FWIW .....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
I still doubt that spy shot is any relation to the Bronco. I did some digging and all it is is a Ford Everest chassis with a chopped Ranger cab/ bed on it. Could be a ploy by Ford to trick us. Seems to be working.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
I can point to Wrangler market share in the offroad world specifically due to its live axle and can also point to FCA bean counters.
Surely as you typed '99% of wrangler buyers have no idea what a solid axle is or care as long as they can take the doors and top off' , I can tell you FCA, after spending millions on market research, would have dropped the suspension design that handles worse and is more expensive to build like a hot potato. Certainly the number that 'know' may not exactly be 70%, but it's a hell of a lot more educated guess than 1%. It's gotta be at least 50+% that make added costs worthwhile if the solid axle made it this far.
A quick google search of the Everest shows identical trailing arms, bolt pattern, frame hang down and front a-arms as the spy shot. Lets not make this any more complicated than it needs to be.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,035
Likes: 1,523
From: Maine, Virginia
I can point to Wrangler market share in the offroad world specifically due to its live axle and can also point to FCA bean counters.
Surely as you typed '99% of wrangler buyers have no idea what a solid axle is or care as long as they can take the doors and top off' , I can tell you FCA, after spending millions on market research, would have dropped the suspension design that handles worse and is more expensive to build like a hot potato. Certainly the number that 'know' may not exactly be 70%, but it's a hell of a lot more educated guess than 1%. It's gotta be at least 50+% that make added costs worthwhile if the solid axle made it this far.
A quick google search of the Everest shows identical trailing arms, bolt pattern, frame hang down and front a-arms as the spy shot. Lets not make this any more complicated than it needs to be.
Surely as you typed '99% of wrangler buyers have no idea what a solid axle is or care as long as they can take the doors and top off' , I can tell you FCA, after spending millions on market research, would have dropped the suspension design that handles worse and is more expensive to build like a hot potato. Certainly the number that 'know' may not exactly be 70%, but it's a hell of a lot more educated guess than 1%. It's gotta be at least 50+% that make added costs worthwhile if the solid axle made it this far.
A quick google search of the Everest shows identical trailing arms, bolt pattern, frame hang down and front a-arms as the spy shot. Lets not make this any more complicated than it needs to be.
I agree with you that Wrangler sales dominate the segment but they also fill the used car lots as well. I suspect that many buyers get one for the cool factor and quickly tire of getting their fillings knocked loose every time they hit a bump in the road. Or, the simply tire of the extreme road noise, or the lack of power when mounted with 35" tires, etc.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 2,535
From: Pittsburgh
Wrangler Popularity
Unscientific , but based on the three people i know that have /had Wranglers . A 30 something female bartender who bought it because she liked the looks and it had a manual transmission. Got rid of it for many electrical issues and a major oil leak. My barber who has his all rigged up but doesn`t take it off road because he might scratch it up
and my niece who thinks they are cute and would not ever take it off road.
and my niece who thinks they are cute and would not ever take it off road.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 816
Likes: 7
From: Prescott, AZ
There's a pretty high population of Wranglers in northern AZ. Most of the ones that are built appear to be used for real wheeling. Some of the stockers do dirt road weekend exploring, some are grocery getters with an edge for when it gets muddy or snow hits town. Based on how many are muddy or scratched up, I'd say about half of them see weekend fun and the other half are just overly-capable commuters.
For those hammering on Wranglers for their ride quality, I'd suggest you go for a spin in a JL. Very plush on the road. Quite amazing off-road, even stock. I'd consider a JLU Diesel if it wasn't going to be over $55k before I even opened an aftermarket catalog.
For those hammering on Wranglers for their ride quality, I'd suggest you go for a spin in a JL. Very plush on the road. Quite amazing off-road, even stock. I'd consider a JLU Diesel if it wasn't going to be over $55k before I even opened an aftermarket catalog.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
I appreciate your passion for hard wheeling but, do you really think that the Bronco is going to have steel bumpers and open wheel wells like the Wrangler? We don't even know what the approach and departure angles are going to look like. This danged thing might be all plastic like the Explorer. None of these scenarios makes for a good off roader.
