I recently got a 2004 F150 4x4 supercrew, and I was wondering if y'all could point me in the right direction as to what I should upgrade first. I am more interested in performance rather than display. Keep in mind I'm just a beginner in terms of messing with trucks, and cost is a big factor right now... so nothing major please!

So far I've just replaced the door speakers since I blew out the ones in my '98 F150 4x4 flareside relatively easily (oops). There is also a spray-on bedliner already in.

 

There is not much you could do performance wise if you are on a budget. I sugest getting plugs replaced along with fuel filter and doing other maintenance.

 

What do you consider major? Budget?

 

I'm hoping to keep it under $500...for now

But let's break it into seperate groups to view options. What would you recommend on a budget? What would you recommend if a budget was not much of an issue?

 

well what dose your truck look like?
you can maybe find a cheap programer for 500 or less
air intake
cheaper exhaust

or ascetics
paint rims
paint badges/ get new (09-11)
lights (hid, Harley)

theres so much you can do its just what you want done 1st what you think looks good or what makes your tuck what you want it to be
give us some ideas of what your thinking, look at some of the build threads on here and get some ideas
good luck

 

Edge Evolutino Power Commander just $350 and by far my favorite Performance adder on my truck!!

 

Under $500 to start? No question. Get the programmer. Edge, Superchip, whatever you decide on... blah blah blah. Go for the plugger-inner. Next, intake, then cat-back exhaust (a few hundred each).
Those three will have you happy as a clam on a budget...

 

3" Skyjacker lift kit is also $350

 

I'm an outdoor's kinda guy and need a truck that can go through it all. When I get the money I'll get the appropriate tires and wheels (I can manage for now).

Right now I'm looking at adding Rough Country's 2.5" leveling suspension kit ($99). It can come with rear blocks and shocks (an extra $100), but I am also looking at the skyjacker add a leaf for 1.5" in the rear (for $150). Can it all go together? and if so, to what effect? if not, which would provide the best offroad performance?

 

Im pretty sure that you can do all of those things together.. except that it wont really be level after.. im assuming the blocks are at least 1 inch, plus an 1.5" AAL, and wiht a 2.5" spacer in the front it will just sit at stock rake.. no big deal i guess, i like the nice level look tho.
plus that AAL will make the rear a bit stiffer, and increase your payload capacity.

anyway, i'd just do the levelling kit, you can fit some 35" tires in there with just the levelling kit with minor rub, and no rear lift.

as for other mods, since it looks like you'll have some money left if you install that lift yourself, which i hope you do, I'd just go for the gotts mod, maybe some HIDs?..
or even better, a cheap exhaust/muffler to give her some sound.
good luck


ps.. what size tires are on your truck right now?
any pics?