$500 Explorer vs $500/month Bronco Sport Off-road Challenge!

Looking for a lift kit for your Ford Bronco Sport?
click here: www.hrgoffroad.com/1-5-inch-3...
In this video, we return to the Uwharrie OHV trails to compare the capability of the new Bronco Sport versus a $500 Explorer. Both vehicles are lifted, both vehicles have larger tires.
The Bronco Sport has an HRG Engineering lift kit
Toyo Open Country AT3 tires size 245/70/16
Since we still have not found the limits of the Bronco Sport we will return to Uwharrie for PART 2 to try it out on the most difficult trails, plus we will be doing an objective comparison between the 2 vehicles, strictly by the numbers.
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HRG Offroad
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Mooresville, NC 28117

[@tacomax7183]

Bronco sport are u serious🤣🤣get a real vehicle Dude

[@hrg_tv]

The Bronco sport IS serious. So is the Exploder. Which one is MORE serious? Find out in the next video…

[@imagin916]

Serious like all the Tacoma's being pulled out of sand and otherwise needing recovery on dirt trails. Check out some of the recovery channels, they are full of em LMAO

[@BHShaman]

He's testing the vehicle 5x as many people will buy over the Bronco/Wrangler.

[@kunzesaur]

Tacoma X: "Get a real vehicle" bronco sport: *clears every obstacle*

[@jibrilthegreat35]

Dude at least the bronco sport has rear disc brakes, unlike your mall crawler tacoma. Lol

[@colossalbigfoot256]

As an owner of a 98 XLS Explorer.. props out to the 20+ years old. And for 500

[@barrya.6212]

XLS = bulletproof 4.0 ohv engine....congrats! ...have one too...

[@TonyBasuro]

I just bought a $600 '00 Exploder V8! Beast! Thumbs up for the message about not littering

[@michigandogman3060]

I have a 91 exploder and it has the 8.8 limited slip diff a 4” lift and a 4.0 ohv with a 5 speed, I love that thing.

[@hrg_tv]

It’s like a cast iron anvil

[@Spike.SpiegeI]

that bronco sport is a beast!! I'm beyond impressed with what it did here

[@HOWBOXINGWORKS]

Just bought a 98 exploder sport in mint condition with 76,000 miles. So excited for the off-road adventures. First truck 😎

[@barrya.6212]

Cool! Which engine? 4.0 ohv, 4.0 sohc, or 5.0 v8? If the sohc it's good to install a pre-oiler being that at around 150,000 the timing chain cassettes / guides are known to fail...pre-oiler will add significant longevity to them...the other two engines listed are bullet proof....easily make it to 300K and beyond...just don't overheat... install new thermostat now...cheap and easy engine insurance.

[@HOWBOXINGWORKS]

@@barrya.6212 it’s a 4.0 SOHC I replaced the thermostat as soon as I bought the truck the owner sold me the truck with a new one that just needed to be installed, also put in a new ignition coil, tune up, oil change, new brakes, thanks for the huge tip, is the installation easy?

[@garybolenable]

I'm really enjoying watching your put the Bronco Sport through the paces. Also, thanks so much for the leave no trace message at the end of your video!

[@manudiaz9113]

I didn't expect the bronco sport to be so good offroad and I love it

[@cottonhiker]

I’m loving this little “BRONCO SPORT” series that’s happening!!!🙏👍🏻👌🏻🔥 ( it’s a like from me!!! )

[@pastorbobncc365]

I have a mint 1996 Explorer 77k miles,4x4 traction lock rear end, love this SUV

[@sampetresky177]

Just picked up a Badlands last week and these vids have me hyped as hell. Great work man, I really think this segment of vehicles, and the Bronquito in general, is going to be pretty sizeable. These vids have me already wanting to add your lift to my cart! keep it up!

[@battles.digital]

Ben, I love this. You’re doing continuously great work.

[@GotterAdventure]

Great stuff Ben! It was great meeting you this weekend!

[@frh-freerangehuman]

Really enjoy how much you love your bronco sport. I love mine the same Haven’t had it in the rough like you, but some good atv trails and tractor trails and it continues to impress. I just need to pay more attention to branches on the ground… I’m tire of having to reattach the bottom part of the bumper 😂😂

[@Consciouss]

This is more entertaining than watching the actual bronco go off road. This series makes my jaw drop and smile it's insane what the sport can do

[@marcopalo408]

I like this. I’m impressed. Honestly I’m extremely impressed. Hopefully I can get my hands on a 22 bronco sport and If I can I will definitely be ordering your lift kit over the one that rough country makes. I wanna see more of what this thing can do.

