Up next 1996 80 Series Land Cruiser Transformation Published on June 18, 2025 Author Devan Ence Photo Credit Mach1Media Tags 2024 F150 Raptor Build, Custom Ford Raptor, Customize Raptor, Ford F150 Raptor Build, Raptor Truck Custom, Share article Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Mail 0 2024 Customize Ford Raptor Blends Ruggedness with Show-Stopping Style A Purpose Customize Ford Raptor Built Off-Road Machine Brady Taylor’s 2024 customize Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t just a truck—it’s a purpose-built off-road machine crafted to handle the harsh Canadian elements. Over four months and with $145,000 invested, Brady transformed this factory Raptor into a standout build blending performance, durability, and custom flair. From trail-ready modifications to personalized touches, this build demonstrates the possibilities of meticulous planning and execution. Brady’s vision for the Raptor started with its exterior. Finished in Shelter Green with Whiskey Bronze accents, the truck immediately commands attention. Custom touches like Addictive Desert Designs Rock Fighter bumpers and Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro lights enhance both its aesthetics and functionality. The factory lower control arms were custom-coated to match the truck’s paint—a detail that reflects Brady’s commitment to cohesive design. Practical upgrades like Husky inner liners, universal molle bed panels, and a Rhino Rack Pioneer system ensure the build is as functional as it is visually striking. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Enhanced Visibility with Fog Lights Upgrading to high-performance fog lights can make a significant difference when tackling unpredictable Canadian weather. Fog, rain, and swirling dust are less of a challenge thanks to the improved illumination these lights provide. By projecting a wide, low beam, aftermarket options from trusted brands like Diode Dynamics and Baja Designs cut through dense conditions, helping you spot obstacles and road markings that standard headlights might miss. Fog lights aren’t just about brightness—they’re engineered to minimize glare, especially when light bounces off moisture or dust at ground level. This means you maintain clear sight lines just where you need them, keeping both confidence and safety high whether you’re threading down a mountain pass or picking your way through a muddy trail. With these enhancements, the Raptor stays ready to face whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Custom Body Kits and Panels: Function Meets Flair It’s not just what’s under the hood or beneath the chassis that sets Brady’s Raptor apart—body kits and custom panels play a major role in shaping both its attitude and its performance. By swapping out standard bumpers, fenders, and rocker panels for aggressive aftermarket options from brands like Addictive Desert Designs, the truck gets a wider, bolder stance that turns heads at every trailhead. These exterior upgrades go beyond pure looks. Streamlined panels and flared fenders can help cut through the wind just a bit smoother, adding a subtle touch of aerodynamic efficiency (at least for a truck of this size). Meanwhile, reinforced components better shield the body from flying gravel, branches, and all the debris the backcountry can dish out. For Brady, each addition isn’t just about style—it’s another layer of protection and practicality, blended seamlessly into the Raptor’s custom canvas. Lighting Up the Trails: Why LED Light Bars Matter When it comes to venturing into the wild after dark, lighting upgrades are a must—and few options rival the versatility and punch of premium LED light bars. Brady’s Raptor build, like so many off-road legends before it, benefits from the addition of robust auxiliary lighting. LED light bars, whether mounted on the bumper, grille, or roof, provide several key advantages: Exceptional Visibility: Offering a powerful, far-reaching beam pattern, LED bars bathe the trail ahead in crisp, daylight-like illumination. This extra visibility isn’t just for show—it’s crucial for spotting trail obstacles, navigating dense woods, or charging down unlit backroads. Built for Adventure: Designed to withstand the punishing realities of off-road life, high-quality lights from brands like Diode Dynamics shrug off mud, rain, rocks, and vibration with ease. Flexible Mounting Options: With a range of bar lengths and mounting solutions, owners can tailor their lighting setup to specific needs—whether that’s maximizing width, distance, or simply adding a signature touch to their truck’s front end. Thanks to performance lighting upgrades, the Raptor is ready for just about anything the backcountry can throw its way—day or night. Shedding Light on Style and Safety Custom headlights and taillights are much more than a cosmetic upgrade—they play a big role in both safety and curb appeal. Brady swapped