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If you own a PowerBoost F-150, chances are you’ve been eyeing coilovers or a leveling kit from brands like Fox, Bilstein, Eibach, ICON, or King. And if you’ve done your homework, you’ve probably run into conflicting reports about how much lift you’ll actually see.

Here’s the hard truth: the PowerBoost is heavier up front than any other 14th-gen F-150. Between the battery, electric motor, and cooling hardware, you’re looking at a couple hundred extra pounds right over the front axle. That weight changes everything.

The result? A kit that might advertise “2 inches of front lift” on a 3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L Coyote may only net you 1.5 to 1.75 inches on the PowerBoost once the suspension settles. But the story doesn’t end there — because with the right setup and expectations, you can still get the stance, clearance, and ride quality you’re after.

If you’re researching Ford F-150s and come across a model with an FX4 badge, you might be wondering: What does FX4 mean on a Ford F-150?

You’re not alone — this is one of the most frequently asked questions by truck shoppers, and with good reason. The FX4 package offers serious off-road upgrades, but it’s not always clear what you’re getting — or whether it’s worth it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:

• What FX4 means on an F-150
• What the FX4 package includes
• How it compares to a standard 4x4
• FX4 package changes by generation
• Whether it’s worth the extra cost

We’re digging into our Day One new Ford Bronco mods series, where we’re exploring the top mods 2021-2025 Bronco owners are choosing to do to their rides, whether those Broncos are rolling off the dealer’s lots or have a few miles on them from another owner. The simple fact is the new Ford Bronco is good looking, popular, and built for adventure; and whether you’re a weekend camper, an overlanding enthusiast, or someone who simply loves being prepared, storage plays a critical role in making your trips seamless. Adding a roof rack to your Bronco on Day One is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. It expands your storage capacity, keeps the interior clutter-free, and adds a rugged, ready-for-anything look to your ride.

The Ford Ranger has long been a favorite for truck owners who need a perfect balance between size, capability, and efficiency, and the new versions are proving to be just as useful as the originals. It might seem odd to think about loading up your 2024-2025 Ranger with a cap on the bed, but this isn’t your grandpa’s Ranger, and it isn’t his camper top. That’s where the RSI SmartCap comes into play.

A midsize truck like the Ranger requires a different approach to truck bed storage than its full-size counterparts. SmartCap’s stainless steel, modular design transforms the Ranger’s truck bed into a secure, weatherproof, and highly functional space—whether you use your truck for adventure, work, or a mix of both. More importantly?

The RSI SmartCap looks good doing it, and if you’re actually using your Ranger as a truck and building it to make it even better?

You need to keep reading…

Every new Ford Bronco is a blank canvas, ready for its owner to define its capabilities and personality, and we’ve been going over our top mods for 2021-2025 Bronco owners to start on day one. This time? Let’s look at an easy upgrade right out of the box (literally!). Whether it’s fresh from the dealership or a late-model treasure, tuning your Bronco on Day One is one of the fastest ways to unlock its hidden potential. Programmers and performance tuners allow you to fine-tune your Bronco’s engine, enhancing power, throttle response, and even fuel efficiency. It’s a game-changing upgrade for new owners ready to make their Bronco truly theirs.

Modern engines are packed with technology, whether it’s a 2.0 in your Bronco Sport or the hotter 2.3L EcoBoost or 2.7 EcoBoost, but factory settings are often tuned conservatively to meet emissions regulations and suit a wide range of drivers. A performance tuner or programmer lets you take control, optimizing your Bronco’s performance for your specific needs. Here’s why it’s a smart Day One upgrade:

We’ve brought a TON of ideas to new Bronco owners over the last few months on upgrades they can make from the very first day they bring their Bronco – late model or new – home. Let’s be honest, the Ford Bronco isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement of adventure, capability, and freedom. While the factory exhaust system is functional, it’s designed for mass-market appeal, leaving room for customization to match your style and performance needs. Whether your Bronco is fresh off the lot or a pre-owned gem, upgrading the exhaust on Day One is one of the best ways to elevate its sound, power, and personality.

When it comes to longevity, not all half-ton trucks are created equal. Some models have a well-earned reputation for hitting the 250,000-mile mark and beyond, while others struggle to make it past 150,000 miles without major repairs. If you’re driving a Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, Ford Ranger, or Ram 1500, your truck is already among the most durable options on the market.