[@Power5]

Sport is pretty impressive. Need to make some rock rails so you are less tentative with whacking a rocker panel. Traction from as many wheels as possible is key. Without lockers you need momentum since lifting a wheel just makes that one the one that spins on that axle. That YJ stuck on the corner had open diffs front and rear. So as usual 2 wheels up are the only 2 wheels that spin.

[@lukathehusky1526]

I'm hoping to get my grandparents old 96 explorer. Sadly it ain't a 4wd but it's a beauty. Great story behind it as well

[@dtmfool789]

Man all the “not a real bronco” haters need to see this.

[@thecarnut9899]

It’s not a real bronco in the sense of reliability, it already has catastrophic engine failures

[@carllovullo6602]

@@thecarnut9899 the 1.5 3 cyl yes, but not the 2.0 4 cyl in the Badlands, get your shit straight 🤦‍♂

[@ABXPONCE]

Thanks for the excellent video From Puerto Rico. I own a Big Bend. Hoping to see a future hack for center diff lock.

[@KealstYT]

I got a similar exploder! Bronco was super impressive!

[@CrazyGreek80]

Good for you! You're the Jon DZ of Bronco Sport!

[@d.collier_8280]

So I know this video is mainly about the Bronco. But, have you done a video on what all mods y'all did to the Explorer?

[@js123able]

The bronco genes show in the baby bronco. I just got an Outer Banks but the off-road performance of the Badlands is impressive!

[@PG-lf3rr]

I really appreciate you taking it up such a challenging trail. I have a Bronco Sport Badlands on Falken AT3W 31's. No lift yet, but probably taking that on next. Do you have the lift info for what you used? Nevermind, I see it now.

[@larrybrander9116]

I have that same exploder and she runs great. I'm surprised how good the exploder does for not having lockers.

[@benjaminhuffman8460]

The Explorer is definitely under-rated

[@brienfoaboutanything9037]

True information about HRG Engineering Company: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZCwiGSJnp15fpI

[@robg6696]

We love our badlands. Here in WV sometimes you need a capable vehicle just to get up peoples driveways. Awesome to see what it can do, without beating ours up. 👍🏼

[@hrg_tv]

Agreed- most people will never push their Bronco this hard. It’s just nice knowing you could.

[@1satisfiedmind]

My buddy used to do offroad recovery back in the '90's (in Colorado), back when Explorers used Firestone Wilderness tires that were failing at such a bad rate, causing death and destruction, it led a nationwide recal due to tire failure. The tires were virtually "exploding" while people were daily driving (never mind offroading), causing death and injury, after the tire issue was corrected, 2nd gens had "exploding timing chains (Ford kept tow trucks busy in those days) , the were called exploders for that reason, hence among the Tow Truck drivers (and dispatchers), the name Ford "Exploder" was set in stone.

[@olddirtypossum9808]

This is a fun video. Love watching other vehicles offroad. I personally have a 2012 Wrangler JKU on a 2.5 lift and 35" tires. I started out bone stock. I love watching all the other offroad vehicles out there hitting the trails too. Thanks for mentioning cleaning up the trails, always appreciate it. Did ya'll air down enough? Seemed like your tires looked a little stiff and some obstacles I feel like you could have walked through with less effort. I usually air down 12 to 15 psi. I air my sisters Hummer H3 to 15 psi and my friends Renegade Trailhawk down to 10 psi, and that Renegade hit all these obstacles with little to no issue. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing you guys were between 20 to street pressure. This isn't a cut against you guys or anything, just a curiosity and suggestion. Seriously, you guys seem like ya'll would be a blast to go wheel with. If your every looking to have more folks to wheel with, let me know :)

[@trailerparkgarage6574]

I bought a 99 explorer 5.0 awd run an drive from the auctions with in intentions to part it out for the engine for a project, rear axle for a different one and the trans an transfercase as a spare for my good driver explorer. Ive been wanting to build it on the cheap to go on trails

[@fullspeedfordbronco]

Very impressive. Do you guys plan on making spacer lifts for full size Broncos?

[@timsoutier4282]

Love this video, number one reason I purchased the lift from HRG. I have the same Badlands and color as you but I was planning to run 245/70r17 with the stock rims that came with it. It figured with the lift those should fit just fine.

