Does it Actually Help?

Sep 14

Written By TJ Ford

Stardate Captains BLOG 5 - September 2026

One benefit of OCD, is the finished work product. The process is exhausting, however the end product is generally better. Having four V8, 5TH Generation Bronco’s 94, 95, 96(2), allows for direct comparison of things ranging from horsepower to insulation. Measuring times; temperatures; noise levels; mileage and other quantifiable factors in addition to the “feel” and driving experience, is informative.

I saw an article recently that auto insulation is one component of a “base line” versus the “luxury” model of most brands. Toyota vs Lexus was one example. Recreating plastic mounting pedestals and epoxy based fortification of 30+ year old Ford plastic interior trim before insulation, is an exercise in near spectrum-level patience and consistency sometimes. In our experience, off-roading, daily driving and overnight camping in 25-30 year old OBS Fords - insulating floors, roofs, sides, doors, shells, trim and essentially anything you can, makes a big difference. The difference in temperature regulation (especially in a four season location), sound acoustics and rattles, including stereo resonance is also significant. I have noticed measurable differences between our Broncos for example, one being insulated and receiving the air conditioning improvement work (heater core diversion valve and wrapped compressor lines), versus the stock AC, non-insulated Bronco.

There is solid video content produced by others comparing decibels, temperature differences and overall resonance and driving feel inside of 90’s full sized SUV’s that have been insulated. Keep in mind, our experiences with no less than 4 separate tire sizes with numerous different tread patterns as well as comparing 302, 351, 460 V8’s with both stock and aftermarket engines and exhaust systems. Add stock vs aftermarket sound systems to the list in addition to the fact we drive our trucks on and off road for the entire season. Crawling in Low 4 at walking speed, or finding out when a Bronco with an additional 100 horsepower stops accelerating at top speed, provides a lot of data points in between those two extremes. Five vehicles including the 93 F350 460 and four SUV’s that rolled off the assembly line nearly identical.

Everything seems gratuitously expensive currently including replacement, or even used trim pieces. Some of the aftermarket stuff is frankly - “cheap garbage.” Being these 90’s Fords were never known for the fit and finish of plastic interiors and in some cases there were mid year changes, some of the quality aftermarket parts require fitting and modifications to install. If a manufacturer uses two parts per vehicle over a million vehicles instead of four, the manufacturer saves money. Despite the fact that four pieces worked better. The 90’s Ford engineers did some really cool stuff on these trucks, however saving money in production was also an objective. Building on millions of dollars of engineering research and application by merely adding a few more things, or “geeking out” while over insulating or reinforcing structures, is something everyone can do. It does actually help and makes a significant, enjoyable difference in my opinion.

Respectfully Submitted

Todd