I want to be completely transparent with you guys about this build. Being in the position I’m in at this point with the channel, I literally get offered free parts on a daily basis. That’s because companies know there is a value in their brand being in my videos. People want to run the parts that I run. So that leaves me with a responsibility to you guys to not lead you down the wrong path, just because I received a benefit of my position. The reason it took me so long to complete the Bronco build, and to make this video (almost exactly a year) is because I didn’t want to use any parts that I hadn’t seen in person myself, learned about the company that makes them, and actually built a face to face relationship with the people there. So that’s what I wanted to show you guys in this video. Everything that’s happened in 2022 to build this vehicle. All the companies I spoke with or visited in person, and the people there who I’ve built relationships with. Hopefully this can help you guys make a more informed choice on these products. There are links to all the products used in the description if you want to get more info on them.
Hey, good on you Shaun. Nothing worse than slapping on brands and logos just for the F(ree) word. If anything, you're just providing realistic build times for peasants like me that still have to pay for everything! The build looks great!
You sir, are what is needed more and more on youtube / IG etc. Genuine influencers who earn a good living not telling others what to buy to make a buck. Thank you. Well done and the Bronco looks great.
Rig looks sick. That adaptive suspension is next level. But still, Ellie takes the cake. She's not wrong, Daddy's messy. Aren't all of us outdoorsy fellers though, call it a compliment and a critique. Keep it coming.
To be honest, I just fell upon your initial SEMA video and appreciated the clarity and respect given. With that, your comment definitely sets the tone and set me as a subscriber. Keep up the good work my friend
Great video Shawn as always. I'm a local so I follow your adventures, watching for places to go. I also watch the product reviews and I use these as referrals for sourcing reliable vendors. Problem with this video is that the guys at Epic are Bronco-Haters. A few months ago I went in there as I heard ( thru the grapevine) that Icon was sending them an amazing suspension setup so I wanted to discuss a lower version of it for my own Bronco. Paul told me flat out he wasnt interested, that they were focused on Jeep and they wouldn't be supporting the Bronco platform. He felt it was a distant #2 to the Jeep, but still too unreliable offroad. So without a successful RU-vid channel, us regular guys with Broncos have to source out other vendors. Or go get a Jeep and Epic will be more than happy to do a $60k Hemi swap. Keep putting out content and supporting your vendors. Often imitated, never duplicated!
First of all I love your videos! Not a big fan of the New Bronco but I get it. I am an old square body guy and have had them ever since I started driving. I love the scenery in Canada! It is simply breath taking and thats the reason I love your videos! Also was that your kiddo? Oh my God cutest thing ever! dont know how you could spend time away from her lol! Thank you for bringing us along on your journeys and I look forward to bumping into you on the trails!
Having my Bronco has been an exercise in patience. From getting it, to finding aftermarket stuff. I still haven’t found a winch bumper that doesn’t block everything or screw up intercoolers and stuff. I’m not even worried about wheels and suspension!
I know they made fun of rough country, but with 2.7 RC hidden winch and having moved the transmission cooler, I haven't had any heat issues and the 9000 lbs winch I put in there seems to be working well. The clutch is the only issue, but I traded off cost for not blocking the intercooler or radiator. Build quality was good as well.
@Seth Fontenot. I thought it was very unprofessional of icon to bash another brand. I've built many vehicles over the years using everything from Rough country to icon and all between. I'm definitely not saying Rough country is even mid grade stuff, but at least RC has great customer service and stands behind their products, I can't say the same about icon suspension with their over priced kits.
Newer to your channel. Really enjoy your content. Have watched a lot of your Gladiator videos and some of your older Bronco videos. Anxious to see how it performs with all the new upgrades.
People shit on Rough Country, but they make most of the hard components in Dyersburg, TN. And it's not like they hide their intentions or place in the market, they make "lift kits" not performance suspension.
So if Icon had ever watched any of your videos they would have known that you are always loaded and they sent you $$$$ gear that was designed for a different application anyways? And you called them and they didn't currently have a solution. (And if and when they do it is going to require lots of labor to fix) I feel like that says a lot. I'm currently waiting to replace front shocks on my Tacoma with Bilstein 6112s till I get the bumper and winch because I don't want the heavier springs till I have the extra weight. (A long way of saying that knowing you need heavy springs for a heavy load is a commonly understood issue.) I DO find it interesting how your interactions with vendors go. Please keep sharing.
