2004 Ford F-150

No need to apply the brakes when blasting through the dunes with this purpose-built, performance-tuned F-150 designed to handle any and all terrains placed in front of it. Balanced perfectly from front to rear, the 12-inch custom lift clears the 40-inch Toyo tires easily and provides enough ground clearance for a confidence-inspiring driving experience. Looks aren't skin deep either, not at all, because this truck was built to drive.

Starting with the best pickup Ford has ever built, Rize Industries in El Cajon, California, bolted its slickest and most engineered lift kit onto the frame. Using 1/4-inch thick drop-down bracketry, the Rize lift also incorporates larger and stronger spindles for a massive 12-inch lift. Fox Racing reservoir coil-over shocks keep rebound and absorption to a maximum. Out back, the real magic reveals itself like a rabbit bursting out of a hat. Whoops, dips, and huge mounds of Mother Earth are no contest for the four-link with Fox coil overs in the rear. Imagine a bolt-on four-link with coil overs on a lifted truck with a better ride than a non-modified truck. Each piece was appropriately powdercoated bright red to showcase the company's newest product and protect it from rust and corrosion. Easily clearing each fender are 40-inch Toyo Open Country Mud Terrain tires keeping the gorgeous 22x10-inch GFG 3-piece wheels protected.

Out back the slick four-link provides better articulation, clearance, and ride than the traditional leaf-spring lift.

Exterior modifications include the ram-air dual scoop hood, billet grille, lava and diamond-plate vinyl graphics applied by APE Wraps, and the appropriate Rize badging. Open the doors and you see the factory Ford dash was splashed with color by Brink Design in El Cajon. Enabling the newly elevated F-150 to drive over any terrain are several key performance enhancements. A K&N FIPK keeps fresh air inside the throttle-body, and a Corsa performance side-swept exhaust keeps the 5.4L rumbling over the sand. Helping turn the 40-inch Toyo tires are front and rear 4.88 Precision Gears with a modified front driveshaft built by East County Drive Line in El Cajon.

Built for looks, built to drive, this F-150 makes no excuses for doing both exceptionally well. Inspiring confidence should be part of a truck's responsibility to the owner, and with this superbly balanced rig, it is just part of the experience.

APE Wraps covered the black canvas with lava and diamond-plate graphics.