MCO2

[MCO]

Don’t know what to call this build so MCO2 it shall be.

MCO1 will be our 22 Wildtrak Bronco. And @misfirethe80 is our 92 (LS Swapped and supercharged) Landcruiser.

So far pretty impressed with this rig. It’s a 402a package truck with the 5.0. Plans are to armor this dude, install a cap, upgrade suspension, add a winch, and maybe tinker with the stereo as this is my daily, kid hauler, and long range overlander. But probably never going to be a hardcore rock crawler.

 

[MCO]

I have yet to see anyone run the Rough Country bed cap yet and was intrigued by the look. Got it installed today and am overall impressed with the build quality of the setup. Everything fit together really well and was easy to install. Haven’t gotten the lighting hooked up yet but will over the coming days. If we decide to mount our rtt on the truck the load bars will make it easy and I can see us running a starlink in the future. I’m also planning on integrating the interior lighting to the factory ford bed lighting circuit.

The other thing I like about this cap is that it uses brackets that integrate very well with the factory bed tie downs rather than bed clamps like some others that I have seen. The windows are nice and large and the molle panels aren’t too obnoxious.

 

[MCO]

I also took the opportunity to run this big girl up the rti ramp “just to see” what she’ll do. Overall I’m impressed! Needs bigger tires to clear better with such a large front overhang. But we’ll fix that soon enough. Those long rear shocks do well to let the rear articulate. I don’t think I’d be interested in the current offerings from most companies. From what I’ve seen, they almost all have a 28 and a bit long rear shock that would limit the articulation that this truck has stock. The rear tucks really nicely under full bump and the front still has more room to compress so some improvement could be made there by removing the front sway bar and maybe even adding a rear sway bar. I said this won’t be a rock crawler but there’s always room to improve. Also hardly any frame flex! Much better than what we see from Toyota and Chevy.

 

[Escape Hatch]

Nice truck. Looking forward to seeing your build progress.

 

[rguest3]

Don’t know what to call this build so MCO2 it shall be.

MCO1 will be our 22 Wildtrak Bronco. And @misfirethe80 is our 92 (LS Swapped and supercharged) Landcruiser.

So far pretty impressed with this rig. It’s a 402a package truck with the 5.0. Plans are to armor this dude, install a cap, upgrade suspension, add a winch, and maybe tinker with the stereo as this is my daily, kid hauler, and long range overlander. But probably never going to be a hardcore rock crawler.

View attachment 39032View attachment 39033View attachment 39034

Nice! Should be a great compliment to your Bronco Wildtrak.

I highly suggest you look into Swarfworks for their Hidden Front Winch Mount. Very Stout piece and easy install especially with the 5.0 Coyote. ( I have this info in my Tremor Build)

You mentioned Armor as well. The RCI Skid Plates are Very nice. Halo has a Tremor option for the RCI kit while using the existing Front Tremor plate.

 

[MCO]

Nice! Should be a great compliment to your Bronco Wildtrak.

I highly suggest you look into Swarfworks for their Hidden Front Winch Mount. Very Stout piece and easy install especially with the 5.0 Coyote. ( I have this info in my Tremor Build)

You mentioned Armor as well. The RCI Skid Plates are Very nice. Halo has a Tremor option for the RCI kit while using the existing Front Tremor plate.

I looked into the Swarfworks setup. We still run the modular bumper on the Wildtrak and plan to keep this one as well. So this hidden winch looks ideal. However I'm not a fan of the Warn Platinum wireless controls. The wireless clutch feature is very nice but we've found the wireless connectivity to be hit or miss on other builds. That leaves me wanting to make something work with a manual clutch but then we have the issue of accessing that clutch. On the bronco's and other applications that use the active grill shutter system, we've deleted those grills. I may end up doing this as well so we can have the winch mounted and still have access to that clutch. Plan is also to add a powered aux trans cooler in that open area also. I am really glad I went with the 5.0 because of all the available space for additional stuff.

As far as armor, we've got the bronco armored from front to back with RCI stuff. I really like the fitment of their products. We also run White Knuckle sliders on the Landcruiser so I'm familiar with both of the more popular brands for this platform. Both are great products.

