I highly doubt Ford will design the IFS and steering in a way that will make SAS simple or remotely affordable. Yeah, the body might look decent and have some cool open-air amenities, and it will probably do great on the fire roads, BUT if true offroad enthusiasts don't buy-in because it simply cannot compete w Jeep offroad, will it actually catch-on as something the masses think is cool??
It will not be on the same level if it does not have front straight axle, period.
Yes, on road manners and traversing pot holes on your way to the county campground will likely be better but that's not cool. Plenty of Subarus out there do that just fine.
I am certainly willing to sacrifice a smidge of onroad comfort for reliability and capability.
I've taken many ifs rigs wheelin and been around plenty that do fine and with a good driver they can run a lot of trails, but again - not the same level as solid axle.
True- most people sporting a wrangler on 37s never get off the pavement - but they still buy-in that it's cool because everyone knows it CAN be taken offroad and do well. Howd they get those 37s under there? Simple over the counter lift available at 150,000 4x4 shops across the country.
Shoot for that matter - most people that own early broncos don't take them offroad but think they're cool because in-part, they are so capable, tough and reliable.
Can it be cool with IFS? Maybe.
Would it be cool with straight axle? Absolutely.
Will you be able to lift and fit 35s w IFS, will wait and see but I'd guess yes.
Will you be able to lift and fit 37s or larger? Probably not - not without serious dollars. Will just have to wait and see.
Imo, the new 4 dr bronco is only going to look and be treated as cool if it can be lifted to fit big tires. Stock wranglers and gladiators in my opinion are ugly. Both look ok w 35s and look good w 37s or larger.
I hope they are cool so I can talk my wife into having that as her next ride.
that's my two bits for the day.
