1. Beef Up the Intercooler
An upgraded intercooler is another great way to improve the performance of an F-150 with an EcoBoost engine. The factory intercooler is fine for normal driving, but under heavy loads – especially in warm weather – it can struggle to keep the incoming air cool. When that happens, the ECU dials back boost and fuel, sapping power.
A larger intercooler, like this Performance Intercooler from Turbosmart, solves this problem by keeping intake temperatures lower for longer. This means more consistent output, especially during extended pulls, off-road driving and towing. Some aftermarket intercoolers also improve throttle response by reducing turbo lag. Plus, when you combine a larger, higher performance intercooler with an upgraded tune you’ll see even bigger power gains.
Installation is straight forward and requires only common hand tools. A Tinker expert is available to help guide you.
2. Upgrade the Suspension
Upgrading to a set of performance shock absorbers, such as the Bilstein B6 4600, can transform the ride quality and handling of your truck. A new set of performance shocks will help your F-150 absorb bumps more effectively, reduce body roll and make the truck feel more planted on the road, especially when driving at higher speeds.
If off-roading is a priority, heavy-duty shocks such as those from Fox or Ford Performance improve dampening and increase travel, helping the suspension better absorb impacts from rocks, ruts and uneven terrain. This not only improves control but also reduces driver fatigue on rough trails and installation should take just a couple of hours. A Tinker expert is available to help guide you.
For those who tow or haul heavy loads, installing a load-leveling suspension system like this Rear Air Helper Spring Bags Kit can prevent the rear of your truck from sagging from all the weight, which can be dangerous. These kits reinforce the rear suspension with either stronger springs or air-assisted components, keeping the truck level when it’s hauling big loads, which improves steering, braking and overall stability.
3. Match Your Tires to Your Driving
Tires have a massive impact on how your F-150 performs, affecting acceleration, braking, handling and fuel efficiency. But the right tire choice depends on how you use your truck.
- Highway All-Season tires like the Michelin Defender LTX improve handling, braking and fuel efficiency for everyday driving and on-road towing and hauling.
- All-terrain tires, such as the BFGoodrich KO2, strike a balance between road comfort and off-road capability, making them ideal for drivers who mix driving on pavement with dirt or gravel.
- For serious off-roading, mud-terrain tires, like the Toyo Open Country M/T, offer maximum grip in rough terrain but can be noisier and less efficient on the highway.
If you use your truck enough for differing tasks, consider keeping a second set of wheels with alternate tires mounted. This allows for quick seasonal or use-based swaps, such as using highway tires for a long road trip and then switching to a set of all-terrains or mud-terrains for an off-road adventure.
This approach is not only more convenient than remounting and balancing different tires on the same rims but can also extend the life of both sets of tires by ensuring they're only used for their intended purpose.
For more help with your Ford F-150 project, or for any other helpful automotive DIY advice, speak to one of our Tinker Experts today!
