5000 mile Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch review

[@montechie]

Really like your reviews, I think they're as good as many of the pro reviewers. I don't get why people get angsty over folks switching vehicles, or there being more choices. I love my jeeps, but I want more competition out there. I hope Toyota brings a new FJ or 4runner that further brings anxiety to Jeep execs. I mean, look what happened when the Bronco and Sasquatch package came out, not to mention the Bronco Raptor, all of a sudden Jeep is doing 35s and a Hemi OEM.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Thanks a bunch! Come November I will have a full list typed up of things to talk about in pretty good detail since it will be one year since I bought this.

[@locomike102]

I've never understood why so many people get upset about how other people spend their money and enjoy their hobbies. Buy what you like and enjoy it!

[@JustinKingOffroad]

BINGO!

[@Colorado4x4]

No kidding man. It’s insane.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

It's called jealousy...

[@jeremyb_86]

There is a fix for the rattling windows. Open the doors and pull off the 2 rubber grommets at the bottom. Then use a 10mm to loosen the bolts and slide them as far toward the outside of the as possible and re-tighten. Takes 2 min per door and works like a charm.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

That is good to know! Thank you!

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

The seats are soooo much nicer than my Wrangler seats...

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Yep

[@DarylRagland-ds1op]

My thoughts exactly

[@Basshead40]

I just snagged a 2-door Black Diamond Edition Sasquarch, and I've just got 125 miles on it now, but so far.. I absolutely love love love it!

[@GrayGhostDog1]

Thanks for the update. I, too, have a Badlands-Sasquatch because for my use cases 35” tires was the most that I wanted to go for my daily driven off-road-capable vehicle. Everything is setup, including the gear ratios, right from factory. The most time I’ll spend out on an outing is an overnighter, so zero need for a rooftop tent and permanent storage units bolted down in the rear. Any modifications that I do must have a functional reason for doing so…

[@Colorado4x4]

Just sold my 2106 JKU for a 2022 Wildtrak. I love it so far

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Welcome to the party!

[@gilbertferguson1685]

A year wait is not bad. I ordered a two door Black Diamond in January 2021. Waited over a year with no information, so changed order to a four door and I finally received it in November 2022. I went ahead and ordered a two door Badlands and it is being built this month. Nice review. Thanks.

[@ianbrianmorgan]

Great video. I’m here in Colorado too and just got my first Bronco. I appreciate you sharing all the great things you have done with yours!

[@karlmurphy1751]

Hi, Justin. I think driving style is the answer to why some have bailed on the new Bronco. Those like Kevin Williams who unashamedly thrash the you know what out of their vehicles have had the steering rack and the tie rods fail. The funny thing is the completely stock Wrangle Rubicon will do the same kind of things when driven with the same intensity. But because the Wrangler is a JEEP and comes from honored history, it is granted a special indulgence. You know the my Liberty, The Old Goat is IFS and I routinely surprise other Wrangler owners by showing up in places they think The Old Goat shouldn't be able to get. It's all in how carefully you pilot the vehicle. And as you say, if you gotta drive it home, then you tend to be gentle with it. Doesn't mean you can't get into difficult places. Ever notice how often Jeep Wranglers break on the trail? The Old Goat has taken to handing out dust pans and wisk brooms to broken Wrangler owners so they can more easily clean up after themselves! (I try to get the Goat to behave, but its a losing battle) Karl and The Old Goat.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Yep absolutely! I've talked to kevin numerous times. So I knew what I could be getting into... But luckily good so far.

[@kimberlydodder8198]

Yeah as a matter of fact I do we were just stranded a couple months ago my son's Wrangler broke down something under his jeep snapped. The Bronco winched him up the hill and got us back into town in order to have it towed. 😮

[@DarylRagland-ds1op]

Love it !

[@SpaceTech54]

When I open my doors, I pull the lever with my thumb on the door, so it 'doesn't open' but allows the window to index down - then I open it - it keeps the window from doing the "Flex".. works for me.

[@dangerbird64]

I like this idea. I’m gonna try it!