[@hrg_tv]

You might have some rubbing with that size. Most guys run 245/65/17.

[@josephchapin1125]

What is the largest size spare tire that will fit in the back compartment

[@silvestrocrino3256]

@@hrg_tv ...I'll start by saying I have no clue about off-roading... but would 245/65/17 fit without rubbing without the lift?

[@rwest5386]

@@silvestrocrino3256 Assuming you are putting them on the Factory wheels and without spacers, yes. Something close to the OEM wheel offset (+37.5mm) will also work. +35 for sure, +32 probably.

[@horrorlover9794]

I miss the explorer sport, we had one and it went through hell and never left us stranded. Unfortunately it got totaled in an accident and it’s the reason my husband walked away from it.

[@5325jslenk]

With all the tech in the Bronco why would it surprise anybody it could do some interesting trails.

[@bayareakat66]

HRG lift huh? Gonna be lifting our 2021 sport soon. What lift do you have on that one? I like the look of the 245/70/16's & want an aggressive stance. Is there any way to have the stance with the wheels sticking out rather than flush? Also, the stock 18's limit the amount of sidewall. I want BF Goodie KO2's since those tires look mean. Can I add spacers for stance or do you suggest an offset to make the wheels stick out a little. Please help as I'm planning a lift & wheel package soon. Thanks for the info & cool vid!

[@wildhorses4x4]

Don't mind the cracked window lol fun video! We just took the sport up Black Bear Pass video dropping soon!

[@hrg_tv]

Thanks! I’m out East but definitely thinking hard about a road trip out to Moab, maybe hit black bear and imogene while out that way. For “research purposes” of course

[@dubstep101DUB]

Freaking awesome I love my badlands and really debating on wether to buy your lift kit now or wait for sema to see if anything bigger comes out for the badlands. Also do y’all have any other mods or anything planned for the bronco sport would love to get everything I would want or need from a single source

[@hrg_tv]

We are working on flat racks, ditch lights, nudge bar, etc. we will be at SEMA (as attendees) and hope to have a few more products ready by then.

[@dubstep101DUB]

@@hrg_tv awesome can’t wait to see

[@carllovullo6602]

Same for me, i would really like at least 2 inches lift or 3 inches would be even better!

[@adammachado1899]

Littering and illegal dumping is what caused the one trail closest to me to be shut down.

[@anziety604]

did good, tiny wheels though. I think the explorer did great

[@AutumnWind92]

I love old explorers

[@Marcos-bz3rg]

2:06 ❤

[@kevindavis5966]

I have absolutely no concept of how anyone could litter on a nature trail (or anywhere else for that matter). It's disheartening to be reminded that that kind of selfishness and antisocial behavior exists. Good on you for mentioning it and practicing PII/PIO. I learned that as a Boy Scout, in Uwharrie actually.

[@edgrigsby8610]

What trim level is the Sport? Is it the " Bad Lands " edition?

[@mc540flip]

Nice comparison. I’m actually looking at a 2001 Explorer Sport. Any advice with the roll over issue? Also would you recommend the V6 or the V8 -(looking at a 2000 Mountaineer as well)?

[@jakebrumley7550]

Nice, I've had an 01 sport, 00 4.0 V6 4 door, and 99 5.0 V8 4 door Eddie Bauer thought the years. Ditch the Firestone tires and slow down around corners, then you'll be fine. I highly suggest the V8, it's the more reliable drivetrain

[@sniperghost10001]

Hello! How did you solve the explorer's engine cooling? For me, the factory cooler is located much lower, unfortunately... did you put it higher, or was another (smaller) cooler installed? Thank you in advance!

[@pastorbobncc365]

What year is the Explorer?

[@mikegager]

wish $500 explorers still existed

[@hrg_tv]

I know. I got really lucky with this one. Guy couldn’t get it started and thought the motor was blown. It just needed a new battery! This was several years ago.

[@thedewdster]

They do lol place and time as they say. Just grabbed the keys for a 1995 today that runs with 4wd and minimal rust.

[@barrya.6212]

@@thedewdster I have that exact same rig... good job.... does it have limited slip? On drivers door sticker under AXLE if the code starts with a letter ...D or L it IS limited slip! ... like posi traction !

[@aaronrepper7649]

Did that Ridgeline make it up?

[@hrg_tv]

Yes it did.

