The Stage 3 Motorsports 2018 F150 Budget Build: Progress Report

Posted by Jordan Gerblick on 6/25/2018 to Informative Articles

Saying we've had some over-the-top builds in the past might be an understatement, with most of our builds riding on big lifts and rugged off-road tires, decked out head-to-tail in LED lights and other accessories. This time, however, we're going in another direction with our newest F150 build. Our first take on the tweaked 2018 F150 will be a more subtle, modest affair in relation to our previous builds. This blog will be your one-stop resource for all things Stage 3 Budget Build, updated regularly to reflect the latest mods, so be sure to bookmark this one!

Stage 3's 2018 f150 Budget Build Project Truck Progress

The Stage 3 Budget Build project truck will be built in three stages, defined by pre-set budgets. The first limit will be $2,000, the next will be $4,500, and the final budget will be set at $6,000. We're going to our best within each limit to build a capable, yet practical truck that any owner could be proud to captain around town and off the pavement. We'll be updating this blog regularly as we add on new parts to keep you in the know throughout the whole process, so be sure to keep tabs for the latest and greatest on the very first Stage 3 Budget Build!

Day 1 Update

Our day one update brings some pretty basic, yet necessary, upgrades to the Budget Build. First up we have WeatherTech's Digital Fit Floor Mats, which we usually throw on as soon as possible so that we can hold onto that new car look for as long as possible.

Stage 3's 2018 f150 Budget Build Project Truck Progress

Once we had the WeatherTech liners protecting the interior, we moved to line the bed with the ProMaxx Bed Mat. From moving tools to toys, tires, and truck parts, our truck beds see a lot of use in their time at Stage 3 Motorsports. ProMaxx's Bed Mat is tough, dependable, and fits nice and snug in our 2018 F150's short box.

Stage 3's 2018 f150 Budget Build Project Truck Progress

Day 2 Update

The second round of upgrades brings a much more substantial update to the 2018 Budget Build. Starting with the truck's stance, we went with ReadyLift's 2.25" Front Strut Extension Leveling Kit to achieve a taller, more level position.

Stage 3's 2018 f150 Budget Build Project Truck Progress

When it comes to improving front-end styling, it's hard to beat these sinister, Raptor-inspired amber grille lights by Custom Auto Works. While they won't turn your F150 into a desert runner alone, they do instill just a touch of that aggressive Raptor spirit into your build.

Stage 3's 2018 f150 Budget Build Project Truck Progress

Another super affordable way to rid your build of its modest factory stance is with wheel spacers. We turned to Bora and their set of four 6x135mm 1.50" Wheel Spacers, which pushed our wheels out just enough to be noticeable compared to stock.

Stage 3's 2018 f150 Budget Build Project Truck Progress

Rounding out our Day 2 update is a new lighting setup for the front end. To improve light output and visibility, we upgraded our headlights with Diode Dynamics SL1 Low Beam LED Conversion Kit and installed the CrystaLux XHP50 H10 LED Fog Light Conversion Kit.

Stage 3's 2018 f150 Budget Build Project Truck Progress

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6 Comments

DAN

Date 6/25/2018

Reply

I can’t wait to see what you come up with for this build. I’ve got almost this exact truck but with chrome package (wanted 6 seat config).

Jordan@Stage3

Date 6/26/2018 10:19:00 AM

Hey Dan! That's a pretty solid start. Definitely keep tabs on this page for inspiration! How are you liking the Truxedo?

DAN

Date 6/25/2018 10:38:00 PM

So far I’ve added a Truxedo Pro X15 tonneau cover, replaced the rediculously long antenna, and added customized Katzkin leather. Looking for some other good ideas that won’t break the bank.

DAN

Date 6/26/2018

Reply

Jordan, I really like the Truxedo Pro X15. It looks great, the canvas material is really nice and cleans very well as advertised. Much nicer than only vinyl. I've always preferred the role up style tonneau, and the Truxedo is a little more premium implementation. So far I'm very happy. The only down side I've noticed is that I wish it was a little more waterproof as water enters the bed still at the four corners. I'm thinking I could probably solve most of that with some more strategically placed weather stripping for the tail gate.

Jordan@Stage3

Date 7/2/2018 10:32:00 AM

Dan, we went with 275/70/18 tires for the Budget Build. As for the BORA wheel spacers, we didn't experience any issues installing them with stock wheels/tires/suspension, nor did we have any alignment issues. Since they don't alter suspension geometry at all, an alignment shouldn't be necessary. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

DAN

Date 6/29/2018 1:48:00 PM

Jordan, nice looking update for Day2. I like the LEDs. Question though, what was the exact tire size you went with? Would there be any fitment issues with using the BORA spacers without the level and tire size increase? Also would a re-alignment be needed when adding the BORA spacers? I noticed you didn't include the cost for an alignment or the new tires in your $2000 budget.

Jordan@Stage3

Date 6/26/2018 2:55:00 PM

That's awesome man! Sounds like you have the right idea about preventing those leaks too. Good luck on your build and be sure to keep us updated!

Mike

Date 7/2/2018

Reply

I'm going to snag up that 2.5 leveling kit. But I have the 17 inch wheels on my new 18 F-150 4x4. What is the largest Falken AT tire I can fit underneath with out rubbing? My truck is going to be a fire road runner out here in the NV desert. Thanks for the help! Great build so far!

Mike

Date 7/31/2018 11:16:00 AM

Thanks guys for the advice. I'm following this build and started upgrading my truck with the lights. Keep up the great work/advice, and videos!

DAN

Date 7/3/2018 12:02:00 PM

From what I can tell the 295/70r18s are a popular choice for the 18" stock wheels with a level kit, but I can't tell if those are with a 2.5" kit or the ReadyLift 2.25". Do you think those would work with the ReadyLift 2.25"? With 17" wheels I would think about the largest you could go is a 295/70r17 which is a 33.3" tire? Which is only 0.12" larger tire than the 275/70r18s used here.

Jordan@stage3

Date 7/3/2018 9:50:00 AM

Hey Mike. With only 2.25" of front lift, we don't recommend going any bigger than 33" tires with that kit, even with the 17" stock wheels.

Robin

Date 8/14/2018

Reply

I am running a 285-65-20 BFG AT KO2's on powder coated 2010 Platinum wheels on my 2015 XLT with a 2.75 Rancho quickLift. Just returned from a 10,000km (6,000mile) trip to Inuvik and Tuktoyuktuk in Canada's arctic, pulling a 24ft travel trailer. Over 2000 km of the trip was on gravel roads with no problems. The rest of my build is similar to yours: tonneau, headlight and fog light upgrades but also a 20" light bar built into a push bar. Also an Airaid cold air kit. Looking forward to an exhaust upgrade and programmer for my ecoboost.

DougT

Date 8/15/2018

Reply

Reading about any issues with installing wheel spacers and read that one possible issue is that the factory studs might have to be ground down if they protrude past the thickness of the spacer. Is 1.5" the golden width for the spacer so this isn't necessary? I was also struck by how cheaply generic spacers can be bought online until I read about possible issues with them. YIKES! So I'll be sticking with Bora or similar.

Ventalie

Date 8/19/2018

Reply

Can't wait for the INLINE 6 Engine to come back!