Great video! The upside for the Black Diamond is you STILL get the rear locker with 4.46 gears with the auto transmission, not so on a Big Bend auto (4.27 gears with locker). I need an auto for various reasons, which is why I chose to place an order for Black Diamond when the order banks opened for ‘24. If I were ordering a manual with the current changes you’ve outlined, definitely Big Bend and 4.46 locker.
Great video. I ordered the four door manual BB this month. I debated the Black diamond and your video makes me feel better about my choice. I added the rear lockers auxiliary switches and the mid package. I also got the signature lighting Non SAS.
Waiting for my dealership to receive my bronco, 4 door Soft top 7 speed in cactus grey For less than $38,000 Still at the plant hasn’t even been shipped yet!
I ordered a BB over the Black Diamond for the very reasons you mentioned. Working with the salesman we figured out that I couldn’t have heated seats AND manual transmission. Automatic was deal breaker for me, and a cold butt was a deal breaker for wife. Big Bend. Hell yeah. Then I Squatched it 💪🏻
I have a base and a black diamond mid package. I got the base to build as people sell there parts off the upper trims. The base was the best bang for the buck. Some 35s nice rims and some 5100s put it in slippery mode and low gear you really don't need lockers. Having the 7 speed makes the slippery mode act like it's lock up . If you want a locker just get a Detroit true track for the rear to help the system out. Lockers are for make it break it or roll it over.
Can confirm that the B&P site still has the rear locker at $0, but adds $495 to the summary without itemizing it. LOL. I just successfully put in my Big Bend order today with MT, 4.46, and the rear locker. So it is available for 2024 Big Bends in order group #2.
I personally would prefer it if they just made the Advanced 4x4 transfer case a standard option. That would definitely help differentiate it from Big Bend and give it a spot in the lineup. But if they don't do that... yes... I agree. Just copy what they do for Bronco Sport and make it a package.
For 2024 Big Bend also has marine-grade vinyl with the washout floors, same as Black Diamond. But yes, previously Big Bend had cloth... and Black Diamond had the Advanced 4x4 transfer case as an upgrade option.