I used to wheel a fullsize Bronco. You have a point about tight trails and body width (and I have experienced it). I never thought the Bronco had any issue in tight turns though--the turning radius is the same as an XJ. I'm not sure about the YJ, but I would guess it isn't much better (if any) since it's leaf sprung. :

Bronco wheelbase: 104", 17.7ft turning radius (35.4 ft. circle)
XJ wheelbase: 101.4", 17.9 turning radius (35.8 ft. circle)

 

One big advantage here is not wheelbase, although that does come into play. A full-size bronco stock is 79.3" wide vs an XJ which is 67.9. Thats a foot wider, and that difference is extremely palpable when considering that there are trails where I'm rubbing both sides of my xj. As I said before, it depends on where you are for what's best for you, but out here full size will get lost on a lot of trails

 

Interesting that the xj actually has a larger turn radius than the shorter bronco. Good info!

 

True enough, and why I said, "You have a point about tight trails and body width (and I have experienced it)"


It's even more interesting that the XJ has a larger turn radius than the longer Bronco.

 

Maybe have something to do with the reverse y steering setup?

***Edit***
I see what I did there, and I stand corrected for the longer/shorter comment lol

 

I think control arms/radius arms are the limiting factor for steering angle on both designs. The IFS '80-'96 Broncos/trucks actually have a similar reverse-y with a longer drag link/shorter tie rod to follow the axle pivots. Oddly, the '76-77 early Bronco has a setup like this as well. '66-'75 and '78-'79 had the more standard "T".

 

Not sure the steering setup had anything to do with it......my 79 ramcharger with leaf springs up front & push/pull steering turned pretty sharp. Even WITH 6" of lift on it.

 

Leafs are usually limiting. Ramcharger turning circle is 37.3. Wheelbase is longer at 106" though.

 

Mine was a 79...so the turning radius was 36.9', but it was still plenty sharp.

Same 106" wheelbase tho.

Springs (or anything else) was a problem with turning.