Be Prepared Always – Simple & Effective Ford F150 Overland Build
“Winding roads are longer to follow, but it’s worth the view” – says the owner of this 2019 Ford-F150. These pickup trucks have been dominating the U.S. market for decades and there are many good reasons for that. For Jared from Greenville, South Carolina, the vehicle choice was mainly dictated by necessity. He needed a big enough rig so that he, a very tall guy, could feel comfortable in it. With the STX appearance package, it was probably the best bang for the buck – the truck already looked great, so Jared decided to keep drilling and cutting to a minimum, retrofit stock lights with LEDs, and focus on suspension and utility.
“Winding roads are longer to follow, but it’s worth the view”
The combination of Bilstein 6112 front coilover kit paired with rear 5100s added just two inches up front leaving the stock height in the rear. But with new all-terrain tires by Cooper running on 8.25″ sidewalls instead of the stock 5.5″ wrapped around matte black Method wheels, Jared achieved around an extra 5 inches up front and 3 inches in the rear resulting in a very aggressive stance.
“the truck turned out to be perfect for both worlds, a busy life in the city and fishing and camping trips in the wilderness”
As for utility, everything he wants to carry on a trip fits perfectly in the Decked Drawer System in the bed. A custom-built bed rack accommodates the CVT tent. The rear seat was replaced with a platform holding a 12V fridge. Overall, the truck turned out to be perfect for both worlds, a busy life in the city and fishing and camping trips in the wilderness. When you can’t walk away without turning around and looking at your project, you know you built it right.
How did you become interested in off-roading?
– I’ve always had an interest in the outdoors. A few years ago I decided to pursue camping more and got into fly fishing, so having a truck capable of reaching more secluded and hard to reach places became a must-have.
Why did you choose this particular model for your project?
– At 6’4″, all midsized trucks weren’t big enough. I considered a Tacoma but quickly realized it would fall short of life outside of camping so, the extra room, capability, and power led me to the F150. Once I saw that there weren’t a lot of other F150 builds, I decided there was also a place for it in the off-road community.
What inspired you to choose this modification style?
– @Blackstallionv8 on Instagram was a big inspiration as far as the direction of the build. I spent hours researching the perfect wheel combo that would give me the best of both looks and capability, and in my opinion he had it with the Method’s and Coopers. Once I settled on that, I also saw that there weren’t a lot of other Supercabs out there to pull inspiration from. Having a 6.5ft bed was a must have when I bought the truck so I knew other people felt the same way. To better answer the question though, I didn’t want to go too far with the modifications as I still needed the truck to last, but I wanted to push its off-road capabilities as far as reasonably possible without shelling out thousands of dollars.
“- I didn’t want to go too far with the modifications as I still needed the truck to last, but I wanted to push its off-road capabilities as far as reasonably possible without shelling out thousands of dollars.”
What challenges did you face while putting it together?
– The handmade bed rack was a challenge to design and build. Since its aluminum, welding was tricky but it has certainly paid off with its reduction in weight. The fridge in the backseat was also an interesting change as its decreased potential storage, but is an absolute blessing on hot days out in the woods.
What do you love about your vehicle?
– I love how prepared I am for most things that I might run into. I was in Law Enforcement for 6 years so I am used to having everything I might need with me at all times. The full sized nature of the truck has allowed me to replicate this in day to day life outside of camping.
“- I love how prepared I am for most things that I might run into”
Is it your daily or a weekend ride?
– It is my daily rig.
Do you take it off road? If so, where and how often?
– I do, I am in the southern Blue Ridge area of Western NC, SC, and GA.
2019 Ford F150 STX Specs
Engine specs, modifications
– 5.0L v8, no modifications
Lift height and suspension modifications
– Bilstein 6112s up front leveled at 2″
– 5100s in the rear
– stock leafsprings and control arms
Wheel specs
– Rims: 18″ Method NV’s +18mm and 5.75″ of backspacing
– Tires: Cooper ST Maxxs 295/70r18
Exterior mods
– RCI 10ga steel Full Skidplate package
– Decked Drawer System
– Handmade Aluminum Bedrack
– CVT Mt Shasta
– WaterPORT 8 gal Weekender
– Tepui awning
– Full LED retrofit
– GMRS Antenna
Interior mods
– Short backseat swapped out for 54qt Ausranvik 12v Fridge
– Downhill assist installed (Doesnt come stock with STX package)
– Midland GMRS radio
What are your future plans about this vehicle?
– I am looking at Hard shell tents mostly, but backseat storage is first on the list. I may do a full backseat delete to allow for longer and more remote trips. I also would love to continue to upgrade the suspension with new control arms and leaf springs. Finally I have yet to regear but when that happens. A legitimate e locker and 4.10s is in order.
Anything else you would like to share about your vehicle or about the off-roading in general?
– All in all it is a great truck. It definitely has its cons but for my purposes it works perfectly.
Watch the progress and find out more about this Ford F150 STX project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @coyote4wd!
Related Parts & Mods
– Inspired by this Ford F150 build and looking to prepare your own truck for off-road adventures? Some parts used in this build were sourced from custom shops or custom made, but our team has put together a list of similar products and accessories available online that may help you to achieve similar results:
Lift Kit
- Bilstein 6112 Struts & Spring + Rear 5100 Shocks Set – For 15-19 Ford F-150 4WD
Wheels
- Method Race Wheels NV – Available in various sizes
- Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx All-Season – 295/70R18
Roof Rack
- Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack Kit – Ford F150 Super Crew 2018-2020
Roof Top Tent
- Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent – 2 Person
Awning
- Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic Awning 270 – Dark Gray with Black Travel Cover
LED Lights
- Baja Designs Squadron Sport LED – Yellow Driving/Combo
- Rigid Industries RDS SR-Series Pro Spot Light Bar – 54″ 307 Watts Curved
*Before ordering any part or accessory, it is recommended that you verify its fitment with a qualified professional and/or seller. We are not responsible for fitment or other issues that may arise from using the products featured on our website.
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