Finding the right 2013 ford f150 bumpers shouldn't seem like a chore, but with therefore many options available, it can obtain a little overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with a nasty dent from a parking lot accident or you're simply tired of that aging chrome look, swapping out a bumper is one particular of those projects that genuinely changes the particular entire vibe of your truck. The 2013 model yr was part of that iconic twelfth generation of F-150s, and honestly, these trucks still look great on the road—provided they aren't rocking a rusted-out or even twisted piece of metal on the front side and back.
Why You Might Be Shopping for a New Bumper
Let's be real: most of us aren't searching for a bumper simply for the this. Usually, something occurred. Maybe you backed into a high curb, or probably the "salt belt" winters finally received the battle towards your factory metal. Rust will be a major driving force here. Once these tiny bubbles start appearing under the chromium or paint, it's only a matter of time prior to you've got a hole you may stick a ring finger through.
Another big reason is simply features. The stock 2013 ford f150 bumpers were made for general use, when you're out upon the trails or using your truck for heavy-duty work, the factory thin-gauge metal might not be cutting it. Upgrading to some thing a bit even more substantial can provide you peace associated with mind when you're pushing through brush or navigating the tight job site.
Choosing In between OEM Style and Aftermarket
When you start your, you'll basically hit a fork in the road: do a person want it to look like it just rolled away from the assembly series, or do you want some thing beefier?
If you enjoy the classic appearance of your F-150, keeping with an OEM-style replacement is usually the way to go. They are developed to be direct bolt-on swaps. You don't have in order to worry about changing brackets or drilling new holes. As well as, if your pickup truck has the Ecoboost engine, you have to be a little careful. The front bumper on those versions has a particular opening in the particular center to enable airflow to the intercooler. If you slap a solid fender on the website, you're going to encounter a few cooling issues pretty quickly.
On the flip part, the aftermarket planet is massive. You've got from modern, low-profile steel bumpers to massive ranch-style guards that appear like they fit in on a heavy duty tractor. These are great if you need to add accessories like DIRECTED light bars, winches, or D-ring shackles for recovery.
The Front Bumper: More Than Just Aesthetics
The front bumper will be the face of your truck. For the 2013 model, Ford had a several different variations with respect to the trim level. You needed the classic chrome for the XLTs, color-matched paint intended for the FX4s plus Lariats, which rugged black plastic/steel combination for the XL work trucks.
When you're looking at 2013 ford f150 bumpers for the particular front, think about your daily drive. In case you spend a lot of time upon dark backroads, a good aftermarket bumper along with built-in light supports is a godsend. It saves you from needing to drill down into your excellent grill or roofing.
Also, keep an vision on the excess weight. Heavy-duty steel bumpers look cool and offer incredible defense, but they give a lot of bulk to the front finish. If you go with a heavy dish bumper, you might notice a slight dip in your front-end height, and it could affect your handling a little bit. Some guys finish up putting a leveling kit within the front just in order to make up for the additional weight of a new steel bumper.
Don't Your investment Back Bumper
The particular rear bumper often gets ignored until someone taps you at a red light. But with regard to a 2013 F-150, the rear fender is actually quite essential for utility. It houses your license plate lights, usually provides a step with regard to getting to the mattress, and often combines with your dragging setup.
In case you're replacing the particular rear, be sure you examine for sensor holes. If your F-150 has those small circular backup receptors, you will need a bumper that's pre-drilled for them. Trying to exercise those holes yourself into heavy-duty steel is a problem you probably want to avoid. Most reliable manufacturers offer variations with or with no these cutouts, therefore just double-check your current setup prior to hitting the "buy" button.
Materials Matter: Steel versus. Aluminum
Nearly all 2013 ford f150 bumpers you'll find are made of steel. It's strong, relatively affordable, and easy to mend if it gets a scratch. Nevertheless, in case you live in a place exactly where they salt the roads like they're seasoning a steak, steel will ultimately rust if the particular coating gets jeopardized.
Light weight aluminum has become more well-known in the aftermarket replacement world. It's significantly lighter, which is great for your gas economy and suspension, and it also naturally resists corrosion much much better than steel. Drawback? It's usually more costly, and while it's tough, it doesn't always have the exact same "bash-into-anything" structural solidity that a dense plate of metal offers.
The DIY Installation Actuality
Can you install these your self? Absolutely. Is this an one-person work? Well, that is dependent on how much you enjoy your toes.
The particular factory 2013 ford f150 bumpers aren't incredibly large, however they are awkward. In the event that you're doing this within your driveway, get a pal. Having somebody to hold one end when you bolt in the various other makes the process ten times faster and much safer.
You'll generally need a good outlet set (21mm is definitely a common dimension for these Ford bumper bolts), maybe some PB Blaster if your truck has its own age on it, and also a rpm wrench to make sure every thing is tight. One pro tip: prior to you fully tighten up the bolts, have a step back plus look at the positioning. It's super easy to bolt a fender on slightly twisted, and you'll notice that 1/4 inches gap difference every single time you walk as much as your truck.
Keeping Your Brand new Bumper Looking Fresh
Once you've got your fresh 2013 ford f150 bumpers installed, you want them to stay looking good. If you went along with a powder-coated end, keep an eyesight out for chips. Rocks kicked upward from the street can nick the finish, and that's exactly where rust starts the sneak attack. Some touch-up paint goes a long method.
In case you decided to go with chrome, a normal shine will keep it shining. For the particular guys who went with the textured dark finish, avoid using waxes that depart white residue within the texture—it's a problem to get out there. Just a good clean and perhaps a dedicated trim restorer can keep it looking deep black rather than fading to that will weird ashy gray as time passes.
Last Thoughts
At the end of the day, your truck is a tool, but it's also a representation of how a person use it. Selecting the right 2013 ford f150 bumpers is about balancing the thing you need along with what you including. Whether you're maintaining it strictly manufacturing plant to get a clean resell look or building a monster that will can take the hit from a rogue deer without having flinching, there's a good option out there. Just take your period, check your fitment (especially if you have that Ecoboost! ), and don't be afraid towards your hands a small dirty during the particular install. Your F-150 will thank a person for it with the fresh face and a few more years of looking sharp on the road.