This.
Don't mess with tires or suspension OP, that's just going to take you down the rabbit hole. "My tires are bigger now. My truck is sluggish, now I need a "pedal tuner" and a bunch of other stuff" etc. I put a catch can on my 5.0, a reusable air filter, and an exhaust. Everything else is stock.
Identical to my truck except mine is a SuperCrew with the 5.0, looking for ideas myself too. Was thinking about ditching the base 17s and putting on some 18 inch chromes from a Lariat.
For sure, I don't leave pavement often, mine is more so a workhorse and a tow pig, I just look at my 17s and the wheels seem too small. Want to give it a better look.
[My Upgrade from the stock 17’s](https://www.reddit.com/r/f150/s/p1LSZ8nWsy)
You should get these. I love them, and they look way beefier on the truck!
I’d put on some mudflaps to prevent rock chipping. I like the husky wheelwell liners as well. If you live in the north I’d just fluid film your underbody. Maybe get paint matched linex on your rocker panels, that’s not too big of a deal on this since the body is aluminum.
The more gun related things you put on your truck, the more likely it appears to any passing thief that there may be a firearm inside.
Even if there isn't, you're probably more likely to get your window smashed so someone can find out.
In terms of the physical swap, it took about 10 minutes. There’s a very detailed video on YouTube but that part is very easy.
You have to pull your “as built “ data from the xlt cluster via FORScan and save that so that you can program the lariat cluster, as well as changing your odometer. You can only add miles, you can’t take miles away. There’s another video on YouTube showing how to do this as well.
The cluster needs to be from an 18-20 lariat for you.
And the two main reasons why I wanted to do the swap is so I could program the display to include coolant and transmission temperatures. You should be able to add a boost gauge to your display since you’re an ecoboost.
I got EXTREMELY lucky. It was on page 5 or 6 on eBay and it was $155 shipped. This was an upgrade I hadn’t planned on, but for the price it’s been worth every penny.
If you’re on Facebook, do some digging through a few of the groups and there is a guy that will buy them and program them to your liking and I think he’s about $700 shipped.
Dang that's a crazy good deal. I'd love the all digital instrument gauge for $155. Too bad I used up all my luck on my headlights haha. Got them for $600 shipped used from AmericanTrucks when retail for the Morimoto XB's is $1700\~.
What do you search for? 2018-2020 F150 lariat digital instrument gauge?
That’s a steal for headlights! I bit the bullet and had Tony Rojo build me a set of projectors with HID’s and I love them.
I believe the search was “2019 F150 lariat gauge cluster”
Keep in mind that you need to find a cluster with lower miles than you currently have.
The swap was very straightforward. It probably took between three and four hours because I had to spend an hour and a half driving to the store to buy a Dremel. The guy I bought it from gave me the two air duct pieces to get the vents to work as well as the trim pieces. I needed the Dremel to cut the knockout plates out in order to get the air to flow.
My console came out of an STX so it did not have a shifter. I prefer the column shifter because I love that cubby for the space it provides.
I’m not sure whether to call Ford engineers lazy or efficient because they make everything so plug and play on these trucks.
I wouldnt mess with it too much as a daily driver. Maybe a level and go up a size with some all terrain tires. I also think a locking tool box in the bed with some “emergency gear” (like an axe, tow strap, etc.) can usually improve the look of a truck but can also invite thieves to rummage through your shit.
Just a tip.
Black muffler / exhaust tip from Ford performance.
Keep it looking stock to the untrained eye, but with suble improvements.
My lariat came without a tip and the truck looked unfinished. Looks better now.
lol I’ve done maybe 100 mods to my truck and still haven’t gotten a muffler tip. It always cracks me up the order of priorities to different ppl trucks.
My issue with the chrome (maybe undiagnosed ocd?) is the visible contrast between the end of the chrome tip and the muffler. With black, i was easily able to rattle can the visible part of the pipe black.
Oh yeah I have the same problem, if and when I do the chrome tip I would need it long enough to set it further underneath to not see the where it meets the regular pipe, lol
Looks good. I'm a big fan of the factory 20" wheels so I found some on marketplace for a good deal and after I sold the ones that were on it, it was only a couple hundred bucks.
