Velocity Blue "Carmen"

[CollieDog]

Just finished moving everything over from my 2019, and have a few new things coming. Thought I would share if anyone has in interest.

My 2019 was Lightning Blue, which I like better but the Velocity Blue us pretty nice as well, in bright sunshine it is right much lighter.

I will post the things I have added below and provide pictures in follow up posts.

Things to install but have not arrived or have not had time to do:. Bilstein 5100 shocks on the front, CoverKing neoprene seat covers, door sill protection tape, side window tint and windshield UV film.

Completed Additions:
1. Bilstein 5100 Rear Shocks
2. Go Rhino RB20 running boards.
3. Tailgate damper
4. Tailgate inlay letters
5. Front grill inlay letters
6. Stubby antenna
7. Floor liners
8. Truxedo Sentry CT tonneau cover
9. Ford bed rug
10. Magnetic phone mount
11. Pistol mount
12. Replaced license plat, 3rd brake light, cargo lights, turn signals, side markers, and fog lights with LEDs from LazFit.
13. ATS Deflector

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[CollieDog]

The single best thing I have done is to ditch the FX shocks and replace with the Bilstein 5100s, especially the rears. The fronts also get rid of the Ranger Rake a bit. On my 2019 I had the fronts to give a 1.8" lift, since I tow a bass boat a lot felt like that was a happy medium.

If you want a massive improvement to the ride without dripping a large amount of money, this is it. Shocks cost under $400 for all four, rears are a 30 minute self install. The fronts I have my local Ford Quick Lane install with the alignment will be $150 plus the alignment, with my FordPass points should not cost anything out of pocket.

 

[CollieDog]

My 2019 did not have running boards from the factory, dealer offered them for free if I would buy the truck. Hated them, they did not stick out fat enough, and just did not like the look. Friend offered me a deal on the Go Rninos with the bed liner texture finish. Easy bolt on and also stick out fat enough to protect for parking lot aholes who don't pay attention.

My 2021 had the factory boards, so I decided to switch them out. If anyone wants them, they are for sale.

 

[CollieDog]

The infamous tailgate damper, not a need I admit, but it is nice to not just slam the tailgate open. Not sure if it was worth $30, but I figured it would at least add 10hp.

 

[CollieDog]

The tailgate and grill are just crying out to be filled with something. Since Ranger is spelled out 123 times on the truck, might as well make sure everyone figures out what kind of truck it is.

 

[CollieDog]

The RC antenna had to go, I have no idea if it affects radio reception as I only listen to XM. But it does look better.

 

[CollieDog]

I have several floor mats. I had custom blue/black CoCoMats in my 2019, love the look, but I work in construction and they did not keep a lot of the mess contained so switched to a floorliner. These things fit great and have a nice edge to protect the carpet. I would prefer to have the rubber flooring on the base models.

 

[Joeiconic]

Regarding the front Bilsteins, will Ford dealers install non-Ford parts? Are you supplying the parts For the install?

 

[CollieDog]

Besides the shocks my favorite addition is the Truxedo Sentry CT tonneau cover. Love the matte black fabric and the extra security. Roll up is easy, and cam be quickly tubes if you need the whole bed.

I also got the bed rug for free from the dealer. It is not the one that covers the sides, just the floor and tailgate. It was not something I thought I would ever need, but I love it. Easy on the knees if using the bed. Just feels good, it is held in by Velcro, so easily removed if needed.

 

[CollieDog]

Interior mods, I added the center console tray to make it more usable, this is a must have otherwise you could achieve the same situation by carrying a five gallon bucket in the passenger seat and throw all your crap on it.

I also have a magnetic phone mount. Easy less than 10 bucks, and it is solid. My 2019 had it for 18 months and never budged.

Last interior mode is my pistol holder, have it attached in the driver's door right now. I have to travel to some less than nice places for work so a little security is a must.

 

[CollieDog]

I have AVS smoke deflector, but this one I am unsure of. It does seem to work and ultimately looks pretty good, but it is hard to clean behind it. I had on my 2019 and transfered over but I may not keep it on. If anyone has any advice I am open to thoughts.

 

[CollieDog]

Regarding the front Bilsteins, will Ford dealers install non-Ford parts? Are you supplying the parts For the install?

Mine did, I was shocked (no pun intended). I was there for an oil change and I asked the service manager if they could recommend someone. He said they would do it no problem as long as they were new in the box. Cost was $150 fronts, $75 for the rear, and $70 for the alignment. I did the rears myself, but $220 equaled my points so no brainer.

 

[LoneRNGR]

Regarding the front Bilsteins, will Ford dealers install non-Ford parts?

Shocks are normal wear parts. You can replace them with any brand you want. Dealer can install and/or sell any brand they want.

 

[FoD]

Nice looking. See you wanted to start a thread war over how you installed the shocks (upside backside inside outside ?)

 

[Joeiconic]

Shocks are normal wear parts. You can replace them with any brand you want. Dealer can install and/or sell any brand they want.

Understood, I’m just finding that more and more shops don’t want to install customer supplied parts. Kinda surprised thata Ford dealer would.

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