[@TexasOverlander]

Just over 4,000 miles on mine, took it to Ouray and hit all of the trails in the area. Even the Wall at Poughkeepsie, no problem. Getting ready to do my review on the Bronco good and bad and things that just make you go umm

[@jhs517]

"If you're behind me in traffic and you pick your nose, you're on camera" lol😊

[@BenLeBlanc1]

Thanks for this review. I really want a Bronco; long story short, a pickup truck is more of a necessity so I had to put off one for a couple years… stinks that the base price has gone up $5k, but one day I’ll hopefully be able to get one! Also btw, I think the IFS hate in the past is related to locking differentials being so rare. I think with lockers, the capability of ifs and SFA vehicles is pretty similar. Snow being the major difference (SFA plows and IFS beaches itself).

[@JustinKingOffroad]

I certainly beached it multiple times haha

[@kimberlydodder8198]

It is so childish to get upset over what car people choose to drive. All vehicles have their good and bad points. Just say congratulations. I'm happy for you and have fun. My family drives jeeps and Broncos. My son's Jeep and my brothers Rubicon have broken down a few times. My Bronco my dads and my neighbors' Bronco, are newer. We haven't had any issues yet but I'm sure we will have our time. Just have fun. That's why we buy these vehicles.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Absolutely!!

[@Databyter]

Regarding seat heat, and heat in general. It's super important, in my opinion, to religiously use a windscreen sun blocker when you aren't in the car, so your seats stay cool, your dash doesn't bake, and your AC doesn't have to combat, what is esentially a heater element, the entire superheated interior of the vehicle. Also tinted windows are a must, even if it is just a lighter tint, like mine. Databyter

[@BadManSquatch]

Thank you for the review. I run a 2022 Badlands 2.3L manual with all the sasquatch options save the big goodyears. I have the BFG K2's and they are terrific. RE the super hot vinyl - I bought a set of taxi-driver-style wooden bead seat covers and viola - no more heat, no more sweaty back or sticky legs. A minor miracle. I solved most of my other pet-peeves using Forscan: eliminated that ridiculous double-honk when you close the door with the engine running, and eliminated the auto-start-stop (without having to push that button) which drove me bananas. Neat trick - the Badlands does not come with 'Sport Mode' on the goat dial, but you can add it with Forscan. Question: Mine came with the steel modular bumper and I'm looking at the RC high-winch mount, but am very concerned the geometry will put extra stress on the bumper and it's attachment points on a hard pull. Have you used your winch much? Any issues with leverage or does it sit low enough in the bucket? The RC (or similar) mounts which tuck under the skid plate seem like better geometry - but accessibility would appear an issue. Thoughts? Recommend an installer in Ft Collins or environs?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Oh yes ive used the winch multiple times. My suspension has been changed out to BDS and it's way more stout to hold the weight of the bumper and winch. No issues on my end maxing the winch out. Bolts are plenty strong. Ft Collins 4x4 is a good shop, and I know the owners personally of both garage works and the edge 4x4 in Englewood. Also both great shops! Tell them I sent ya if you end up down south!

[@problu9586]

Still drivin' my 2020 2-door Wrangler and 2023 2-door Bronco is slated for production next month, Aug 2023. For my preferences, both rigs have pros and cons that make 'em equally appealing, overall. Appreciate seeing what folks like or dislike about their Wranglers and Broncos, helps me to know both rigs and what to expect.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

I will do a full length 1 year review in November with a long list of notes

[@DependableAutoTruck]

engine covers are wonderful they keep all that heat on the engine good to keep intake HOT we all know a hot intake is much better than a cold intake. i always remove them killer covers

[@rydfree]

The Bronco already comes with a great color matched engine cover. Ford calls it a hood. :)

[@candiwalder4195]

Ordered badlands high pkg 4 door non sas 2 weeks ago and schedule for production 8/28. So excited

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Congrats!!