Most of us think the weak links in long-term reliability are the drivetrain, but the truth is, rust, suspension, and even electrical issues kill a lot more trucks than a bad engine or a dead transmission. So, whether you're driving a Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, Ram 1500, or Ford Ranger, proper maintenance and smart upgrades can keep your truck running strong for decades. Here’s what you need to know:

Owning a 2019-2024 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI means enjoying V8 power and capability, but it also means dealing with fuel economy that often lags behind its Ford F-150 and GM LS competitors. The HEMI’s performance is undeniable, but many owners find themselves looking for ways to stretch their fuel mileage without sacrificing the truck’s power. Fortunately, with the right upgrades and driving habits, you can improve gas mileage while keeping the performance you rely on.

The 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular mid-size trucks on the market, and for good reason. Whether you're hitting the trails, cruising the highway, or hauling gear, the right modifications can take your Tacoma to the next level. We see it everyday in the upgrades our customers order for their own Tacomas, and we did some peeking at what we’re shipping to give you a comprehensive list of the most sought-after mods that Toyota Tacoma owners swear by.

The Ford F-150 has long been a favorite among truck enthusiasts, and its 10th through 14th generations (1997-present) have only solidified that reputation. Whether you're looking to enhance performance, boost off-road capability, or refine the truck’s aesthetics, modifying an F-150 opens up a world of possibilities. At Stage 3 Motorsports, we’ve seen just about every build under the sun, and depending on where you want to take your F150, we’ve got the goods to not only customize your truck the way YOU want, but also, ensure you’re getting all the performance you demand.

Let’s look at some of the most popular upgrades we see our customers performing and how they can help you maximize your truck’s potential.

We’re keeping up with our trend of some of the best upgrades you can do to your Ford Bronco on the very first day you own it, and now that prices for late models have come out of the stratosphere, building a great trail rig and daily driver on the new Bronco platform is a LOT more accessible than it has been. Let’s face it: the Ford Bronco is built to explore, but if you’re planning to venture off the beaten path, a sturdy bumper and reliable winch are two essential upgrades to consider on Day One. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, fording streams, or heading into the unknown, these additions provide both protection and peace of mind. With the right setup, your Bronco will not only look tougher but will also be prepared to tackle tough recovery situations and protect vital components from unexpected impacts.

The Baja Designs Squadron Series of lights has earned a reputation for excellence in the world of aftermarket lighting. With options ranging from powerful off-road illumination to street-legal lighting solutions, the Squadron lineup offers something for every driver. Whether you're tackling rugged trails, navigating highways, or lighting up a worksite, there’s a Squadron light designed for your needs. Let’s dive into the features, beam patterns, and ideal applications for this versatile series, now available at Stage 3 Motorsports.

Whether you’re hitting the trails in a brand-new Ford Bronco or a late-model classic, protecting your investment should be at the top of your priority list. Now, at Stage 3 Motorsports, we’ve been sharing some “Day One” mods every Bronco owner should consider, and adding some protection is high on that list. Off-road adventures can be unpredictable, with rocks, tree stumps, and debris waiting to wreak havoc on your Bronco’s undercarriage. That’s why skid plates and rock sliders are essential Day One upgrades for any Bronco owner. With the right armor, your Bronco will be ready to tackle rough terrain while keeping critical components safe and sound.

The Bronco is built tough, but even the most capable vehicles need extra protection when venturing off-road. Factory skid plates and steps offer decent coverage for light trails, but they often fall short for serious off-roading. Upgrading to aftermarket Skid Plates and Rock Sliders ensures your Bronco’s vital components are shielded from damage that could leave you stranded or facing costly repairs.

The simple fact is that whether you're looking at a big-budget SEMA build or the rustiest daily driver in Ohio, any car or truck is going to need maintenance. From a tired 5.4 powered F150 to the newest Ranger and a bumper to bumper warranty, there are plenty of DIY maintenance and upgrade projects you can tackle to ensure your truck is running at its best. Here’s a look at some practical and performance-oriented DIY tasks anyone can take on.

Now, obviously, a LOT of new cars and trucks come with extended maintenance packages for the buyer, but most of those are done for if you aren’t the first owner, or you’re past a certain number of miles. So even if you’ve got a “fresh” ride, you might want to begin taking care of basic maintenance yourself – it really is the cornerstone of keeping your truck in excellent condition. These tasks are manageable for most DIYers and save time and money compared to taking your vehicle to a shop.

Whether your Ford Bronco is a brand-new off-the-lot purchase or a late-model treasure, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make on Day One is the factory suspension. From gaining better ground clearance to enhancing articulation on the trails, suspension mods can transform your Bronco into a more capable and personalized adventure machine. Let’s dive into why upgrading your Bronco’s suspension is a must-do for new owners and how Stage 3 Motorsports can help you get started.

