When it comes to off-road vehicles, the Ford Bronco has long been an icon, offering rugged versatility and a nod to adventurers everywhere. But if you think the Bronco Raptor is just a "better Bronco," think again. Ford didn’t just tweak the standard Bronco for the Raptor—they rebuilt it into something entirely different. This beast is less of a variant and more of a purpose-built machine, tailor-made for conquering terrains most vehicles wouldn’t dare approach.

At Stage 3 Motorsports, we’re all about “Built Not Bought” but the simple truth is the Bronco Raptor deserves to be viewed as an incredible off roader, right off the lot.

When it comes to protecting your Ford engine and ensuring peak performance, the Air Oil Separator (AOS) often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. For turbocharged EcoBoost engines, an Air Oil Separator is almost a necessity. While naturally aspirated 5.0 and 5.2 Coyote motors may also see some benefits, the advantages are particularly pronounced for forced induction setups. Let’s explore why these small but mighty devices matter, focusing primarily on EcoBoost engines.

Overlanding has surged in popularity, and enthusiasts are now discovering that nearly any truck can become the perfect platform for adventure—especially if you choose a truck with the right foundation. Enter our 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor, which we built up for overlanding from the original idea as a performance-focused street truck with its turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost engine and (in our case) less spacious single cab layout, the truth is, though, when it comes to overlanding, sometimes the less optimal truck can be the best choice, IF you plan it well. There are always options and alternatives to traditional overlanding platforms.

At Stage 3 Motorsports, we took our short-wheelbase Tremor and transformed it into a capable overlanding rig, proving that even a truck initially marketed for on-road performance can shine off the beaten path. If you’re considering a late-model Tremor (or any other single cab) for your next build, let our project serve as your roadmap to creating a trail-ready vehicle that’s practical, reliable, and adventure-ready.

The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty, equipped with the formidable 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine, marked a significant evolution in Ford's lineup. With its aluminum body, high-strength steel frame, and impressive towing capabilities, it quickly became a favorite among truck enthusiasts and professionals alike. As we step into 2025, these trucks have become more accessible in the used market, presenting an excellent opportunity for those looking to embark on a project build.

In this article, we'll delve into the pros and cons of the 2017 F-250, drawing from years of user data, and revisit the original build we did at Stage 3 Motorsports on our own 2017 Ford F250 Super Duty to inspire your own revitalization journey.

When Stage 3 Motorsports introduced the First Lite 2020 F150 Hunting Rig Build, it was more than a showcase of custom upgrades. It was a blueprint for crafting a capable, reliable vehicle tailored for hunting’s unique challenges. While many admired its features, such as lift kits, lighting enhancements, and storage solutions, not everyone has – or wants – a newer rig with a bank note on it to bounce around in the outback. The simple reality is that most hunters rely on older, high-mileage trucks for a lot of reasons, and cost is absolutely one of them.

And the simple fact is, the Ford F150 can be found for sale everywhere, and with just a few tweaks from Stage 3 Motorsports, it can do everything you ever need in the field.

The Toyota Tacoma is a legend among trucks for its reliability, versatility, and capability. Whether you're outfitting your Tacoma for off-road adventures, giving it a performance boost, or simply personalizing it to match your style, every great build starts somewhere.

But there’s the golden rule to any build or restoration or rescue: the “Whoa!” has to match the “Go!”

Safety and functionality should always come first. Once your Tacoma is road- and trail-ready, you can begin chasing your vision—whether that’s conquering rugged trails, hauling gear, or just turning heads on your commute. Let’s dive into the essentials for starting your Tacoma build without breaking the bank.

The 2019-2024 Ford Ranger is already a capable and stylish midsize truck. Whether you’re driving it off the dealer’s used lot or picking up a deal on Marketplace, there’s a lot you can do to make it stand out—without blowing your budget. For less than $2,500, you can upgrade your Ranger’s looks and handling, enhance its functionality, and even add a touch of off-road capability.

Best of all, these upgrades won’t void your warranty or require a major investment in tools or expertise. Let’s dive into how you can transform your Ford Ranger while keeping it affordable, but before we spend your money too quickly, ANYTIME you buy a used vehicle, no matter what, you need to be assessing (for yourself) that it’s safe to drive and there are no pressing issues like brakes, worn tires, or electrical issues that need to be addressed right away. If you did buy a basket case, you likely knew what you were getting before money changed hands…

If you’re dealing with a solid late model though, keep reading!

