Ford Bronco - Install Retro Badge and Hood Gas Lift Struts DIY

[@jeffdiefenderfer4677]

I would leave the prop rod on for backup

[@BudgetBronco]

Another commenter also made this same suggestion, and I thought it was a good idea. I have since re-installed it. Thanks for watching!

[@davidgray2252]

😁Thats a good looking Rig!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks!

[@Docstantinople]

Timmy my boy! You should leave the hood prop in buddy, good to have some redundancy.

[@BudgetBronco]

😂 thanks Doc! Ya somebody else made the same comment a while back and I hadn't thought of that, so I did re-install it shortly afterwards. Thanks for watching!

[@FBI-eo9yx]

Like the badges don't think I'd go out of my way for the struts prop rod works fine

[@BudgetBronco]

True, for pure function the prop rod is just fine. Thanks for watching

[@AdamHillikerLikesRobots]

Finally got my bronco this weekend! So stoked! Going through your videos again and making lists of parts to buy and projects to do. Thanks again for everything you do for the community.

[@BudgetBronco]

CONGRATS!!!! It is really my pleasure to be able to help fellow owners with ideas and tips, happy to be here for you all!

[@vinmarz]

Hands down...the best looking Bronco on KZbin. Retro is the ticket! Can't wait to see what's next. Stay safe and enjoy your ride brother.

[@BudgetBronco]

Much appreciated and thanks for watching!

[@beenyroy]

I just did this on my 2 door big bend, thanks for the guidance

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad it helped and thanks for watching

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I’m a Jeep Wrangler owner! But I love the looks of your Bronco! It’s coming along beautifully! I think Ford definitely got a winner with the Bronco! If I had the money! I would have both, the wrangler and the Bronco! Nicely done!👌😎👍

[@BudgetBronco]

My other car is a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, so I am a big fan of Jeep as well

[@bradava1]

Looks great man! Would look so good with the roof painted white. I bet you have plans.

[@BudgetBronco]

White roof is coming! Stay tuned...

[@fzj8022]

I like having struts and the prop rod on my land cruiser. It definitely helps in the winter when the hood is covered in snow and ice and the struts are cold and weak

[@BudgetBronco]

That is actually great point and thank you for posting that. I think I will re-install my rod just to have as a backup if needed. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@markmyers3409]

Looks awesome

[@BudgetBronco]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@mr.ford-man4481]

Paint that top white

[@BudgetBronco]

It is white now! See my video list you will find it...

[@IXxMcCoyxXl]

great i’m looking to get both these things

[@BudgetBronco]

They are both solid products IMO, thanks for watching

[@apeacock]

That badge looks good! Love how easy that template looks

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks! Agree, the team at BroncodepotUSA did a good job on this design

[@scottwitte5892]

nice. great idea for those badges. now, paint the fender flares white

[@BudgetBronco]

I have seen some others that painted the flares white and I did not personally like that look much

[@hoosierman706]

I was already planning on these two mods for mine when mine shows up one of these days!

[@bassmaster4406]

I’m with you, brother. I have a build week of Ja. 3, 2022. Crossing my fingers

[@BudgetBronco]

Hang in there guys and thanks for watching!

[@michaelbrown5962]

I love watching your Chanel sir, well done and thank you.

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad you enjoy it and thanks for watching!

[@MUY-BN]

Put the hood struts in my 77 Bronco last year. Took me 15 yrs, but might be the best bang for the buck modification yet! I understand a hood prop in the first generation, but 2021? After market struts are a must for the new Bronco, couldn't be much easier to install.

[@BudgetBronco]

I agree, money well spent. I guess for my base Bronco it is almost reasonable for Ford to give me a prop rod, but even on the top of the line $60k First Edition you get the same!

[@KevinAZ78]

This is great. Pretty much exactly what I want to do if I get one. Thanks for sharing.

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davetheriault7620]

Put the prop rod where you find it. Those gas struts fail whenever they want!

[@BudgetBronco]

Agree, I have since reinstalled the prop rod as a backup. Thanks for the comment!

[@davetheriault7620]

You are doing some great stay can work. I have a 2001 Indian Scout 100. You can't tell if it's powder coat or not. To bad I can't send you some picks. The Bronce looks BAD ASS. I'm a 60s kid!

[@hpd6881]

Love the retro look. Keep up the great work.

[@BudgetBronco]

Thank you! Will do!

