SP Rides: King of the Ranch
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Year, make, model: 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch
Owner: Wilbur DeShields II
Age: 32
Occupation: Wheeled vehicle mechanic, U.S. Army
Hobbies: Weightlifting, sports, vehicles
Engine: S&B Filters 75-5050 cold air intake, 2014 Ford Raptor exhaust
Exterior: LED third brake light fit for Ford F-150, reverse lamp high mount taillight, VIPMOTOZ Red OLED neon tube pure white LED license plate light, F-150 pair of power, heated, turn signal, puddle lamp, manual extendable black towing side mirrors, Rydonair antenna, two-piece King Ranch F-150 emblems, 3D Badges nameplate door tailgate replacement, Raptor-style grille kit with amber LED light and F&R Letter (gloss black), black bezel DRL daylight LED strip halogen-type projector headlights, Ford AL3Z-13404-AE tail lamp assembly, Tyger Auto T2 low profile roll-up truck bed tonneau cover, Dee Zee DZ43200 truck tailgate assist, rhino-lined roof
Interior: DU-HA 20080 tan custom fit
Wheels: 20-by-8.5 KMC XD Series wheels, Rockstar matte black with machined face, Goodyear Wrangler 275/55R20
No matter what you’re driving, you’d be amazed at what you can do to modify it to your own personal taste. Take this Ford F-150 King Ranch, owned by Wilbur DeShields II. Although this is his first truck, it’s incredible what he’s done with it.
For most people, this vehicle looks practically original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and that’s actually DeShields’ preference — modifications so subtle that you think that it came straight from the factory like that. Some might mistake it for a brand-new Ford Raptor, but it’s not. It’s actually a 2009 model, and a quick internet search on that model will show you just how different this ride is. Actual 2009 owners certainly will know.
The majority of the modifications are on the exterior. The front bumper is taken from a 2017 King Ranch, along with the epic LED cube foglights from a 2016. Headlights and tails were donated from a 2014, while the incredible Ford Raptor-inspired grille was ordered online and provides a massive fascia update to bring it to the here and now. A variety of King Ranch badges were added as well as a 3D Badges nameplate for the tailgate.
In addition, the tow mirrors have been added alongside a full rhino-lined paint job for the roof that was purchased as a birthday gift by DeShields’ wife. It’s an interesting look that’s incredibly cool under the light. All of the lights have been swapped out with LED models to include the headlights, rear tails and third brake light. Even the license plate has been upgraded with pure white OLEDs.
For power, an S&B 75-5050 Cold Air Intake with heat shield was installed for a bit more breathing capacity. The exhaust was also taken from a 2014 Raptor and required some minor fabrication to bolt up to the factory mounting points. In the future he wants more power, but this works in the meantime.
This all rides on 20-inch KMC XD Series wheels that are Rockstars in matte black with a machined face. They definitely look tough and durable while giving the truck a bit of dazzle. A Tyger Auto T2 low-profile tonneau cover helps to keep his gear safe as well.
This truck actually has a name, provided by his daughter, Heaven, who named it Handsome Black. It’s a fitting name for such a big, beautiful truck. The car seat and some minor interior mods are proof that this baby does double duty — transporting the family while looking good.
Just because this is an everyday hauler doesn’t mean that you can’t do something special with it. DeShields’ believes that you just need to use a little imagination and inspiration. This F-150 has come a long from its origins. It’s a well-picked amalgamation of parts taken from others to make something familiar yet entirely new. That’s why it’s the King of the Ranch.