When winter rolls around, it doesn’t just mean a drop in temperatures; it brings new challenges to the road. Icy surfaces, snow buildup, and sub-zero temperatures all impact how vehicles handle, especially for powerhouse trucks like the Ford Super Duty. And while Super Duty trucks do excel in tough conditions, winter weather demands extra preparation to keep these machines running safely and smoothly. Cold air thickens fluids, icy roads test tire grip, and the extra load on batteries can leave your truck feeling the strain. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your Super Duty in top shape for winter driving. From essential maintenance tips to winter-specific upgrades, each section is designed to give you practical steps to improve reliability, comfort, and performance in colder months.

If you own a 2020-2024 Powerstroke truck, you may be blissfully unaware of a small but mighty component that could be causing big headaches: the MAP sensor. This little sensor tends to get extremely dirty, thanks to the truck’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems. While it may seem like a minor issue, a dirty MAP sensor can lead to reduced fuel economy and diminished engine performance. But don’t worry, there’s an effective fix for this common problem. In this article, we’ll delve into what the MAP sensor does, why it gets so dirty, and how the S&B MAP Sensor Spacer Kit can save your engine from unnecessary wear and tear.

Are you a proud new owner of a 2021-2024 Ford Bronco? Whether you're tackling rugged trails or cruising the city streets, improving your Bronco's fuel efficiency can save you money and reduce your environmental impact. In this guide, we'll share practical tips on enhancing your Bronco’s fuel efficiency through maintenance, driving habits, and lightweight modifications. Let's get started!

The Toyota 4Runner has long been celebrated for its rugged durability and off-road prowess. Known for its ability to handle both the challenges of daily commuting and the rigors of off-road adventure, the 4Runner stands out as a truly versatile adventure vehicle. In this article, we'll dive into why the 4Runner is a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and detail the essential upgrades that can transform it into a survival-ready machine. Whether you’re planning to cross deserts, climb mountains, or simply need to feel prepared for any unexpected situation, these modifications will ensure your 4Runner is ready for anything that comes it way.

The Ram 1500 has is a true powerhouse in the world of pickups, especially for those who need a reliable towing machine. Since 2009, the Ram 1500 series has seen significant improvements, not only in power and durability but also in technology and towing capabilities. In this guide, we’ll explore the towing specifications of various Ram 1500 models from 2009 onwards, answer a few of the most pressing questions surrounding the topic, and discuss how just a few aftermarket upgrades available at Stage 3 Motorsports can enhance your towing experience.

It's an unfortunate fact that the factory lighting components equipped on your 2018+ Ford F150 are anything but special, leaving a lot to be desired in terms of overall style and performance. If you've ever found yourself underwhelmed by the lack of illumination produced by your lights, or if you've ever wanted to update the front-end appearance of your ride, these OLM Lighting Upgrades offer the perfect solution to elevating your driving experience to new heights. In this in-depth review, we'll discuss the various lighting upgrades OLM offers for the 2018-2023 F150, exploring the enhanced appeal, functionality, and performance that could redefine your F150's presence both on and off the road. Prepare to see your truck in a new light - quite literally.

Within the realm of pickups, few names resonate as strongly as the Ford F-150. Renowned for its power, versatility, and ruggedness, the 2015+ Ford F-150 stands as a testament to American engineering. Yet, even in its excellence, there's a hidden secret that many F-150 owners discover – the factory shocks leave much to be desired. Whether you're navigating daily commutes or conquering off-road terrain, the difference between a comfortable ride and a thrilling adventure often boils down to one crucial component: your shocks/struts. This is where Bilstein, a name synonymous with precision engineering and premium performance, steps onto the stage. In this article, we'll dive deep into why these shocks are the undisputed champions for your 2015+ F-150. From their exceptional range of products with impressive affordability, to the unparalleled benefits they bring to both daily drivers and off-road enthusiasts, we'll explore why Bilstein stands tall in the aftermarket shock game. So, fasten your seatbelts as we journey through the world of F-150 shocks and unveil why Bilstein is the ultimate choice.