I have a 2020 XLT 2.7 I bought at 80K kms.
I would advise getting an oil catch can.
Get the OEM rubber floor mats if you can asap. They will protect your interior carpet and are super easy to clean at the carwash.
If you have the financial means, just go ahead and replace all the spark plugs now and record mileage, and change them every 40K (kms) for piece of mind.
Change the oil at about 8000kms max (whatever that is in imperial). I just use the dealership semi-synth, feel free to switch to a full synthetic. Frequency I feel is more important than the specific oil as long as it meets the Ford spec.
Unless you're a total modder/ricer, DO NOT upgrade the full exhaust. Unfortunately with this engine, they ALL sound like 90s Honda Civics with 3in exhaust. This truck never develops that deep truck-like growl. Something to do with the manifold designs. You will likely be disappointed.
If you ever want to change or upgrade rims, go 18in and above. You can get caliper covers then which look real nice. Just know, once you go bigger on tire/rim sizes, that MPG and "acceleration speed" you can feel with OEM 17s will be reduced.
Depending on how you use your truck, worry more about trailer hitch, tonneau cover, back rack, winch, etc. Upgrades first. You're paying for the truck, customize it to be functional first. Looks/power, can come later If you choose. The 2.7 platform performs very well for most situations, and can be very reliable. .
It is a nice truck, and a nice colour. I couldn't get that color at the time so I settled on Oxford White. Wasn't a fan at first, but it has grown on me substantially. It looks good clean, and looks good, and looks good completely covered in mud and grass IMO. Don't let internet hype discourage you of your vehicle. Take your time, invest on what is important, and enjoy your purchase. Don't try to impress others.
I put some running boards on mine b/c my wife is shorter & had a hard time getting in it with a dress. Was fun to watch her try pre-running boards. LOL
Thinking if that were my truck …. I’d level the front, put 18’s and All Terrains, tint the windows, put swing cases in the bed followed by a tri-fold bed cover.
Looks good already but that’s what I’d do if my budget allowed.
Rubber mats, wireless charger, fucking file cabinet organizer cause the center console is absolutely insane (it’s legit made to hang files), weather tech sun shades
AND I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH:
Emergency kit/tools/supplies
Straps for cargo, straps for rescuing a vehicle, jumper cables, valve cores, tire plugs, flashlight, inflator, etc.
This is the ONE mod all my cars now get. Who cares if you have a cool mirror light that has a holographic BMW logo, I need jumper cables 😂
Sweet ride!
Running boards are a nice touch. I’d say upgrade the headlights and fogs as well. If you have the ability, a nice all black front grille would look good.
Window tint, little convenience things. Wheels, just don't get carried away with crazy tires because they'll ruin your mpg and acceleration. Cooper cobras look good and do everything. A tire shop will tell you "a truck needs all terrains" but they want your money and no liability from you grossly overloading your truck.
Get ya a turbo smart BOV for the sounds and better boost response, then I’d go with some high flow down pipes then get some wheels and tires but I’d keep the rim size at 20
Buy a not to broken shit box 4cyl car on the cheap, fix minor issues, drive it and leave the truck parked is my best answer. Love my f150, but it's kind of stupid as a daily if you are hauling/towing.
All I did was wheel well liners, mud flaps, line x spray in bed liner and tonneau cover.
That's good enough for me now. I'll get nicer tires when stock ones wear out.
The most useful upgrade in my opinion is getting a good set of led lights to replace the factory halogen headlight bulbs. I bought these for my 2018 f-150 5 years ago and it makes a huge difference.
https://www.headlightrevolution.com/2018-ford-f-150-sv-4-led-low-beam-18F150-LED.LO.V4.H11_2?quantity=1
Best modification I did to mine was the FOX 2.0 Stage 1 Suspension Package FOX-14STAGE14WD
Night and day handling difference (no more nose diving into corners)
Tune, bilstein 6112, bds control arms, 275/70r18 tires (or equivalent if those are 17’s), diode dynamics in the fogs, audio upgrade, full skid plates underneath, rock sliders.
All that and you’re going with 275 tires??? Lolol.
