG (1.21 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1249.JPG
IMG_1249.JPG (1.2 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1258.JPG
IMG_1258.JPG (1.08 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1259.JPG
IMG_1259.JPG (1.2 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1251.JPG
IMG_1251.JPG (1.23 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1256.JPG
IMG_1256.JPG (1.12 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1262.JPG
IMG_1262.JPG (1.01 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1264.JPG
IMG_1264.JPG (1.13 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1265.JPG
IMG_1265.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5528 times

IMG_1268.JPG
IMG_1268.JPG (1.14 MiB) Viewed 5528 times


8)
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
Roman
Peak Putters President
Peak Putters President
Posts: 2743
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:30 pm
Location: Kennewick, WA

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby Roman » Thu Dec 29, 2022 5:51 pm

That lil antenna will probably serve all your needs...

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Fri Dec 30, 2022 5:05 pm

So for today's arts & crafts session, I addressed something that is near and dear to my heart, and that is lunch...

Starting with a 13x9 baking pan complete with lid, I made a bottom support plate out of 10ga galvanized sheet, drilled a couple of holes to match the bolt pattern on the head of the engine, added a couple of nylon stand off spacers to allow adequate clearance of the engine bits below, and voila:

IMG_1317.JPG
IMG_1317.JPG (1.38 MiB) Viewed 5514 times

IMG_1319.JPG
IMG_1319.JPG (1.23 MiB) Viewed 5514 times

IMG_1320.JPG
IMG_1320.JPG (1.31 MiB) Viewed 5514 times

IMG_1322.JPG
IMG_1322.JPG (1.24 MiB) Viewed 5514 times


It will accept disposable foil pans, so pulled pork is on the menu for tomorrow's snow run :thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
Roman
Peak Putters President
Peak Putters President
Posts: 2743
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:30 pm
Location: Kennewick, WA

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby Roman » Tue Jan 03, 2023 11:11 pm

Roman wrote:That lil antenna will probably serve all your needs...


How did the little radio do?

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Wed Jan 04, 2023 8:54 am

Roman wrote:
Roman wrote:That lil antenna will probably serve all your needs...


How did the little radio do?


It seemed to do fine, other than the folks I was transmitting to were picking up some sort of white noise during my transmissions? Almost like a background static or something that was apparently faint, but they both noticed it. Reception on my end was great, always clear and crisp. That said, we never got much more than a few hundred yards apart and didn't have a lot of elevation or terrain between us, so I wouldn't have expected much less.
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image

User avatar
Roman
Peak Putters President
Peak Putters President
Posts: 2743
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:30 pm
Location: Kennewick, WA

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby Roman » Thu Jan 05, 2023 6:52 am

Like I said, that little mag antenna will cover all you perfectly for the EXTREME usage it'll see

:thu:

User avatar
tobyw
Posts: 1879
Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:00 am
Location: Under the hood...

Re: 2022 Bronco

Postby tobyw » Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:06 pm

After living with the A-pillar grab handle for a couple of months, it was apparent that had used too small of tubing diameter as it was a little hard on the hand/fingers :oops: Plus, I wasn't overly enthusiastic about the lazy approach I took to the overall design, with a single bend at the top and a piece of flat bar at the bottom instead of bending it back toward the A-pillar :oops: :oops: Enough eye twitching, time to fix it:

IMG_1699.JPG
IMG_1699.JPG (1.29 MiB) Viewed 5389 times


IMG_1700.JPG
IMG_1700.JPG (1.23 MiB) Viewed 5389 times


IMG_1705.JPG
IMG_1705.JPG (1.15 MiB) Viewed 5389 times


IMG_1707.JPG
IMG_1707.JPG (1.15 MiB) Viewed 5389 times


IMG_1712.JPG
IMG_1712.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 5389 times


Muuuuuuuuuuch better :thu:
Yep, I've wheeled one of those, too...

Image


Return to “Projects and Build-Ups”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests