Episode 59 – 2015 Ford F-150 and BuildABronco.com

Posted by Dan Cole on February 6, 2014

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

In this episode of the podcast I chat with the guys over at BuildABronco.com. Build a Bronco specializes in 1966-1977 Ford Broncos, including Bronco Sport, Bronco Ranger, or Bronco Explorer. Providing On/Off Frame Restorations, in providing customers with the a wide range of services and custom builds including half cab, Ford 289, Ford 302 engines, factory or suspension modifications including lift kits, 2”, 3.5″, progressive coils, hoop mounts and rear double shock mounts. We had a great time talking about what to look for if you’re going to step into the early Bronco world and attempt your own build or if you’d like them to build one for you. If its good enough for Ted Nuggent, then I’m confident that they do some great work!

The guys over at Build A Bronco put together a really sweet Bronco that had a lot of custom touches. They managed to stretch a Bronco and grafted in some parts from Poison Spyder and a Jeep JK. The way the did it is probably a close kept secret but it would allow you to use some of the aftermarket Jeep JK parts which opens up a whole new realm of possiblities as the JK aftermarket sector is a fury of parts and custom builders. I don’t know if the rig is still for sale, but whoever owns it/buys it will have a beast of a rig that not only looks great but would be a pleasure to have on the trails or in the sand somewhere. Be sure to also like Build A Bronco on Facebook.

Body

In the news portion of the show I run you down all the significant updates on the 2015 Ford F-150. The biggest update is that the entire body is made from aluminum which cuts about 700 lbs from the total weight. 700 lbs is a significant amount of weight which allows the F-150 to perform as good or better than it performed with a larger, less fuel efficient engine. There are lots of ramifications from using an all aluminum body such as: no more rusty rocker panels, more expensive collision repair bills, no word on cab crush resistance or crash ratings yet and Ford says they are able to use thicker panels due to the lighter weight and actually improve dent and scratch resistance.

Engines

The V-6 EcoBoost engine has been a huge hit since it became available and the 3.5 liter model will replace the 3.7 version. Ford has not yet released the HP and torque numbers yet but if its similar to the Explorer, you can expect to see 290 HP. The next tier up brings you a 2.7 liter twin turbo for moderate towing but just less than the capability of a 5.0 liter V-8, so Ford says. The 2.7 also uses a graphite block and takes advantage of start-stop technology. The 5.0 liter V-8 Coyote engine continues to be available but there’s no word yet if the Coyote will receive a power or torque bump. I expect that there will not be any changes made in hopes that buyers feel like its lighter will provide the seat-of-the-pants difference. The 6.2 liter V-8 is now no longer available and the 3.5 liter engine will fill the top slot position. That means if you want big V-8 power, you’re not going to be looking at the 2015 F-150.

Trims

Ford is simplifying the trim levels by reducing from eleven to just five levels.

XL: This is the base model pickup with many standard features with a choice of two appearance packages: Chrome or Sport.
XLT: This model offers even more standard features with a unique grille; it also offers Chrome or monochromatic Sport appearance package options.
Lariat: This well-equipped model has loads of new features, a unique grille and offers Chrome or Sport appearance packages.
King Ranch: A very well-quipped trim, King Ranch has unique features inside and out, a dedicated grille and will offer a polished Chrome appearance package option.
Platinum: This continues as the top-of-the-line premium trim package offering the most luxurious new cabin design with the highest-grade materials seen in the segment.

No word yet on if the Raptor will receive any kind of update for 2015 – I’m guessing not at this time. The Raptor will likely see some big anouncements sometime in a few months to help spread out the attention. The Raptor is also overdue for some kind of update/redesign.

Bed Tech

The highlight in the bed is the Box Link cleats. The Box Link creates a really strong connection point for dealer installed options like racks, tie-downs and the like. I fully expect DIYers and the aftermarket to take full advantage of this highly modifiable platform. The bed also includes a push button LED light that shines into the bed and can be reached from the side. The bed itself is also made of aluminum but a much thicker layer which is supposed to be more resilient than the current bed. I would still recommend using a bed liner coating to protect it though. The tailgate is remotely lockable and unlockable. The higher trim levels even feature a remote opening tailgate; a feature that I find to be mostly useless. The next-generation tailgate step is being used as well as a box side step which pops out of the bed side making it easier to access the bed from the side.