I agree with you that Wrangler sales dominate the segment but they also fill the used car lots as well. I suspect that many buyers get one for the cool factor and quickly tire of getting their fillings knocked loose every time they hit a bump in the road. Or, the simply tire of the extreme road noise, or the lack of power when mounted with 35" tires, etc.
I agree with you that Wrangler sales dominate the segment but they also fill the used car lots as well. I suspect that many buyers get one for the cool factor and quickly tire of getting their fillings knocked loose every time they hit a bump in the road. Or, the simply tire of the extreme road noise, or the lack of power when mounted with 35" tires, etc.
I am not expecting a 1966 revival here, but at least keep the roots of the vehicle in place. If Ford can use a high strength alloy or composite to meet cafe stds that's fine. They did it to the F-series and we still have a nice line of trucks to choose from.
And the Troller is mostly a fiberglass and plastic body, but is arguably Brazil's most capable off road vehicle.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
I agree with you that Wrangler sales dominate the segment but they also fill the used car lots as well. I suspect that many buyers get one for the cool factor and quickly tire of getting their fillings knocked loose every time they hit a bump in the road. Or, the simply tire of the extreme road noise, or the lack of power when mounted with 35" tires, etc.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
Yeah, agreed. My last big JK had 35's I added a supercharger and regeared to 4.88 before it had power to run on the highway, only problem with that was the 4.88 had it spinning about 3300 at 72mph. It was fun light to light though.......
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 249
Likes: 62
Great. IRS as well.
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/03/11/...#slide-7539742
Did anyone read what platform the "baby" bronco was based on? If this really is the "big" Bronco this is a joke.
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/03/11/...#slide-7539742
Did anyone read what platform the "baby" bronco was based on? If this really is the "big" Bronco this is a joke.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
i think its safe to say this thing is not coming out this year...hopefully it turns out to be real wrangler fighter...if it has an optional v8 it will be a real winner.
keeping my expectations low. feels like something in the middle like a FJ
if jeep would only make the hemi optional...
keeping my expectations low. feels like something in the middle like a FJ
if jeep would only make the hemi optional...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 816
Likes: 7
From: Prescott, AZ
Great. IRS as well.
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/03/11/...#slide-7539742
Did anyone read what platform the "baby" bronco was based on? If this really is the "big" Bronco this is a joke.
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/03/11/...#slide-7539742
Did anyone read what platform the "baby" bronco was based on? If this really is the "big" Bronco this is a joke.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 816
Likes: 7
From: Prescott, AZ
i think its safe to say this thing is not coming out this year...hopefully it turns out to be real wrangler fighter...if it has an optional v8 it will be a real winner.
keeping my expectations low. feels like something in the middle like a FJ
if jeep would only make the hemi optional...
keeping my expectations low. feels like something in the middle like a FJ
if jeep would only make the hemi optional...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
maybe a "rubicon" model with a v8 or 7.3 brozilla with 35s. as long as there is a v8 in the pipeline theres a chance. didnt know ford said that but not even sure if it will even debut this year. last i heard 2021 f150 reveal before bronco
ford does sometimes surprise like 7.3!
ford does sometimes surprise like 7.3!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 816
Likes: 7
From: Prescott, AZ
maybe a "rubicon" model with a v8 or 7.3 brozilla with 35s. as long as there is a v8 in the pipeline theres a chance. didnt know ford said that but not even sure if it will even debut this year. last i heard 2021 f150 reveal before bronco
ford does sometimes surprise like 7.3!
ford does sometimes surprise like 7.3!
Again, Ford has flat out stated "not this year":
Meaning 2019. One source says Job 1 is December 2020, in dealerships in January or Febuary as a 2021 model year.
Skip to minute 21 where Bronco discussion begins.