[@GONAVYCHIEF]

I have to tell you I went the other route to search out one that was on a Ford lot or soon to be on a Ford lot. I wanted a two door in eruption green, My biggest problem was finding one that was not marked up $15K. After months of searching, I finally found one at MSRP configured close to what I wanted. What a process full of interesting haggling.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Congrats!!

[@mpeugeot]

You got lucky... I ordered my second Bronco September 2021 and didn't get it until May 2023. Of course, I went with the cloth seats to avoid torching my ass.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

to this day my dealer doesn't understand how i got a dang near fully loaded one so fast.

[@mpeugeot]

@@JustinKingOffroad my first one was ordered May 2021 and was built Aug 2021. I have 75k miles on it now. Really glad I ordered the second one when I did.

[@erichughes9098]

Thank you Justin for your review 😎👍

[@etmccaus]

Nice vid, as always, and love the plate tag. 🙂

[@sorenmelchior]

Thanks for the review. I myself am considering selling my 2020 2 door manual trans rubicon that I have heavily modified and try and get a Ranger Raptor instead. Reasons are warranty and recall issues that keep cropping up on my wrangler (it’s been in the shop all summer for warranty engine work for the 3.6 for example). So your assessment of issues with your bronco helps me clarify my position, that I may have a more reliable and comfortable vehicle with a Ford over my Jeep. I have other reasons for wanting a truck over a bronco such as carrying hazardous materials or my motorcycle in the back which is why I am looking at the Ranger Raptor.

[@michaels7984]

Ford has a ton of recalls. They aren't really any better than jeep. Not saying you shouldn't consider getting one, just don't expect it to be problem free.

[@behudna51]

Great review!!! Lite Brite has to appeal to their sponsors which is keep same with Trail Recon , he is great however he knows Jeep allows him in on news , so you know why they got rid of the gen 6 Bronco. Lite brite does have a raptor.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Yeah I watch pretty much every video they both put out on KZbin

[@JD-ct1lj]

Regarding the "under torqued" items, I'm curious as to whether a thread lubricant (anti-seize) was put on from the factory which might explain the "under torque" if you're familiar with that relationship of torque values when using and not using a thread lubricant. Plenty of good videos explaining how if using thread lubricant that the "equivalent" torque values are less than if not using it. Of course this is beyond your control and might be impossible to know if the factory did or didn't do this, I was just bringing it up as a possible explanation to your comment/question as to the items not meeting factory torque specs. I saw your more recent New Year's Eve vid, glad you're still digging it! JD (P.S. I'm assuming your torque wrench was good/calibrated also of course).

[@Paughco]

Nice truck. I have a '22 Outer Banks (mall crawler). These things are great (IMHO).

[@frankENZC]

Hello fellow Ham. I'm considering a Jeep Willys. I'm not so sure about a Bronco and don't want to wait a year. 73 and thanks for the video.

[@thaibankson7413]

I'm in the market for a Bronco. I would have liked to hear about the trail brake and more about the swaybar disconnect

[@Evan_Land]

Did you ever post anywhere the measurement differences between the Jeep and the Bronco? Thanks for the videos! Nice to see a local talk about Colorado wheeling.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

I dont remember if i did but i have a spreadsheet of them.

[@ronparker7112]

Nice job Justin

[@s-man9528]

So what is the JCR over head panel for ?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Short barrel rifle.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

i drive a 2500 ram 4wd 5 spd love it i think it might be the way you use the vehicle. my truck drives good but it is completly stock

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

Thanks for this 5K overview. I think we are going to have to see 20K - 30K mile reviews from you. 5K still a bit fresh to see how things hold up. I've seen solid axles stand up to extreme, abrupt, too much skinny pedal abuse, but I have also seen some breakage. The one thing I will have to say about solid axle breakage, in most cases we were able to finagle a way to get it off the trail without spares, but with some properly selected tools and other accompaniments (ratchet straps, zip ties, duct tape, wire, etc). Half the battle is sometimes getting the vehicle to where it can be towed. I am not so sure that would be the case in a significant IFS failure given the architecture. Not hating, just trying to be real. I do like some of the pros though, like better ride, more comfy seats. The last and best comfy seat on a Jeep was on the early TJ, of which I once owned a '97 brand new. It was just simple and had a lot of cushion. Somewhere along the line they went for aesthetics over practical comfort. Started with the later TJs and the Grand Cherokees. My daughters 2005 TJ (LJ) the seats just do not have as much cushion as my 97. My wife's Grand Cherokee overland has beautiful seats until you have to put your *ss in one and drive it for any period of time. It is simple physics. Thin seats are like low profile tires. My 13 Power Wagon has great seats too. Lots of cush.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Agreed completely, we will see what happens come next year!

