1996 SuperBronco XL Spotlight — The First OBS Godzilla Build
1996 SuperBronco XL Spotlight — The First OBS Godzilla Build
The final year of classic Bronco production deserves something more than a restoration.
This 1996 SuperBronco XL represents a platform that evolved — refined through real-world use, thoughtful engineering decisions, and progressive upgrades. It wasn’t built in a single moment. It became what it is through experience.
And in 2022, it made history, as the first OBS Bronco to receive a 7.3L Godzilla swap
Top of the World, Moab UT
Where balance matters. The Godzilla-powered OBS platform proves itself in elevation, heat, and real terrain.
The Beginning — A Clean Foundation
We purchased this Bronco in 2020. It was a well-maintained, 1996 model powered by a 302 5.0 with a 4-inch lift on the factory TTB suspension.
It had clearly been cared for throughout its life. It was solid. Straight. Respectable.
But it didn’t drive the way we believed it should with the 4” lift, the TTB setup lacked the confidence and precision we expect from a SuperBronco. Bring on the mods!
The 1996 platform before
Before the SuperBronco evolution began — clean foundation, ready for refinement.
The Super Duty Axle Upgrade
The factory suspension was replaced with a Super Duty axle swap — a true SuperBronco upgrade.
Immediately, the platform became stronger, more capable, and more serious. Steering precision improved. Trail durability increased. The foundation was finally right.
But a new limitation surfaced.
With the added strength and weight of the Super Duty axles, the original 302 simply didn’t have the power to move the Bronco in traffic or on the trail.
The build had evolved — and now the powertrain needed to evolve with it.
Godzilla Loading….
The moment the 7.3L Godzilla entered the OBS platform. The turning point in this build’s evolution.
2022 — The Godzilla Era Begins
In 2022, the decision was made to install Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla V8.
This wasn’t about chasing numbers. It was about restoring balance.
Horsepower & torque now matched weight.
Power now matched capability.
The Bronco finally felt complete.
This became the first OBS Bronco to run the Godzilla platform — a turning point not just for this build, but for what was possible with the OBS chassis.
Shafer Switchbacks, Moab UT
Real terrain demands real engineering.
Proven in Real-World Conditions
Since the Godzilla swap, this SuperBronco has continued to evolve through use — not just shop time.
It has:
Been wheeled in Moab multiple times
Attended Super Celebration East (2023)
Attended Super Celebration West on several occasions
Participated in Bronco Safari in Vernal
Seen trails in South Dakota
Spent time in Nevada, including the Loneliest Highway corridor
Montana is home — this Bronco regularly sees real highway miles, changing elevations, mountain conditions, and the kind of terrain that exposes weak links quickly.
Each event, each trail day, and each season provided feedback — refining cooling performance, dialing in steering feel, confirming braking confidence, and validating drivetrain strength.
This Bronco hasn’t just existed in a garage.
It’s been out where builds either prove themselves — or don’t.
And this one has.
Nevada’s Loneliest Highway
Part of the journey.
The Moment It All Came Together
When the Godzilla went in, everything changed.
The Super Duty axles finally had the torque they needed. Highway driving felt composed. Trail climbs felt controlled and confident. The Bronco no longer felt like a modified vehicle — it felt integrated.
That’s when it stopped being a project.
It became a SuperBronco.
Balanced. Confident. Purposeful.
Integration matters.
Every system refined to support the Godzilla platform.
What Makes This Build Different
This 1996 SuperBronco XL isn’t just rare because it was first.
It’s rare because it evolved correctly.
It started with a clean platform.
It received structural upgrades first.
It addressed power only when the chassis demanded it.
It was refined through real-world use.
It represents years of progression — not a quick build.
Nothing about it is random. Nothing about it is rushed.
Super Duty foundation
Capability starts underneath.
The SuperBronco Standard
Whether it’s a vintage Bronco or a SuperShorty platform, the philosophy remains the same:
Power must be usable.
Braking must match performance.
Cooling must handle real-world conditions.
Steering must inspire confidence.
Integration always matters more than parts count.
This 1996 SuperBronco XL embodies that standard fully.
The first OBS Godzilla SuperBronco
Refined through use, not just assembly.
Explore the Full Build
This spotlight shares the story.
The complete specifications, detailed photos, and availability can be found on the sale page.
If you’ve been looking for a proven, first-of-its-kind OBS Godzilla Bronco that has been refined through real use and thoughtful engineering — this is it.
Explore the full details here:
96 Sale Ad