Added a light bar and made a license plate bracket. Ran out of time still gotta mount the switch. Plan to put in between the cig lighter and pds

 

Pics?

 

1st pic is headlights
2nd pic is headlights and light bar

 

good luck for the bagging. it's a bit of a PITA on our truck.

 

Oil change, next change will be at 276k

 

I figured it was going to be but knew it before I bought this truck. Would really like to see pictures of your truck though. frame, links, and front end. Haven't found anyone yet that has pictures of theirs.

 

Installed some oe ford running boards. They came off a 2010 and fit my 2008 just fine. Truck is abnormally dirty.

Only paid $50 for them and they're in perfect shape. Before I found these, I had planned on aftermarket, but I've heard mixed things about the quality and them starting to rust early.

I like using them to get in and out way more than stepping in without them how I used to have to do.

 

XL -- I understand the utility of the step bars but think they take away from the clean, simple lines of your truck. Like many things in life, I guess it's a trade-off between functionality and aesthetics.

Did the '09+ bars mount to factory holes that were already on your truck, or did you have to drill to get them installed on your '08 model?

 

Personally, I actually like what they add to the truck, look wise. Since I have 2.5" rear blocks and am about 1-1.5" taller on than stock in the front, too, they fill out the gap a little under the truck. Plus, adding something that slightly changes the apperance in always a plus for me. When you own the same vehicle for a while, it can start to look boring or stagnant to you. While others may not feel that way, you're the one seeing it daily, you know? A subtle mod can go a long way when it comes to freshening things up.

Plus, I feel they go along nicely with the chrome clad wheels, door levers and exhaust tip. I'm not a huge chrome fan, just wanted some subtle accents to break up the all white appearance.

Up next, in the spring will be having the bumpers professionally PTM'd and adding tint.

The mounting holes on my truck were already there and lined up exactly with the 09+ brackets. No fab work was needed, 100% plug n play.

 

Looks good! I had the same ones in all black on my truck before I lowered it.

 

I like the look too!

Personally I think the right set if boards adds to any truck.

 

It's all good -- there's just something I have always found charming about the "bare bones" appearance of the XL models! If I ever buy a new F-150 that is the exact model I would get -- regular cab, short box, XL trim. While I could afford to purchase any model they have, the simple work truck would be the choice for me just because I like the straightforward, no-nonsense aspect of their appearance!

 

I agree.

I also like how easy they are to swap/paint parts and upgrade things. As in, if I truly wanted to, body wise, my truck could look exactly like yours without spending too much (different color though). The only exterior differences are the bumpers, upper bumper pad, grill/surround, etc. obviously the interior and powertrain is a different story.

The main thing that sold me on this truck was the manual transmission. Shortly before this, I had test driven and almost bought a new leftover 2007 just like mine, only is was 4wd, auto and had the 4.6. Most probably would have picked that, but I'm still glad I got the truck I did. With AT tires and weight in the bed, I've never been stuck in the snow.

Ok, enough of my rambling. Haha

 

Agreed fully. Except I'd get a longbed.

 

Sunday I towed with my truck for the 3rd time in 4yrs. Fun stuff.

I like what step bars to functionally. I don't want my seats to get deformed from jump-ins and slide-outs.