[@mpeugeot]

If it's worth anything, I have 75k miles on mine, no problems.

[@mvirocKoRn]

Be easy on your steering. If your rack and pinion happens to break, they are on national back order and it may take a while to get a replacement.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

yeah i had heard that.

[@purpytwinzo4290]

hey man beautiful car! im considering on getting one. do you think it's a good idea to take out the limiter and possibly give it a tune? would appreciate your opinion

[@philipisholding]

I'm 6'4" and was wondering if there was enough room to sleep inside if I did a seat delete/platform situation.

[@iceman36351]

From what I’ve seen unless you add something into the cargo space in the back to flatten it or like you said take out the back seats I think that would be the only way. But I’m sure someone will come out with a fix for it eventually

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

I would buy a BRaptor if I had $100k lying around...

[@TroubadourMusic]

Anyone notice the fake tree cell tower behind the Bronco?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Yeah it's stupid!

[@ShelbyR19]

The way it sits right now. What is the height of Bronco

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

that's a Hole Puncher Holder mounted in the Overhead Rack

[@zakksrage]

It’s always funny when people who couldn’t even afford half the car payment of the vehicle they are trash talking. Make sure you get the plastic retainers in the steering rack replaced with the metal ones before you wind up stranded off-road somewhere if that rack isn’t updated yet. From what I’ve saw it happens without even really beating on it. Just getting in a bind just right

[@toddharkin7845]

What brand of hood struts? I like the way they are tucked in close to the hinges vs others I've seen

[@JustinKingOffroad]

i want to say redline racing.

[@SAZQACH]

Good video, you mentioned ground clearance measurements, what’s the ground clearance on the center? Thanks!

[@JustinKingOffroad]

it is basically 12 inches (badlands sasquatch)

[@LMBC6Brian]

Most of the problems people part company with the Bronco over are related to the soft top. The hard top was super hard to get and people were taking soft top models because they were available. And the soft top is a nightmare to live with. The Wrangler soft top is 10x better in every way. If most of those folks had hard top Broncos, they probably would have had a much better experience with them. They are easily as capable as wrangler rubicons in just about any scenario. The aftermarket is coming along nicely as well.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

My hard top does whistle a little bit in the wind while at highway speed. But you are totally right!!

[@hakamyahya7394]

Beautiful car! I’m thinking of getting this as a daily driver. How well does it perform as a daily drivers? I’ve heard the road noise is an issue

[@JustinKingOffroad]

It's quieter than my Jeep. Road manners are superb.

[@bryanfromb.c.a8609]

How is the Bronco for a family with a 2 year old? We have a baby and the bronco seems like a very cool option How’s space on the trunk and back seat? Thanks

[@JustinKingOffroad]

it'll be a nice road driver because of the IFS. back seats fine for kids. tall adults won't like it for a long trip.

[@randybaker9265]

Justin go watch lite bright they just did this awesome upgrade to there Bronco raptor for tie Rods you might be interested in . Guess the Broncos having major failures with the tie rods .just for your info . They had the same one as you they hated traded it for the raptor Bronco and the love it

[@JustinKingOffroad]

I saw that video this morning actually

[@kilo6one]

How did you run the cable for the rear camera since there isn't a headliner? I just picked up a 2023 Badlands Sasquatch and have a Blackvue DR970X dashcam (I have run Blackvue daskcams in the last 3 vehicles I've owned).

