2021 Ford Bronco - shots fired

[TheRobSJ]

That sucks. You have killer credibility with me on this and all car matters and I'm seriously dropping the idea of one based on your experience-based opinion.

Thanks as always Rob.

Despite my feelings on EcoBoost, and well, turbo engines in general...I still really want the Bronco. If they’d have offered the V8, Ford would have my $100 already. But if this is all it’s gonna be, then I’ll just make sure it’s not a complete fail when it releases and then I’ll get on board at the end of 2021.

There’s always this from Ford’s latest warranty book :

(1) Your vehicle’s Powertrain components are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The extended coverage applies to the Engine: all internal lubricated parts, cylinder block, cylinder heads, electrical fuel pump, powertrain control module, engine mounts, flywheel, injection pump, manifold (exhaust and intake), manifold bolts, oil pan, oil pump, seals and gaskets, engine thermostat, engine thermostat housing, timing chain cover, timing chain (gears or belt), turbocharger/supercharger unit, valve covers, water pump;

5/60 is decent. Not stellar. I suppose I could buy a Ford ESP that goes to 8/150 if I am worried.

 

[aminalmutha]

Turbo engines are a fact of life now days. GM, FCA, Ford, VAG, Honda, friggin’ everyone has them. Ford sells metric shitloads of vehicles and most have turbos now days so most of what your gonna see in a Ford shop are Ecoboosts. Everyone hated the modular motors, too, but there are many examples out there with big miles on them. In fact the Ecoboosts have been out long enough to get some miles on them too. Totally anecdotal, but I know a dude who put a couple hunnert thousand miles on an F150 turbo with only basic maintenance.

The turbo four in the Bronco offers drastically better packaging and performance of a NA V8 of not that long ago.

Only thing I wish they had a full tin top. That has kept me from seriously considering a Wrangler because most of the roof storage solutions suck. They look stupid and are expensive and mostly don’t work that well. I know the old Broncos had the pop off roof also but I think it really hurts its utility.

That just me tho. I am sure we will be seeing them crawl malls like a motherfucker very soon.

 

[Kornholio]

Discs self clean. Wet brakes are less effective. Flood the drum brake with water, and it’s weak for while. Plus the water mixes with the dust trapped in the drum and turns to a slurry, causing all kinds of problems. Take the truck down a boat launch ramp and you’ll know.

Discs can manage heat better. Can be kinda helpful if you’re coming down Grapevine with a max payload.

Discs are more powerful. I know some of the biggest of trucks still use drums. This is only because on a big rig they have the room to make the drums ridiculously large. Which means they can last longer than a disc setup and provide the same stopping power. And since brake jobs are not a $99.95 special at Midas on one of those things, long life is a big deal for them.

Discs self adjust...and while drums do also, they sometimes get jammed up with all the dust that’s stuck inside with nowhere to go and then they stop adjusting. Then as the brake shoes wear, they are farther away from the drum and require more pedal travel. This also is why the parking brake pedal goes all the way to the floor and it still doesn’t hold the truck.

We actually haven't used drums in years, Rob. All of my trucks MY2017 and newer are full disc. It has SIGNIFICANTLY cut down on brake maintenance costs. Far more than I could've possibly imagined too. Some of the drivers are still leery, but the mechanics are definitely not. Swapping out drums and shoes every couple of months on three axles is backbreaking work.

I mean how much stopping power are you guys expecting from the rear wheels?

My Ranger is rated for 7500 pounds of towing capacity and I generally pull as much as 5000-6000 pounds depending on what's being towed. Since I'm not using a brake controller (yet...), I expect to have top shelf braking power that doesn't fade due to heat. Drums are not the superior product in that regard and haven't been for years. I suspect if someone never tows or carries heavy payloads, it won't matter much to them, though. It's still pathetic that for what Toyota charges for their trucks that they'd equip them with old and inferior tech. It's 2020, not 1995.

This doesn't appear to be the case.

I don't recall Ford offering the 7speed manual on the Ranger.

It's not but the rumor is that it may be added to the option list for the next model renewal in 2022.

Toyota has said for off road reliability. They've defended it pretty hard for the last few years.

I've seen the video on YouTube where they specifically asked a Toyota engineer about this and he gave that answer. Yeah, I'm no engineer, but there's quite a few reasons that "off-road reliability" doesn't really hold water as literally every other manufacturer left drums, front and rear, behind years ago for the exact reasons Toyota claims to keep them around.

Turbo engines are a fact of life now days. GM, FCA, Ford, VAG, Honda, friggin’ everyone has them. Ford sells metric shitloads of vehicles and most have turbos now days so most of what your gonna see in a Ford shop are Ecoboosts. Everyone hated the modular motors, too, but there are many examples out there with big miles on them. In fact the Ecoboosts have been out long enough to get some miles on them too. Totally anecdotal, but I know a dude who put a couple hunnert thousand miles on an F150 turbo with only basic maintenance.

