Fullsize trucks continue their popularity, even as compact trucks are becoming fewer and farther between. Some of us like fullsize trucks, but we still value something nimble and maneuverable. That’s where standard-cab, shortbed fullsize trucks come in.
David Sonsky of Long Beach, California, owns this ’06 F-150 2WD. He spends much of his time on two wheels as editor of Super Street Bike, but he’s also a dirt bike fiend. As such, this F-150’s role is primarily as a dirt-bike hauler. It’s a pint-size fullsize and it’s almost perfect. The “almost” comes in because Dave’s been stuck a couple of times on his way out to dirt bike staging areas. Dirt riding time is precious and scarce. Who wants to spend it digging out a stuck truck?
01. Other than a set of stock-sized mud tires, the F-150 is the same as the day it left t
The easy solution was to sell it and buy a 4x4, but first Dave wanted to see what a few simple mods could do for his truck’s dirt prowess. Enter Skyjacker Suspensions, Toyo Tires, Rev Wheel, and Pro Comp. Combined, the new package was sure to get Dave from the pavement to the trailhead in short order, maximizing his dirt riding time.
It took less than a weekend to get this F-150 up and ready for some dirt action, with a stop by Desolate Motorsports to lift the truck and install the wheels and tires in just one day, and then a few hours at home to get the Pro Comp light bar and lights onto stock front bumper.
Follow along as we go bigger with a pint-size fullsize.
02. Skyjacker’s 6-inch lift kit for the ’04-to-’08 F-150 is based on a set of replacement steering knuckles. The stock lower control arms drop down via brackets, with the stock upper control arms staying put. The rear suspension is lifted using an add-a-leaf with our kit, though full leaf springs and blocks are also options. Replacement shocks go on all four corners. Included but not shown is a complete set of required hardware to complete the job.
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03. A close-up of the forward-most lower control arm drop bracket reveals highly aesthet
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04. New shocks span the extra distance the lift components create.
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05. Replacement cast lift knuckles make for an easy overall installation. With the lift k
06. We’d seen Rev Wheels in photos and wanted to get our hands on a set for this occasion. Rest assured that they look as good up close as they do in photos from a distance. These are Rev’s 845 Guillotine wheels, 17x9 inches with zero offset. These alloys are burly, strong wheels. If you want wimpy lightweights, look elsewhere. Before getting the tires mounted, we tried the wheels on to make sure they’d clear the brakes and steering components. When going from stock to aftermarket wheels, you’ll need a new set of lug nuts almost every time, so plan ahead.