out the Raptor’s factory units for modern, adaptive LEDs, a move that stands out in both day and night. Adaptive LED headlights, like those from Morimoto or Baja Designs, adjust their beams based on your driving conditions, cutting through the Canadian darkness and those notorious snow flurries with remarkable clarity. Meanwhile, upgraded taillights not only create a signature, head-turning look but also illuminate more rapidly than stock bulbs. That quick response time can give drivers behind you just enough extra warning during sudden stops or dusty trail rides. From bold DRL bars to intricate LED patterns, these lighting upgrades make sure you’re as visible as you are stylish—proving that form and function really can ride shotgun together. Illuminating Personality: Underbody and Puddle Lights Beyond bold paint and custom bumpers, lighting upgrades offer another opportunity for personalization. Underbody lights, for example, create a head-turning effect by casting a vibrant glow beneath the truck—perfect for standing out at events or on evening adventures. Options abound, from subtle white to vibrant color-changing setups that sync to driving modes or even your favorite playlist. Puddle lights deliver both function and style. These handy additions brighten your path as you exit the cab, illuminating the ground with a warm glow (or stylish logo projection) and helping avoid unseen puddles or obstacles. Together, these lighting enhancements pull double duty—showing off your Raptor’s personality and upping the convenience factor every time you climb in or out. Under the hood, the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine remains stock but benefits from subtle performance enhancements. COBB Tuning’s Redline carbon fiber intake and coolant cover add refinement while maintaining reliability. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood Aero 6 big brake kits with slotted and drilled rotors, guaranteeing confident braking in any terrain. The Role of Custom Tuning in Raptor Performance Custom tuning is where technology meets personalization, allowing owners to tailor the Raptor’s engine parameters for peak performance. By fine-tuning elements like fuel delivery, ignition timing, and throttle response, custom tuning squeezes extra power and efficiency from the 3.5L EcoBoost V6—whether you’re crawling through rocky trails or chasing open highways. This approach goes beyond off-the-shelf calibrations by dialing in the exact driving characteristics you want. Tuners can optimize performance for daily commutes, heavy towing, or demanding off-road terrain, ensuring the Raptor responds to every challenge without compromising reliability. It’s about making every horsepower count, no matter where the journey leads. The Role of Custom Tuning in Raptor Performance Custom tuning is where technology meets personalization, allowing owners to tailor the Raptor’s engine parameters for peak performance. By fine-tuning elements like fuel delivery, ignition timing, and throttle response, custom tuning squeezes extra power and efficiency from the 3.5L EcoBoost V6—whether you’re crawling through rocky trails or chasing open highways. This approach goes beyond off-the-shelf calibrations by dialing in the exact driving characteristics you want. Tuners can optimize performance for daily commutes, heavy towing, or demanding off-road terrain, ensuring the Raptor responds to every challenge without compromising reliability. It’s about making every horsepower count, no matter where the journey leads. Elevating Performance with a Supercharger Adding a supercharger to a Ford Raptor fundamentally transforms the truck’s driving dynamics. By forcing more air into the engine, a supercharger enables a greater amount of fuel to combust, which translates directly into a significant bump in horsepower and torque. This means quicker acceleration, sharper throttle response, and noticeably more muscle when towing or tackling steep terrain. For those who crave even more excitement beyond the capable stock EcoBoost, a supercharged setup delivers power on demand—ideal for drivers who want to merge confidently, overtake with ease, or simply enjoy a surge of performance in open landscapes. While the Raptor’s 10-speed automatic transmission adeptly manages this added power, routine maintenance becomes ever more important to preserve reliability. The suspension system takes the Raptor’s off-road capabilities to the next level. RPG Off-Road billet upper control arms and a 2.5-inch spring perch lift kit improve articulation and clearance, while the factory Fox Live Valve shocks provide adaptability for varying conditions. Predator X-AT tires (37×12.5R20) mounted on Fittipaldi Off-Road FB153 wheels deliver grip across snow, mud, and sand, although slight rubbing occurs at full lock due to the aggressive offset. These upgrades make the truck ready to tackle Canada’s diverse