Off-road limited knowledge, advice request

[thecoldpop]

For my 2025 Big Bend, I have a set of 235 ATs coming this weekend, as well as a 1.5 lift.

I have a couple questions just regarding how far I can, and how far I should go with this vehicle.

My future plans include getting a skid plate set from HRG, is it necessary?

Do I need to do anything to protect the ECU?

Any horsepower upgrades I (not very knowledgeable in cars) can make to give me a little umph?

Thank you to anyone who spends their time helping me out!

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[Bill G]

Darrin, these are just my opinions and I’m sure you’ll get others too..
With the 1.5l the 235’s are a good choice, lighter weight. The lift will give you a little more ground clearance (confidence).
The 1.5l should have enough power (I’ve owned a lot of 4x4’s with less power that were quite capable).
Not much you can do about the ECU, can’t easily be moved so you just have to be aware of the limitation.
Skid plate is always a good idea. Check out a couple before deciding, HRG is good but I know there are a couple others out there, check threads on this forum.

 

[thecoldpop]

Darrin, these are just my opinions and I’m sure you’ll get others too..
With the 1.5l the 235’s are a good choice, lighter weight. The lift will give you a little more ground clearance (confidence).
The 1.5l should have enough power (I’ve owned a lot of 4x4’s with less power that were quite capable).
Not much you can do about the ECU, can’t easily be moved so you just have to be aware of the limitation.
Skid plate is always a good idea. Check out a couple before deciding, HRG is good but I know there are a couple others out there, check threads on this forum.

Thank you so much!

 

[Dude]

The 2025s have the newer MPC Engine, I have not seen specific posts about the location of the ECU for the 2025 1.5L Engine and for the 2025 2.0L Engine

 

[Mark S.]

One of the limitations for the non-Badlands trims is water fording depth. You can watch a video from Ford about the different fording depths at this link. Ford does not specify the reason(s) for the difference in fording depth, but we know there are a plethora of air vents on the various components comprising the all-wheel-drive system. My guess is that some of the vents on the non-Badlands trims are low enough to allow water intrusion into driveline components at depths above the maximum recommended by Ford. You might do some research on the different vent tube position/length options between the trims. It's possible you can install longer vent tubes on your car to protect components from water intrusion.

 

[jkernitzki]

Over several decades of upgrading for its own sake, I suffered from me-too-itis, FOMO, and thinking that what everyone says I should have is actually good advice. As it turned out, almost none of the upgrades to my first 4X4 were actually needed, but they sure looked cool. Took me a while, but I learned that a cheaper (and I'd argue more satisfying path) is knowledge & experience. All the tech & upgrades in the world don't serve the driver if they don't have a defined need and demonstrable utility.

If you're inexperienced in off-roading, you'd be better off building skills and confidence with what you have and find out where your comfort level is and where you want to take it. That will be a foundation of what you add to the BS to better serve those needs. A stock BS is so much more capable than most people realize, much less are qualified or comfortable to take it. The bolt-ons will always be there (and always be too expensive for a "Oops, shoulda bought the different thing."

Alongside that is what kind of off-roading you want to participate in. Everything from the forest to the desert to the mountains and everything in-between have different challenges and requirements. Day trips or long off-grid weekends? Fair-weather driving or hitting the mud & snow? Again, big differences in needs for each.

Take your time, learn your ride and add when you find something you can and want to do that the BS finally comes up short on.

Always remember that he who dies with the most experiences has lived a full life, and he who dies with the most toys is still worm food.

 

[thecoldpop]

Over several decades of upgrading for its own sake, I suffered from me-too-itis, FOMO, and thinking that what everyone says I should have is actually good advice. As it turned out, almost none of the upgrades to my first 4X4 were actually needed, but they sure looked cool. Took me a while, but I learned that a cheaper (and I'd argue more satisfying path) is knowledge & experience. All the tech & upgrades in the world don't serve the driver if they don't have a defined need and demonstrable utility.

