Our 2022 Ford Bronco Sasquatch has seen it all—from intense R&D testing to conquering brutal trails across Baja and the California desert. Battle-tested and ready, it’s time for some well-deserved upgrades. Here’s a look at the latest mods boosting its performance and capability.
Front Bumper and Lights
The focus of this build has always been to keep it lightweight and avoid adding anything that isn’t absolutely necessary for our needs. We opted to retain the stock front bumper, which helped save weight and maintain a clean look. Despite that, we were still able to mount six Baja Designs XL Sport LED lights up front, providing an impressive amount of light for night runs. To improve cornering visibility, we also added two XL Sport lights with amber lenses to the A-pillars. Together, this lighting setup offers excellent coverage and keeps us well-prepared for whatever the trail throws at us.
Under the Hood
No secret performance mods here—our goal was to keep this Bronco stock and reliable. The factory engine and drivetrain have performed exceptionally well, even while running 37” off-road tires, so we’ve had no reason to make any changes. Under the hood, you’ll spot an ARB twin air compressor, which we primarily use for airing up tires after a day on the trail. We’re currently running the factory electric lockers, but if we ever decide to switch to ARB lockers, this compressor is ready to handle that too. Simple, capable, and built for the long haul.
Front Axles & Steering System
To add a bit more durability up front, we upgraded the CV axles to Chromoly shafts from Spicer—offering added strength over stock without overcomplicating the setup. For steering, we went with the Broncbuster Ultimate Steering Package. This includes their BusterBrace and a Stage III heavy-duty steering rack housing made from T6061 billet aluminum, providing serious reinforcement where it counts most.
Front Suspension System
The suspension is where this Bronco truly shines. Whether we’re winding through tight technical trails or blasting through two-foot whoops in the desert, the ride stays smooth and controlled thanks to a well-tuned setup. Up front, we’re running Ride Shocks 2.5 coilovers in Weight Range 1—perfect for this build’s minimal added weight, with enough headroom to support a future Warn winch if needed. The Dual Speed Compression adjusters are easily accessible, making quick tuning on the trail a breeze. To keep everything tracking straight, we installed AccuTune Offroad tubular upper control arms. These allow the shocks to cycle their full 5.59″ of travel while maintaining proper alignment for confident on-road performance.
Tires & Wheels
Although they may look stock at first glance, we squeezed a set of 37” BFG All-Terrain tires onto this Bronco, mounted on 17” Titan7 T-AK1 forged aluminum wheels. These wheels aren’t just strong and good-looking—they’re impressively lightweight, making them a perfect match for our performance-focused build. We opted for a load range C tire to keep the ride comfortable both on and off-road. To make room for the larger tires, we installed the JKS Max Tire Clearance Kit, which provided the extra space needed without compromising the factory look.
Skid Plates
Most of the factory skid plates on the Bronco offer decent protection for mild off-road use, but the rocker panels are left exposed and can quickly become a casualty on rocky trails. To solve that, we added a set of heavy-duty rock sliders from RCI. Not only do they provide serious protection, but they also make getting in and out of the Bronco easier. These RCI sliders are built to take a hit. For now, the rest of the factory skid plates remain untouched—but as this Bronco sees more trail time, don’t be surprised if a few more RCI upgrades get added to the mix.
Rear Suspension System
To keep the rear axle centered and flexing to its full potential, we installed RockJock4x4 control arms and a matching track bar. Both components use Johnny Joints at each end for increased strength and articulation compared to stock. A raised track bar bracket from RockJock 4×4 helps restore proper geometry after the lift, improving handling and stability.
Out back, we’re running 2.5 Ride Shocks coilovers in Weight Range 1—ideal for a Bronco with up to 300 lbs of added rear weight. These dual-rate springs are specifically tuned for this setup. The easily accessible High and Low Speed compression adjusters let us fine-tune performance, whether we’re loaded up with gear or pushing hard through the desert.
Rear Bumper & Accessories
One of our favorite modifications on the rear of our Bronco is the S1 chase lights mounted in the center of the spare tire. These lights are incredibly useful for backing up at night or driving fast through dense silt beds. In the desert, being visible to other vehicles can be a major safety advantage. The last thing you want is someone rear-ending you because they couldn’t see through the dust. In case we ever get lost in the desert and start running low on fuel, we’ve also added a custom-made Rotopax mount to carry extra fuel. This is especially handy for trips to Baja, where you never know when you’ll come across the next fuel station.
Interior Accessories
Like most off-road enthusiasts and racers, we have a 50-watt Kenwood race radio mounted up front. It’s essential for quick communication with the group, ensuring no one gets lost. For controlling all our BajaDesign lights and the ARB Air Compressor, we’re using the sPod BantamX HD control system. This setup gives us full control at the touch of a button, keeping everything efficient and accessible while on the trail.
Our Bronco is simple but highly effective. It cruises the highways like a Cadillac and takes on the deserts of Baja like a prerunner. This vehicle effortlessly does it all. So far, every modification has been a solid investment in performance and durability. The suspension is outstanding, offering comfort and control over any terrain we throw at it.
Is it missing anything? What do you think we should add next? Drop a comment below!