Best off-road modifications and accessories for the new Ford Bronco?

Question

So I finally got my hands on a 2023 4-door and I'm in a massive rush because I'm supposed to be heading out to the trails in Colorado in literally three weeks. I've got a $3,200 budget for the first round of stuff and I'm totally stuck between two setups. My logic for option one was going with a 2-inch lift and some 35-inch tires because obviously ground clearance is the biggest issue but man those tires are pricey right now and I'm worried about the stock crash bars. Then I started looking at just keeping the height stock for this trip and spending that money on full RCI skid plates and maybe a hidden winch setup for the factory bumper. My thinking was that if I stay low I'm gonna hit stuff so I better have the armor to handle it but then my buddy told me I'm just gonna get high centered every five minutes if I dont get the lift. If I go tires I might not have enough left for the winch and I'm worried about getting stuck out there since I'll be solo for part of the drive. Also lead times are a nightmare right now in my area. I found a local shop that has a basic spacer lift in stock but the heavy duty skid plates might take two weeks to ship which is cutting it way too close to my departure date. I keep going back and forth because the 35s look so much better too but I dont want to be that guy with a pretty truck that breaks a tie rod or busts the oil pan on the first rock he sees. The terrain is mostly rocky trails and some light mud so I'm wondering if the stock tires can even handle it. What do you guys think is more vital for a first timer heading into the mountains? Should I prioritize the clearance or the protection because I really cant afford both right now and I need to order something by Monday if its gonna get here in time...

dxlyouvuqt · Accepted Answer

> My thinking was that if I stay low I'm gonna hit stuff so I better have the armor to handle it but then my buddy told me I'm just gonna get high centered every five minutes Tbh your buddy isnt totally wrong about the clearance, but safety is everything when youre solo in the mountains. I would suggest prioritizing protection and recovery every single time for a first trip. I've spent plenty of time on those Colorado trails and the rocks out there are jagged... if you go with the RCI Offroad Full Skid Plate Package Bronco, you can literally slide over the stuff that would normally ruin your day. High centering is a nuisance, but a cracked oil pan is a total disaster. Make sure to grab a WARN VR EVO 10-S Winch and a solid mount like the Rough Country Hidden Winch Mount Bronco. Having that peace of mind when you're alone is worth way more than the look of 35s. Be careful with those local spacer lifts too, they can sometimes make the ride pretty harsh without actually giving you much more capability. Stick to the armor for now, the stock tires are actually surprisingly decent if you air them down right.

nzpjlmwnps · Answer

Regarding what #2 said about the tie rods being toothpicks... man, it is totally true. My first time out in Utah, the steering felt so sketchy on those big tires. Swapping to BroncoBuster Tie Rod Braces made a massive difference and I am very satisfied with the peace of mind now. Honestly, those braces are a cheap lifesaver for a first timer if you end up going with 35s later. Since the clock is ticking, focus on stuff you can install yourself in the driveway:

Get some MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards Signature Orange. They help when you're high centered and even work as a bridge in a pinch.

Grab a Viair 400P Portable Compressor Kit. Airing down to 20 psi makes the stock tires way more capable on Colorado rocks. Going solo means you gotta be self-sufficient. Prioritizing recovery gear over a cheap spacer lift is definitely the move imo... the stock height is actually pretty decent if you pick your lines carefully.

Vector Archive · Answer

I love exploring solo! My Bubba Power Stretch 7/8 inch x 20 foot Recovery Rope saved my hide when I slid off-trail...Safety firstPeace of mind Legit gear is a game changer, tho!