The commanding presence and dynamic capabilities of the new 2022-2023 Ford F150 Lightning have redefined what a modern truck can achieve. From its striking design to its raw power, the F150 Lightning embodies a new era of driving excitement. Yet, even with its remarkable features, there's always room for improvement, especially when it comes to off-road performance and style. Here at Stage 3, we recognize your aspiration to amplify your Lightning's off-road prowess and create a driving experience like no other. That's why we've meticulously developed a Leveling Kit engineered specifically for the 2022-2023 F150 Lightning, providing you with the tools to elevate your adventures to new heights.

It’s time to start turning wrenches on our 2021 Badlands Bronco and we're kicking off the build series by bolting on a rugged Old Man Emu suspension for some additional lift and better off-road performance. We also grabbed a full set of 17x9" 1mm offset Fuel Rebel wheels and wrapped them in 37" BFGoodrich KO2 tires to size up our Bronco’s footprint on the trail. The result is not only a menacing stance, but also a practical step up in off-road capability for this Bronco build.

It's no secret that we here at Stage 3 are huge fans of F150 Fox 2.0 Front Coilovers and Fox 2.0 Rear shocks, and more than a few of our past F150 Project Trucks have had Fox 2.0s on them at one point or another. Naturally, our latest F150 project was destined to get a set, and we installed our 2021-2022 F150 Fox 2.0 Stage 1 Suspension Package on our 2021 F150 Project Build and got it all on video. The 2021-2022 F150 Fox Stage 1 Package comes with a pair of 2021-2022 F150 Fox 2.0 Front Coilovers and a pair of 2021-2022 Fox 2.0 Rear Shocks so that you get a ride quality, handling, and off-road performance improvement on all four corners of your tough 2021-2022 F150 truck. Moreover, the Fox 2.0s manage to keep a smooth on-road road, making them an excellent choice for do-it-all F150s. Check out the install video after the jump and learn more about the Fox 2.0s.

Our Dear Ford Overlords have officially announced the 2022 Bronco Raptor, which is nothing but a good thing, though we're dubious of how that "2022" will work out at this juncture. Regardless, it's great to see that Ford is really dedicated to the Bronco platform and are going for FCA's Jeep jugular. The 2022 Bronco looks great, has a ton of features, comes standard with a beefy suspension, and has an even bigger EcoBoost V6 than the current Bronco lineup. That being said, there were some things that we didn't like, and I'm going to be a little more Debbie Downer than our dear A-List YouTube celebrity Noah in the video after the jump. While I personally think it's going to be a fine truck (especially for folks that don't like to modify their vehicles), I'm just not sure about the cost/benefit of the Bronco Raptor with how much the aftermarket has already stepped up to do a lot of what Ford did on the Bronco Raptor (and often better) at a price point devoid of dealership markups. See the video after the jump, as well as my unwanted opinions.

With the immense capabilities and power of the 2021 F150 PowerBoost models, it doesn't take much to turn these trucks into adventure-ready rigs. Even a basic leveling kit and decent set of tires goes a long way to making the 2021-2022 F150s looking great in general, but there is something definitely special about a leveled F150 PowerBoost. Our own 2021 F150 PowerBoost truck received one of our 2021-2022 F150 2.3" Spacer Leveling Kit that retains the factory front coilover assemblies to save some cash. With that extra ride height to play with, we were able to fit on a 34" tire in the form of an LT295/60R20 Nitto Recon Grapple A/T Tire that's wrapped around a 20x9" Fuel Rebel wheel with a matte black finish and 20mm offset. The combination leaves a near-stock ride (with the tires at sub 40psi pressures), all while giving our leveled PowerBoost a great look that's clean and mean.

You might feel hesitant to jump into buying a 2021-2022 Ford Bronco. It is a mystery how well it will really perform off-road until you get behind the wheel. At Stage 3 Motorsports, we have taken care of that for you. Up in one of the most treacherous and picturesque places in the world, Sedona, Arizona, we took the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco out for an adventure in this desert wonderland. The 2021-2022 Ford Bronco model we used is the Black Diamond which is a bare bones off-road model that allows us to show you some of the capabilities off the lot without any additional upgrades or modifications. In the video, we go through all the important features of the vehicle and highlight some of the upsides and downsides of this basic off-road layout. This video is worth a watch with its full vehicle breakdown and supplemental footage of it really tackling some desert terrain. As more upgrade and modification parts and products become more and more available, Stage 3 Motorsports will be at the forefront of rolling out some great options for leveling up your 2021-2022 Ford Bronco off-road build. There are already a number of great products being offered on our website. We will go through a few important ones including Leveling Kits, Bumpers and Skid Plates, Soft Tops, and Control Arms on the market right now to get you started on your way to a rad off-road build.