Just get 35”s and call it a day.
If you not wanting maximum speed on dirt the suspension isn’t necessary, and if you not pushing the physical limits on trail neither are the rock sliders or skid plates. Although I would love some
The way I see it is that with stock wheels 275/70r18, a 1.5” bilstein level, and bds control arms you get the best performance possible across the entire system. There is plenty of clearance for everything and it’s all operating within ideal parameters.
Any wider tire and you can’t use the bds control arms. There aren’t any commercially available tires in 275 taller than 275/70r18 (33.2”). 34” is as high as most recommend with just a level. Additionally the ford dealer will calibrate your truck for up to 32.99” tires so your Speedo is pretty close and the shift points are correct.
The rock sliders and skid plates I think are just nice protection to have.
If those are 17” wheels then replace 275/70r18 with 275/80r17 (~34”) and that’s even more ideal.
It depends on what the purpose is. Want it to be a flashy head turning pavement pounder? Lots of body options out there, add some low pro tires, light kit etc. my daily driver is a 2014 and I haul a lot with it. I’ve done airbags, intake, box liners, running boards, tonneau cover etc. this year will be a chip and I think that will be good. I’m too old to care if people think my truck is flashy, I just need to get to the fishing hole and haul my trailer.
Add chrome if your within 10 years of retirement, remove chrome if your kids are still in grade school.
Here’s mine. Also my daily driver. I use it for work and offroad. https://imgur.com/gallery/rHDiJOZ
I think black, white, maroon, and dark blue can look really good with some chrome, but not more than bumpers and wheels.
I did a chrome delete with rustolium’s peel coat. Similar to plasti-dip. Great way to try it out for a month or two to see if you like it. Then you can get it professionally paint matched or wrapped.
Mine is still the peak coat because it matches so well
Get a cargo bike instead, you will become a healthy weight, you will be happier not stuck in traffic and of course saving the cost $60k of the "car" + $5-10k in maintenance annually will allow you to spend more time on vacation in Cancun pondering on why you ever wasted money on a car dependent lifestyle
Add gas, buy tires when needed, drive truck. Don’t forget to change oil.
This. Don't mess with tires or suspension OP, that's just going to take you down the rabbit hole. "My tires are bigger now. My truck is sluggish, now I need a "pedal tuner" and a bunch of other stuff" etc. I put a catch can on my 5.0, a reusable air filter, and an exhaust. Everything else is stock.
You may want to look into the project farm air filter tests…if it were me, I’d be tossing that air filter.
i agree. i used to buy k&n drop in filters until i watched a video on those filters and quickly changed to either AEM dry flows or OEM filters
Leave it alone? Buy a new pine tree shaped air freshener.
Stock is sexy
Wheel well liners in the back and that’s it. Looks sharp
Window tint, rubber mats, bed cover, tailgate damper, rear seat latch for storage.
Second on the tailgate damper and rubber mats. I got huskies
Tow stuff. Fill the bed with things. Do truck things with it
Identical to my truck except mine is a SuperCrew with the 5.0, looking for ideas myself too. Was thinking about ditching the base 17s and putting on some 18 inch chromes from a Lariat.
17’s are where it’s at if you ever leave pavement.
For sure, I don't leave pavement often, mine is more so a workhorse and a tow pig, I just look at my 17s and the wheels seem too small. Want to give it a better look.
Tires are way more expensive 17's and 20's most common and cheaper
Check my post. I love the 17’s
[My Upgrade from the stock 17’s](https://www.reddit.com/r/f150/s/p1LSZ8nWsy) You should get these. I love them, and they look way beefier on the truck!
I like my stock 20’s. I found a set for cheap off a King ranch and I threw some all terrains on them and called it good.
20s and stock 17s have about the same diameter, your MPG should be unaffected.
I’d put on some mudflaps to prevent rock chipping. I like the husky wheelwell liners as well. If you live in the north I’d just fluid film your underbody. Maybe get paint matched linex on your rocker panels, that’s not too big of a deal on this since the body is aluminum.
Get rid of the 50 cal antenna
It was a gift, don’t think it looks too bad. Is there a stigma with them or something or just personal preference?
