Buy a Lobo or 2024 & modify?

[Blue 25 lobo]

in a straight line, of course.

once you bring cornering into the equation that's where the torque vectoring rear differential creates a massive advantage.

This is why I just placed my order last week for my blue lobo. Anyone who has driven a focus rs will understand why this is worth the extra cost. I just got my order confirmation two says ago. Can’t wait.

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[Commodorebude]

im running 245 45 falkens azenis very good on track .ebc brakes pads and aftermarket rotors . castrol brake fluid

Which aftermarket rotors are you running? I'm having a hard time finding maverick specific aftermarket parts but if i can use the escape or bronco sport parts, i think i'll be golden.

 

[Vtec87pr1]

Which aftermarket rotors are you running? I'm having a hard time finding maverick specific aftermarket parts but if i can use the escape or bronco sport parts, i think i'll be golden.

I found them online idk the brands.

 

[volksnuts]

Some very interesting comments in this thread

I can’t even imagine trying to track a Ranger

 

[Maverick2022XL]

that's a reasonable opinion, but let's not forget that the Focus ST and RS are gone. the only street performance vehicles Ford has left are the Mustang, Mach-E (LOL), and Explorer ST.

I think Ford actually does care about the Lobo being useful on tarmac. We'll find out!

There is also a certain amount of prestige involved and that sells trucks.

 

[Maverick2022XL]

Some very interesting comments in this thread

I can’t even imagine trying to track a Ranger

I can, it's called demolition derby.

 

[KDub01]

Hey, first post!

I just picked up my 24 XLT on Saturday. I was somewhat debating this as well but I went with the '24 for a few reasons.

I do NOT like the front end on the 25s. They might grow on me over time but right now, no.

I also don't like the wheels (at all).

I would never track it.

I'll lower mine, get some nice light (weight) black wheels, and be good to go!

 

[RRLB4K]

my 2022 its my dayli track and show truck lol . People that track their truck dont care about warranty . There always going to be an excused anyways to voided. so might as well have fun with the truck. my plan its to build mine putting the 2.3 and enjoy it until i get the lobo. i already ordered mine and really cant wait.

To clarify, are you saying that you ordered a 2.3 to drop in your 2022 or that you decided to order a Lobo? I'm kind of waiting to see what you think when more details come out before I decide to get a Lobo or not. Btw, I work with a larger auto enthusiast website, and we love Maverick content, so hit me up when you start your build/swap, and maybe we can get you i another article.

My thoughts that I'm personally considering:

Lobo pros:

1. True manual mode (?) vs. swapped wheel/paddles with ECU still taking over when it wants to.
2. Improved steering - already a nice handling truck, but any improvement in responsiveness is a win.
3. Improved rear diff - awaiting more details on torque vectoring/bias. Curious about the supposed automated cornering vs. drifting logic.
4. Better stock brakes/rotors
5. "Lobo mode" - Don't think I've seen this mentioned, but any reduction in nannying stability control would be a big pro for track days.
6. Direct + port injection.
7. I love turbofan wheels, and the front bumper has grown on me significantly since the leaks. Also, the side profile shot of the white lobo looks extremely slick to me.
   1. 
8. Hopefully refresh will have more electrical defects and other bugs worked out.

Lobo cons:

1. Price, but I assume cheaper and obviously far less hassle than swapping rear diff, steering assembly/wheel, and all wiring and programming required.
2. Judging by the media I've seen, it's not quite low enough for me, so factory lower/tuned suspension likely won't factor in.
3. Waiting an extra year for warranty to expire to tune, if that's your thing (though tracking your truck might void it anyway)
4. Ford will probably release an ST with more power in a few years (if enough of us order the Lobo).

I def want some more details on Lobo before deciding. Also, if I knew that Ford Performance was releasing a tune package for '25 2.0, I'd be ordering a Lobo no question (my wife will kill me if I knowingly void my warranty prematurely). Hopefully the empty placeholder spot for Maverick is a good sign?

Also, yeah you're going to get easier power and better quality with a Ranger, but unibody will always out-handle body on frame.

 

[colinl]

To clarify, are you saying that you ordered a 2.3 to drop in your 2022 or that you decided to order a Lobo? I'm kind of waiting to see what you think when more details come out before I decide to get a Lobo or not. Btw, I work with a larger auto enthusiast website, and we love Maverick content, so hit me up when you start your build/swap, and maybe we can get you i another article.

My thoughts that I'm personally considering:

Lobo pros:

1. True manual mode (?) vs. swapped wheel/paddles with ECU still taking over when it wants to.
2. Improved steering - already a nice handling truck, but any improvement in responsiveness is a win.
3. Improved rear diff - awaiting more details on torque vectoring/bias. Curious about the supposed automated cornering vs. drifting logic.
4. Better stock brakes/rotors
5. "Lobo mode" - Don't think I've seen this mentioned, but any reduction in nannying stability control would be a big pro for track days.
6. Direct + port injection.
7. I love turbofan wheels, and the front bumper has grown on me significantly since the leaks. Also, the side profile shot of the white lobo looks extremely slick to me.
   1. 
8. Hopefully refresh will have more electrical defects and other bugs worked out.

