Ford F150 Done Right: Lifted, Legal and Built to Work

There’s no shortage of lifted trucks on the road, but far fewer that are lifted properly. When this Ford F150 rolled into CTO Industries, the brief was clear and refreshingly straightforward: gain height and clearance, fit bigger tyres, keep it legal, and make sure it still drives like a truck that’s meant to be used every day.

No unnecessary add-ons. No shortcuts. No compromises on compliance or drivability.

The result is a clean, well-engineered F150 that sits right, clears 35s without drama, and retains the road manners you expect from a modern full-size pickup. It’s a build that proves you don’t need to overcomplicate things to get a tough, capable, and practical result — you just need to do it properly.

Built With Purpose, Not Hype

In Australia, modifying a US truck isn’t as simple as bolting on a lift and rolling it out the door. Ride height, tyre size, steering geometry, braking performance and overall compliance all matter. Get it wrong, and you end up with a vehicle that looks good parked but feels sketchy on the road — or worse, doesn’t meet engineering requirements.

This F150 build was approached with real-world use in mind. It needed to work as a daily driver, handle touring duties, and still be comfortable on long highway runs. At the same time, it had to deliver the stance and clearance that owners expect when stepping up to a lifted full-size truck.

By focusing on proven components and an engineered setup, this build strikes that balance perfectly.

Ford F150 Build Overview

• Ford F150

• BDS 4" Lift Kit

• Engineered for 4" lift and 35" tyres

• Machined KMC 552 wheels

• Yokohama Geolandar tyres

• Legal ride height and tyre package

• Suspension geometry and handling retained

• Built for work, touring and daily driving

Suspension: The Foundation of the Build

Any successful lift starts with suspension, and for this F150, a BDS 4" lift kit was the clear choice. Known for their engineering, ride quality and durability, BDS systems are designed to do more than just raise the vehicle — they maintain correct geometry, steering feel and suspension travel.

This lift provides the extra height needed to comfortably clear larger tyres while improving approach angles and underbody clearance. More importantly, it allows the truck to retain predictable handling both on-road and off-road.

Rather than pushing limits unnecessarily, the 4" height was selected as the ideal sweet spot for Australian conditions. It delivers a noticeably tougher stance without introducing the compromises that often come with taller, more extreme lifts.

Image: This is an image of the side profile of the Ford F150 showing ride height and suspension stance.

Engineered to Stay Legal

One of the most important aspects of this build is that it’s engineered for a 4" lift and 35" tyres. That means the vehicle has been set up to meet Australian regulations, giving the owner peace of mind that the truck is compliant and insurable.

Engineering isn’t just a box to tick — it’s what ensures braking performance, steering response and overall safety remain within acceptable limits. This is especially important for full-size US trucks, which already carry significant weight and power.

By keeping the lift and tyre combination within engineered limits, this F150 remains practical and stress-free to own. There’s no second-guessing legality, no drama at inspections, and no compromises when it comes to safety.

Wheels and Tyres: Clean, Functional and Proven

Wheel and tyre choice plays a huge role in both the look and performance of a lifted truck. For this build, machined KMC 552 wheels were selected to complement the F150’s size and stance without being overly aggressive or flashy.

The machined finish adds a clean, purposeful look that suits a truck built to be driven, not just displayed. Strong construction ensures they’re up to the task whether the vehicle is loaded for work, touring, or tackling rough tracks.

Wrapped around them are Yokohama Geolandar tyres, chosen for their balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. These tyres provide dependable traction across a range of surfaces while maintaining low road noise and stable highway behaviour — a key consideration for a truck that sees daily use.

Image: This is an image close-up of KMC wheels and Yokohama Geolandar tyres fitted to the F150.

Clearing 35s Without Compromise

Running 35" tyres is a popular goal for F150 owners, but doing it correctly is where many builds fall short. Poorly designed lifts, incorrect offsets or rushed installs can lead to rubbing, reduced steering lock, or compromised suspension travel.

With the BDS 4" lift and correct wheel and tyre combination, this F150 clears 35s cleanly and confidently. There’s no cutting corners, no band-aid fixes, and no need to live with unwanted noises or limitations.

The result is a truck that looks right, drives properly, and performs as expected — whether navigating tight car parks during the week or heading off-road on the weekend.

Ride Quality That Matches the Look

One of the biggest concerns owners have when lifting a vehicle is ride quality. A truck can sit tall and look tough, but if it rides harshly or feels unstable, the novelty wears off quickly.

This build avoids that issue entirely. The suspension setup maintains the factory-like composure that modern F150s are known for, while still delivering the benefits of increased clearance and capability.

On the highway, the truck remains stable and comfortable. Around town, it’s predictable and easy to drive. Off-road, the additional height and tyre size come into their own, allowing the vehicle to handle uneven terrain with confidence.

This is what a properly engineered suspension upgrade should feel like.

Built for Work and Touring Alike

While this F150 looks every bit the part of a tough touring rig, it hasn’t lost sight of its role as a working vehicle. Payload, usability and practicality have all been preserved.

The suspension setup supports load carrying without excessive sag, making it suitable for tools, gear or towing duties. At the same time, the tyre and wheel combination offers the durability needed for regional travel and unsealed roads.

