Four-Door Bronco by Maxlider Brothers Will Turn Heads at 2017 SEMA
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Ford never made a four-door version of its iconic Bronco SUV, but that didn’t discourage Maxlider Brothers Customs from giving it a shot. Maxlider Brothers, based in Bloomington, Ill., is building a stretched version of the 4x4 just in time for the 2017 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nev. in October. (Read about the family-run Bronco shop - opens in new window or tab. led by Erik and Kris Barnlund.)
This rendering shows how the one-of-a-kind Bronco will look when it takes on Ford’s iconic Brittany Blue color.
The decision to rebuild a classic Bronco with four doors was partly inspired by Ford’s announcement in January 2017 that the company is bringing back the iconic SUV. When the brand-new version reaches dealerships in 2020, it will be the first Bronco to offer four doors straight from the factory.
Meanwhile, the Maxlider Brothers are getting a head start by revising a 1966 two-door Bronco. They cut the body in half and then lengthened its frame—allowing for the necessary wheelbase to install the longer roof and additional set of doors. Underneath the chassis, the SUV will run an Atlas transfer case - opens in new window or tab. along with gears and axles from Yukon Gear & Axle - opens in new window or tab., both of which are sponsoring the project.
The Bronco will ride on an MJR Fabrication custom coilover suspension, which also provided the eight-point roll cage for the convertible truck. The SUV sits on Fuel wheels - opens in new window or tab., which are directed via Wildhorse 4x4 steering components and an EPAS electric power steering system. Inside the truck, you will find a Wet Sounds - opens in new window or tab. Bluetooth stereo system, a Classic Instruments gauge cluster - opens in new window or tab., and Bestop Trailmax - opens in new window or tab. seating. Other contributors to the effort include Vegas 4x4, Currie Industries, and Advance Adaptor.
A set of drop-down running boards lifts driver and passengers into the four-door Bronco, which is motivated by a modern 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine, similar to the Ford unit that Maxlider installed in another recent first-gen Bronco project. This motor is matched with a 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission - opens in new window or tab. lifted from an F-150 full-size pickup and features a Roush supercharger - opens in new window or tab. to help it push out nearly 670 horsepower after it’s been assembled and wired together with a Centech harness - opens in new window or tab..
The four-door Ford Bronco is currently undergoing the finishing touches needed to make it shine at the Battle of the Builders event at SEMA, where it will be on display at the Yukon Gear & Axle booth. Want to storm the hilltop with the comfort of four doors? Maxlider plans to sell the one-of-a-kind truck, so this is your chance to own a unique piece of revisionist 4x4 history.
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