[Shane Sloan]

Hey all,
Not sure if any of you watched Doug DeMuro bastardize a review of the Bronco. If not, it's probably best if you don't. I've seen it twice, and I got more angry the 2nd time.

That said, I did notice what appeared to be pockets where the typically square topped panel is at the base of where the seat belt meets the floor just behind the door. The rig he reviewed was a 96 XLT with the nicer interior, but I've never even seen something like this in an EB. I've tried looking around the internet, but you'd be surprised how many people aren't showcasing the trim at the base of the seatbelt. 🤯

If you decide to watch the video, see if you see what I saw. Let me know if I just need more sleep or a few less wobble pops at night.

 

[fodder]

Since you've advised others to not watch the video, a screenshot of what you're describing might help...

 

[BigBlue 94]

I think i understand. The seat belt reel covers never had a pocket in them. Maybe its a custom modification.

 

[GetBent4x4]

The 96 Bronco with plenty of replaced parts? OE rear bumper etc

 

[Shane Sloan]

The 96 Bronco with plenty of replaced parts? OE rear bumper etc

 

[miesk5]

Yo Shane,
Following from 1996 Bronco/ F-Series Workshop Manual, partial @ 1996 Bronco/F-Series Workshop Manual
Safety Belts, Rear Outboard, Bronco

Item	Part Number	Description
1	31012	Quarter Trim Panel
2	611B68	Rear Safety Belt Retractor and Tongue
3	386277-S100	Upper Anchor Bolt
4	386273-S100	Lower Anchor Bolt
5	620482-S100	Retractor Anchor Nut — M12
A	—	Tighten to 35-45 Nm (26-33 Lb-Ft)

Buckle End, Bronco

Removal

1. At the back of the rear seat, remove the anchor bolt for the RH or LH safety belt buckle end, as necessary.

1. Remove the RH or LH rear seat cushion belt shield insert as necessary.Feed the buckle end assembly down through the seat cushion and pull it out from the back before anchoring it to the floor.

Installation
To install, reverse the removal procedure. Tighten the anchor bolt to 35-45 Nm (26-33 lb-ft). Check the restraint system for proper operation.

 

[BigBlue 94]

I see what you are talking about, but cant decipher what it actually is. Not stock, thats for sure

 

[Shane Sloan]

I see what you are talking about, but cant decipher what it actually is. Not stock, thats for sure

It's got me thinking it's time to do some fiberglass work! With 2 kids, you can never have too much storage.

 

[davido]

That review wasn't bad until he got to the end and gave pretty low marks across the board.

Fun factor, two? What? I actually believe he's lying, because as soon as he got to the part of the video where he gave it the road test there was an obvious smirk trying to escape his face. He was genuinely enjoying driving the thing. He enjoyed the looks he was getting, being up and above everyone, the sound of the engine, and the general feel driving it. And he didn't even take it off road or camping. If we're going to rate a vehicle's fun factor, we ought to do so by using it for its intended purpose. This thing wasn't designed to be a fun highway vehicle. It was designed to be a true SUV.

Also, acceleration 1? I don't know about others' 5.8Ls, but mine is faster than 5000 pounds of steel has any business being, and aside from the exhaust, a K&N filter, and some upgraded spark plug wires, the motor is essentially stock. I'm going to have to time its zero to sixty sometime. I know that the manufacturer's specs put it at 12.x seconds, but when I get on the gas mine wants to move.

It scored low for utility? Come on, now. This vehicle has ample cargo space, if I need more room in back for a fridge or something I can remove the top (in fact on my old '89 I actually did haul a fridge in the back with the top removed, once). I can pull just about any reasonable trailer (limit is 7000 pounds, though that would be a slow-go. I pull a 3200 pound popup trailer). It's highly utilitarian. And of course there's the "Sport" in SUV; it's great off road, camping, heading out to the marina with the outboard in back, etc. What vehicle would do better for utility?

Anyway, he made a lot of good observations, and overall it was a pretty good review. The things he found quirky and outdated are really no problem. The under-hood light? I don't have that luxury on my 2008 Outback XT, or 2015 Ford Explorer Sport, or any other vehicle I've owned in recent memory. I'm surprised he didn't mention the cup holders size though. The rear seat cup holders won't hold most cups at modern fast food places.

 

[Raser13]

I remember those. My uncles old bronco had them! They were a fake black leather pouch. Made out of that same scrappy fake leather they made the bags they put the jacks in in that time period. They attached to the back of the hump that covered the front belt reel and had a strap that attached under the back seat. They were cut to match the contours of the bottom of the back panel. They were made to be removeable trash cans.

My guess is that they were only on the highest trim packages, or special edition package like the Eddie bower. They broke down and ripped out pretty easy since the strap went right where your foot would catch on it. So you would constantly catch on it and eventually rip that corner off. I would assume most of them degraded over time and were thrown out. Which is why probably never seen one. I would guess the person that owns that one rarely had anyone in the back seat which is why theirs is still there. Good luck finding a set. Might find clips on the panel or a ring under the seat as evidence of it being there. But I don't remember how it was attached.

 

[Raser13]

yattached.you can tell he's not used to older cars. Lol. All cars were like this back then. I love how he was amazed by the seat going forward. Lol. They've had that since the 50's. Young pups!

 

[BigBlue 94]

I remember those. My uncles old bronco had them! They were a fake black leather pouch. Made out of that same scrappy fake leather they made the bags they put the jacks in in that time period. They attached to the back of the hump that covered the front belt reel and had a strap that attached under the back seat. They were cut to match the contours of the bottom of the back panel. They were made to be removeable trash cans.

My guess is that they were only on the highest trim packages, or special edition package like the Eddie bower. They broke down and ripped out pretty easy since the strap went right where your foot would catch on it. So you would constantly catch on it and eventually rip that corner off. I would assume most of them degraded over time and were thrown out. Which is why probably never seen one. I would guess the person that owns that one rarely had anyone in the back seat which is why theirs is still there. Good luck finding a set. Might find clips on the panel or a ring under the seat as evidence of it being there. But I don't remember how it was attached.

My loaded 94 XLT didnt have it. And it had every option for internal luxury. Im guessing an aftermarket item still.