Our goal with our 2011 F150 XL truck was redemption, and we've probably completed it here with this set of mods. Every trace of base model has been eliminated (at least on the exterior), and this old workhorse rivals some of the toughest F150s around with its new looks and new-found capability. It hasn't been easy, but this step of the build process really turned this F150 around in a huge way.

Hammerhead Low-Profile Front Off-Road Bumper

Even though the black XL bumpers fit in with the black-on-white styling theme we were going for, the bumpers on our truck had seen much better days, and you could tell that the truck was a base XL just by looking at. First, however, we had to get the black valance paint-matched, and our down-the-street neighbors over at A&D Auto Body did a heck of a good job turning the valance the same shade of Oxford White as the rest of the truck. With the valance in order it was time for bumpers, and our new friends over at Hammerhead Armor were happy to oblige us with one of their Low-Profile Front Off-Road Bumpers and Rear Flush Mount Off-Road Bumpers. Hammerhead's bumpers feature a heavy-duty boxed steel design, but manage to not be overly bulky like a lot of the boxed steel bumpers out the market. Both bumpers come with shackle mounts and light mounts, making them ready for doing work off-road and after dark. The front bumper we grabbed is technically for an EcoBoost F150, and has extra openings for intercooler airflow. We figure we can use them for more lighting down the road. Unfortunately, since the completion of this build, both of these bumpers from Hammerhead are no longer available on our website. Shop similar Off-Road Bumpers for F150.

Hammerhead Rear Flush Mount Off-Road Bumper

The aftermarket side steps that came with our 2011 F150 XL had seen much better days, and we wanted something that would match the great looks of the bumper's boxed steel design. With that in mind, we grabbed ourselves a set of Lund Modular Rock Guards. Lund's Rock Guards bolt right onto the factory pinch weld mounts meant for the factory side steps, and while they don't offer the full amount of protection as a true set of frame-mounted rock rails, they can help with more minor scrapes and jams while looking amazing. The Rock Rails can even accept detachable short side steps or long side steps (both sold separately) to make entry and exit from your truck that much easier.

Lund Modular Rock Guards