​​Truck Modifications That Won’t Break the Bank​ 

New and recent model pickup trucks are pretty well sorted out right out of the factory. Manufacturers put a great deal of thought into how vehicles are engineered and conduct extensive research into how the target market wants them equipped. Still, the term “target market” immediately implies the desires of a group as a whole, and as in all things, you may agree with the group on many things but not everything. That still leaves plenty of room for customizing your truck, and with the help of Diesel Army, Alderman Automotive offers these suggestions.  

Wheels and Tires 

There is probably nothing wrong with the wheels your truck rolled out of the factory on, except that you found a style you like better. Aftermarket wheels are a very visible way to make your truck your own. You may also want to pair the wheels with beefier tires. If your desired combination extends beyond the fenders, consider fender flares before road pebbles start modifying your paint, or someone else’s. Ensure you still have sufficient lock-to-lock turning clearance, and keep in mind that larger tires can affect your speedometer reading, which may lead to an unpleasant surprise. 

Leveling Kits 

Trucks built to handle heavy payloads can sometimes sit a bit high in the rear when empty. A leveling kit differs from a lift kit in that it raises only the front of your vehicle to correct any front-to-rear imbalance. Most trucks are built with a factory “rake,” where the front is slightly lower than the rear to accommodate potential bed equipment. These kits subtly adjust your truck’s stance, giving it a marginally taller appearance. 

Cold Air Intake 

Cold air is denser than warm air, leading to more powerful combustion. Cold air intakes replace restrictive stock airboxes with higher-flow, shielded, or sealed systems that draw cooler, denser, oxygen-rich air from outside the engine bay. These intakes improve turbo spool-up if applicable, throttle response, and overall performance. Popular brands for these straightforward engine modifications include S&B Filters and Banks Power. 

Custom Exhaust 

Manufacturers spend a lot of time determining their ideal exhaust note, but this is aimed at the target market, and they tend to err on the quieter side. If you prefer a little more aural feedback and want to add a bit more power, a turbo-back exhaust system will replace everything from the turbo to the tailpipe and should enhance turbo spool and lower backpressure. A cat-back system replaces the piping, muffler, and tips after the catalytic converter and is primarily effective in producing a more aggressive sound. Always check your local emissions regulations regarding intake and exhaust modifications. 

Side Steps and Bed Steps 

If the truck sits high, side steps can give you and your passengers a leg up for entry or exit. If you don’t go off-road much, a fixed step can suffice. If you do a lot of off-road driving on rough terrain, consider a retractable step that tucks back under the body when the vehicle is operating, so it won’t cause clearance issues. Bed steps can be useful for adjusting the bed load of a high-riding vehicle. 

Permanent Phone Charging Cords 

This subtle mod probably has the highest convenience-to-cost ratio of anything mentioned here. Rather than remembering to bring a charging cord, keep one or more permanently in your truck, always plugged in. It will make plugging in your phone to charge much easier. 

Bedliners 

If your truck did not come with a bed liner, this may well be your first modification. A bare bed will quickly show scratches and dents. Anywhere the paint has been rubbed or scraped off will soon develop rust. Plastic drop-in bed liners are usually more affordable, whereas spray-on versions tend to be pricier but provide a cleaner, more durable finish. Drop-in liners are also less permanent than spray-on options. Still, your author had a truck with a bed liner for 21 years. Toward the end, the bed still looked close to new at a glance, while a close examination revealed scratches and gouges that would have been quite noticeable on an unprotected bed. 

Bed Equipment Organizers 

If you keep specific tools and equipment in your truck, chances are an aftermarket company has developed a way to keep those items safe and secure in your truck bed. There is no shortage of lockable toolboxes, storage areas that fit in the space fore and aft of the wheel well, tie-down appliances, and more. Most of these are easy to install yourself.  

Diesel Army has additional suggestions for extra gauges, plug-and-play tuners, window tint, seat covers, all-weather floor mats, and paint protection film. They also recommend taking your time to determine your specific needs and desires for the truck and to aim for those. Ask a service technician at Alderman Automotive if you have any questions about the pros and cons of a particular truck modification.