Following the Build: 2004 PWG Big Sky F-150
By: Harvey Schwartz Posted: 11-02-03 18:00

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The Ford F-150 is the world’s best selling vehicle with well over 800,000 sales in 2003. As a result, the F-150 is Ford’s most important vehicle and accounts for a good part of the profit generated by the world’s second largest automaker.

When Ford decided to completely redesign and re-engineer the F-150 for the 2004 model year, this all-new full-size pickup truck had to be a winner to continue the success. These new trucks are now reaching dealerships and you can see the advertisements on TV, inside magazines and local newspapers. The all-new 2004 Ford F-150 is larger and heavier, the styling is more contemporary, with softer edges, and the interior is roomier, more like a luxury sedan.

As a result of more mass, a new, stronger frame, and more refined suspension, Ford had to develop a more powerful V8 engine. The new Triton 5.4liter 3-valve V8 engine with variable-cam timing, generates over 300hp and 365lb.ft. of torque. The interior of the SuperCrew Lariat is as comfortable and well appointed as that found in a new Lincoln Town Car. New safety features include front and side airbags and rear side-curtain airbag in the SuperCab and SuperCrew models.

Performance West Group of Vista, California, got their hands on one of the first 2004 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat 4X4’s to leave the factory and decided to make this all-new pickup something very unique and even more appealing.

Performance West designers added a long list of accessories from some of the most innovative and recognizable names in the aftermarket industry. All of these products are readily available to owners of this magnificent, all-new 2004 pickup truck, that want to add their own personal touch.

I was honored to be able to follow the build of this very special Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat 4X4, dubbed ‘Big Sky’.

The list of aftermarket companies is long and very impressive. The build stated when this new F-150 SuperCrew Lariat 4X4 was delivered to Mike Face’s Body and Paint shop in San Bernadino, California, in the customary factory black paint. The Lariat is the top trim level and includes bucket seats and a full center console with a console mounted 5-speed automatic stick shifter. The less expensive F-150 XL and XLT models will come with the shifter on the column and a flip down center console.

Mike’s crew first took all the body panels off and repainted them with Flex Products amazing Sprectraflair Holographic Metalflake Fine Grade ‘Quicksilver’ paint that really accentuates the speed and agility of the Big Sky. Mike also painted the Xenon custom 8-piece body kit, (front fascia, rear fascia, fender flares, side skirts), in Quicksilver.

When the paint was dry the Big Sky headed northwest to Xenon’s headquarters in Anaheim, California, where a team of Xenon technicians custom installed this very bold and aggressive looking body kit and punctuates the new, wider stance of the all-new Ford F-150.

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