Ford Body Kits: Give your F150 that Low-Rider Look

So you've got your two wheel drive truck, and you've been admiring the neighbors much lower version. You'd like to have your truck take on that low-rider look, but that has to be an expensive prospect. Doesn't it?

The simple truth is that lowering your F150 doesn't have to break your pocketbook. By starting with a simple body kit you get an instant lowered-look; at a price that makes getting started with a lower ride affordable. After your Ford body kit is installed you can leave your truck as is, or continue your custom job with rims, lowered suspension and more.

When it comes to customizing trucks though, choosing the right parts is more important than ever. To help you get started with that ultra-low ride we have put together this brief guide.

Choosing the Right Ford Body Kit Unlike body kits for cars, when you look at those available for your F150 you'll find kits meant for a lifted truck, kits meant for unmodified trucks, and kits that are built to give that lowered look.

In other words not only is there a huge selection of Ford body kits, there are F150 kits meant for different purposes. Understanding this is your first step in choosing the right kit.

With that in mind here are the steps you should take when choosing your body kit.

* Decide whether fiberglass or urethane is more appropriate for your driving style. In some ways this decision is a trade off. Urethane kits offer dent resistance and are able to recover from minor bumps. Fiberglass kits are more likely to break if you bump them, but unlike urethane kits, a fiberglass piece can be repaired once broken. In some cases this will actually be dictated by the brand of body kit that you choose.

* Next simply start browsing some body kits, like those on our own site, to see what style suits your truck, and get a better idea of what you want to add to your F150. The manufacturers listed on our site also have websites that can be great resources for pictures and information.

* After you choose your body kit, ensure that there aren't any other parts that you need. Does that rear bumper need a dual exhaust kit? Does the new front bumper have ports for fog lights that your truck doesn't have? Know what other parts you will need and order them along with your new body kit. After you have decided on the right kit for you get it painted and then put on.

Going Further with Your Lowered Look If you took your time and choose a body kit that works then you have just taken your first step in lowering your ride. Some suggested next steps, for that ultra-low truck include:

* A suspension lowering kit will take your truck even lower to the ground. * Larger rims with thinner tires will fill the wheel wells better and leave less space once you lowered your ride (big 22" chrome rims look good to)

* A spoiler can add to the look of a lowered truck.

* Whatever else you choose - the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a truck. There are hundreds of aftermarket manufacturers that all have something to offer for your F150.

With your body kit installed one thing is certain. No longer will you have to sit and stare at the neighbor's truck. Keep going with your custom job, and soon he'll be drooling over your ride instead!

T. Walker is a staff writer for Andy's Auto Sports, a premier provider of auto parts for customizing your ride. Andy's carries a full range of body kits for many F150's and models of cars and trucks.