If you're inexperienced in off-roading, you'd be better off building skills and confidence with what you have and find out where your comfort level is and where you want to take it. That will be a foundation of what you add to the BS to better serve those needs. A stock BS is so much more capable than most people realize, much less are qualified or comfortable to take it. The bolt-ons will always be there (and always be too expensive for a "Oops, shoulda bought the different thing."

Alongside that is what kind of off-roading you want to participate in. Everything from the forest to the desert to the mountains and everything in-between have different challenges and requirements. Day trips or long off-grid weekends? Fair-weather driving or hitting the mud & snow? Again, big differences in needs for each.

Take your time, learn your ride and add when you find something you can and want to do that the BS finally comes up short on.

Always remember that he who dies with the most experiences has lived a full life, and he who dies with the most toys is still worm food.

love this advice, thank you for your words!

 

[Robink]

I have a 21 BB I lifted and I'm running Toyo AT 225 65 17's. I put a JCR engine skid plate on it. I live in the southwest desert and I drive off road all the time. This is my first AWD, I've always had 4wd vehicles with transfer cases and some lockers.
I have to admit this is a very capable lighter off road vehicle. It has surprised me where I can drive it lol. Is it limited? Yes. Especially by clearance.. But if you are not going to be driving through huge rock gardens and very deep sand it's pretty good. I've forded rivers about a foot or so deep.
With that said, the next tires will be 245 65 17's. The dealer talked me into the 225's. I've also run up very steep loose rocky roads and the 1.5 was very capable.
Would I buy another one? No. I need more clearance and true 4wd with a transfer case.
It has its problems. The rear differential had to be replaced, the battery, among lots of other minor things and recalls. I own it outright so I'm going to see how many miles I can put on it. It already has 85,000.
I put 250,000 miles on my Exterra and it's still going strong. I won't hold my breath the Bronco will go that far but I'll try. ????

 

[CLR]

If you can make it out to one, the Ford Off-Rodeo is a great place to learn about what the BS can do. It’s focused on the Badlands but applicable to any trim.

Alternatively, try to find an “intro to off-roading” class in your area.

Reading and watching videos is great, but getting out there and trying stuff in your own vehicle (or similar) in a relatively controlled environment is way more valuable.

 

[jmg]

in many areas you and your ride can take a off road class - so much more to learn than just your vehicle. also expect scratches-ouch!

 

[fourthgear]

I agree with , going out on your own . You going to at some point anyway .

Just remember , it's an AWD . If there are signs that read "4x4 Only " it really means it .

 

[thecoldpop]

I agree with , going out on your own . You going to at some point anyway .

Just remember , it's an AWD . If there are signs that read "4x4 Only " it really means it .

for sure! i think im mostly gonna stick to mild trails and whatnot for the time being, because the plan is when i’m 35 (i’m 29) im gonna upgrade to the full Bronco, but in the meantime, i wanted to have a little fun.

 

[Mark S.]

Took me a while, but I learned that a cheaper (and I'd argue more satisfying path) is knowledge & experience. All the tech & upgrades in the world don't serve the driver if they don't have a defined need and demonstrable utility.

I've said it before, an experienced, knowledgeable driver in a Badlands can go places a novice driver in a much more capable full-size Bronco wouldn't try.

 

[fourthgear]

I know some beach sand around here that wouldn't agree with that . We are talking about stock BS , are we not . LOL

Run with a friend at first , even if you get stuck or a break down , you have a ride or for recovery .

 

[Fishingjts]

I've said it before, an experienced, knowledgeable driver in a Badlands can go places a novice driver in a much more capable full-size Bronco wouldn't try.

agreed! The BSBL is pretty amazing!

for sure! i think im mostly gonna stick to mild trails and whatnot for the time being, because the plan is when i’m 35 (i’m 29) im gonna upgrade to the full Bronco, but in the meantime, i wanted to have a little fun.

so I actually downsized from a Bronco (modded) to a BSBL. ZERO REGRETS! I’m having way more fun in the Sport! It’s just more fun to drive to me! And they still let me join in! ?

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