When Gustavo and Michelle Barragan set out to select a 4×4 for off-road forays with their boys, they chose a 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch package. It was a smart call. Straight from the factory, the SUV packed a slew of off-road-friendly hardware. The list included locking front and rear differentials, a 4.70:1 axle ratio, high-clearance fender flares, a front stabilizer-bar disconnect, and 35-inch tires. However, the couple didn’t leave the Bronco stock for long. Almost immediately, they began modifying the rig to make it even more capable. The result is a striking, trail-savvy rig they’re planning to drive over the Rubicon Trail.
Throttle Controller, Stainless Exhaust, And More
Under the fiberglass Cervinis Stalker hood with a center scoop is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. It’s been upgraded with a Banks PedalMonster throttle controller, which Gustavo says eliminated the accelerator-pedal delay and put a real “pep in its step.” The exhaust has been upgraded with a Gibson Black Elite Dual Split Exhaust, which uses 409 stainless tubing and black T304 stainless tips. Finally, an Odyssey battery helps provide improved amperage for the Bronco’s increased electrical needs, which include an array of aftermarket lighting. Power is routed through the stock 10-speed automatic transmission and two-speed transfer case with 3.0:1 low-range gearing.
Coilovers, 37s, Bead Lock Wheels
The factory axles, with their 4.70:1 gearing and differential lockers, met the couple’s needs and were left intact. However, the suspension was significantly upgraded with a Belltech 4- to 7.5-inch lift kit with Trail Performance coilovers. The kit includes a number of upgraded components and even features two 1/4-inch-thick skidplates, which are ideal for protecting the underbody during the Bronco’s future trail forays. Gustavo says he set the front coilovers at the highest level of 7.5 inches and the rear coilovers at 6.5 inches. These settings allow the 37×12.50R20LT Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T tires to move freely within the wheelwells. The tires are mounted to 10-inch-wide Fittipaldi FB153 beadlock wheels. The factory beadlock hardware was replaced with bolts from ARP, and Bartec TPMS sensors allow Gustavo to monitor the Bronco’s tire pressure.
Exterior And Interior Upgrades
The Bronco’s exterior is fitted with a variety of upgrades designed to improve its functionality off-road and offer benefits for daily-driver duty. Fore and aft are DV8 Offroad Tube Series bumpers, and the front bumper is fitted with the optional bolt-on light hoop. On the topic of lighting, the SUV carries a contingent of Baja Designs LED lights, including 14 forward-facing and two rear-facing units. Additionally, other exterior mods include Boost Auto Lumastep M2 Powered Light Up Running Boards, an RCI Off Road roof rack, AM Off-Road Raptor Style LED taillights, and Maxtrax traction boards. Also included are products by Bolt Lock, Pelican, and Gen-Y Hitch.
Inside, there’s comfortable Katzkin leather and suede seating and a Kicker speaker upgrade.
Two Months To Build, Driven To SEMA
It only took eight weeks to take the Bronco from stock to where it is today. We spotted the rig shined up at the 2025 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, but the SUV isn’t a trailer queen. Gustavo, whose career is in aerospace engineering, says the rig was driven the 500 miles from his home in San Lorenzo, California, to Vegas. And following the show, the rig hit the Nevada dirt before the long drive back home.
The Bronco currently serves as Michelle’s daily driver, but it won’t be long before it’s pointed toward trails around Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and, of course, the Rubicon Trail. It’s a capable rig that has room for the entire Barragan family.
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