Yep. The luddites are aplenty these days. My last two F-150's had turbocharged engines as does my current Ranger. Never had any issues with the F-150s and still nothing bad to report about the Ranger either. And I actually use my trucks for hauling and towing things on a fairly regular basis. There's far too many good ol' boys that will believe all the old wive's tales about turbocharged engines and balk at them because of it. I said it already earlier...it's not 1995 anymore. People need to wake up and embrace the future. Eventually, even the venerable Coyote V8 will be gone as well. It's only a matter of time.

 

[TheRobSJ]

Turbo engines are a fact of life now days.


Only thing I wish they had a full tin top.

Don’t I know it. This time next year, the only thing my brand is going to offer is turbo engines. Just like with direct injection, the return in power and efficiency is just too good to pass up for automakers and far outweighs any downsides. While we’ve come a long way from the one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Missi level of turbo lag of those old turbo cars or the 80’s...but they still have a lag. And they also do a fantastic job at killing exhaust noise. Superchargers I have no problem with of course, but they’re not as efficient as turbocharging, so their days are numbered.


The roof is a concern to me as well. Taking the roof off will be a bit of a novelty to me (I actually hate sunroofs). Since it will be a daily driver, I’m a little worried about how loud the wind noise over the roof will be. Driven enough of those soft door/roof Jeeps to know they are not that pleasant on the freeway. So another reason for me to wait till these things have been released.

 

[Blankpage]

Thankfully Lexus still offers a V8 as an option

 

[TheRobSJ]

We actually haven't used drums in years, Rob. All of my trucks MY2017 and newer are full disc. It has SIGNIFICANTLY cut down on brake maintenance costs. Far more than I could've possibly imagined too. Some of the drivers are still leery, but the mechanics are definitely not. Swapping out drums and shoes every couple of months on three axles is backbreaking work.

So how much does a drum weigh? They look so frigging huge. Hell, every time I walk through the Ford shop and see the heavy line guys pulling a cab off a chassis to do some major repair? Ugh. So glad I just stuck with Honda and have no need to ever own anything bigger than 1/2” drive sockets.

 

[NorCalAthlete]

That sucks. You have killer credibility with me on this and all car matters and I'm seriously dropping the idea of one based on your experience-based opinion.

Thanks as always Rob.

Other options though may include :

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 - 375 hp / 470 lb-ft torque
• 3.5L High output EcoBoost V6 - 450 hp / 510 lb-ft torque
• 3.0L PowerStroke turbo diesel - 250 hp / 440 lb-ft torque
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 - 395 hp / 400 lb-ft torque (can convert this one to natural gas or propane for fuel)

I'm actually kinda interested to see the rumored hybrid option as well - imagine pairing the high output 3.5L with a mild hybrid system that gives you an extra 100 lb-ft of torque, plug-in range for grocery runs, plus some extra fuel economy on the freeway for long camping trips.

For me I’m likely going to wait for the diesel. I dunno, we'll see. Jason, I may take you up on that offer to drive your truck...I'll text you.

 

[bpw]

I'm actually kinda interested to see the rumored hybrid option as well - imagine pairing the high output 3.5L with a mild hybrid system that gives you an extra 100 lb-ft of torque, plug-in range for grocery runs, plus some extra fuel economy on the freeway for long camping trips.

Hybrid would be so amazingly awesome off road. The throttle control and available low speed torque is so much smoother and better than any gas engine.

 

[TheRobSJ]

I'm actually kinda interested to see the rumored hybrid option as well - imagine pairing the high output 3.5L with a mild hybrid system that gives you an extra 100 lb-ft of torque, plug-in range for grocery runs, plus some extra fuel economy on the freeway for long camping trips.

Don’t need to imagine anything. You can get that powertrain already in the Lincoln Aviator. 494hp/630lbs. I believe that’s going to be the “PowerBoost” setup in the 2021 F-150 as well.

 

[aminalmutha]

Don’t need to imagine anything. You can get that powertrain already in the Lincoln Aviator. 494hp/630lbs. I believe that’s going to be the “PowerBoost” setup in the 2021 F-150 as well.

Damn. Didn't realize it had that much grunt.


Tin top... looks like the "Sport" has a full steel roof, but it also appears quite small. Cool that a compact vehicle has true off road goodies, tho. A lot of crossover/small SUV's have AWD systems that basically help you in rain, but not much else. At least it looks look clown car than the Renegade.