The 2021 F150 are starting to pop up with more and more frequency. We even managed to snag one of our very own, and started it off with a road trip back from the Texas dealership. The 2021 F150s are an entirely new generation of F150 with a ton of changes, which means that plenty of parts and accessories will need to be redesigned. That being said, a lot of parts also managed to stay the same, and Ford kept a lot of elements from the 2015-2020 F150s because, in the end, if ain't broke, don't fix it. There's also a few subtle changes, which makes some older upgrades "fit" but cause questionable levels of function when actually put on a 2021 F150. Yeah, it is as utterly confusing as it sounds, and our dear Ford Overlords make it hard to put together a performance site, especially with SIX powertrain options. Yikes.

Considering our love for F-150’s here at Stage 3, it’ll come as no surprise that we put an order in for a brand new 2021 model as soon as we possibly could. The truck we optioned out is an Iconic Silver 2021 F-150 STX 4x4 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, SuperCrew cab and a 5.5ft bed. While we don’t do reviews on every single project truck that joins our fleet, we figured it would be worth the effort for this F-150 seeing as it’s been completely redesigned for 2021. In order to properly test this newest iteration of Ford’s best-selling truck, we opted to take it on a 1,100-mile-long road trip that would start just outside of Waco, TX and end at our headquarters in Phoenix, AZ. If you want to hear our thoughts and get the full review check out our 2021 F150 Road Trip Review video, but If you’re not strapped for time or simply have a pension for reading blogs, then here’s an in-depth look a the new 2021 F150.

While the Ford 9.75" rear end is one of the stoutest rear ends and axles in a half-ton truck, and while it's certainly able to handle nearly any application you have in mind for your awesome F150 or Raptor build, it's actually pretty annoying to actually live with, since it lacks a drain port and the fill port is placed on the side of differential housing and has this annoying tendency to rust itself to uselessness in places that use salt on the roads. That's why an F150 aftermarket differential cover is one of the most handy upgrades you can most handy upgrades you can make to a 9.75" equipped F150 or Raptor. Nearly all of these differential covers come with their own drain and fill ports, increased capacities, and revised designs that make them extremely effective upgrades over the stock cover. However, there's more than few to choose from which can make finding the right one for your kind of a pain.

The 2021 Ford Bronco is officially back...sort of. When you and I will be able to get our grubby mitts on one remains up in the air for the time being. The good news is that on paper, the Bronco lineup seems like the Wrangler-destroyer that we've been waiting for and the trucks all look awesome thanks to the retro-futurism styling that would make the 2005 Mustangs blush. The bad news is that pricing starts off pretty high and some of the neater features mentioned in the reveal video are part of the "Sasquatch Package", whose pricing has not been released. While some of you out there in the world may be thinking that there's not much we at Stage 3 and the performance aftermarket can do to improve the Broncos or top Ford's "200 approved aftermarket parts", but we're inclined to disagree, and not just because we're stubborn. We're super-pumped for the resurrected Bronco, and we're going to be listing just about every Bronco part and accessory that we can get our hands on. Personally, my only gripe (other than price) is that there's no green paint option. An OD Green, off-road ready Bronco? Yes, please.

The 2019-2020 Ford Ranger can be made into a pretty decent off-road machine with the right upgrades. You can cruise over rocky terrain easily and with a reassuring comfort that your truck can make it through. However, when blowing through off-road trails and doing donuts in large clearings, it can be easy to lose track of time. As soon as the sun descends past the horizon, you may be in trouble if you do not have the proper lighting equipment. The last thing anyone wants to do is drive blindly in the wilderness and accidentally damage the front bumper because a large, unseen boulder was in the way. Your fun does not have to end after dark. If you constantly find yourself on dirt trails, off-road light mounts offer exactly what you need to drive safely. While there are many options you can choose to provide this illumination, we've installed two kits from lighting giant Baja Designs on our 2019 Ranger SEMA Overland Build and are pleased with the results. Both kits provide ample lighting to cut into the thickest of nights. The addition of fog lights and an A-Pillar Light did wonders for our Ranger, and it can do the same for you.