landscapes. Inside, the Raptor’s factory Recaro leather and Alcantara seats combine comfort with durability, ensuring a pleasant ride even on extended adventures. A Kicker audio system elevates the entertainment experience, providing crisp sound for those long drives. Practical accessories like a Demonized Fabrication off-road jack mount, Action Trax traction boards, and Pelican Adventure cases round out the build’s functionality. These additions highlight Brady’s attention to detail and his focus on creating a vehicle that’s ready for any challenge. One of the most striking aspects of this build is its attention to both form and function. The Shelter Green paint, accented with Whiskey Bronze, makes the Raptor stand out without compromising its rugged appeal. This color scheme, applied with the expertise of NuFab Coatings’ Jordan Jackett, reflects Brady’s desire for a cohesive and polished look. Every element of the build—from the lighting to the bed panels—was chosen to enhance the truck’s capability while maintaining its visual appeal. Debuting at the SEMA Show and Outwest Truck Fest, this Raptor has already garnered significant attention. These events are platforms for showcasing innovation and craftsmanship, and Brady’s build fits right in. The truck’s combination of performance upgrades and aesthetic enhancements demonstrates what’s possible with dedication and vision. Brady’s approach to the build—meticulously researching parts, collaborating with manufacturers, and ensuring every detail was perfect—is a model for anyone looking to create a custom vehicle. Building a vehicle like this comes with its challenges. Brady faced issues common to new vehicle builds, such as finding compatible parts and addressing unforeseen fitment issues. His advice to other enthusiasts? “Patience is key—new vehicles often have issues during builds, but with the right tools, research, and support, anything is possible.” This mindset allowed Brady to overcome obstacles and create a truck that’s not only functional but also a work of art. Brady’s journey with the customize Ford Raptor highlights the importance of balancing practicality with creativity. Every component serves a purpose, from the molle bed panels that enhance cargo organization to the Diode Dynamics lights that ensure visibility on night trails. The truck’s build is a reflection of Brady’s passion for off-roading and his commitment to excellence. It’s a vehicle that’s ready for anything, whether it’s tackling the rugged terrain of the Canadian wilderness or turning heads at industry events. The process of building the Raptor also underscores the value of collaboration. Brady worked with industry professionals and trusted manufacturers to bring his vision to life. From the RPG Off-Road suspension components to the custom-coated accents by NuFab Coatings, every detail was executed with precision. This collaborative approach ensured that the final product met Brady’s high standards and performed as intended. Looking ahead, Brady plans to continue refining the Raptor. While the current build is impressive, he’s always thinking about what’s next. Future upgrades may include additional performance enhancements or new accessories to further enhance the truck’s capability. For Brady, building a custom vehicle is an ongoing process—a journey rather than a destination. Brady’s 2024 customize Ford F-150 Raptor is more than just a truck. It’s a testament to what can be achieved with vision, dedication, and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. From its bold exterior to its thoughtfully curated upgrades, this Raptor exemplifies the best of custom vehicle building. Whether it’s conquering trails or drawing crowds at events, Brady’s Raptor is built to impress and perform. UPGRADES 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor Owner: Name: Brady Taylor Saskatoon, SK, Canada Vehicle: Year: 2024, Make: Ford, Model: F-150 Raptor, Color: Shelter Green with Whiskey Bronze accents Engine & Drivetrain: Engine: 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, Upgrades: COBB Tuning Redline carbon fiber intake, coolant cover, Transmission: Factory 10-speed automatic, Brakes: Wilwood Aero 6 big brake kit, slotted and drilled rotors Suspension: Lift: 2.5-inch RPG Off-Road spring perch lift kit, Upper Control Arms: RPG Off-Road billet, Shocks: Factory Fox Live Valve shocks Wheels & Tires: Tires: Predator X-AT, 37×12.5R20, Wheels: Fittipaldi Off-Road FB153, 20×10 Body & Armor: Bumpers: Addictive Desert Designs Rock Fighter Series, Lighting: Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro (13 lights), Accessories: Molle bed panels, Rhino Rack Pioneer platform Interior & Accessories: Seats: Recaro leather/Alcantara, Audio: Kicker audio system, Practical Upgrades: Demonized Fabrication jack mount, Action Trax boards Events: SEMA Show, Outwest Truck Fest
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