We'll see where this goes, but if our previous vehicles are any indication, this build will just keep growing in scale and scope. Maybe Whipple?

One of the things I'm not too enthusiastic about is the shift quality of the trans. The ford performance tune helped a lot with our Bronco so that may be a starting point but all of the issues that I see talked about from Next Gen are not confidence inspiring. It feels to me that at light throttle when we're cruising at around 40ish the trans is applying and releasing either clutches or the converter lockup and can't decide to just hold. Not quite a shudder but sort've a bump feeling.

 

[rguest3]

I looked into the Swarfworks setup. We still run the modular bumper on the Wildtrak and plan to keep this one as well. So this hidden winch looks ideal. However I'm not a fan of the Warn Platinum wireless controls. The wireless clutch feature is very nice but we've found the wireless connectivity to be hit or miss on other builds. That leaves me wanting to make something work with a manual clutch but then we have the issue of accessing that clutch. On the bronco's and other applications that use the active grill shutter system, we've deleted those grills. I may end up doing this as well so we can have the winch mounted and still have access to that clutch. Plan is also to add a powered aux trans cooler in that open area also. I am really glad I went with the 5.0 because of all the available space for additional stuff.

As far as armor, we've got the bronco armored from front to back with RCI stuff. I really like the fitment of their products. We also run White Knuckle sliders on the Landcruiser so I'm familiar with both of the more popular brands for this platform. Both are great products.

We'll see where this goes, but if our previous vehicles are any indication, this build will just keep growing in scale and scope. Maybe Whipple?

One of the things I'm not too enthusiastic about is the shift quality of the trans. The ford performance tune helped a lot with our Bronco so that may be a starting point but all of the issues that I see talked about from Next Gen are not confidence inspiring. It feels to me that at light throttle when we're cruising at around 40ish the trans is applying and releasing either clutches or the converter lockup and can't decide to just hold. Not quite a shudder but sort've a bump feeling.

You can easily fit the transmission cooler with the Winch in place in front of the 5.0. Plenty of room.

I'm the same way. My Broncos and trucks had the short list installed, it seems to keep going though?!?!?!

 

[PNWTremor]

I looked into the Swarfworks setup. We still run the modular bumper on the Wildtrak and plan to keep this one as well. So this hidden winch looks ideal. However I'm not a fan of the Warn Platinum wireless controls. The wireless clutch feature is very nice but we've found the wireless connectivity to be hit or miss on other builds. That leaves me wanting to make something work with a manual clutch but then we have the issue of accessing that clutch. On the bronco's and other applications that use the active grill shutter system, we've deleted those grills. I may end up doing this as well so we can have the winch mounted and still have access to that clutch. Plan is also to add a powered aux trans cooler in that open area also. I am really glad I went with the 5.0 because of all the available space for additional stuff.

As far as armor, we've got the bronco armored from front to back with RCI stuff. I really like the fitment of their products. We also run White Knuckle sliders on the Landcruiser so I'm familiar with both of the more popular brands for this platform. Both are great products.

We'll see where this goes, but if our previous vehicles are any indication, this build will just keep growing in scale and scope. Maybe Whipple?

One of the things I'm not too enthusiastic about is the shift quality of the trans. The ford performance tune helped a lot with our Bronco so that may be a starting point but all of the issues that I see talked about from Next Gen are not confidence inspiring. It feels to me that at light throttle when we're cruising at around 40ish the trans is applying and releasing either clutches or the converter lockup and can't decide to just hold. Not quite a shudder but sort've a bump feeling.

There is a clutch relocation kit somewhere on the internet (I know I’m not being very helpful).

It’s made for the RAM 1500 but if you can fab some brackets for one, it should work all the same.

Also idk how many miles are on your truck, but the 10R takes a long time to learn. Hard shifts and “clunks”, especially when the trans is cold (10R hates cold) is normal. Give it some time.