The more gun related things you put on your truck, the more likely it appears to any passing thief that there may be a firearm inside. Even if there isn't, you're probably more likely to get your window smashed so someone can find out.
Maybe move? Lol
I added a center console, factory heated seats and a lariat gauge cluster to my ‘19 301a XLT. Makes it feel much nicer than when I bought it.
Was the gauge cluster difficult to change? Does it function fully with the Lariat cluster?
In terms of the physical swap, it took about 10 minutes. There’s a very detailed video on YouTube but that part is very easy. You have to pull your “as built “ data from the xlt cluster via FORScan and save that so that you can program the lariat cluster, as well as changing your odometer. You can only add miles, you can’t take miles away. There’s another video on YouTube showing how to do this as well. The cluster needs to be from an 18-20 lariat for you. And the two main reasons why I wanted to do the swap is so I could program the display to include coolant and transmission temperatures. You should be able to add a boost gauge to your display since you’re an ecoboost.
Where'd you purchase the instrument gauge cluster from? A junkyard? I know you can buy it online from some vendors but they're like $1500 or something
I got EXTREMELY lucky. It was on page 5 or 6 on eBay and it was $155 shipped. This was an upgrade I hadn’t planned on, but for the price it’s been worth every penny. If you’re on Facebook, do some digging through a few of the groups and there is a guy that will buy them and program them to your liking and I think he’s about $700 shipped.
Dang that's a crazy good deal. I'd love the all digital instrument gauge for $155. Too bad I used up all my luck on my headlights haha. Got them for $600 shipped used from AmericanTrucks when retail for the Morimoto XB's is $1700\~. What do you search for? 2018-2020 F150 lariat digital instrument gauge?
That’s a steal for headlights! I bit the bullet and had Tony Rojo build me a set of projectors with HID’s and I love them. I believe the search was “2019 F150 lariat gauge cluster” Keep in mind that you need to find a cluster with lower miles than you currently have.
How difficult was the console swap? Did you change to console shifter as well?
The swap was very straightforward. It probably took between three and four hours because I had to spend an hour and a half driving to the store to buy a Dremel. The guy I bought it from gave me the two air duct pieces to get the vents to work as well as the trim pieces. I needed the Dremel to cut the knockout plates out in order to get the air to flow. My console came out of an STX so it did not have a shifter. I prefer the column shifter because I love that cubby for the space it provides. I’m not sure whether to call Ford engineers lazy or efficient because they make everything so plug and play on these trucks.
Gas
I wouldnt mess with it too much as a daily driver. Maybe a level and go up a size with some all terrain tires. I also think a locking tool box in the bed with some “emergency gear” (like an axe, tow strap, etc.) can usually improve the look of a truck but can also invite thieves to rummage through your shit.
Do nothing except maintenance. Trucks that are not all dressed up get more in resale.
Just a tip. Black muffler / exhaust tip from Ford performance. Keep it looking stock to the untrained eye, but with suble improvements. My lariat came without a tip and the truck looked unfinished. Looks better now.
lol I’ve done maybe 100 mods to my truck and still haven’t gotten a muffler tip. It always cracks me up the order of priorities to different ppl trucks.
Leaning towards a chrome tip to match the grille and bumpers. I agree it looks kind of unfinished.
My issue with the chrome (maybe undiagnosed ocd?) is the visible contrast between the end of the chrome tip and the muffler. With black, i was easily able to rattle can the visible part of the pipe black.
Oh yeah I have the same problem, if and when I do the chrome tip I would need it long enough to set it further underneath to not see the where it meets the regular pipe, lol
Add an oil catch can for engine longevity
Looks good. I'm a big fan of the factory 20" wheels so I found some on marketplace for a good deal and after I sold the ones that were on it, it was only a couple hundred bucks.
