Starting with stock 2010 Ford F150 FX4...

[Doomstar]

Like possibly many of you I didn't really know overlanding was a thing till...well, about yesterday (actually about a week ago, so I've had time to obsessively read through this site and become hooked). So without any more grousing, I want to get started. My daily driver is a stock 2010 Ford F150 FX4 SuperCab 6.5' bed with 20" wheels and 78k miles. It's a Lariat model, so it's nice inside with leather seats, navigation, trailer tow package. It's got the 5.4L V8 and gearing that made it the beefiest payload/tow capability for F150s in that year model (I think).

In keeping with the "use what you have" idea, I want to build out my FX4 for overlanding. I suppose my first question is...where do I start?

In terms of requirements and how I plan to use it: I'm inspired by Desk to Glory's story. I want to essentially build out my FX4 over the coming winter, then quit my desk job, leave Wisconsin around next spring and head down to Mex, Central America and maybe even South America for a several months trip. My girlfriend is on board. So is my tiny 6 month old puppy. I don't have a ton of interest in extreme rock hopping or extreme survival stuff. I just want to build out something livable and practical using the vehicle I have now plus about a $10k budget for the buildout. I want to use it to hit the Mexican, Costa Rican (tico, right?) beaches and surf and take it easy and relax. I like the idea of a rooftop hard shell tent or even one of those pop-up campers that slide into the bed. But, I'm wide open to suggestions at the moment...

I know my way around computers and networking and wifi. Not so much around engines and tools and carpentry, so I would want to most likely find a good mechanic/outfitter in the Madison, WI area to help with everything.

So...any advice as to where I'd start? I actually have an appointment with a local mechanic shop tomorrow for a thorough inspection of my truck to make sure there aren't any huge issues that would make me want to think twice about putting a bunch of money into an overland build for it.

Should I lift it? Should I go ahead and replace all the 8 year old shocks and other suspension stuff that I don't really know about? What are the best overlanding tires that I'd also use as a daily driver? Seems BFG KO2s are pretty popular...

So many questions...

Thanks in advance!
Doomstar

 

[Saharafire]

I’d suggest going ahead and attempting to have the plugs changed in the 5.4. Just based on personal experience with that horribly designed engine. Idk, if the later 5.4 engines where different from my 05 but 5 out of the 8 plugs where basically welded to the block and it wasn’t but cheap to fix. It had about 100k at the time they where changed and wasn’t running well at all by then partially due to that. Also, clean the mass air sensor and throttle body. I had significantly issues due to all those on mine. Just from a reliability standpoints that would be my first mods.

 

[Doomstar]

I actually already had the throttle body problem and had it fixed about a year ago, so that's covered, I think. Plus, maybe they'll find other things that need fixing when I have the mechanic do the inspection tomorrow. I'm not opposed to finding another daily driver to build out...

Since you know about the 5.4...what's the deal with the cam phaser issue they say is a problem with this engine/year? I recently brought it by CarMax just to see what they'd give me in trade for it and they said only $12k due to the cam phaser issue.

Would you look into just starting with another vehicle if you had the chance?

 

[Buliwyf]

Phasers, tensioners, chains, are $2500-ish. Not cheap, but not outrageous. The 6.2 has a different design, hopefully it's better.

 

[McCarthy]

F150's are fairly capable from the factory, especially if it is equipped with a locking rear diff (as yours is with the FX4) throw a level kit on it to start, remove the front airdam, and put some 35" tires on it, you will be able to go just about anywhere you want. I've put probably 50k miles off road on F150's in the last ~7-8 years. A lot of that in ridiculously deep snow, and the rest in sloppy summer mud.

 

[Doomstar]

Okay, cool. Just curious, what does the leveling kit give me? And removing the airdam? Will 35" tires fit without needing to cut into the truck or use spacers or something like that?

Looking forward to bringing it to the mechanic today for their inspection. They said they'd do the inspection they normally do for used cars that produces a report with photos, etc.

 

[McCarthy]

Level kit gives you more room for big tires, the air dam hangs down 6" and ruins your approach angles.

 

[snowaddict91]

You don't need to spend 10k on your rig to go "bro-verlanding."

I think you are on the right track. First do any needed maintenance, make sure drivetrain and suspension are up to par.

Next is good tires, and a place to sleep. This could range from a camper shell or springbar tent all the way up to a slide in camper or trailer.

Learn what parts/tools to carry for your rig and how to fix things in the middle of nowhere. Learn how to drive your rig off road and how to play it safe. You don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with no one else around.

Spend the rest of your money on gas and trips. The 5.4 isn't my favorite motor due to the issues already mentioned but I'd get it solid mechanically and run it.