What axles does the new Ford Bronco have?
The full-size Bronco primarily uses solid axles front and rear, with Dana 44 axles on most trims and Dana 60 axles on the high-performance Bronco Raptor. The smaller Bronco Sport uses an independent-suspension setup rather than solid axles.
The Ford Bronco family is built around rugged off-road capability, and axle configurations vary by model and trim to balance durability and on-road ride. This article breaks down the axle setups across the main variants, including standard Broncos, Sasquatch-equipped builds, the Raptor, and the Bronco Sport.
Axles on the full-size Ford Bronco
Before listing the specific axle configurations, note that most full-size Broncos come with a robust front and rear axle pairing. The high-performance Bronco Raptor uses upgraded, heavier-duty axles for added strength and wheel travel.
- Front axle: Dana 44 (heavy-duty solid front axle) on most trims; Bronco Raptor uses a Dana 60 front axle for added strength and durability.
- Rear axle: Dana 44 (solid rear axle) on most trims; Bronco Raptor uses a Dana 60 rear axle for greater strength and payload in extreme terrain.
These axles are typically paired with selectable locking differentials and appropriate gearing options depending on the trim and option packages, such as Sasquatch or Advanced 4x4.
Bronco Raptor: performance-focused variant
The Bronco Raptor is engineered for high-speed off-roading and extreme terrain. It receives upgraded, heavy-duty Dana 60 axles with reinforced housings and locking diffs, plus other performance enhancements to handle the demands of 37-inch tires and aggressive driving conditions.
Axles and suspension in the Bronco Sport
Note that the Bronco Sport is a distinct, smaller model with a different undercarriage. It does not use the full-size Bronco's solid axles; instead, it employs an independent suspension arrangement typical of a unibody design, aimed at a balance of on-road comfort and light off-road capability.
- Front suspension: independent (not a solid front axle).
- Rear suspension: independent (not a solid rear axle).
Despite the independent rear suspension, the Bronco Sport still offers 4x4 capability with selectable drive modes and low-range gearing to handle light off-road duties.
Summary of key takeaways
In short, the Bronco lineup uses solid axles on the full-size model (Dana 44s front and rear on most trims, upgraded to Dana 60s on the Bronco Raptor) and independent suspension on the Bronco Sport. Always check the latest Ford spec sheets for your exact trim, as axles and gearing can vary by year, package, and region.
Summary: The Bronco’s axle configurations vary by model—full-size Broncos rely on solid Dana 44s (front and rear) with Bronco Raptor upgrading to Dana 60s; Bronco Sport uses independent suspension with no solid axles.
Why does Ford still use solid axles?
Solid axles are more resistant to impacts and abuse, which is why they're the go-to for heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. They can handle bigger tires, more torque, and more punishment without complex geometry to throw off alignment.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2024 Ford Bronco?
The main differences are that the 2025 Ford Bronco receives more technology and comfort upgrades, a revised trim lineup, and a quieter ride, while the 2024 Bronco offered a broader selection of trims and a more traditional off-road focus. Key 2025 upgrades include a standard 12-inch digital gauge cluster, an improved infotainment system, and more durable interior materials, but the 2025 also sees the discontinuation of trims like the Black Diamond and Wildtrak.
This video demonstrates the exterior differences between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport models: 1mThe Car GuysYouTube · Mar 22, 2025
2025 Ford Bronco vs. 2024 Ford Bronco
| Feature | 2025 Bronco | 2024 Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Technology | Standard 12-inch digital gauge cluster and updated Sync 4 infotainment system. | 8-inch digital cluster on most models. |
| Comfort & Materials | More durable interior materials and improved comfort options. | Less durable and advanced interior materials. |
| Trims | Base trim reintroduced, Stroppe Edition added, and trims like Black Diamond, Everglades, and Wildtrak discontinued. | Wider selection of trims available, including Black Diamond, Everglades, and Wildtrak. |
| Sound | Quieter ride due to enhanced sound deadening. | Less sound deadening, resulting in a louder ride. |
| Performance | Same engine options as 2024. | Same engine options as 2025. |
| Off-road Capability | Sasquatch Package now available on the Base trim. | Sasquatch Package was not available on the Base trim. |
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This video shows the exterior differences between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport models: 1mjmcGarageYouTube · Jan 26, 2025
Do Broncos ride smoother than jeeps?
Bronco Ride
The Ford Bronco offers a smoother and more refined ride quality compared to the Jeep Wrangler, thanks to its advanced suspension system and ergonomic design. With its independent front suspension and available Bilstein shocks, the Bronco delivers a comfortable and controlled ride both on and off the road.
Does Ford use Dana axles?
The Dana/Spicer Model 50 was an automotive axle manufactured by the Dana Holding Corporation for 25 years and was used solely in OEM Ford applications. Dana 50's were made as front axles only until it was revived in rear solid axle configuration in the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor.
