Let's take the 2012 F-150 King Ranch, 4.5 EcoBoost. What are some basic, almost mandatory things you would have to do to the truck to take it offroading? You really need to do a lift, get 35's, and maybe a couple of other things like shocks/suspension, transfer case, etc.

Is it a silly idea to take this truck offroading stock? What are some basic must have's to take this truck offroading?

That's what I am looking for......some basic must have's in order to take it offroading.

Edit: Oh wait, duh, I almost forgot I can get the FX4 package. That would solve that wouldn't it?

 

i took mine out and went through a mud pit and over some rocks, logs, and streams all straight out of the box so to speak! not a problem it can do it give it a try. now whats need it helps if your not scared to scratch or dent it. and if your not than buy the truck and go play!

 

A stocker should be able to get thru a fair amount of stuff especially if you get some gnarlier tires. Sheer size and long wheelbase seem to me to be a big limitation--you aren't gonna be doing many Jeep trails, and it will be really easy to high center the belly. I would certainly get the shortest wheelbase for the least problems with high centering.

George

 

I want some of your money, brand new KR and were gonna go stick it in the mud. More power to ya buddy! In all honesty, I had an old boss with a run of the mill 2wd F150 w/ a limited slip. That truck went all over the d*mn place. So if you have 4wd and limited slip in the rear, and you don't just intentionally stick the truck in a 30ft deep hole........you will be fine. Always have straps, come along, etc.

 

Trailer package.
A cheap, beat up, rig to tow to the trail.

 

man i didn't notice it was a king ranch 4.5 egoboost you must's got the only one

 

My off roading days are behind for the most part which is why I bought the package that I bought.

The front end of the new F-150's are way too low for my comfort level. The front air dam has to go or will go anyway.

So, a fella with a KR who wants to go mudding? I would'nt do it. I've driven a couple and they are simply too petty to beat up.

Get a Raptor or an FX4.

 

Tim, the Raptor is a great idea.
If one can afford a fully loaded KR, then the Raptor shouldn't be out of the question either. While the Raptor doesn't come with the EcoBoost (yet), the 6.2L is a beast. The Raptor, in stock form, does outperform pretty much any fullsize truck on the market today. Whether that be crawling at 3mph, or hitting whoops at 100mph.

To the OP, if you want a good amount of offroad performance, and a full warranty to back it up...then I'd give the Raptor some serious consideration.

 

This video shows one in some thick mud...and would have been better had it been lifted a bit.

 

2004 or 2005 model year. Rectangular fog lights give it away. 2006-2008 got round fogs. Still, that FX4 will be a 3.73 LS diff, and yes it can handle some muck. My 2006 FX4 has been in some crap...just gotta use your head and be smart.

 

In stock form the tires are the limiting factor. It was quite a shock when my 09 Fx4 came in to the dealer from ford how non agressive goodyear tires were even the sales mgr. made a comment about it. The 20s on my 11 are even worse as for offroad. One thing all makes are doing is using low rolling resistance tires to improve gas MPG.

 

Lift/level it, throw a locker (ARB) in the rear, might as well regear too.. and go out with a buddy with a winch. Take pictures.

 

TIRES. biggest problem with the new 4x4 trucks. Get some decent tires. atleast a 33". I had a 2009 with 2" level kit and 35s and it went everywhere I needed it to go. Down rut filled muddy pipelines to cruisin on the beach. I went places that trucks on 6" lifts went with no problems. I do have a lift on my 2012 but its more for looks. I dont do a lot of offroading with my 50k truck but it will see the beach a lot next summer.

My advice: Get atleast a level kit and good offroad tires.

 

TKR, it jsut depends on what you will be doing??? alot of people think off roading (wheelin") these days is going through some puddles and down a gravel road. Serious wheelin' is when you question the depth of a hole or the end of a path but go for it anyways! 35's at least, winch, limited slip and some other buddies with some bada** trucks to pull you out, bah ha