The Toyota Tacoma is a powerhouse of reliability and versatility, whether you’re navigating daily commutes, hauling gear, or venturing off-road. For owners looking to enhance their truck’s capabilities and aesthetics, suspension upgrades are often the first modification considered. However, modern trucks like the Tacoma come with complexities that demand careful planning to ensure a successful upgrade.

When deciding between a leveling kit and a suspension lift kit, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of each option and consider the unique challenges of today’s independent front suspension (IFS) systems. Unlike the solid axle setups of older vehicles, such as the classic CJ-7 Jeep your dad may have tinkered with, modern suspension systems require precision and attention to detail. Let’s break down these options, discuss the challenges, and explore how to choose the right upgrade for your Tacoma.

There’s something magical about your first day with your Ford Bronco—whether it’s a brand-new model straight from the dealership or a late-model beauty you’ve been dreaming about for years. The fresh paint gleams under the sun, and the unmistakable hum of the engine invites adventure. But before you head out on your maiden voyage, there’s one upgrade that every Bronco owner should consider on Day One: tires. Swapping your Bronco’s factory or worn tires for a set tailored to your lifestyle and driving needs can transform your vehicle from capable to unstoppable.

Over the next few months, we’re going to explore some of the best mods for that first day, and while there are far more used Broncos on the market than new ones, we’re creating this series for any new Bronco owner.

So, why tires? Well, for starters, they’re your Bronco’s first and most essential point of contact with the world. They dictate everything from handling and comfort to traction and safety. Chances are, the tires on your “new” Bronco are fine, or have a bit of wear, but neither is optimized for specialized tasks like rock crawling, deep mudding, or snowy trails (Or, let’s be honest, giving you the stance you really want). Replacing them with aftermarket tires on Day One ensures your Bronco is equipped to tackle the challenges you’ll face and sets the foundation for all future modifications.

The Ford F-150 Tremor: a name that conjures images of rugged trails, off-road challenges, and a truck that's ready to tackle it all. Here at Stage 3 Motorsports, we built one up a few years ago for overlanding, and we loved it. Well built, smartly designed, and it was obvious the engineers on the Tremor development team had done their homework to produce a great truck for off road adventures. But how does it stack up against a standard 4WD F-150? Is it worth the extra cost, or can you build a comparable off-road machine with the help of Stage 3 Motorsports? Let’s break it down and help you decide whether the Tremor package fits your needs or if building your own off-road rig makes more sense.

Since Ford introduced the Raptor as a high-end performance and off road package, it’s struggled with the “performance” side of things. Yes, it’s a 6,000-pound truck, and yes, it’s designed for off road capability, but the fact is, most Raptors (and most trucks) spend 99.9% of their lifetimes on pavement. More than a few Raptor owners have been reminded that “performance” on the trail and that on the street are very different.

So it was really only a matter of time before Ford decided to up the ante on the Raptor’s performance, and the Raptor R, with 700 horsepower to the wheels, is not only a great off road rig, it’s also truly fast truck.

0-60 times in the mid-three second range, and a quarter mile time in the low 12 seconds is serious performance in a straight line, and while that might not be a big deal for some, it’s noteworthy.

The Ford F-150 Raptor and Raptor R represent the pinnacle of off-road engineering, blending capability, performance, and rugged style in two incredible packages. But with the Raptor R commanding a premium of nearly $30,000 over the standard Raptor, many enthusiasts are left asking: is it worth the extra cost? Let’s break down the key differences between these two trucks and help you decide which is the better choice for your needs.

The Ford F150 EcoBoost engine is a marvel of engineering, but like any complex system, it’s not immune to internal wear and tear. Two common challenges—carbon buildup on intake valves and timing chain stretch—are well documented in the 3.5 EcoBoost across all generations (although not as much in the newer engines) and can wreak havoc or destroy your engine. The downside is, to sort these out, you’re cracking open your engine and removing a LOT of “stuff” to get to them, so understanding their importance and taking advantage of the repair process to consider upgrades can make a world of difference.

Regardless of whether you’re simply looking to buy a truck with the 3.5 EcoBoost or dealing with these challenges in your daily driver, we’ll break down these internal issues and explore how smart planning during repairs can improve your EcoBoost’s reliability and performance for years to come.

The Ford F150 EcoBoost has earned its reputation as a powerhouse, balancing performance and efficiency like few trucks can. However, common issues such as turbocharger failures, intercooler condensation, and fuel injector problems can occasionally arise. While these challenges are well-known, Stage 3 Motorsports offers solutions that not only address these issues but also give you the chance to enhance the overall performance and reliability of your truck.

Let’s dive straight into how our products, combined with strategic upgrades, can help you take your F150 EcoBoost to the next level.