 

[Machine]

I have yet to see anyone run the Rough Country bed cap yet and was intrigued by the look. Got it installed today and am overall impressed with the build quality of the setup. Everything fit together really well and was easy to install. Haven’t gotten the lighting hooked up yet but will over the coming days. If we decide to mount our rtt on the truck the load bars will make it easy and I can see us running a starlink in the future. I’m also planning on integrating the interior lighting to the factory ford bed lighting circuit.

The other thing I like about this cap is that it uses brackets that integrate very well with the factory bed tie downs rather than bed clamps like some others that I have seen. The windows are nice and large and the molle panels aren’t too obnoxious. View attachment 39038View attachment 39039View attachment 39040View attachment 39041View attachment 39043View attachment 39046

Interesting! That Rough Country cap looks like they took the design straight from RSI, with a few mods, but it looks substantially the same.

Man, it looks good, though! I really like the brackets instead of the clamps to hold it down. That's so much more secure!

 

[Machine]

I looked into the Swarfworks setup. We still run the modular bumper on the Wildtrak and plan to keep this one as well. So this hidden winch looks ideal. However I'm not a fan of the Warn Platinum wireless controls. The wireless clutch feature is very nice but we've found the wireless connectivity to be hit or miss on other builds. That leaves me wanting to make something work with a manual clutch but then we have the issue of accessing that clutch. On the bronco's and other applications that use the active grill shutter system, we've deleted those grills. I may end up doing this as well so we can have the winch mounted and still have access to that clutch. Plan is also to add a powered aux trans cooler in that open area also. I am really glad I went with the 5.0 because of all the available space for additional stuff.

As far as armor, we've got the bronco armored from front to back with RCI stuff. I really like the fitment of their products. We also run White Knuckle sliders on the Landcruiser so I'm familiar with both of the more popular brands for this platform. Both are great products.

We'll see where this goes, but if our previous vehicles are any indication, this build will just keep growing in scale and scope. Maybe Whipple?

One of the things I'm not too enthusiastic about is the shift quality of the trans. The ford performance tune helped a lot with our Bronco so that may be a starting point but all of the issues that I see talked about from Next Gen are not confidence inspiring. It feels to me that at light throttle when we're cruising at around 40ish the trans is applying and releasing either clutches or the converter lockup and can't decide to just hold. Not quite a shudder but sort've a bump feeling.

Regarding the Swarfworks hidden winch mount, I've also installed it with a Warn Zeon platinum 12s winch in a 5.0. Feels like a solid mounting platform but I've never really pushed (or pulled, technically) it hard. Accessing the winch clutch is a pain if you don't have the wireless, as you mentioned- I can attest to that.

I have had some connectivity issues, but what I've found is that the power switch on the winch itself was somehow able to turn itself off- maybe due to road vibration? This might be due to the unusual positioning the winch has to be in to mount it. That and the battery for the wireless controller is garbage. I have D-cell batteries in an old Mag-Lite that haven't been changed in 10+ years and still work, but the Warn wireless controller doesn't last 2 weeks due to its constant communication with the winch. Also, there is concern that the winch, being wired directly to the battery as mine is and left on constantly, will drain the battery but I've left it for a week mid-winter and it started right up for me. That said, I want to move the control module up off the winch and mount it and the power switch higher in the engine area.

Looks like it's going to be a great build!

 

[PNWTremor]

Regarding the Swarfworks hidden winch mount, I've also installed it with a Warn Zeon platinum 12s winch in a 5.0. Feels like a solid mounting platform but I've never really pushed (or pulled, technically) it hard. Accessing the winch clutch is a pain if you don't have the wireless, as you mentioned- I can attest to that.

I have had some connectivity issues, but what I've found is that the power switch on the winch itself was somehow able to turn itself off- maybe due to road vibration? This might be due to the unusual positioning the winch has to be in to mount it. That and the battery for the wireless controller is garbage. I have D-cell batteries in an old Mag-Lite that haven't been changed in 10+ years and still work, but the Warn wireless controller doesn't last 2 weeks due to its constant communication with the winch. Also, there is concern that the winch, being wired directly to the battery as mine is and left on constantly, will drain the battery but I've left it for a week mid-winter and it started right up for me. That said, I want to move the control module up off the winch and mount it and the power switch higher in the engine area.

