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According to Ford, the F-150 has one job: to do just about anything. Although all F-150 models are designed for off-roading excellence, your rig may require certain aftermarket mods for high-performance off-roading. Stock models are certainly good enough for sand and snow, but you’ll need some more advanced mods to tackle the tougher trails.
The Ford F-150 is available in eight different models:
- XL
- STX®
- XLT
- LARIAT
- TREMOR
- King Ranch
- Platinum
- Raptor
Despite its various features, many F-150 owners resort to dropping their tire pressure below what’s typically recommended in order to get a smoother ride, even just for driving on highways or paved roads. But you can avoid this measure and create a safe and smooth ride by installing the proper aftermarket mods and Ford accessories.
Different Types of Ford Accessories
There are all sorts of modifications you can make to your rig, and they’ll all have different effects on your ride quality. Here are just a few examples of the types of accessories you can add to your F-150 or other lifted truck:
- Intake and manifold mods
- Exhaust mods
- Lighting mods
- Tuning mods
- Suspension mods
- Supercharger mods
- Wheel mods
The following piece will focus specifically on suspension mods as we go over what you need to know about off-roading in your F-150.
Ford Off-Roading Mods: What You Need to Know
The most important thing to remember when modifying your rig is that for every change or action you take, there is a reaction. This domino effect is precisely the reason you must ensure the compatibility of your mods.
For example, eager off-roaders may be tempted to immediately upgrade to bigger tires. However, proper installation of a lift kit and upper control arms (UCAs) is a must before you put on those new 33-inch monsters you’ve been eyeing. Confirm which lift kits or leveling kits are compatible with your F-150 before you start working on it. Avoid spacer lift kits at all costs.
Generally speaking, Bilstein 5100-6100 struts and shocks are a safe bet for getting your rig off-road ready. Even if you’re just installing aftermarket mods like UCAs for the sake of appearance, you still need to ensure the compatibility of your mods for a smooth and safe ride, on and off the road.
Other Tips to Note
- Any truck with an independent suspension, including F-150 models, will have a maximum lift of four inches.
- You always need to perform a front end tire alignment after making any suspension mods to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
- If you’re experiencing rear-hopping (common in the F-150), the best fix is likely a heavy-duty rear anti-sway bar.
Must-Have Off-Roading Accessories
Although it doesn’t take much to enjoy off-roading, you need to be prepared for just about anything. Don’t slack on regular maintenance of your rig, and always keep at least the bare essentials on hand when you’re off-roading:
- Electric portable air pump (for topping off tires)
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Hand tool set
Invest in Only the Best for Your Rig
With any sort of off-roading mods, your goal should be to balance appearance, functionality, and cost with the right investments in aftermarket parts. For your F-150, this means proper installation of a lift kit and premium UCAs from JBA Offroad before upgrading your tires. It also means being prepared with all the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure every adventure goes off without a hitch.
Is your rig off-road ready? Not without JBA upper control arms it’s not. Browse our selection of aftermarket UCAs for your F-150.