 

[auntiebling]

the bronco sport isn't really the same vehicle as the regular bronco. it's based on the escape IIRC and the options list looks to be trim levels and electronics. i didn't dig too hard tho

 

[aminalmutha]

the bronco sport isn't really the same vehicle as the regular bronco. it's based on the escape IIRC and the options list looks to be trim levels and electronics. i didn't dig too hard tho

No, the Sport is definitely a different animal. If it's based on the Escape, that's probably ok. It does look quite small. As long as it's not based on the Ecosport or whatever the hell that mini thing is called. I rode in one and adults are pretty much shoulder to shoulder in the FRONT seats.

 

[ScarySpikes]

No, the Sport is definitely a different animal. If it's based on the Escape, that's probably ok. It does look quite small. As long as it's not based on the Ecosport or whatever the hell that mini thing is called. I rode in one and adults are pretty much shoulder to shoulder in the FRONT seats.

The Bronco Sport is a shot at Subaru, more specifically, the 'outdoor lifestyle' types that load the roof of their car with Kayaks, mountain bikes, paddle boards, and stuff the trunk with a cooler of food, camping gear, etc. 2 weekends a month. The types whose off road needs consist of some dirt or gravel roads and paths, but certainly not rock crawling or the like. If all of those accessories are actually competitive I think it could do very well. I have a feeling I will see more of the Sports than the normal Bronco's here in the Pacific Northwest.

 

[aminalmutha]

The Bronco Sport is a shot at Subaru, more specifically, the 'outdoor lifestyle' types that load the roof of their car with Kayaks, mountain bikes, paddle boards, and stuff the trunk with a cooler of food, camping gear, etc. 2 weekends a month. The types whose off road needs consist of some dirt or gravel roads and paths, but certainly not rock crawling or the like. If all of those accessories are actually competitive I think it could do very well. I have a feeling I will see more of the Sports than the normal Bronco's here in the Pacific Northwest.

Ironically, those Subarus and such likely see more dirt roads than Wranglers, let alone actual off roading.

Roof top Thule bins rule. I use one for skiing. Can throw all my dirty shit in there and not worry about having wet, dirty stuff inside the vehicle.

I dunno, any kind of convertible to me just isn't my thing. Way too many disadvantages. If I want air, I'll roll down the windows.

 

[Mike95060]

Ironically, those Subarus and such likely see more dirt roads than Wranglers, let alone actual off roading.

Roof top Thule bins rule. I use one for skiing. Can throw all my dirty shit in there and not worry about having wet, dirty stuff inside the vehicle.

I dunno, any kind of convertible to me just isn't my thing. Way too many disadvantages. If I want air, I'll roll down the windows.

Or maybe ride a motorcycle?

 

[aminalmutha]

Or maybe ride a motorcycle?

Word. Convertibles are for people who don't get it. Cars are tools, motorcycles are lyfe.

 

[Beauregard]

Thankfully Lexus still offers a V8 as an option

The 4.7 is a great, durable motor, but 14 mpg SUCKS. My Ram Hemi gets better mileage.

 

[ScottRNelson]

I haven't read most of this thread, so don't know how far off topic it has gone.

I just wanted to mention that I put a $100 deposit down on a Ford Bronco earlier today. You can specify which trim level you want to reserve, but that's it. You don't specify anything else until it's time to submit the actual order. I still don't know if I really want one or not, but I have a few months to decide. They'll refund my deposit if I change my mind.

I have a hard time with the idea of buying a new car for $30K+ then going out and getting it all dirty and muddy right away. But if I get one, that's what I'll want to do with it. I guess I've learned to live with a new KTM that's almost always dirty. It's sitting in my garage right now waiting to get hosed off.

I'll be digging into the details of the Bronco for the next few weeks to better understand what all of the choices are. I might even go back and read all of this thread.

 

[Kornholio]

Thankfully Lexus still offers a V8 as an option

My dad recently bought an GX 460 which has a 4.6 liter V8 with 301 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and shitty fuel mileage. Ford recently released a factory upgrade for my Ranger's 2.3 which bumps power output to 315 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque out of an engine half the size yet still carries the standard warranty coverage since it's OEM and only costs $850. So my truck (and basically the Bronco too) tows more, carries more, gets far better fuel mileage and weighs less. If you want a luxury SUV, knock yourself out. But that 4.6 V8 Toyota is using is a total lump IMO.

So how much does a drum weigh? They look so frigging huge. Hell, every time I walk through the Ford shop and see the heavy line guys pulling a cab off a chassis to do some major repair? Ugh. So glad I just stuck with Honda and have no need to ever own anything bigger than 1/2” drive sockets.

I do know that four drums require a pallet and a forklift to load/unload. I'd assume they're around 50-60 pounds at least...maybe more. I've never had to lift them myself but it's one of the biggest complaints from the mechanics. We've got a special tool we made to assist with getting them off the axles now, too.

 

[RRR70]

The 4.7 is a great, durable motor, but 14 mpg SUCKS. My Ram Hemi gets better mileage.

My 2003 TJ gets about 13.5 MPG.