Looks like it's going to be a great build!

I'm still mastur-debating whether I should splurge on a the Swarfworks or just wait for RCIs bumpers. Hard choice.

I really don't like the idea of having to get on the ground to activate the free-spool clutch, but I also don't want to spend $2000 on a winch (which could be well spent depending on your philosophy).

I just like to have options, I don't like that feeling when you're wheeling and you know you might get stuck, die then eaten by vultures (Found on road dead). Kidding, couldn't be me.

 

[MCO]

Testing the tow limits of the tremor today. Headed to Windrock park to do some wheeling in the 80. 7700 lb landcruiser on a heavy ass trailer.

 

[Machine]

I'm still mastur-debating whether I should splurge on a the Swarfworks or just wait for RCIs bumpers. Hard choice.

I really don't like the idea of having to get on the ground to activate the free-spool clutch, but I also don't want to spend $2000 on a winch (which could be well spent depending on your philosophy).

I just like to have options, I don't like that feeling when you're wheeling and you know you might get stuck, die then eaten by vultures (Found on road dead). Kidding, couldn't be me.

It's tough. If I had had the money I would've opted for an aftermarket bumper onto which I would've mounted the winch. I probably would've dropped the $$ on a Warn anyway (it seems like they have a good reputation) but the aftermarket bumper makes accessing and working on the winch easier, I think, than having to remove most of the front end. That said, it seems that the wireless clutch is really the only practical option when using a hidden winch mount.

Now that I've done it this way (Swarfworks and Warn 12$ Platinum- which refers more to its price more than its features) I'm happy enough with it, but the history of that switch turning off on its own worries me a bit, so I'll be checking it before any offroading and occasionally while out on the trails- last thing I want is to have to turn the winch on while it's buried in a watery mud pit...

It's nice that it looks stock still, though I do like the look of aftermarket bumpers...

I think at the end of the day it works either way and you'll get used to whatever you have and grow to love it as your own.

 

[98infinity]

I'm still mastur-debating whether I should splurge on a the Swarfworks or just wait for RCIs bumpers. Hard choice.

I really don't like the idea of having to get on the ground to activate the free-spool clutch, but I also don't want to spend $2000 on a winch (which could be well spent depending on your philosophy).

I just like to have options, I don't like that feeling when you're wheeling and you know you might get stuck, die then eaten by vultures (Found on road dead). Kidding, couldn't be me.

Rci said they are going to make bumpers for the 24+ f150s?

 

[PNWTremor]

Rci said they are going to make bumpers for the 24+ f150s?

I just got off the phone with my buddy who works there and he just submitted a request for one under my name, they will reach out to me when they start fabbing one (IF), I will post updates in a separate thread.

 

[MCO]

I’ve got tire jealousy of the wife’s Bronco. May be looking to do 37’s with the new suspension.

 

[rguest3]

I’ve got tire jealousy of the wife’s Bronco. May be looking to do 37’s with the new suspension.
View attachment 39592

Nice matching vehicles!

You are going to need more gear for the 37s on the Tremor. Your wife's Bronco has the 4.70 gear ratio with the Sasquatch Package.

 

[CAMDENN]

I’ve got tire jealousy of the wife’s Bronco. May be looking to do 37’s with the new suspension.
View attachment 39592

Although no longer made, the Wildtrak Bronco was my favorite trim.
Love the look of your wifes Bronco.
Very subtle and tasteful mods.

 

[MCO]

Nice matching vehicles!

You are going to need more gear for the 37s on the Tremor. Your wife's Bronco has the 4.70 gear ratio with the Sasquatch Package.

We'll see. This 10 speed has such a wide gear spread that I'm not concerned at all. I'm sure eventually we'll be doing some form of forced induction on it. My Landcruiser is supercharged and I love the power delivery of the turbo motor of the bronco, so we'll see what the future brings.

 

[FabLab]

I’m currently running 37” BFGs on mine and really no need to regear with the 10 speed. I’m sitting about 2” higher up front and stock height in the rear. Running the Fox 3.0 coil overs and shocks.