Owning just about an F150 EcoBoost is like having a trusty steed: powerful, reliable, and always ready to tackle a new adventure. But even the best machines need a little care now and then. The EcoBoost engine platform has redefined what a truck can be, blending power, efficiency, and innovation in a way that has captivated enthusiasts, and the aftermarket has jumped on the platform as a truly versatile engine that can still have more performance wrung from it. Yet, like all masterpieces of engineering, it has its quirks. Understanding these quirks and how to handle them is the key to enjoying the full potential of your truck.

Let’s dive into the five challenges that often crop up for EcoBoost owners across all generation and explore the (usually) simple solutions to keep your truck running strong.

The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 represents the cutting edge of truck design, combining advanced technology, safety, and performance. However, even with all these innovations, the factory audio system leaves room for improvement. Whether you’re looking for clearer sound or a more dynamic listening experience, upgrading your audio system is a smart way to enhance your daily drive.

Stage 3 Motorsports offers a range of Kicker Audio products, including the CS and KS series speakers, designed specifically for this generation of F-150. Here’s how these upgrades can take your truck’s audio system to the next level.

The 2015-2020 Ford F-150 and 2017-2020 Raptor brought significant advancements in technology, performance, and comfort. However, while the factory audio systems in these trucks are functional, they often fail to deliver the immersive sound experience modern drivers crave. Whether you’re streaming your favorite playlist or enjoying a podcast, upgrading your audio system can transform your daily drive into something extraordinary.

Stage 3 Motorsports offers a range of Kicker Audio products specifically designed to bring your truck’s sound system into the modern era. Here’s how to tackle an audio upgrade while addressing the unique challenges of these models.

Upgrading the audio system in your 2009-2014 Ford F-150 or 2010-2014 SVT Raptor is one of the best ways to enhance your driving experience. Whether you're streaming music, listening to a podcast, or just enjoying your favorite radio station, the right audio upgrades can deliver unparalleled sound quality. Stage 3 Motorsports offers a range of Kicker Audio products designed specifically for this generation, ensuring a seamless and impactful upgrade.

The Ford F-150 has been a cornerstone of reliability, performance, and style for decades, and part of what makes it so distinctive is its wide range of paint colors. Whether you're considering a touch-up, customizations, or a complete restoration, knowing your F-150's paint code is crucial. This guide dives into the importance of paint codes and how they can help you maintain your truck's aesthetic appeal and value, especially in the newer generations beginning with 2004.

The Ford Ranger has been a game-changer in the midsize truck market since its return to the U.S. in 2019. Along with its rugged capabilities and modern styling, the Ranger stands out for its wide range of paint colors, allowing owners to match their trucks to their personalities and preferences.

Whether you’re exploring customization, touch-ups, or restorations, knowing your truck’s paint code is essential for accuracy. This guide covers every factory paint option for the modern Ford Ranger, year by year.

Your EcoBoost F-150, Taurus SHO, or Explorer has served you well—whether hauling heavy loads, carving up mountain roads, or simply getting the kids to practice. But like all vehicles, age eventually catches up. You may have noticed the signs: turbo lag creeping in, fuel economy slipping, or that unmistakable drop in power. It's official—your factory turbos are nearing the end of their useful life. Now, you COULD easily slam in a rebuild kit on those tired turbos. After all, it really is just a couple of turbos, not the space shuttle. But going to the trouble of tearing into your intakes and plumbing under the hood, digging into rusty fasteners, and the inevitable broken stud you might encounter can be awfully frustrating to just get back to “stock".

The Ford Bronco, in both its 2-door and 4-door configurations, is already a powerhouse when it comes to off-roading. However, even the most capable off-roaders can benefit from a few key upgrades, and one area that can significantly improve your Bronco’s capabilities is lighting. Upgrading your Bronco’s Lighting setup not only improves visibility but also adds to the overall safety and functionality when tackling nighttime trails or low-visibility situations. In this article, we’ll explore how proper lighting is crucial for off-roading, ensuring that you can see and be seen in all types of environments. We’ll cover some of the best aftermarket lighting upgrades for the Bronco, from headlights and taillights to fog lights and off-road light mounts. So, whether you’re looking to command the night sky or simply want a safer driving experience, this guide will help you navigate the best aftermarket lighting options to make your Ford Bronco shine even brighter.

Prepare to unleash the beast that is the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, the newest addition to Ford’s elite lineup of performance trucks. This rugged mid-size pickup packs a punch, embodying the spirit of its larger sibling, the F-150 Raptor, in a more compact, versatile form. As we dive into the details, you’ll see how the Ranger Raptor stands out in the off-road arena and why it’s set to redefine your adventure expectations.