[@signalaheadoriginaltunes4159]

Cool video! Really love the old 50ish style of your Bronco! It is funny, I did a hood piston kit as well from Rough Country. It was a much more complex setup, however. It had these long metal tongues connected to nuts that I had to slide inside the hood. I dropped one and had to fish it out... then one of the handles spun inside between the welded hood panels and actually raised the darn hood panel almost creasing it! Luckily, I was able to crank it back after seeing the huge protrusion in my hood (Man! My stomach sank!). Again, very luckily, the long wingnut did not scribe a line or bulge in the hood. Your kit is much more sound of an install/setup. Odd, my piston cylinders were pointing down to the fenders, the opposite of yours. Bob Upstate, NY 2dr, base, Sasquatch, 2.7, Carbon Grey! Loving every minute of owning it! I love just looking out the window at it and ordering things on Amazon like an 18-year-old! God bless Ford for making something interesting that I actually look forward to getting in every day!

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks for the comments. Yes, I was impressed with the design of the Redline lifts. They are easy to install and perfectly functional. The only tiny thing I don't love about them is you really have to give the hood a good slam in order to shut it, whereas without the lifts you could just drop it from 6 inches. Enjoy your Basesquatch!!

[@Just_Joe71]

I think white fender flares would look good. Some old school Broncos had them.

[@BudgetBronco]

I have seen some photos and renderings of Broncos with white flares and I did not like them too much. I think it is just 'too much' if you know what I mean. I am trying to find a good balance and don't want to over do the accents.

[@ahshari]

God damn!!! Great looking Bronco you got sir👍

[@BudgetBronco]

I appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@socalrenegal9409]

That badge is a must. Thanks for leaving the link.

[@BudgetBronco]

And thanks to YOU for watching!

[@chrisonaguilar]

This is exactly what I’ll be doing to mine! Thanks for the helpful video.

[@BudgetBronco]

You are welcome, thanks for watching!

[@darrendaine4914]

I was able to buy the hood struts, but the Bronco emblem is unavailable right now.

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes unfortunately I heard through the grapevine that he ran in to some licensing issues with Ford. If you search around you can find a couple other vendors that are selling something similar.

[@darrendaine4914]

@@BudgetBronco The only other ones I've seen are decals or you have to drill holes in your Fender

[@BudgetBronco]

Try www.vortexsigns.com

[@williamdkennedy1065]

Great advice. Do you have any suggestions on adding a front crossbar to my factory roof rack? OEM is close to $500. I want to keep it relatively stock with improvements. Perhaps a different material. To be used for spacecase, bike rack, light bar.

[@BudgetBronco]

Sorry, I have nothing to offer on this. I don't have a roof rack myself and I don't plan to get one so I don't know much about them.

[@AustinH7]

Looks like Bronco depot is gone.. what happened??

[@BudgetBronco]

Sadly, I heard he got a 'cease and desist' letter from Ford because he did not have a proper license to sell them. If you search online you might find some others selling them, but I cannot vouch for the quality of them.

[@D3thM3tal]

I had redline tuning struts on my Contour SVT and they were excellent. The slamming is a turn off preventing me from purchasing....

[@BudgetBronco]

I like them too, but yes you do have to give it a good push to latch, you can't just drop it from 6" like before I installed the struts. Thanks for the comment!

[@jyharris]

Love your channel. I have learned a lot. I'm trying to decide if I want the Base or higher model. #GoGreen

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks!! There are a bunch of factors to consider but here is how I see it: if you are like me and you like to do little projects, then most of the 'extras' you get with the higher trim packages you can add yourself, and save a TON of money in the process because you can add just the things you want, and not be forced to buy things you don't really care about because they are bundled together in that higher trim package. That includes things like: bigger tires, tinted windows, leather/heated seats (you can have Katzskins installed for under $2000), leather steering wheel (I've got a video coming on that soon!). Some things you can't really do yourself like the big touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, reverse sensing, etc so if those are really important to you go with a higher trim level. I personally have been VERY happy with the Base, it really is quite a good price for all that you get. Oh and GO WHITE!!

[@jyharris]

@@BudgetBronco I retired from Ford last October. I had a BB for only a week before I had to turn it back in. 2 door with a manual and 2 options: signature headlights and keyless entry. I may buy one with the same options, but add the switches. You've given me a lot to think about because I too love to wrench on vehicles.

[@BudgetBronco]

Congrats to you on the retirement! Honestly, the AUX switches are the one thing that you should really get right from the factory, and they are available on all models for only $200. I have seen some posts where others have installed them afterwards and it cost them like 3x in parts and is not easy to do. Thanks for watching

[@jyharris]

@@BudgetBronco I've seen all of your videos and have enjoyed each one. You're killing it. The anti-matter blue is a very collectable color. Your build looks great!