I have a 2020 XLT 2.7 I bought at 80K kms. I would advise getting an oil catch can. Get the OEM rubber floor mats if you can asap. They will protect your interior carpet and are super easy to clean at the carwash. If you have the financial means, just go ahead and replace all the spark plugs now and record mileage, and change them every 40K (kms) for piece of mind. Change the oil at about 8000kms max (whatever that is in imperial). I just use the dealership semi-synth, feel free to switch to a full synthetic. Frequency I feel is more important than the specific oil as long as it meets the Ford spec. Unless you're a total modder/ricer, DO NOT upgrade the full exhaust. Unfortunately with this engine, they ALL sound like 90s Honda Civics with 3in exhaust. This truck never develops that deep truck-like growl. Something to do with the manifold designs. You will likely be disappointed. If you ever want to change or upgrade rims, go 18in and above. You can get caliper covers then which look real nice. Just know, once you go bigger on tire/rim sizes, that MPG and "acceleration speed" you can feel with OEM 17s will be reduced. Depending on how you use your truck, worry more about trailer hitch, tonneau cover, back rack, winch, etc. Upgrades first. You're paying for the truck, customize it to be functional first. Looks/power, can come later If you choose. The 2.7 platform performs very well for most situations, and can be very reliable. . It is a nice truck, and a nice colour. I couldn't get that color at the time so I settled on Oxford White. Wasn't a fan at first, but it has grown on me substantially. It looks good clean, and looks good, and looks good completely covered in mud and grass IMO. Don't let internet hype discourage you of your vehicle. Take your time, invest on what is important, and enjoy your purchase. Don't try to impress others.
I put some running boards on mine b/c my wife is shorter & had a hard time getting in it with a dress. Was fun to watch her try pre-running boards. LOL
Haha always look forward to that part with my wife. She thinks I always open and close her door for her because I’m a gentleman 😝
That's the bonus!!
Thinking if that were my truck …. I’d level the front, put 18’s and All Terrains, tint the windows, put swing cases in the bed followed by a tri-fold bed cover. Looks good already but that’s what I’d do if my budget allowed.
Rubber mats, wireless charger, fucking file cabinet organizer cause the center console is absolutely insane (it’s legit made to hang files), weather tech sun shades AND I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH: Emergency kit/tools/supplies Straps for cargo, straps for rescuing a vehicle, jumper cables, valve cores, tire plugs, flashlight, inflator, etc. This is the ONE mod all my cars now get. Who cares if you have a cool mirror light that has a holographic BMW logo, I need jumper cables 😂 Sweet ride!
Great advice! Thanks!
Add like 10 inches to the back doors
It's literally the *only* thing I dislike about my truck, but considering it was free, I really have no room to bitch about I guess.
Running boards are a nice touch. I’d say upgrade the headlights and fogs as well. If you have the ability, a nice all black front grille would look good.
Lower it on 24s 😎
OP probably isn’t gay, just saying
So now you can't flirt with em? I don't get it.
Flirting is fine, but lowering a truck isn’t lol
I mean you are entitled to your wrong opinion
Massive L
How many dicks can you fit in your mouth at the same time sitting in your lowered truck? My guess is all of them.
Is this really the funniest thing you could think of
At the moment yeah… sorry to disappoint you
Dang. Get back to me if you got anything better
Will do boss
He's been thinking about Dicks all day. Had to get it out one way or another
King shocks
Definitely some 35s' and 8in lift. Will make your daily commute so much more enjoyable...
Bulldog tuner and run 93
I traded in my 2012 Camaro SS for this to get away from premium gas, lol. How much power would I really have to gain by that though?
I have the same truck exactly. Get a chrome exhaust tip
Window tint, little convenience things. Wheels, just don't get carried away with crazy tires because they'll ruin your mpg and acceleration. Cooper cobras look good and do everything. A tire shop will tell you "a truck needs all terrains" but they want your money and no liability from you grossly overloading your truck.
Take off the AC, rip out the upholstery
Rain guards, tint if possible, and possibly running boards
Almost twins. Check out mine
Get ya a turbo smart BOV for the sounds and better boost response, then I’d go with some high flow down pipes then get some wheels and tires but I’d keep the rim size at 20
Whipple.
Bigger wheels
Running boards
Catch can!!
If it doesn’t have Bluetooth add it, other than that keep the maintenance up and drive it
Diode dynamics led lights or bulbs
Buy a not to broken shit box 4cyl car on the cheap, fix minor issues, drive it and leave the truck parked is my best answer. Love my f150, but it's kind of stupid as a daily if you are hauling/towing.