For owners who use their truck as a genuine all-rounder — weekday workhorse, weekend tourer, and daily driver — this balance is critical.

Simplicity Done Properly

There’s a lot to be said for keeping a build simple, especially when every component has been chosen with intention. This F150 doesn’t rely on unnecessary accessories or visual clutter to make an impact.

Instead, it focuses on the fundamentals:

• Correct ride height

• Legal tyre fitment

• Proven suspension

• Quality wheels and tyres

That simplicity is what makes the build so effective. It’s a truck that looks right from every angle and performs exactly as you’d expect when you get behind the wheel.

Image: This is an image of the F150 from a rear angle, showing it looks legally compliant.

Daily Driving Without Drama

A lifted truck shouldn’t be a chore to live with. This F150 proves that you can enjoy increased height and off-road capability without sacrificing everyday usability.

Visibility remains excellent, steering feel is predictable, and the overall driving experience stays refined. Parking, commuting and highway cruising are all handled with ease, making this build just as suitable for urban use as it is for regional travel.

That’s the benefit of a well-matched suspension and tyre package — it enhances the vehicle without overwhelming it.

A Platform Built for the Long Term

Another advantage of doing a build properly from the outset is longevity. Components that are designed to work together reduce wear, stress and maintenance issues over time.

By staying within engineered limits and using proven brands, this F150 is set up for years of reliable use. Whether the owner decides to keep it largely as-is or add touring accessories down the track, the foundation is solid.

This approach saves money and frustration in the long run, avoiding the need to undo or rework poorly planned modifications.

Why Engineering Matters for US Trucks in Australia

US trucks are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, but they operate under a very different regulatory environment compared to their home market. Engineering approvals ensure these vehicles meet Australian safety and performance standards once modified.

For this F150, engineering wasn’t an afterthought — it was part of the plan from day one. That’s what allows the truck to be enjoyed with confidence, knowing it’s compliant, insurable and safe.

It’s a crucial step that separates professional builds from backyard installs.

A Build That Reflects How Trucks Are Actually Used

This F150 isn’t chasing trends or trying to be something it’s not. It’s built for people who use their trucks — for work, travel, towing and everyday driving.

It shows what’s possible when you focus on quality components, proper installation and compliance, rather than chasing the tallest lift or the biggest tyres at all costs.

Image: This is an image of the Ford F150 side by side with a Dodge Ram.

Done Once, Done Right

At CTO Industries, the focus is on building vehicles that work as well in the real world as they do on social media. This F150 is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.

It’s lifted properly. It’s engineered correctly. It drives how an F150 should.

No drama. No shortcuts. Just a solid, well-executed build.

Why Doing a Lift “By the Book” Matters

Lifting a modern Ford F150 isn’t just about clearance and aesthetics — it’s about how every change affects the vehicle as a whole. Suspension geometry, steering angles, braking performance and electronic safety systems are all interconnected. When a lift is done without proper engineering or attention to detail, those systems can quickly fall out of balance.

This is where a properly designed and installed lift kit makes a measurable difference. The BDS 4" lift used on this build is engineered to maintain correct suspension geometry, ensuring that components like control arms, ball joints and steering links operate within their intended ranges. That translates directly into predictable handling and reduced wear over time.

Equally important is how the lift integrates with the vehicle’s factory safety systems. Modern F150s rely heavily on electronic stability control, traction control and driver assistance features. If ride height and wheel alignment aren’t set correctly, these systems can behave unpredictably or throw persistent fault codes. By keeping this build within engineered specifications, all factory systems continue to operate as intended.

Another critical consideration is braking. Larger tyres increase rotational mass and can affect stopping distances if not accounted for correctly. Engineering certification ensures that the overall vehicle performance remains within acceptable limits, giving confidence that braking capability matches the vehicle’s size, weight and intended use.

There’s also the practical side of compliance. A vehicle that isn’t engineered correctly can become difficult to insure, problematic to register, or subject to defects during roadside inspections. That uncertainty can quickly turn what should be an enjoyable build into a source of ongoing frustration. By engineering the lift and tyre package from the outset, this F150 avoids those issues entirely.

Perhaps the most overlooked benefit of doing a lift properly is long-term drivability. Trucks that are modified without proper consideration often develop issues such as uneven tyre wear, vague steering feel or excessive component fatigue. Over time, these problems add up — both in cost and in reduced confidence behind the wheel.

This build shows that lifting an F150 doesn’t have to come with trade-offs. When the right components are chosen and installed with compliance in mind, the result is a vehicle that looks right, drives properly and holds up to daily use. It’s a reminder that doing things “by the book” isn’t about limiting performance — it’s about protecting it.]

Image: This is an image of the Ford f150 underbody highlighting the suspension geometry and handling retained.

Thinking About Lifting Your F150?

If you’re considering a lift for your Ford F150 and want it done properly — with the right suspension, legal tyre fitment and professional installation — CTO Industries can help guide you through the process.

From simple suspension upgrades to fully engineered builds, the team focuses on solutions that suit Australian conditions and real-world use.

Build it right. Build it once.
Build your adventure with CTO Industries.

Looking for a Quote or More Information?

Phone: 1300 647 547
Email: sales@ctoindustries.com.au

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