[@Rockabilly78704]

Buyer beware, I installed a set of these(the struts not the badge) yesterday on my Bronco and when it fully opens the hood rubs against the cowl. I can see it damaging the paint on the hood and possibly cracking or deforming the raised part of the cowl. There doesn't appear to be any kind of adjustment on the struts to be made. FYI I did install it all correctly and it is this same Redline Max Lift Hood set.

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks for sharing that comment. I will go check mine and make sure there is no issue. I cannot really see how installing the strut would affect that area though. Can you add a little more detail on exactly where you are rubbing? I am assuming by cowl you mean the plastic piece between the hood and the windshield where the wipers mount.

[@Rockabilly78704]

@@BudgetBronco I wish I could upload pics. Its the part of the hood closest to the mirrors. There's about an inch and a half to 2 inches that is making contact with the black plastic when fully raised. This is happening on both the driver and passenger sides.

[@BudgetBronco]

I checked on my Bronco and I can see the area you are talking about. On the driver side I have a 1/4" gap between the hood and the cowl and on the passenger side I have a 1/8" gap. On the side with less clearance, the black plastic cowl is a little bit warped and is popped up a bit. Maybe that is what is contributing to your problem? At any rate, thanks for pointing this out, it should be checked after installing the struts.

[@ronin18D]

What size is that Retro Bronco Badge?

[@BudgetBronco]

It is about 10 1/2 inches long and 2 inches tall at the 'B', sadly the company I bought it from is no longer selling them but if you do some google searching you should be able to find other options

[@zeos386sx]

nice find on those struts, definitely going to add that to mine.

[@BudgetBronco]

Good call, I think it is a 'must have' item, really. It is kind of sad that even a $60k high end first edition trim still comes with a prop rod!

[@BudgetBronco]

🤷‍♂️

[@anthonygallo3576]

Please tell me that the bronco badges arent cheap amazon plastic crap?

[@anthonygallo3576]

Sorry ,that comment was for another vid. You're the man. Is that a real retro grille?

[@BudgetBronco]

No, original Base grille that I painted

[@MillikanTube]

Sweet. Look forward to your future vids!.

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad you like them!

[@bassmaster4406]

Looks great Tim. Looking forward to how you gonna do the top. Thanks again GO PENGUINS

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks for watching! I'm hoping to have the top done within the next month...

[@Coach8916]

Bronco Depot USA is no longer making those badges. Do you have a recommendation and where I should order some black ones for my bronco? TIA.

[@BudgetBronco]

Ya unfortunately Ford has been shutting down those that make these without proper licensing. So two options: 1) search google and try to find one that springs up before it gets shut down. Here is one for example: www.theocdplug.com/shop/p/bronco-12-h9zt9 or 2) Buy one from a licensed site that is making them for the original Broncos, in which case it will take some work to grind off the pins on the back, but it can work www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Bronco_Script_w_Clips_6677yr/Bronco_Emblems

[@Coach8916]

@@BudgetBronco Awesome! Thank you very much.

[@Coach8916]

@@BudgetBronco would you happen to be able to share the template you had to line up the emblem? Thx!

[@BudgetBronco]

Here you go: www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/where-to-buy-bronco-depot-usa-badge.40279/post-1328994

[@mopars4life11]

Looking AWESOME......

[@BudgetBronco]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@winkydee]

can't wait for the white roof vid! hey, do you have a parts number for the hood struts? Great vid, love your "budget" classic Bronco!

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks! Part number 21-11039-02, here is a link: amzn.to/3myZSct

[@Vidishish]

Are the bronco emblems holding well?

[@douinbroncothings2791]

Would like to know about this as well.

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes, no problems with them. I have been thru several washings and they are still stuck on great.

[@davidpiccolo3039]

You have to paint the top white.

[@BudgetBronco]

White roof is coming! Stay tuned...

[@greggoett]

The badge is GREAT.. it's a NEW truck.. what work are you going to be doing in the engine bay that you want the extra height or that you can't use the rod? My 2018 Explorer Platinum, has a hood rod.... I'm pretty sure.. I've only had the hood open once or twice. Now my 86 F250,, that hood is open all the time.

[@BudgetBronco]

Good question! Honestly I have no big short term plans for engine work that requires the extra open space, but even for things like oil changes and air filter changes, it is nice not to have to work around the prop rod. I do a LOT of work under the hood of my 03 Jeep Grand Cherokee and even that has struts, so I guess that is just what I am used to. I do plan to keep this Bronco for a looooooong time so I think it is a good investment. Thanks for watching!

