5 Essential 2026 Ford F350 Upgrades: Making an XL STX Feel Like a Lariat

The 2026 Ford F350 XL STX package is arguably one of the best values in the heavy-duty truck market. You get the legendary capability of a Super Duty without the staggering price tag of a high-trim model. However, straight from the factory, the STX still leaves a few things to be desired in terms of styling, interior technology, and everyday utility.

We wanted to transform our 2026 F350 SuperCab into a truck that looks aggressive, feels premium on the inside, and handles daily duties flawlessly—without sacrificing its work-ready roots.

After living with the truck, we executed 5 key modifications that completely changed the stance, look, and interior feel. Check out our full transformation breakdown below, and watch the complete installation and review video here:

1. The Perfect Stance: Toyo Open Country R/T Trail (295/65R20)

Let’s be honest: the stock tires Ford puts on the STX look incredibly undersized for a truck this massive. To fix the stance without throwing a full leveling kit at it just yet, we upgraded to Toyo Open Country R/T Trail tires in a 295/65R20.

Why this size? The 295/65R20 fills out the Super Duty wheel wells beautifully. It gives the truck a commanding, aggressive look with zero rubbing on factory wheels.

The R/T Trail is a hybrid tire, meaning you get the mean shoulder lugs of a mud-terrain but the quiet highway manners and wet-weather performance of an all-terrain. It completely changes how the truck handles both on and off the asphalt.

2. Secure and Sleek: Retrax Retractable Bed Cover

An open truck bed is an invitation for weather damage and wandering eyes. We needed something that offered top-tier security without ruining the clean lines of the aluminum bed. The choice was easy: a Retrax retractable bed cover.

The low-profile design sits flush with the bed rails, maintaining a sleek appearance. Because it rolls on sealed ball bearings, it opens and closes with one hand. Best of all, it locks in any position, allowing us to haul taller cargo while keeping the rest of our gear securely locked down.

3. The Free Tremor “Stance Hack”: Trimming the Front Air Dam

Ford’s factory front air dam on the 2026 XL is massive. It hangs incredibly low, drastically cutting down on your front ground clearance and giving the truck a heavy, “plow-like” look from the front.

Instead of leaving it stock, we took a jigsaw and trimmed the factory air dam down to mimic the high-clearance look of the factory Tremor package. It takes about 20 minutes, costs nothing, and instantly gives the front end a lifted, aggressive look.

• Alternative Option: If you don’t feel comfortable cutting your factory plastic, you can purchase a clean, smaller replacement air dam directly from S&B Filters to achieve the exact same look!

4. Upgrading the Tech: OEM Plus Upgrades 12-Inch Screen Swap

The interior is where you spend all your time, and the standard 8-inch screen in the XL STX makes the dash feel distinctly low-trim. We wanted the premium look of a Lariat or King Ranch, so we reached out to OEM Plus Upgrades.

We swapped out the small 8-inch display for the massive factory 12-inch infotainment screen. This isn’t a cheap aftermarket dash kit that messes with your wiring. This kit uses 100% genuine Ford factory parts. It looks entirely factory, retains every single one of our original truck features, and completely updates the cabin to a premium, modern workspace.

5. Saving the Carpet: Husky Liners Floor Mats (The SuperCab Fix)

If you opt for the STX package, Ford forces you into a carpeted interior. Normally, that’s fine—except Ford does not manufacture factory all-weather rubber floor mats for the SuperCab configuration. If you have boots, mud, or tools, that factory carpet is going to get ruined fast.

To fix Ford’s oversight, we installed a set of Husky Liners. They offer laser-fit, absolute coverage for both the front and rear of the SuperCab. They trap dirt, mud, and spills perfectly, making interior cleanup as simple as pulling the mat out and hosing it off.

Final Thoughts: Is the STX Worth Modding?

Absolutely. By strategic upgrading, you can easily bridge the gap between a work truck and a luxury cruiser. For a fraction of the cost of a higher trim level, these five modifications made our F350 look tougher, work harder, and feel like a luxury truck on the inside.

Which of these modifications would you do first? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to head over to our YouTube channel to see these parts in action!