[@JustinKingOffroad]

I ran it inside the track for the side curtain air bags, just making sure it didn't impede their operation. Then towards the back I had to jump out of that and run on top of the roll bar.

[@gregrankins991]

What about the noise is in the cabin. I'm asking because I drove a 22 with 12,000 miles and a insulated hard top. And it was very loud at 60 miles an hour.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Anything with a non metal top is loud. However coming from a jeep, this in quieter up to about 75.

[@TMcClintock]

Thanks for the review. Question...how well does the front camera work with your control box to the side and the winch cover?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

It is blocked a tiny bit. Not as bad if you take the cover off. I may move the camera long term.

[@itsmelisa5598]

Your video just popped up on my feed. Enjoyed watching it, but is there a video of you installing the rear dash cam? I’m getting a front and rear dash cam, but I’m unsure if I will have the rear mounted on rear window or where the overhead light is. Pics will help 😊. TIA

[@JustinKingOffroad]

no dash cam install. but it is as simple as running the single wire from the front cam to the back, and plugging it in.

[@blabla9845]

How's the noise level when cruising down the highway? I heard the Bronco's are a tad noisy, even with the hardtop.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Quieter than my Jeep!

[@Maverick13233]

Awesome looking bronco! What brand of sandals are you wearing? I was looking at getting a similar looking sandal for myself. Thanks for the review.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Lol that's funny to get that question. They are bedrock sandals. Awesome. If you're not used to a zero drop sole it takes some getting used to. I hike in these, walk, etc. Awesome all summer.

[@VideosOffRoad]

NOT a Bronco hater, but also not at all an IFS fan off road, but what about those spare parts in the back? If you have lots of confidence in it, why do you have those with? Did you feel the need to carry spare parts like those in the Jeeps?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

i ordered those right when i bought the bronco as a "just in case" and the more I use this, the more I think it wasn't needed. I'll keep them along with for the freak accident, or if i bump into another bronco in need.

[@VideosOffRoad]

@@JustinKingOffroad Ah. Fair enough. If you already have them, might as well bring them with.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

when i ordered this it was right in the height of people just destroying TREs and the videos flooding the internet. I know someone directly involved with the bronco offroadeos and they absolutely flog on those rigs, all stock, and haven't broke a single thing. now pinning your wheels against a rock and cranking on the steering can certainly do damage, but i've always been cautious of doing that, even when I had a jeep. Cause you can snap jeep TREs too doing that.

[@ronparker7112]

@@JustinKingOffroad Everything I have heard so far on TRE Failures, is related to Lifted Bronco's, or 37" or larger tires (Which also requires Lifting) having to do with the leverage angle increase. Like you I have chosen to stay bone stock except changing those rock throwing tires out to BFG KM3. I can say bone stock the Bronco is fantastic, and I am used to LJ, JK, JL on 37" it has done everything I have asked and traction has been fantastic so far, Mud, Snow and Rock.

[@MrSymbolic7]

Did Ford address the valve problem in the earlier models ?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Appeared to be a limited issue yes

[@66scooterdaytona]

1-year wait. Wow you really suffered. Those of us that reserved in July 2020 had to wait almost 3-years. Tiny violin playing. I did get my 2023 Base Squatch 2DR 2.7 EG for $38,500 due to Ford's price protection.

[@rodneyburt8843]

What kind of mud flaps are those? How was install?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Weather tech, and super easy

[@edwardj8824]

What dash cam do you have and how do u like it?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

It's a blackvue dr900x and it seems to work well. They do tend to overheat and reboot in the jeeps and broncos though.

[@jimprice7638]

Can you provide the list of the torques, so others can check their Broncos? TIA

[@JustinKingOffroad]

front end: upper ball joint and tie rod ends are 46 foot pounds, axle nut 221 ft lb, lower ball joint nuts are 85 ft lb. shock absorber lowers are both 66 ft lb, shock upper (3 nuts) are 41 ft lb, and honestly i can't get a torque wrench up there so i just used a regular wrench and gave them a tug.