Lobo cons:

1. Price, but I assume cheaper and obviously far less hassle than swapping rear diff, steering assembly/wheel, and all wiring and programming required.
2. Judging by the media I've seen, it's not quite low enough for me, so factory lower/tuned suspension likely won't factor in.
3. Waiting an extra year for warranty to expire to tune, if that's your thing (though tracking your truck might void it anyway)
4. Ford will probably release an ST with more power in a few years (if enough of us order the Lobo).

I def want some more details on Lobo before deciding. Also, if I knew that Ford Performance was releasing a tune package for '25 2.0, I'd be ordering a Lobo no question (my wife will kill me if I knowingly void my warranty prematurely). Hopefully the empty placeholder spot for Maverick is a good sign?

Also, yeah you're going to get easier power and better quality with a Ranger, but unibody will always out-handle body on frame.

I meant to reply to your post sooner, as it's beyond the scope of what I want to type on a phone. Finally remembered about it while I'm on a pc.

pros 3 & 5 -
if you watch the autocross video from MY25 launch day, you can see it cornering fairly flat - much moreso than a stock Maverick - and also on the verge of oversteer in the sweepers, which is probably due to Lobo drive mode and the torque-vectoring RDU. no one will really know how this works until they drive a Lobo which will be maybe March at the very earliest.

pro 8 -
the biggest electrical gremlin that should be much improved is that Ford Connected Audio is gone and every MY25 has Sync4a with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. even my B&O equipped truck with Sync3 is pretty buggy; it crashes often when I'm navigating, and it has weird pauses and hesitation. my wife's Bronco with Sync4a (almost?) never does that.

con 1 -
(not really a con) while nothing is ever truly 'impossible' it would be expensive to wire, install and program modules, and install the PTU and RDU from a Lobo into a non-Lobo. the best way to get a Lobo cheaper is order 402A. I still don't know why we can't do that now, since no Lobo 702A are getting scheduled before Job 2. which means Lobo 402A might get scheduled as early as a 702A?

con 3 -
why wait? the first tuning devices I expect to support a Lobo will be the JB4 and Racechip because they are interceptors and they don't need to crack the ECU in order to reflash it. I do expect Ford to eventually offer a factory tune for the 2.0. I am not sure what they're waiting for, honestly. people would definitely buy it.

 

[RRLB4K]

I meant to reply to your post sooner, as it's beyond the scope of what I want to type on a phone. Finally remembered about it while I'm on a pc.

Love it. I also dislike long format typing on my phone and far too exhausted and lazy to get my laptop back out tonight, but I agree with everything you said except possibly the final point (con 3). I went deep down the piggyback rabbit hole months ago and found too much evidence that manufacturers can now detect that they were installed. Most were Audis though, and I did struggle to find stories of Ford voiding for it. Maybe Ford is cooler than other brands? I've always been the yolo type, but my wife is much smarter with money, and we have kids now, so I have to obey.

 

[colinl]

I went deep down the piggyback rabbit hole months ago and found too much evidence that manufacturers can now detect that they were installed.

if you disconnect the fuse for telemetry and you uninstall the device before any service appointment I don't see how they could detect a jb4.

long term I don't think you would want a jb4 since any transmission tune will require a reflash.

 

[Billy2mav]

i enjoy doing mods on my maverick. This is my 22 xl eco boost not lowered lobo

 

[volksnuts]

Love it. I also dislike long format typing on my phone and far too exhausted and lazy to get my laptop back out tonight, but I agree with everything you said except possibly the final point (con 3). I went deep down the piggyback rabbit hole months ago and found too much evidence that manufacturers can now detect that they were installed. Most were Audis though, and I did struggle to find stories of Ford voiding for it. Maybe Ford is cooler than other brands? I've always been the yolo type, but my wife is much smarter with money, and we have kids now, so I have to obey.

It’s important to find a good dealership and have a relationship with them
My truck obviously has lots of mods and “normal” dealership would turn me away for
But my dealership is reasonable and I don’t ask them for things outside of what I should
I have a race chip and they have said nothing about it

 

[RRLB4K]

It’s important to find a good dealership and have a relationship with them
My truck obviously has lots of mods and “normal” dealership would turn me away for
But my dealership is reasonable and I don’t ask them for things outside of what I should
I have a race chip and they have said nothing about it

But have you had to have any powertrain warranty work done? The only thing I'd be nervous about would be blowing the engine or tranny (for any reason - wouldn't push for dumb power), and then I'd be more worried about Ford finding logging record of install/tune manipulation in the computer than the dealership.

Edit: seriously love your truck btw. I saved it to my inspiration folder a while back.

 

[Blinky]

Ford is probably going to upset Lobo owners when they drop a Maverick ST with the 2.3L turbo.

Yup, I'm waiting for that late2025/early2026 announcement "Hot selling Lobo discontinued, replaced with ST for next year" and all the rage/hate posts from Lobo owners.

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