The "Facelift" Guide: Upgrading the Front End of Your 2015–2020 Ford F-150
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The 13th Generation Ford F-150 is arguably the most recognizable truck on the planet. But if you want yours to stand out, the front end is the first place to start.
Upgrading the factory plastic grille or adding heavy-duty front armor completely changes the attitude of the truck. However, navigating the aftermarket for a 2015–2020 F-150 is a minefield of sensors, cameras, and body changes.
First, you have the "Facelift." Ford completely redesigned the grille and headlights for the 2018 model year. A premium Morimoto grille for a 2017 will absolutely not fit a 2018.
Second, you have the tech. Does your truck have the 360-degree camera? Adaptive Cruise Control? An EcoBoost intercooler? Buy the wrong bumper or grille, and you'll find your turbos gasping for air and your dashboard lighting up with radar errors.
In this guide, we walk you through how to choose premium, exact-fit front-end upgrades from trusted brands like Westin and Morimoto, ensuring you get the aggressive look you want without compromising your truck's advanced engineering.
Compare Premium Exterior Mods
Armor or Aesthetics?
|
Upgrade Category |
Top Brand |
Visual Impact |
Install Difficulty |
Function |
|
Fender Flares |
Bushwacker |
High. Wide, aggressive stance. |
Medium. Factory hole mounting. |
Protection. Keeps wide tires from throwing rocks at your doors. |
|
LED Front Grille |
Morimoto XG3 |
Massive. Changes the entire "face." |
Medium. Wiring required. |
Style/Lighting. High-end DRL replacement for the factory plastic grille. |
|
Hood Deflector |
AVS Aeroskin |
Low. Sleek, flush fit. |
Easy. 3M VHB Tape. |
Paint Saving. Stops rock chips on the leading edge of the aluminum hood. |
|
Bull Bar |
Westin HDX |
Medium. Tough front-end look. |
Easy. Bolts to tow hook mounts. |
Armor. Protects the bumper and provides a solid mount for light bars. |
|
Mud Flaps |
WeatherTech |
Low. Practical. |
Easy. No-drill cam locks. |
Protection. Saves rocker panels from gravel. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Exterior Upgrades)
Do I need to drill into my aluminum fenders to install Bushwacker flares?
No.
Drilling into the F-150's aluminum body can lead to galvanic corrosion if not treated perfectly. Premium brands like Bushwacker engineer their flares to use the factory mounting holes inside the fender lip. The "bolts" you see on the Pocket Style flares are purely decorative and do not piece the body of the truck.
Will an aftermarket bumper or bull bar block my EcoBoost turbos?
It can, if you buy the wrong one.
The EcoBoost intercooler sits low in the front bumper. If you install a bull bar with a solid steel skid plate, you will choke the engine of cold air. Premium manufacturers (like Westin and Fab Fours) design specific "EcoBoost Compatible" versions that feature vented skid plates to maintain proper airflow.
Can I install a premium aftermarket grille if my truck has the Active Grille Shutters?
Yes.
The 13th Gen F-150 uses Active Grille Shutters behind the main grille to improve aerodynamics. High-end aftermarket grilles (like those from Morimoto or RTR) are designed to bolt up in front of this shutter assembly without interfering with its mechanical operation, preventing Check Engine Lights.
The "Premium Build" CTA
Armor up.
Ditch the cheap plastic and upgrade to engineered exterior protection. Shop our verified collection of [2015–2020 F-150 Exterior Upgrades].