[@jimprice7638]

@@JustinKingOffroad Thank you

[@scotta8494]

Do you have a link to the isolator that you ran for the winch?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

it's a Stinger SGP35 500-AMP Relay

[@scotta8494]

@@JustinKingOffroad thank you!

[@scotta8494]

I finally ordered it. If I could find out how you wired it to your rocker switch that would be very helpful. I have an aftermarket switch panel that I will be connecting it to.

[@zekeabercrombie3583]

How many passengers can reasonably ride in it?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

4 adults easily and comfortably. and you could do 2 adults up front and easily 3 kids in back.

[@frankconsidine5989]

I think most people that have them will do just fine for the offloading they will do. The youtube people that got rid of them run there stuff pretty hard or get new vehicles for clicks then get rid of them after the hype falls off

[@iceman36351]

TBH most ppl will be 100% fine with a stock Truck/jeep/off road-ish stock vehicle for what they will be doing(as long as it’s got 4 wheel drive). Most ppls definition of off roading is driving on a dirt trail or through a grass field.

[@Crumb_Trails]

You opened the hood cover to show us the engine bay.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Haha valid point.

[@frostywow6157]

How did you manage to get it in code orange?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

this is race red.

[@frostywow6157]

@@JustinKingOffroad oh wow I guess it’s the camera then it looks like code orange my bad 😆

[@JustinKingOffroad]

@@frostywow6157 bright sunny day kinda messes with white balance some times.

[@MrMischief604]

The Bronco "dominates" the Jeeps? I can see the seat comfort and ride quality on the road, and honestly kind of expected that on say desert trails where you can carry speed, but are you saying the Bronco is better for Colorado rocky trails than the Jeeps you have had? That is just 🤯for me as I've always been a solid axle guy. Maybe I should trade my JL...

[@JustinKingOffroad]

in overall manners it wins so far. keep in mind my JL sat within 1 inch of every measurment. some things are higher on the bronco, some things were higher on the jeep. but it handled yankee hill no problem and that is a pretty legit road network.

[@puppetmaster7479]

You love jcr

[@JustinKingOffroad]

That wasn't on purpose they just have all the stuff i wanted lol!

[@cherylodam8978]

2.3 or 2.7?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

I cover that in the video :-)

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

in my eyes, the Bronco is extremely sexy when it has 38" or so Mud Terrain tires. much like the Jeep JT Gladiator does with the larger Mud Terrain tires. when both are in stock form, they just look plain, not head turning lookers. What is up with that TREE in the background. Looks like an Antenna array disguised as a tree.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Lol it's a cell tower

[@jonathanfaulds9645]

Yours tops out at 101 ?? I was at 106 and let off 🤷‍♂️

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Could be a tire size difference??

[@jonathanfaulds9645]

@@JustinKingOffroad sasquatch 35s 🤷‍♂️

[@mikerobbins5049]

I have a JLUR and love it. I have yet to drive a Bronco but have heard they ride and drive great. Not likely that I will trade off my JL for a Bronco.

[@TopSecretVid]

This is a gear ‘review’ not a bronco review…lol…

[@johnholland3213]

is this a review? seems like u just wanted to show off your bronco and toys...

[@puppetmaster7479]

Are you rich?

[@TheTyler4G]

not a fan of my badlands it leaks

[@Memetologist]

Where does it leak?

[@JustinKingOffroad]

These are all new enough to have a warranty. Get that leak fixed!

[@ffcracker]

Every car reviewer: Why do they put these cheap, useless covers on top of the engine? Ford removes them. Every car reviewer: Why doesn't Ford put a cover on these ugly engines?

[@timothybaca24]

Fake tree in background

[@JustinKingOffroad]

5g tower

[@TomatoPotat0]

luv your stuff jeep or no jeep, keep it up bud 🪧🚙

[@prophotos365]

Curious about the mileage now!

[@JustinKingOffroad]

Still averaging 16-17 with offroading and highway, Ive seen 22 verify at pump.

[@prophotos365]

@@JustinKingOffroad a Thanks