Drivetrain Technical Breakdown

Drivetrain Design Philosophy

The goal behind the drivetrain was simple: combine modern OEM reliability with competition-grade off-road performance.

Traditional Bronco powertrains are proven, but modern engine and transmission technology offers significant advantages in weight, packaging, fuel efficiency, drivability, and parts availability.

By utilizing modern OEM components and pairing them with the highest quality drivetrain hardware available, the result is a system that performs equally well on the highway, on the trail, and on extreme rock crawling obstacles.

Every component was selected with three priorities in mind:

• Reliability
• Serviceability
• Performance

The end result is a drivetrain capable of delivering nearly 400 horsepower while maintaining exceptional low-speed control and durability.

2.3L EcoBoost

Powering the vehicle is a 2.3L EcoBoost sourced from a Mustang platform.

This engine produces just under 400 horsepower and approximately 375 lb-ft of torque while offering several advantages over traditional Bronco engine options.

Why the EcoBoost?

The 2.3L EcoBoost is approximately 110 pounds lighter than a traditional Bronco V8.

Removing weight from the front of the vehicle improves:

• Climbing performance
• Weight distribution
• Suspension response
• Overall vehicle balance

The compact engine size also simplifies packaging throughout the chassis.

A major advantage is the ability to route the exhaust system primarily on one side of the vehicle, creating additional clearance and simplifying underbody packaging.

Spidertrax Chromoly Housings

Heavy-duty Spidertrax chromoly axle housings provide the foundation for both front and rear axle assemblies.

Benefits include:

• Increased strength
• Reduced flex
• Improved durability under extreme loads

Built for demanding off-road environments, Spidertrax housings offer the rigidity and durability required to withstand large tires, high traction situations, and aggressive driving without compromising reliability.

2005+ Timken Unit Bearings

Timken unit bearings are utilized on both front and rear axle assemblies.

Benefits include:

• OEM serviceability
• Parts availability
• Proven reliability
• Simplified maintenance

By utilizing commonly available bearing assemblies, replacement parts can be sourced much more easily than many custom racing solutions.

This approach supports the overall build philosophy of combining competition-level capability with practical long-term serviceability.

Ventilation & Fluid Management

One often overlooked area of a drivetrain is venting.

Rather than relying on traditional open vent systems, this vehicle utilizes dedicated filter vent canisters throughout the drivetrain.

Protected Vent Systems

Filtered vent canisters are installed on:

• Front differential
• Rear differential
• Transmission
• Transfer case
• Engine crankcase

Benefits

• Cleaner ventilation
• Reduced contamination
• Improved component longevity
• Additional rollover protection

If the vehicle is placed on its side or upside down, the canisters help contain fluids that would otherwise escape through standard vent lines.

While rarely noticed, this small detail contributes significantly to long-term reliability and demonstrates the attention given to every aspect of the build.

Atlas 3.0 Pro Series

The Atlas 3.0 Pro Series transfer case serves as the heart of the four-wheel-drive system.

Known throughout the off-road industry as one of the strongest and most proven transfer cases available, the Atlas delivers:

• Exceptional durability
• Reliable torque transfer
• Competition-level performance
• Serviceability

The Atlas platform has become a benchmark component in serious rock crawling applications due to its strength, simplicity, and proven reliability in extreme environments.

GearWorks HP10 Third Members

The vehicle utilizes GearWorks HP10 third members equipped with:

• 5.40:1 ring and pinion gears
• Yukon Grizzly lockers

This combination delivers exceptional traction while maintaining durability under high horsepower and large tire loads.

Designed for severe-duty off-road use, the HP10 platform provides the strength, reliability, and traction required for technical rock crawling and aggressive trail driving.

Yukon Grizzly Lockers

Yukon Grizzly lockers were selected for their simplicity, reliability, and exceptional strength.

Advantages include:

• Automatic engagement
• Proven durability
• Consistent traction
• Minimal maintenance requirements

When traction becomes limited, the lockers ensure power reaches both tires on the axle, maximizing grip and helping maintain forward momentum through challenging terrain.

Branik Components

The vehicle utilizes numerous Branik driveline components throughout the axle assemblies to maximize strength, reliability, and durability under extreme off-road conditions.

Branik Rear Spline Locks

Provide secure retention of axle shafts under extreme loading conditions.

Branik Legacy Pro 32 Front Outers

Designed to withstand the stresses generated by large sticky competition tires and aggressive terrain.

Branik 1550 Legacy Axle Joints

Among the strongest axle joints available, capable of handling extreme steering angles and significant torque loads.

Together, these components provide a driveline package engineered to withstand the demands of competition-level rock crawling and high-traction environments.

Tom Wood's Driveshafts

Tom Wood's driveshafts are widely regarded as some of the finest driveshafts available in the off-road industry.

Benefits include:

• High-angle capability
• Exceptional durability
• Proven reliability
• Serviceability

These driveshafts are designed to withstand the extreme suspension travel and driveline angles encountered during rock crawling and aggressive off-road use.

Their robust construction and proven track record make them an ideal choice for a drivetrain built around reliability and uncompromising performance.

Complete Drivetrain Overview

Engine

• Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost
• ~400 HP
• ~375 lb-ft Torque

Transmission

• Ford 10R80 Automatic
• 4.69 First Gear
• 0.63 Overdrive
• 4.86 Reverse

Transfer Case

• Atlas 3.0 Pro Series

Driveshafts

• Tom Wood's Custom Driveshafts

Axles

• Spidertrax Chromoly Housings
• GearWorks HP10 Third Members
• 5.40 Gears
• Yukon Grizzly Lockers

Steering

• 10" Hydraulic Ram
• TC Power Steering Pump
• Extended High-Steer Arms

Brakes

• Wilwood Lightweight 4-Piston System

Wheels & Tires

• Battle Born Wheels
• Maxxis 42" Competition Sticky Tires

Venting System

• Filtered Differential Vents
• Filtered Transmission Vent
• Filtered Transfer Case Vent
• Filtered Crankcase Vent

This drivetrain was built with one goal in mind: deliver modern reliability and drivability while remaining capable of surviving the harshest off-road environments imaginable.

Extended High-Steer Arms

Extra-long high-steer arms provide increased leverage at the steering knuckle, improving steering efficiency throughout the entire system.

This creates a cascading benefit across multiple steering components:

• Steering ram works less
• Hydraulic pump works less
• Power steering cooler works less
• Reduced system temperatures
• Increased component longevity

By reducing the force required to steer the vehicle, this approach improves overall efficiency while minimizing stress on critical steering components.

Battle Born Wheels & Maxxis 42-Inch Competition Stickies

Lightweight Battle Born wheels were selected for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand severe off-road abuse while reducing unsprung weight.

The drivetrain was ultimately designed around the Maxxis 42-inch Competition Sticky tires.

Benefits include:

• Improved obstacle clearance
• Exceptional rock traction
• Reduced unsprung weight
• Competition-level grip

The increased traction generated by these tires is one of the primary reasons every driveline component was selected with strength as the top priority.

Together, the wheel and tire package provides the traction, clearance, and durability required to fully utilize the capabilities of the drivetrain.