This did surprise me, but in fairness to ICON, we never had a discussion about what my intended application was. This is also the first kit they produced (like literally #2 off the line) and I'm told there was an issue with the first sets of coils being too soft which they've since corrected. It's still a work in progress to get things just right on my Bronco, but I needed to get this video out. I will update down the road.
This is a new vehicle and new product application. When developing and producing high quality American made parts, they release as fast as possible without compromising performance. No error was made but we do indeed have a heavier rated spring coming soon for builds that would require it.
Shaun, those shocks are exactly what I have been screaming for for decades. Why the hell we need stiff shocks off road and a crappy ride on road when they are in the cab adjustable. I only have Rocksports on my MC lifted JK and to be honest they are marginal at best on road in summer. In winter the shock rates stiffen a bit in the Calgary cold and make the Jeep ride perfect. Off raod though, the Rocksports keep up with the rest of the entire vehicle in its present configuration in all weather temps. Hopefully all manufacturers will follow ICON in giving a set of in cab adjustables in all configurations. I would buy them over Kings even.
Watched your videos since the beginning. I think most of us get that there will always be sponsors offering up product for advertisement. We have seen that since the beginning of most RU-vid channels, but at least you test and show off said products and always give an honest opinion and steer us fans in the proper direction.
Love all your videos Shaun! You do such amazing camera work, great wheeling spots and tips, and are honest about the parts you use. I, as I'm sure just about everyone, really appreciates all the work you do for your videos and for us as viewers. It's great to see how your hobby has been able to become your life! Excited to see more content and hopefully you can take the whole family out on a trip and do a little side by side with the Bronco and Gladiator. Cheers!
I get the Bronco, and it's nice to see new content... Just hope you don't regret your purchase like LiteBrite did, and dumped there's for a Raptor version.... But most of the market is where your Bronco is and should make for great content... Looking forward to see new different content even though I am Jeep guy, but can appreciate what the Bronco brings to the game.... Just to bad the Bronco missed simple things like not having rear heating or AC.
Glad to see you still have the Bronco. I am looking forward to more Bronco videos. Would the Bronco squat in the rear with the stock rear suspension if a tent was added to the roof rack?
It did not, no. The good news is I spoke with ICON today, and the new heavy duty coils for “overlanding” are coming very soon. They are sending me a set already to try out. 👍🏻
@@TheStoryTillNow I also have the Icon Stage 8 kit on my Badlands and the squat is driving me nuts. Looking forward to seeing how the new coils work out for you.
I love your integrity, if that is what you want to call it (I would), honesty about the uniqueness of the privilege of your position as a content creator, and your pursuit of excellence both in product and relationships, whether it be with the supplier/vendor or your audience. What I would love to know is where you are in terms of the progress with this build, i.e. since you initially planned, or even if just an estimation. Are you 12 months, 6 months, or closer to 1-3 months from allowing us to see this Bronco in action? Is it a fair question? I don't want you to feel pressured at all. I'm just hoping to see it perform, as I am a fellow Badsquatch owner. :)
Thanks! We’re still sorting out some suspension issues. It’s taken a lot longer than I planned. This was originally supposed to be built before we did the big trip with it last year to Utah, but the parts got delayed over half a year. By then we’d started on the new gladiator build, and for now at least that’s much more interesting to me. But the original plans was and still is to get both the vehicles out together on trips. Hoping to make that happen soon.
You don't need to wait for icon. There are a lot of companies that will build springs for you. Just let them know the length, diameter, and weight rating. A spring is a spring, you don't need brand specific.
please provide a spring company that can make a single set of custom springs inside of 6-12 months right now, i'd love to know. All major domestic manufacturers are limited to 100 MOQ. Icon has the best suspension out there for the Bronco right now, and nothing else is even close, certainly not Kings, and Fox hasn't even arrived to market with their offering yet.
Spotted the Rough Country Spare tire relocation/reinforcement bracket, great product. BTW I "only" paid retail for my 9 month build order 2022 Wildtrak🙃
Yeah buddy! Awesome build so far. Loving the bronco content. I should be taking delivery of mine any week now. Same color and build as yours (coincidentally)
Duuuuuuuuuuude. That's the front bumper I've been looking for. Perfect! And it will look sick with the flare delete. Just need a cam relo. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BroncBuster here on RU-vid has come up with a great design for tierods on the bronco, he is running 40's on his Bronco and since he designed the tie rod brace and rack and pinion insert he has not broken any of his steering systems.
