Phase 1 Shop Truck Build!

Nick Lykos

We've recently completed Phase 1 of our Apollo Optics' Shop Truck Build. We started with a 2018 Ford Raptor in Lead Foot and added a host of tasteful upgrades that are easily installed, but add a dramatic amount of utility, aesthetics, and added performance.

Overall, the goal was to show our customers and clients how a few tasteful additions can radically change the look of your truck and set you apart from the crowd.

Lighting

If you've followed us for long, you know we originally started out as a lighting company before becoming a full-on truck outfitter. So we knew that we wanted some great performance. But aesthetically, the lighting setup needed to fit the truck well. And it always helps if the install is a breeze. The Baja Designs lighting kits specifically for the Gen 2 Raptor were an obvious choice.

Up top, you'll notice the Baja Designs 30" S8 Grille Light Bar Kit. This kit includes a 30" Baja Designs S8 Light Bar, mounts and hardware, and a wiring harness. The kit bolts right in and requires no drilling. Total output is 13,560 lumens not including the amber daytime running lights (DRLs) that line up nicely with the amber marker lights in the factory grille. The amber DRLs can be wired to a separate upfitter switch or tapped into your factory side marker or grille lights.
In the bumper, we added the Baja Designs Unlimited Fog Pocket Kit. This fog kit includes 2 Squadron Racer Edition Spot lights, 2 Squadron Pro Driving/Combo lights, 2 S2 Pro Wide Cornering lights, mounting brackets and hardware, and all wiring. Total output is 23,200 lumens.

Suspension

So for Phase 1 of the truck build, we're keeping it simple. Down the road, further upgrades are planned for the suspension on the truck. But for now, the main goal was to be able to raise the front of the truck to get that nice level stance and to avoid any rubbing issues down the road. We chose the RPG Adjustable Spring Perch Collars for this job. We took a guess and set them at 2.5" and the truck rides 0.5" high up front. However, we knew we'd be adding a bumper and lights down the road, so we figured this would set the truck level when it was all said and done. 

The RPG Adjustable Spring Perch Collars were built specifically for the Fox 3.0 shocks that come from the factory on the 2017+ Ford Raptor. The Adjustable Spring Perch Collars are available in varying heights from 1.0" all the way up to 3.5" of increased height. 
 
The added adjustability of these collars allows you to dial in the ride height exactly where you like it for your specific build. If you're looking to run 37" tires, these collars will help give you the added height needed to make room. Or, if you're planning on adding a significant amount of weight to the front of your truck (upgraded bumper, winch, upgraded intercooler), these adjustable collars will allow you to account for the increased weight of your additions and keep you level. 

Wheels

Any time you're upgrading the look of your truck, new wheels will make the most dramatic difference. We knew we wanted sharp looks and a more aggressive stance for the wheels to make the truck have a wider road presence. We chose the Method Con6 wheels in a 17x8.5 with a 0 offset. The added width makes the truck look more aggressive and the 17" size allowed us to re-use the factory BFG K02 tires (for now).

Method Race Wheels and Ford Raptor are nearly synonymous at this point. Ever since the early Gen 1 Ford Raptor, Raptor guys have always been drawn toward Method wheels. So with all of the new designs coming out from Method, we knew the bronze was just the right amount of pop to go with our Lead Foot paint.

The Method Race Wheels 310 Con6 wheels here are in a 17" size and fit nicely with the factory K02s, so if you like your tires, you can keep your tires! Just note, that with the more aggressive 0 offset of these wheels, you will have slight rubbing at factory height so some sort of spring perch collar will be required. 

The wheels are available in black or bronze!

Bed Accessories

Bed covers are always a popular choice on trucks and the Raptor is no exception. In fact, we've had bed covers on both our Gen 1 and Gen 2 Raptors. This time around, we opted for the BakFlip MX4. The folding cover adds a lot of versatility, and it's weatherproof, lightweight, secure, and easy to remove if you wish to take it off to hit the trails. Plus, the matte black finish looks tough and is easy to maintain. 

We also added a BedRug Mat to our bed. This weatherproof mat is 1" thick and installs on top of the bed liner with hook-and-loop fasteners. When it's installed, it provides a soft surface for tailgating or cargo, but can easily be removed when you need to haul dirty gear or cargo.