With over 225,000 miles on the clock, our 2011 F150 5.0L XL (owned by Yours Truly) needed to get some pep back in its step. Despite getting a fairly fresh motor (that's a story for another day), this F150 was still showing its years in its driveline and needed an overhaul, especially if we wanted to keep turning its LT305/65R18 Falken Wildpeak A/T3Ws effectively. To that end, we grabbed a complete Nitro 4.11 Gear Package that includes front and rear 4.11 gears as well as a pair of Master Install Kits for both differentials that allowed us to give our truck's drivetrain an almost total rebuild with the extra performance of 4.11 gears over the stock 3.55s. Since the rear differential needed to come out for the gear install, we decided to throw in an Eaton TrueTrac LSD to replace the OEM clutch-type LSD, which was basically only LSD-ish at its mileage. We did the install and then performed the break-in gear oil change a while ago, and unfortunately due to COVID-19, we weren't able to get the truck out to stretch its legs. That changed Memorial Day Weekend, when I got the truck out for a nice road trip up to Northern Arizona with some very light trail riding thrown in. The results were good, though now we need to find an excuse to really push the TrueTrac to its limits.

When it comes to leveling out Tundra suspension, there are numerous options available. Still, if you’re primary concerns are affordability, comfort, and simplicity, then it’s hard to do better than the 2007-2020 Toyota Tundra Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Leveling Shock Kit. To give a little perspective before talking about specs and ride quality, the truck I reviewed these on is a 2019 Toyota Tundra 4x4. This truck is a full-time workhorse for a local dairy veterinarian, so it sees hundreds of miles a day on highway and gravel roads while carrying a constant 200lb. load of medical supplies and equipment in the bed. Function and durability were the two most significant considerations in a new suspension set up for this rig.

Well, there's no way to really sugarcoat it, but the current COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic is causing a bit of a disruption in everyday life for folks all over the country and the world. Unfortunately, we here at Stage 3 Motorsports aren't immune from some of these disruptions. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has just issued a Stay at Home Order for all non-essential businesses that will take effect Tuesday, March 31st, 2020. While we'd make a strong argument that performance parts and accessories are an essential part of any post-apocalypse vehicle build, established definitions and case law is not our side. We at Stage 3 have already had employees working from home for a few weeks, and now our entire team will transition to working from home. We are not closed, and we are still open for business!

Stage 3 and its employees are still taking orders, providing answers to your technical questions, assisting you with your performance parts orders, and adding parts and information to our site. However, some delays are inevitable and unavoidable in this unfortunate situation. Our remote warehouses are still operating, and most products will still be shipping in a timely manner. While our sales staff will retain their phones, our customer service staff is going to transition entirely over to email and our online contact form for communication. We have response times down to within 24 hours, but please be patient when contacting our customer service staff as some delay is inevitable. Please email [email protected] with any customer service related issues.

On top of our own local issues, overseas supply chains are strained due to travel and shipping restrictions, which has hurt the availability of both overseas-derived product and domestically manufactured products that use imported raw materials. Manufacturers located in heavily-effected areas are reducing staff or even shutting down entirely to protect their at-risk employees and their families. Our employees may have to take time off due to Arizona's current school closures and other potential life issues caused by the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. We, again, ask for patience if and when these issues to arise.

We understand that it may be frustrating to not receive your order in a timely manner. We are all enthusiasts, and we absolutely feel your pain. We will do our best to fulfill and ship your orders in a timely manner and provide you accurate updates on availability and ETAs. We appreciate your support throughout the years, and it's been the loyalty and faithfulness of our customers that has allowed Stage 3 to become one of the best sites on the internet to purchase parts for your truck. Please bear with us as we fight through these issues. We will beat this thing. Thank you for your continued support!

Our friends over at Mishimoto have been in the aftermarket performance radiator business for a long time know, and they have the design and manufacture of the things down to a fine art. Their 2011-2014 F150 F150 All-Aluminum Radiator is fairly new to the market, but it has all of the hallmarks of another winner of a radiator from Mishimoto. The welds are gorgeous, the end tanks and core are all made out of aluminum, and it installed without having to make any permanent modifications to the truck or other hardware. The only real downside to this radiator is that if you're installing it, you're likely having some sort of a problem with the stock one, which means a couple of hours of wrenching is likely in your future. That being said, when your labor involves adding what the entire TiG welding industry would call high-art, there's a lot worse you can be doing with your time and tools.