I'm curious as to why you would go with a Bronco, with IFS, which can be problematic off road? With the solid axles in the front of those Jeeps being bulletproof almost. IFS can be brittle off road. Just curious
I have a Jeep as well. I've taken the bronco all over Utah, wheeled some tough trails in Moab, and had zero mechanical issues and it performed great. I'm not claiming the IFS is as good as a solid axle, but I also haven't had any problems with it so far.
Hi Shaun . . Sorry if I sound intrusive & I definitely understand if you don’t wish to answer. I was curious to know how you finance your expeditions ? These modifications & accessories are pretty expensive so how do you manage buddy.
4Dr bronco guy weighing my options on suspension. One issue I have with all the aftermarket options is they all seem to reduce travel. Both versions of the bilsteins, apparently, have more travel then the King, Icon, Fox, etc shocks. It's cool Icon made something that auto adapts however.
@@ShockSurplus Which stock did you test? There are four different travel length options. In order of travel length: Hitachi, Bilstein Sas, Bilstein non-sas, and Fox. Legitimately interested in seeing this on video or images as the truck is so new. It's all internet conjecture at this point and it's kind of annoying companies in the automotive aftermarket just don't show the damn test/data.
How do upgrades tie rods work? Imo they’re kind of a fuse to break first vs damage extending to the steering rack and beyond. Almost seems better to busy a tie rod and just replace on the trail real quick. Curious to hear opinions!
Woot! There were a lot of Bronco creators early on, then they all stopped. I've kept watching your content since as your an awesome story teller, but have been wanting to see you take the Bronco to some of those crazy locations you go to. I assumed it was a matter of not trusting such a new platform, but it looks like it was due to lack of required upgrades(?). Really looking forward to seeing the places you take this and of course the new Gladiator build when its done. :) If there is any interest, there is a RU-vidr (@No_Traction_Faction) that is putting the Coyote into a Bronco. So far, its looking good and I am curious if they will be developing a kit for it like the AMW guys do. Either way, I suspect someone will if it truly fits as well as they've been saying.
Love the channel, reminds me of a little of Litebrite and Xpedition Overland. Great video and awesome scenery. Just one question, do you still have the Gladiator?
Shaun, I have a serious question for you. Whilst you’ve been out camping ( over landing) particular solo, have you every experienced anything in the woods you have been able to rationally explain.
How heavy is the bigger iCamper tent? Thinking about taking my iCamper and awning off in the winter to save them some wear and tear from the subzero temps.
I'm curious to find out what actually is the cause of the tie rod failures on Broncos. Being that the Raptor comes with 37's, I'm thinking it may have more to do with the extra lift people are putting on their Broncos. I know the side loading of the wheels is a definite cause regardless of tire size. The extra lift being added to Broncos is actually changing the geometry of the steering system which puts undo stress on the steering system. I guess we may find out.
Don’t blame you Shaun, it’s your living. I just don’t understand giving up more capability/durability for less of both🙄. Nothing beats a solid front axle in the rough, everyone knows that.
You may not regret using icon suspension because I'm sure they will take good care of you, but they sure don't care anything about taking care of us ordinary customers. I tried their products on 2 Tacoma builds with early failure on both sets. Then the real issues start when you contact their customer support. Icon simply does not care about your problem after the sale. Don't believe me, just take a simple search on any Tacoma forum and you will have to search hard to find anyone that hasn't had issues with the product and the customer service department. Over priced junk.....
Need those type of awning mounts for the TRMR rack that stay flat under a roof top tent!! The Trailrax ones are too raised for me to center mine. How did you guys end up leveling out the bar with the side of the rack since the side comes up a bit and isn’t flat???
I have the pieces to relocate it from Relentless Fabrication but I have to mount a licence plate there so I can’t do it. But this bumper has a kit to accommodate the camera.
Thanks for keeping it real,.. NOT A ONE RU-vidR simply kept to their OG Normal Content THAT EQUATES TO NORMAL PERSON'S PRACTICAL BUDGET. I'm so fed up with not only your content just like "Lite Bright Nation" running Ultra-4 Rig, Hemi swapped JK, FUKIN Corvette and a Supra???. Street Outlaws is probably WROST but they were a TV series, Not "Normal PEOPLE" ALL THESE PLATFORMS GREW A FAN BASE FROM A RELATABLE / PRACTICAL FOR NORMAL PEOPLE, NOT FREE PARTS AND CONTRACTS
Everyone who spent $70k on a new Bronco and waited(some still waiting) wont tell you this but like most new vehicles, its boring, and when you do break it you cant fix it because there are no parts.
