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!

 

Setups that I keep going back to:

Black/machined Fuel Mavericks and MTs with lifted Grey FX4:



Black/machined Fuel Boosts and MTs with lifted Grey FX4:



The problem I have is that these wheels look great in the high negative or 10-inch widths (which I don't want) but seem to "wash out" when the offset gets too positive (14mm to 18mm)?

 

I am a fan of black wheels on a grey truck, myself. I would love a set of black wheels from a Raptor or the 20" FX4 appearance package ones. Honestly, the black FX4 version of your wheels I think would look awesome.

 

DesertDawg,

I wish I had your problems....... Personally, I like the Fuel Mavericks because they don't look as busy compared to the other set.

Good luck with your decision! We all know that it will turn out to be AWESOME!!

 

I'm thinking Method wheels in silver & 20"



or American Eagle 531's

 

Go with the rancho kit and keep your stock wheels. You can spray the wheels with plastidip in many colors, if you don't like or want a change in color just peel it off and spray it again. It runs about 10 bucks a can. You can get it at your local vato zone in the basic colors like white gray and black. If you want something else, you'll have to order it from their web site.

Personally I like your truck the way it is now. It just needs to be a little higher with a bigger tire. I like the look of the OEM wheel setup on slightly lifted trucks. I had 35" trail graps on my 07 with the OEM 20" wheels and a 3" A/S kit.

 

So Rad, we call it the same thing

 

I spent 3.5 years in Sun Diego and another 3.5 years in Phoenix from 87-94 so I must've picked it up then.

 

I really like the look and stance of your truck so much that after i saw those pics i've been hunting down those exact rims. level kit is on order all that's left is rims and tires. I'm sure whatever route you go that truck will look just as sick as all the others. i must say when it comes to modding these trucks you have very good tase Sir. I'd also be intrested in your rims if the price is right and you do replace them lol.....

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback; sounds like most agree I should lift it!


Yeah, I guess I need to see how the factory wheels will look once mounted with some beefier MTs and the lift. I am just afraid the truck won't look or peform as balanced once the center of gravity is raised some more without an offseting track width (the Rancho does increase it some so maybe that will be enough with some wider tires too).



Thanks 1st Time Ford....I really am really warming up to the Mavericks the more I look at them.


I definitely looked at those Silver Methods too; still not sure if they'll look as good with the Sterling Grey. I have been noticing the new AE Hard Rock Series wheels as they do look good too. Thanks!


Thanks 05RedFX4...your truck looks really good! Yeah, definitely considering the option of retaining the factory FX wheels. I guess I just need to wait and see how they look especially if I can't decide right now on wheels anyway!


Thanks man for the compliment! Well, if I do decide on some aftermarket wheels, maybe I can make you a deal on my current wheel/tire setup...lol.

 

DD every truck you do you seem to make it clean and nice. I wont even post my ideas as it might not seem to flow the way yours always do good luck and keep us posted!

 

Well Dawg, you haven't messed one up yet. So I'm sure whatever you go with it will look great. I'm in to see the results.

 

I love your trucks and they made me love the 4" lifts especially on a DD. Here is my opinion and what I will be doing to my white truck.

4" Lift (4.5" in my case due to it's all that's available now)
Factory 20's
295/60R20 Nitto's (what I have now) 34.5x12.3
1.5" Wheel Spacers

Factory and Classy yet wide and aggressive stance.

After hunting season I'll be adding the 4.5" Superlift kit and the spacers


I know everyone is against the wheel spacers/adapters, but bottom line, they are no different to an aftermarket wheel with a greater offset. You just need to check the secondary lugs to maintain the torque.

-Curtis-

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence guys...no pressure now...lol.


Thanks Curtisl That sounds like a great setup. I really like the stance you have now too, but will look great with the lift! I used wheel adapters on my Touareg to get the wider stance too; I thought they worked great and never had an issue since I got the same bolt pattern that allowed the wheels to be torqued to the adaptor and then to the hub assembly unlike the slip-on spacers. Very secure.

 

It's all been said already for the most part. Certainly agree that you (somehow) haven't had a bad one yet! Your trucks are the only ones that seem to look "right" no matter what. BUT, I think you should just get an extension on the garage and have 25 ft doors on it. That way you can run a 16" lift and it won't ever be an issue again!

Definitely prefer your old Plat's look over your old FX4. And I like the top grey FX4 and its tires, but prefer the bottom's wheels. So Boosts with Mud Grapps for me.

Have you ever thought about having wheels custom machines for you? I've never run prices (sure it's expensive as all hell), but I've been waiting for somebody to try out some one-off wheels