Originally Posted by Desert Dawg

Okay, it’s been at least 8 months since I bought my current 2013, and 6 months since my last mod, and now I am itching all over to do something else. I have bought 4 brand new trucks during the past 36 months ranging from a two-tone FX4 to an Offroad XLT to a loaded Platinum to my current loaded FX4, so I am thinking that buying another same gen F150 is not going to cure my disease (I would consider a Raptor but my wife doesn’t like them….go figure). Therefore, I decided it’s time to mod again.

Here is my current FX4. I absolutely love this truck. I have not been worried about mileage and so driving it the way I like to drive, which means I am having fun with the EcoBoost (although my recent weekend trip into the mountains of southern CO still netted me up to 17.1 mpg so not bad). Coming directly out of my previous 5.0L Plat, the Eco really is a different experience. Yes, I miss the V8 sound, but love the sound of the twin-turbos spooling up and the resulting power surge is very addicting. And I really like the new look of the FX4s with the dark HIDs (especially in the Sterling Grey and Black colors), and the fact that my loaded FX4 is almost as hard loaded as my previous Plat right down to the backup camera, Sony stereo system, moonroof, and cooled seats (I do miss the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel though) but with better gearing (3.73 vs. 3.55).




But it looks boring to me now. I added 33-inch Duratracs and a 2-inch Zone lift, my trademark lightbar/PIAA setup, and Truxedo tonneau cover, but it still doesn’t have the stance or attitude I really like. It looks great at certain angles (like above), but most other angles it looks….dare say, just normal? I also decided, maybe because of the color, that I would not be happy changing out the stock wheels because 1) with the aftermarket wheels that I do like, I feel they look better on lifted trucks, and 2) I much prefer the look of the FX4 wheels on the non-lifted trucks.

So my only solution is to LIFT my FX4.

However, before folks start telling me to go 6-inches or higher because “I won’t be happy with anything less”, please refrain from telling me that as the maximum I want to go is 4-inches. Here are my reasons: 1) I am going to add my Snugtop XTR topper (PTM) and it has a roof rack, so a 4-inch lift with 35-inch max. tires will be dicey at best in trying to fit into my 7-ft. garage (6-inch definitely won’t fit with my planned setup), 2) I really, really like the look of the 4-inch systems with 34-35 inch tall tires as that really seems like the perfect balance to me without getting too top heavy whereas 6-inch lifts look much better with 36-37 inch tall tires, but that’s just me, and 3) the 4-inch systems still keep the truck fairly accessible for passengers and cargo alike, and I am getting older, not younger…lol.

So here is where I can use some constructive input; I am thinking of setting up my FX4 much like my last Platinum except I want to go with the Rancho 4-inch system with the adjustable 9000 series Rancho shocks (had a couple before and loved the Rancho systems), add my paint-to-match Topper, and probably remove my sidesteps and add AMP Research Power Steps. So it would look similar to my previous setup (see below) except you have to imagine it all Sterling Grey with no chrome:



So….do I do it?

I am also stressing over the wheel setup. I can keep my factory 20-inch FX wheels and fit some 34.5 inch tall Nittos since the Rancho system allows for that, or I can go aftermarket. I really wanted to go Fuels or BMF but seems like everyone is running those nowadays, and black wheels are overplayed in general but I don’t think chrome will look as good with the dark trim, dark headlights, and no chrome anywhere on the truck. I can’t seem to find a clean black/machined design that isn’t gaudy or protruding plastic bits everywhere. If I do lift, I don’t think the factory wheels will look/perform as good without spacers and that is not an option for me, so I’ll have to go with aftermarket wheels.

Finally, the wheel offset comes into play; do I go with the look of my previous FX4 (below) with very negative offset wheels, or keep it tighter with more positive wheels like my Plat (below)?

My 2009 FX4 with Rancho 4-inch system and 35-inch BFGs on -12mm wheels:



My 2011 Platinum with Fabtech 4-inch system and 34.5-inch Nittos on +18mm wheels:




Keep in mind I use my truck as a daily driver for professional and personal use, and I am not 20-30 years old anymore (dang it), but which looks better? Thanks to all my friends here for your opinions!

Originally Posted by UARandy3

I know we've chatted some in PMs. I think your truck looks great as is, BUT I'm a big fan of these trucks on the 4" kits (obviously haha).

Since the Rancho allows use of stock wheels, have you considered getting the lift done and the tire size you want to go with but running the stock wheels to see if it'll fit your needs? The stock 20s you have are probably my favorite stock wheels on these trucks and it would look good I think with some Trail Grapplers or Toyo M/Ts. THEN, if that look isn't doing it for you, or you find some wheels that you fall in love with, you can always swap to aftermarket wheels and you'll just be out the cost for mount and balance. If you do go aftermarket, the black and machined wheels will look really good, especially basing off the pics above.

I considered doing what I just described, but I fell in love with the Fuel Mavericks and HAD to have them. Regardless, whatever you decide to do will turn out great as usual!

Originally Posted by kchill93

I'd kill to have any of the trucks you've done up. Awesome!
So like others have said, I'd just do what you think is best. Seems like you have a good grasp on it

Originally Posted by bfourjs

First off you have some awesome rigs. Some of the best I have seen. Have you ever looked at the dick cepek gun metal 7 wheels. Something a little different and would go great with your ride.

Originally Posted by fx4210

I have followed and loved all your builds, and honestly I think the truck has a great stance and is super clean.

As far as rims go I do love my Kranks with the sterling grey

Originally Posted by Grandpa's Grocery Getter

I really like the stance of your white truck that's been my fav until you got your New one......

I went through the same process, wanted 6" but for a everyday driver and 36-37".....I couldn't pull the trigger, so I went with my cheap way Pro Comp 3" level and 2.5 in the rear....and 34" BFG's..Rugged Terrain T/A's. until I I decide.....

Now Im thinking going Ready lift control A- arm kit and tie rod kit bigger ball joints & tie rods Beefer......and going 35" to 36" BFG's. KM2's...and the RBP 94 chrome & black Rims....

I think you should stick with the 4" lift and 35" and your right about the stock wheels look good on slightly lifted truck...., so if I go 4" myself...its aftermarket wheel for summer, and keep the other ones for Fall to Spring driving its such a great tire.... OR Im going to use a 1.5" -2" Billet spacer with my stock 20" and BFG Rugged's....in person the truck looks way different and a lot better......

here is my truck now......and a pic of my Buddies stock 2013 FX4

Grant