For the Ford Bronco community, the term Sasquatch immediately evokes a specific era of raw, off-road capability and a distinct visual profile. The lift kit named after the legendary creature represents one of the most sought-after factory performance packages for the first-generation Bronco, transforming the truck into a serious trail weapon. This comprehensive guide explores the engineering, legacy, and practical considerations of the Ford Bronco Sasquatch lift kit for owners and enthusiasts looking to understand its enduring appeal.
Defining the Sasquatch: Origins and Core Components
Introduced for the 1981 model year, the Sasquatch package (officially designated M713) was designed to give the Bronco a genuine off-road advantage over competitors like the Jeep CJ-7 and Toyota Land Cruiser. The kit was not a simple aesthetic add-on; it was a functional system that raised the truck’s center of gravity to improve stability on uneven terrain. The core of the lift involved a front torsion bar adjustment that increased the vehicle’s height by approximately two inches, creating the signature stance that defines the platform.
Suspension and Drivetrain Enhancements
To complement the lifted height, Ford equipped the Sasquatch with heavy-duty components that could handle the punishment of rough trails. The package included larger, more robust shock absorbers specifically valved to manage the additional travel and weight. Gearing was a critical element of the setup, and the Bronco typically rolled off the lot with a low 4.10:1 rear axle ratio, providing the necessary torque multiplication for crawling over rocks and navigating steep inclines without straining the engine.
Front torsion bar lift kit for increased ground clearance.
Heavy-duty shock absorbers for superior dampening.
Low 4.10:1 rear axle gearing for optimal torque.
Rugged Dana 44 front axle for improved durability.
Unique flat black paint and "Sasquatch" badging for identification.
The Visual and Functional Identity
Beyond the mechanics, the Sasquatch lift kit gave the Bronco a recognizable personality that persists in the collector market today. The standard black paint on the bumpers, grille, and fenders created a aggressive contrast with the body color, making the truck visually distinct from standard Broncos. This aesthetic, combined with the wider track created by the lifted stance, signaled to everyone that this vehicle was built for adventure and intended to perform.
Mechanical Advantages for Off-Roading
The increased ride height provided by the Sasquatch kit offered a dual benefit of protection and visibility. Drivers gained a better line of sight down the trail, improving safety and situational awareness. Additionally, the higher clearance reduced the risk of undercarriage damage from rocks and debris, allowing the Bronco to traverse environments where lower-slung trucks might get hung up. The combination of the Dana 44 front axle and the lifted geometry resulted in a vehicle that inspired confidence when navigating technical trail sections.
Modern Relevance and the Aftermarket Continuation
Although the original Sasquatch package was produced for only a few years in the early 1980s, its influence on the Bronco legacy is immense. The nameplate was revived for the seventh-generation Bronco, and modern interpretations of the lift kit are readily available for the current platform. These contemporary kits allow new generations of drivers to capture the spirit of the original, translating the legendary capability into modern suspension technology and materials.
