The Ford Bronco, first introduced in 1966, quickly became an legend in the off-roading world even before the popularity of a modded Bronco. In the past few years the Ford Bronco has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, both as a vintage collectible and a modern vehicle with the release of the new model in 2021.
We want to go over what we think are the best modifications and upgrades to update your Bronco’s performance, style, and off-road abilities. To us, it doesn’t matter if you’re restoring a classic or customizing a new Bronco, we’re just glad you’re part of the Bronco family!
Table of Contents
Why Modding Vintage Broncos is Popular
Nothing Beats The Classic Look
Vintage Broncos just look good. Plain and simple. We just don’t think any other vintage SUV looks as good.
The look and feel of a vintage Bronco brings something out in people. Makes you feel like you can do things you couldn’t do before you had one. You’ll be popular, and we’re not joking! It’s not like a scam you see on the internet that promises you’ll get more attention. These rides turn heads. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if it’s a modded Bronco or not. People love them!
There won’t be a day that goes by when you’re driving it that someone doesn’t pull up and give you a big smile or thumbs up.
The Growing Trend of Restoring and Modifying
Restoring or modifying vintage Broncos has become a big trend. People all over the world are investing time and resources to breathe new life into these vehicles.
And it’s not just about restoring to original but also enhancing the performance with new engines and adding modern conveniences (I’m looking at you air-conditioning!) without compromising the classic vibe.
Community and Culture
The community around modded vintage Broncos is fun to be a part of. From local car meets to online forums, there’s no shortage of knowledge and camaraderie among Bronco builders. We go to the Bronco Super Celebration in Tennessee every year! The Smoky Mountains are amazing. You’ll see some Broncos and think, yes, this is my Bronco goal!
Sharing tips, showcasing projects, and providing support to your new and old Bronco friends creates a culture that continues to fuel the passion for our favorite truck.
Our Top 10 Mods for Early Broncos
- Upgraded Suspension
Enhancing your Bronco’s suspension system improves ride quality and off-road capability. Consider adding a lift kit for increased ground clearance and improved articulation.
- Modern Engine Swap
Replacing the original engine with a more powerful and efficient engine, such as a Ford EcoBoost or a V8, offers significant performance gains.
- High-Performance Brakes
Upgrading to a more robust braking system, including larger rotors and calipers, enhances safety and stopping power, especially when tackling tough terrains.
- Custom Wheels and Tires
Swapping out the factory wheels for lighter, larger options paired with aggressive all-terrain or mud tires boosts both style and functionality.
- LED Lighting Upgrades
Installing modern LED headlights and auxiliary lights improves visibility during night driving and off-road adventures.
- Aftermarket Body Kits
These kits can help to refresh your Bronco’s appearance with new fenders, grilles, or bumpers, often making it look more aggressive and contemporary.
- Enhanced Interior Features
Upgrading the interior with modern amenities like comfortable seating, sound systems, and improved dash layouts can significantly enhance overall driving experience.
- Skid Plates
Adding skid plates protects the undercarriage from rocks and debris during off-road excursions, ensuring longevity and durability.
- Winch and Bumper Modifications
Installing a winch with a heavy-duty bumper allows for greater recovery capabilities when navigating difficult terrains.
- Fuel Injection Conversion
Converting from a carbureted system to fuel injection improves engine performance, efficiency, and reliability during various driving conditions.
Essential Mods for Vintage Broncos
Lift Kits
A lift kit is one of the first mods many Bronco owners consider. It increases ground clearance, allowing for larger tires and better off-road capability. Popular options include 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch lifts, each offering a balance between height and stability. These kits enable your Bronco to tackle rough terrains with ease. Plus, it makes them look tough. I only had 33 inch tires on my 77 Bronco but it made such a difference!
Engine Upgrades
Upgrading the engine of your vintage Bronco can significantly enhance its performance. Everyone is opting for modern V8 swaps, but you can get a 2.3 Ecoboost or even make it diesel. Fuel injection conversions are also popular, offering improved reliability and fuel efficiency compared to old carburetors.