[@melgozakoki85]

Those little broncos are cute though.. I much rather have the 500 a month.

[@donaldbowden2271]

I didn't see anything that I couldn't concur with my 2wd F150, just got to know how to drive

[@barrya.6212]

No way your rig would make it through those super deep rutted paths / trails....

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

A lot of people called them exploders because of the tire fiasco back in the '90s.

[@SMD-si7fm]

Is that why? I thought it was because of the transmission issues.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@SMD-si7fm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestone_and_Ford_tire_controversy When you're the #1 selling car in the WORLD you get put under the microscope.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@SMD-si7fm and I'm also sure that this is probably one of the big reasons we have tpms monitors. In skimming the Wikipedia article , they actually don't make a whole lot of mention about tire pressure. I can remember though in the news they were blaming tire pressure like crazy. I can tell you this my father-in-law had one of these explorers from the '90s, compared to my current jeep that thing drove sloppy sloppy... I've seen a lot of them on the road kind of sagging in the back... Just like a overloaded Taurus or Altima. Something is off with that rear suspension for sure... It just gets weak in the knees too easily.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@SMD-si7fm Ford also had a lot of issues with the Taurus and there were class action lawsuits. We had three of them and I think all three tauruses had transmission issues. Actually my mom had 4 tauruses. Now, the one she had from 2004 or so, that thing was indestructible. Still kinda saggy in the back. I can remember having a car full of people driving through the mountains in Colorado and when we would get into the switchback turns fully loaded up the tires would rub the fenders. It was bad. The rear suspension in the 1980s tauruses was no good either (except maybe the SHO). Too soft... Now... My wife had a fusion and that thing had zero issues that we paid for. Everything that went wrong , Ford issued a recall, it was fixed for free and we got a rental or a loaner paid for every time. Today , Ford is one of the BEST companies at owning issues 100%. I was very happy with my experience with the ford fusion (which we chose over a Honda Accord at the time and I'm glad we did). Suspension was great on the fusion. It rides and handles well! They did a magic trick to make it ride good AND handle well. Pretty amazing.

[@hrg_tv]

We call it the exploder because we have blown 8 tires so far

[@Marcos-bz3rg]

0:40 hermosa Explorer ❤

[@jeffdavis3335]

Going to need a good down payment to get a badlands for 500 a month

[@barrya.6212]

Nobody sells an Explorer with a $2,000 quality lift / suspension for $500

[@darcybanasiak7293]

That isn’t a $2000 lift, it’s shackles, torsion twist, and body lift

[@barrya.6212]

OLD EXPLORER >>> JUST LIMITED SLIP IN REAR (ALTHOUGH DECENT) NEW BRONCO, ELECTRONIC >LOCKER< IN REAR ......NO COMPARISON....

[@letour32rr]

I’ve been looking at the Bronco Sport to replace my 2016 Jeep Patriot when it craps out. I’ve hit many trails like this in my Patriot and surprised “real” Jeeps with how well it did, sometimes better in low traction situations than older open diff Jeeps (TJ’s and older). Seems the Bronco Sport will serve this roll well in the future.

[@seanburns5937]

Bronco needs bigger tires bro👍

[@brentburrows6611]

Everyone's worried about the sissy looking bronco I'm here to give team explorer love it's a classic..... Give the explorer a round of applause

[@anthonysamazingworld]

Go exploder!!

[@Sethgolas]

Can you get away with that tire and wheel combo without the lift? I may end up doing the lift down the road a little ways, but I'd like to downsize the wheels right away. I really hate this trend toward massive wheels and tiny tires, especially on SUVs.

[@timkneipp5732]

Just say Explorer

[@chewchew74]

bronco sports!!!!! I am impresseddddd. Wow ~

[@everythingvideos24]

Everyone calls it an exploder why? I can guarantee the explorer would last longer than the new broncos. I have a 96 ford explorer still leaving new vehicles behind that’s sitting on the highway.

[@hrg_tv]

Because we kept exploding the tires

[@MrCliffda3rd]

$500/month, sure.....at 8 years lol.

[@hrg_tv]

Or if you pay a down payment.

[@beardumaw24]

Ill take the 500$ explorer anyday over the 500$ a month Bronco ! That 500 monthly bronco payment is a lot of 4 wheeling gas for the explorer ! And get some real tires Toyos Suck !

[@rafenatho5406]

Lockers aren't impressive, they are doing exactly what they are supposed to do.