We kicked off phase one of the First Lite Hunting Rig build by focusing on suspension, wheels, and tires. The stock coilovers and shocks were clearly not up to the task, so we swapped in a new set of Bilstein 8112 front coilovers with remote reservoirs for additional oil capacity and the ability to add up to 2.5" of lift. In the rear we bolted on Bilstein's 8100 shocks sporting dual bypass tubes that are independently adjustable for compression and rebound. Unfortunately, that kit is no longer available, but the Bilstein 6112 Stage 1 Suspension Package is a great alternative option for folks looking to emulate this build at home. Next up we ditched the bland, factory 18" wheels for a new set of 17x9 KMC Chase Wheels (0mm Offset / Matte Black) to give this rig a clean, aggressive look as well as the ability to run a tire with more sidewall. The new wheels were then mounted up with LT285/75R17 Falken Wild Peak A/T3W All-Terrain Tires which we chose because of their superb capability in rocks, mud, sand, and snow as well as their quiet and smooth on-road characteristics.
Phase two of this build brought some heavy-hitting upgrades in the form of a new front bumper and complete bed drawer system. The Ranch Hand Midnight Series Grille Guard Front Bumper we installed provides top tier front-end protection from trail hazards such as, low branches, rock shelves and occasional reckless wildlife darting across the road. Ranch Hand also designed the bumper with provisions for factory equipment such as parking sensors, adaptive cruise, and fog lights to accommodate any F-150 trim level. For convenient storage and better organization we knew we had to drop in a DECKED Bed Storage Drawer System. This kit is designed to be a perfect fit for the F150's bed, and it features two large sliding drawers that provide countless storage and organization options. Whether First Lite is hauling camping essentials, recovery equipment or hunting gear, the Decked drawers are built to keep it all stowed neatly and safely away from the elements. Another benefit of this system is the incredibly durable top deck that's capable of supporting up to 2,000lbs. so you can still use your truck bed the way it was meant to be used.
With the core upgrades out of the way, it was time to dive into lighting and accessories. We grabbed a pair of 4 inch Rigid 360-Series Driving Beam LED Lights (Amber Backlight) and mounted them to Grimm Offroad A-Pillar Hood Cowl Light Brackets for excellent lighting to the sides of the truck on dark trail runs as well as strong forward visibility. Moving to the bed, we mounted a TruXedo Lo Pro QT Tonneau Cover (5.5' Bed) as an extra layer of protection against the elements for any of First Lite's gear that needs to sit on top of the Decked system. Of course, with this being a hunting truck, muddy boots in the cab is a guarantee so we made sure to toss in a full set of Husky Liners WeatherBeater Floor Mats to protect the carpets and allow for easy cleanup after a trip. Lastly, for improved stability while towing we added the SuperSprings 1,000lb SumoSprings bump stops which work to minimize sway and sag in the rear end when towing or hauling heavy loads.
With the build complete, all that was left to do was take the F-150 out for a shakedown run in the desert and then ship it off to the folks at First Lite. After making the journey up to its new home in Idaho, the hunting rig was outfitted with a stellar looking full body wrap and a Go Fast Camper to round out the build. The end result is a rugged, practical, off-roader that's suited to hunting, fishing, camping, long-haul road trips and nearly anything else First Lite needs it to do. Our only regret is that we didn't keep this truck for ourselves. Want to see more of this build? Click here to view the photo gallery.