[@Bacnow]

Well, my Bronco 2.7 will sport a pair of Mishimoto Oil Catch Cans! Because the engine compartment is so cluttered, their engineers decided to place them all the way in the rear next to the firewall. This may necessitate having a higher hood opening to service these cans so this is a perfect solution!

[@BudgetBronco]

I've read LOTS of debate on catch cans, especially on the need for them and if they can void warranty in case of some major engine failure. I don't know enough about them to have a strong opinion, so I will probably wait a while myself.

[@greggoett]

@@Bacnow I've considered a catch can for my OLD 7.5L.. 70k miles on a rebuild. Old school tolerances.. Do these new, tighter tolerances overall actually need them??? I remember in the 70s changing air filters and the crankcase filter.. that crankcase filter would always be oily.. From my 89 Ranger on.. I've not seen that much blow by..

[@thedesertpooch9664]

I love what you've done with your bronco, but ... what happens when those gas struts will start leaking

[@BudgetBronco]

Buy another set?? I also kept the prop rod if ever needed. Thanks for watching!

[@thedesertpooch9664]

@@BudgetBronco there is a reason why an old idea of a simple prop rod is still used in the 21st century

[@BudgetBronco]

Sure, I get it and can appreciate the 'KISS' approach. But some 'luxury' items are nice too.

[@jorgejefferson8251]

Very nice

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks!

[@johnt6673]

The ford badge/decals are horrible. That would be the first thing to come off of my bronco. Have seen some nice aftermarket bronco badging. This font does not look like others I have seen. The others were more cursive/Italic to me. Can not believe ford is still using prop rods for vehicles, especially the cost of these things nowadays. Come on ford.

[@BudgetBronco]

It is good to have options...pick the one you like best and go for it. Agree on prop rods! Thanks for watching

[@BoombarDiary]

Are you planning to paint the hard top?

[@BudgetBronco]

This is my next video!!! I am about half way thru the job, the top will be white. I should be posting the video in the next week or so, stay tuned....

[@andrews2203]

What color is your bronco? I don’t see a dark blue option is it black?

[@BudgetBronco]

It is dark metallic blue! Specifically, Antimatter Blue. This was only available for model year 2021, they discontinued it for 2022 for whatever crazy reason. This actually makes my build a pretty rare combination, there are very few Base + 2.3L + Manual Transmission + Antimatter Blue in existence.

[@andrews2203]

@@BudgetBronco I love your bronco. That blue is the color I’d want. Base two door with the oversized tires is perfect

[@Jason_903]

Have they replaced your mic. Top yet?

[@BudgetBronco]

Not yet. I did get the letter from Ford back in August saying my top will be part of the 'Customer Satisfaction Program' replacement, but no follow up since then.

[@Jason_903]

Was wondering I’m still waiting to get mine so I guess it will be later if they haven’t replaced everybody’s yet thanks going to try the same with mine except I had to get eruption green since they did away with the blue

[@BudgetBronco]

I am a little tiny bit jealous of the green!

[@panzer948]

Great how to vid. I just ordered the Redline struts thru your link. I noticed they are same price as the manufacture site but decided to go with convenience of Amazon and of course a little something in commision hopefully for your effort :) I am thinking about the badge but they sure are a pricey. It would be a no brainer at about half that cost. I saw where one site is offering something similar but in a thick vinyl for ~$10, so trying hard to justify the difference in cost. Is the thicker ABS material worth the extra price of admission? Thanks again!

[@BudgetBronco]

I appreciate the support! As noted, no extra cost to you for using my affiliate link. As for the badge, I can't speak for the $10 option but it sounds like just a decal? That is probably going to look like exactly that, a sticker. The badge from BroncoDepotUSA is thick plastic (I am guessing at least 1/8" thick) and is high quality and has a nice taper to it, thicker at the bottom closer to the truck. Only you can answer 'is it worth it'! But, if you have any questions on the badge I used, email them by going to www.broncodepotusa.com/pages/contact-us they are very helpful and can help. Tell them Budget Bronco sent you!

[@matthewlopez7322]

Looks crooked

[@BudgetBronco]

Meaning a little higher on the B side and a little lower on the o side? That is the natural stance of the Bronco, a little higher in the rear.

[@venkatnbt]

Looks you are making it Ugly by every modification !

[@BudgetBronco]

Well as they say, 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'

[@bigworldparty]

Good info. Although that broncodepotusa link seems no longer working, maybe they are out of business?

[@BudgetBronco]

Ya sorry, I will remove that. Unfortunately shortly after I bought it, Ford went after them for unauthorized use of trademark and he had to shut down the website. If you search around, you will find some other options, but from what I have heard not all of them are good quality.