Suspension Enhancements
Swapping out the old leaf springs for coil springs can greatly improve ride quality. Upgraded shocks and stabilizers enhance the handling and comfort of your Bronco, making it more capable on and off the road. These upgrades will make sure that your vehicle can handle off-roading while providing a smooth ride when you just want to take the family out for ice cream.
Brake System Upgrades
Safety is really important, especially when modding a vintage vehicle. Converting from drum brakes to disc brakes provides better stopping power and reliability. You want to know you’re going to stop when you want to stop. Full stop.
Custom Interiors
Modernizing the interior of your vintage Bronco can add both comfort and style. Think heated seats, new upholstery, and updated gauges. Did we mention airconditioning? I think we did 🙂 But it’s worty mentioning again.
My fuel guage was constantly going out so I always had to make sure I watched the mileage. It would’ve been nice to not have to worry about that.
While we suggest trying your best to keep the classic look, integrating modern comforts makes your Bronco a joy to drive on long trips or daily commutes.
Cosmetic and Functional Mods
Body Armor and Rock Sliders
Protecting your Bronco’s body during off-road adventures is essential. Some of those trails can be tough and you don’t want to break down out there. Unless you’re camping. Even then, no one wants to fix damage. Such a bummer.
Body armor and rock sliders shield all the right areas from damage. Available in various styles and materials, these protect the Bronco and a little bit of your sanity.
Wheels and Tires
Choosing the right wheels and tires can impact both your performance and aesthetics. Larger, more aggressive tires improve off-road traction and capability, while alloy or beadlock wheels offer durability and style. Matching your tire size and tread pattern to your specific needs will give youa better overall driving experience.
Lighting Upgrades
Upgrading your Bronco’s lighting can have both functional and aesthetic benefits. LED light bars, fog lights, and upgraded headlamps improve visibility during nighttime and off-road excursions.
I had a few months where my lights would just turn off while I was driving at night. Didn’t always happen, so I didn’t fix it the first few sporadic times. Then one night coming home from the movies they went off and it was a long drive. A little scary but a pretty easy fix and man do LEDs make a difference.
These additions not only help with safety but also give your Bronco a modern, aggressive look.
Modern Bronco Mods – A Quick Overview
Modular Design for Easy Customization
The new Bronco’s modular design makes customization straightforward. Owners can easily swap parts and add accessories without extensive modifications. This flexibility allows for a personalized touch and ensures that your Bronco fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Sasquatch Package Add-ons
The Sasquatch Package is a popular choice for modern Bronco owners. It includes a factory lift, larger tires, and upgraded axles, enhancing off-road performance. These add-ons make your Bronco ready for any adventure, right off the showroom floor.
Aftermarket Bumpers and Winches
Enhancing your Bronco’s off-road capability can be achieved by adding aftermarket bumpers and winches. These additions provide better protection and recovery options, ensuring that your vehicle is prepared for the toughest trails.
Interior Tech Upgrades
Modern Bronco owners can upgrade their vehicles with advanced tech features. Infotainment systems, custom interiors, and innovative gadgets enhance the driving experience. These upgrades offer convenience, connectivity, and a touch of luxury to your off-road adventures.
Choosing the Right Mods for Your Bronco
Intended Use
Understanding how you plan to use your Bronco is a big part of selecting the right mods. What are you focused on? Are you off-roading, daily driving, or building a show car? This will vary your choices. Prioritize mods that align with your primary use case to get the most out of your investment.
Budget Considerations
Modding a Bronco can cost quite a bit of money.
You need a good plan and budget to keep yourself from going crazy and overboard. Balance performance upgrades with aesthetic enhancements to create a well-rounded vehicle that you’re going to be able to drive for a long time.
Conclusion
Modding a Bronco, whether vintage or modern, is rewarding. You get to make it yours!
From lift kits and engine upgrades to custom interiors and lighting enhancements, there are countless ways to make your Bronco uniquely yours.
Whether you’re drawn to a classic model or the cutting-edge capabilities of a new one, the modding possibilities are endless.
At Get Vintage Vehicles – we’d love to see what you do and hear you share your experiences with the Bronco community.
