For guys who love hitting the trails on weekends or just want their truck to handle rougher terrain without buying a whole new rig, Ford has rolled out something worth checking out. The new Dark Trail package turns a standard F-150 into a capable off-roader, and it's designed for do-it-yourself types who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. This isn't some over-the-top custom job—it's a straightforward kit that boosts performance without breaking the bank.
Ford's Performance Parts division, which is getting a name change to Ford Racing Parts soon, put this together as part of their Custom Garage program. It's all about giving truck owners more options to tweak their rides. The Dark Trail kit fits on 2021 through 2025 F-150 models, specifically the 4x4 versions of XL, XLT, STX, and Lariat trims. As long as it's got a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed and sticks to gas engines—no diesels or hybrids here—it should work just fine.
What really sets this kit apart is how it beefs up the suspension for better ground clearance and smoother rides over bumps. Up front, you get new struts that lift the truck by two inches, making it easier to clear rocks or uneven ground. In the back, it swaps in remote reservoir Bilstein shocks, the kind that handle heat and heavy loads without fading. These aren't cheap knockoffs; they're built to last on those long drives out to the hunting spot or the fishing hole.
The package doesn't stop at suspension tweaks. It includes a set of 18-inch wheels finished in matte black, paired with black lug nuts for that tough, no-nonsense look. They pull inspiration from the F-150 Tremor model's rocker panel aero shield delete, which cleans up the underbody for better protection against scrapes. And to tie it all together, there are Dark Trail decals on the lower doors—subtle enough not to scream for attention but clear that this truck means business off the pavement.
Tires aren't thrown in with the kit, but Ford points folks toward General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tires as a solid match. These are the type that grip well on dirt, mud, or gravel while still being quiet on the highway for those daily commutes. To make sure everything runs right after the upgrades, the kit comes with a calibration tool loaded with updated software. It adjusts things like speedometer readings and stability controls so the truck feels factory-fresh.
At $3,350 before installation, it's priced to appeal to budget-conscious builders. You can tackle the install yourself if you're handy with tools, saving some cash. But for peace of mind, get it done at a Ford dealer or by a tech with ASE or Red Seal certification—that unlocks a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on the parts. It's the kind of coverage that lets you push the truck harder without worrying about breakdowns in the middle of nowhere.
This Dark Trail vibe isn't just for F-150s. Ford's got a version for the 2025 Bronco too, aimed at four-door models like the Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, and lower-end Outer Banks. That one runs $5,600 and mirrors the F-150's suspension upgrades for lift and shock performance. But it adds some extras: retro-style fender flares that give it a classic off-road edge, and an improved spare tire mount that's sturdier for carrying bigger wheels on long trips.
Looking ahead, the Custom Garage site is hinting at Mustang packages on the way. Right now, Ford Performance already offers standalone goodies for Mustang fans, like a $10,500 supercharger kit that ramps up the 5.0-liter V8 to a whopping 800 horsepower. Imagine dropping that into your garage project for some serious burnout potential. Or there's the FP700S kit at $13,250, which bundles the supercharger with a lowering suspension and other tweaks to sharpen handling on the street or track.
In a world where trucks are getting more tech-heavy and complicated, the Dark Trail package keeps things simple and focused on what matters: getting out there and enjoying the drive. Whether you're towing a boat to the lake or exploring backroads with buddies, this setup makes an everyday F-150 feel like it was born for adventure. Ford's betting that more drivers will want to customize their vehicles this way, turning stock pickups into personal off-road machines without the hassle of starting from scratch.
For those who've been eyeing upgrades but held off because of cost or complexity, this could be the push needed. It's not about flashy add-ons—it's practical enhancements that deliver real results on the trail. And with the Bronco option expanding the lineup, plus Mustangs in the pipeline, Ford's Custom Garage is shaping up as a go-to spot for anyone looking to amp up their ride's capabilities. If you're tired of the same old factory setup, grabbing one of these kits might just reignite that love for wrenching and wheeling.