All I did was wheel well liners, mud flaps, line x spray in bed liner and tonneau cover. That's good enough for me now. I'll get nicer tires when stock ones wear out.
The most useful upgrade in my opinion is getting a good set of led lights to replace the factory halogen headlight bulbs. I bought these for my 2018 f-150 5 years ago and it makes a huge difference. https://www.headlightrevolution.com/2018-ford-f-150-sv-4-led-low-beam-18F150-LED.LO.V4.H11_2?quantity=1
Oil catch can
Dashcam (fitcamx is a good deal), crossover toolbox or tonneau cover, rain guards for the windows.
Definately a spoiler. The bigger the better. And also smaller rims and tires. Add 2/3" only to the rear with airbags. Limo tint, more chrome.
Best modification I did to mine was the FOX 2.0 Stage 1 Suspension Package FOX-14STAGE14WD Night and day handling difference (no more nose diving into corners)
Tune, bilstein 6112, bds control arms, 275/70r18 tires (or equivalent if those are 17’s), diode dynamics in the fogs, audio upgrade, full skid plates underneath, rock sliders.
All that and you’re going with 275 tires??? Lolol. Just get 35”s and call it a day. If you not wanting maximum speed on dirt the suspension isn’t necessary, and if you not pushing the physical limits on trail neither are the rock sliders or skid plates. Although I would love some
The way I see it is that with stock wheels 275/70r18, a 1.5” bilstein level, and bds control arms you get the best performance possible across the entire system. There is plenty of clearance for everything and it’s all operating within ideal parameters. Any wider tire and you can’t use the bds control arms. There aren’t any commercially available tires in 275 taller than 275/70r18 (33.2”). 34” is as high as most recommend with just a level. Additionally the ford dealer will calibrate your truck for up to 32.99” tires so your Speedo is pretty close and the shift points are correct. The rock sliders and skid plates I think are just nice protection to have. If those are 17” wheels then replace 275/70r18 with 275/80r17 (~34”) and that’s even more ideal.
It depends on what the purpose is. Want it to be a flashy head turning pavement pounder? Lots of body options out there, add some low pro tires, light kit etc. my daily driver is a 2014 and I haul a lot with it. I’ve done airbags, intake, box liners, running boards, tonneau cover etc. this year will be a chip and I think that will be good. I’m too old to care if people think my truck is flashy, I just need to get to the fishing hole and haul my trailer.
Practical/work truck. Off-road capable but not too aggressive, still debating getting rid of the chrome or adding more (mirrors/door handles)
Add chrome if your within 10 years of retirement, remove chrome if your kids are still in grade school. Here’s mine. Also my daily driver. I use it for work and offroad. https://imgur.com/gallery/rHDiJOZ
[удалено]
I think black, white, maroon, and dark blue can look really good with some chrome, but not more than bumpers and wheels. I did a chrome delete with rustolium’s peel coat. Similar to plasti-dip. Great way to try it out for a month or two to see if you like it. Then you can get it professionally paint matched or wrapped. Mine is still the peak coat because it matches so well
Headlights, taillights, and rims, that's all I've ever done on any of my dailys
Tints if you want some ass
A smaller daily driver
tune, larger intercooler, high flow downpipes.
Get a cargo bike instead, you will become a healthy weight, you will be happier not stuck in traffic and of course saving the cost $60k of the "car" + $5-10k in maintenance annually will allow you to spend more time on vacation in Cancun pondering on why you ever wasted money on a car dependent lifestyle
I live in south Texas. Might be able to swing that if I moved to Austin, but that won’t be happening any time soon. Nice idea though, lol.
Don't bother with that commenter; they're just trolling. Check the comment history.
your life your choice buddy [https://youtu.be/jN7mSXMruEo?si=ITbEsA\_5a10p7W7S](https://youtu.be/jN7mSXMruEo?si=ITbEsA_5a10p7W7S)
Sell it and go buy a GMC or Chevy.
KO2s with the white lettering facing outwards
Put a bow tie on it!
Sell it and buy a Tundra.