Awesome. That should be a badass rig. Ignore the hater.

Thanks.
I was hoping to ask you a question that may sound naive, but I'll ask it anyhow.
Can you tell me how a front locker works with CV axles? How does it not tear it up if locked?

A front locker with IFS works just like a rear locker. The only difference is that the axle shafts in an IFS setup are exposed and have two joints in each side (the CV joints). The locking function happens internally in the differential.

If the axles and CV joints are strong enough to handle the torque - they'll be just fine with a front locker. Same as in the rear. If you go around a corner one tire has to travel further than the other. So one tire will slide some as it goes around the corner. Although generally in my experience if the front is locked - you won't be going around many corners. It tends to want go straight and only straight. Front lockers are pretty much only for very limited situations and used for short distances to get through an obstacle.

It's rare to use a front locker for more than a few dozen feet at a time. Most of the time the front will be disengaged. And it would be practically impossible to drive on the street with a front locker engaged. I mean that literally - you cannot steer much at all.

I appreciate the detailed explanation, thank you.

Looks like Ford did some serious homework. Offering a lot of things many people want. Lots of variety as well. You can get a nice mall crawler, or a pretty serious rock crawler. Your choice. A live axle in the front would be a great addition for the rock crawler version. Jeep will have it all over them on that issue. I would bet the aftermarket people are already planning for that mod. For most people the IFS is a better choice anyway. Just the serious people need the live axle. Lots of other neat stuff available too. And a manual tranny!!! thats GREAT. Built in anti theft device for inept modern drivers and thieves. I would add a hand throttle option as well. Pretty cool unit. I think it will give the Jeep a run for its money in the market place. The Jeep will have an edge in the rock crawler community. I would like to see one on Chinaman's or Independence, or Rusty Nail, Rubicon, or even Mosquito. Just to name a few.
Is this intended to be a world car? Or just a North America car. Anybody know.

Drove/drive my previous ride (68 F100) 35 years. Rode in it with Grandpa 15 years before that.
My 4runner should last me the rest of my life. If not, the F100 will.
Not interested in anything new. The 4runner is a bit too "electrical" for me. But I like it.

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Precisely. So I would really like to see how they prevent the frat boys and mall crawlers who will buy the Bronco from ‘effn the front drive line up or fly’n off the road when they have the front locker engaged inappropriately.

I'm sure it's the same way they do it in all the other models with front lockers. Only engages in 4Lo and automatically disengages above around 5-10mph. For 99% of buyers they could just have a dash light say it's on and not actually ever lock it...

One thing I will say is that Ford’s always had nice paint and a good color selection.

Being a previous ford owner on multiple vehicles, I just don't see this being what it should be. Knowing Ford, Im expecting really bad reliability with a vehicle that will probably share parts with other ford models like a Ford Focus to reduce costs.... Ford has always been more into marketing and only does the bare minimum with R&D work. Unless this vehicle shares the same focus as their truck lineup, anyone who owns a 1st or 2nd gen of this new bronco is going to be in a world of hurt 2 years from now.

Well see what happens but Ford has had a very bad track record. Im hoping this comes out on top, I really do like the concept of the vehicle.

I think I am really liking the Outer Banks version to replace my ORP. Auto climate control, auto LED headlights, remote start, and hopefully cooled seats.

I'll be in the market for a used Base 2 door with the Sasquatch in a few years. Preferably with the 2.7. I'll let someone else pay the dummy tax.

FWIW, Ford claims the Badlands scored a 700 RTI. Best score I can find for a Rubicon Wrangler is 693. Unless they're lying, it should have plenty of flex for rock crawling right along with Wranglers.

Bronco is built on the global midsize truck platform, ie...the new Ranger. The 4 door version is very much a competitor to the 4Runner. I would definitely consider it if I was shopping for a new 4Runner.

The CV axles must be pretty beefy to offer a front locker. Bilstein TRD Pro-like shocks as an option for all trim levels is nice. Too bad the sway bar disconnect is only offered on the Badlands ($$$$).

The KDSS sway bar has been impressive off road, and fantastic on road, I don't have FOMO from the lack of sway bar disconnects. The fact that you can stuff 35's from the factory....that one hurts. So lame you have to do a body chop mount for just 33's.

Haven't been a fan of the maintenance for forced-inducted engines....but I guess that's the way the future's going, Toyota included. At least you get a flat torque curve with the EcoBoost engines.

Yes and no. Frame wise yes. However the powertrain and electronics are US market and I think that's what concerns most people.