I love Broncos, this one is tough to decide, it is nice enough that I would feel bad beating it up offroad but not quite nice enough to be a “cherry” survivor car. I love this classic ‘70s look and the 78-79 were the only full size Broncos to have a solid front axle so I think it scrapes out a NP - but just barely. 

I know that I’m probably an unusual case but I owned a ‘91 and then a ‘96 Bronco which I finally sold this year and bought a new JKU Wrangler simply because it is the only vehicle on the market that is even remotely similar to the Bronco.

I love the clean, sleek lines - very refreshing compared to the overwrought NSX and GTR.

I’d like to think that my fellow Jalops are much less of brand snobs compared to the general public; besides Buick has made some decently entertaining cars like the Regal GS (complete with maunual) in recent years.

I think you are being a bit morose, the fact that Ford is even entertaining offering a true SUV instead of the limp wristed, egg on wheels crossovers that we currently get is huge. The new Bronco could be powered by a hamster and I’d still consider it a win.

Couldn’t Buick simply offer 2 different packages for this? One for Jalops and hipsters with lower suspension in brown and another for soccer moms in silver with a 1/2 lift and some sort of badging that includes an “X?” Everyone wins.

Yes and Yes! I say this as someone who has owned 4x4s with open diffs, limited slips, a rear locker only, and front and rear lockers.

Good off road tires > locker

Yup, air down a bit and it is no problem. The only time I’ve ever experienced “axle walk” is on a lifted solid axle truck that uses tall ass blocks instead of a proper suspension lift.

That has nothing to do with solid axles and everything to do with the fact that it is shaped like a brick and has heavy, knobby tires.

Since forever, I can’t think of an application where a selectable locker has ever been used for a FWD car and can you imagine what would happen if you tried? If the locker was left on in a situation where you had traction the entire transaxle would go pop, pop BOOM! Car based FWD drivetrains just aren’t sturdy…

I guess my point is that there are so many other things that the Cherokee (and its sister CUVs) need in order to be a halfway competent offroaders before a locker even begins to make sense. It is sort of like bolting a giant wing on an otherwise stock Civic in order to have better traction. The weak, car based…

Because Cherokees/Renegades/Compasses don’t have the off-road capability to even get into a situation where they would need a locker?

I’m curious as to where this old saw about solid axles comes from. I suspect it is from heavy duty pickups which have extremely stiff suspension for carrying heavy loads and thus ride uncomfortably when unloaded.

Maybe, but they sure as sh*t will try.

I didn’t say anything about rich people and I didn’t say it was good or bad, it is just is. Unless some genius can come up with a better way for companies to raise the capital needed to grow companies to a huge size it won’t change.

You have to remember that Ford is owned by shareholders whose one and ONLY goal is to see a return on their investment in a relatively short span of time. They don’t give a f*ck about Ford’s long term health, the economy, jobs, or doing what is right. Shareholders expect increasing profits and ROI every single…

I disagree, I mean when was the last time you saw a commercial for a Chevy Silverado and thought that women must be beating down the dealership door to buy one? They feature men doing manly things with other men: ranching, construction, camping etc and are likely not being run during Real Housewives episodes.

Agreed, these people have moved onto Challengers, Camaros, or full size ‘Merican pickups.