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Removed the cladding/ and all the dirt underneath. Began prep for Raptor-liner....over the entire Excursion.
The Ex is being built as an Overland vehicle.
As such, it will be doing lots of brush rubbing and gravel roads.
The rust under the cladding wasn't terrible, but if I was doing a re-paint it
would be quite a bit of work. Colour change coming, as well. Will do a build
thread when enough parts are sitting on the bench. Wish me luck.
Removed the cladding/ and all the dirt underneath. Began prep for Raptor-liner....over the entire Excursion.
The Ex is being built as an Overland vehicle.
As such, it will be doing lots of brush rubbing and gravel roads.
The rust under the cladding wasn't terrible, but if I was doing a re-paint it
would be quite a bit of work. Colour change coming, as well. Will do a build
thread when enough parts are sitting on the bench. Wish me luck.
Finally got around to dealing with the minor tire rub I had on the front mud flaps. After going to 34" tires (2985 85 R18) the only clearance issue I had at 3/4 to full lock was the mud flaps rubbing. I had my buddy bend me up some L shaped brackets and using an existing hole in the front fender liner, I drilled through the mud flap and was able to pull enough back to give me the clearance I needed.
Had another day off so i thought why not do a drain and fill of the Transmission/Transfer case?
Quick trip to my local Schaeffer oil guys and i came home with 20qts of Schaeffer's #204SAT ALL-TRANSSupreme® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
I just drained the TC ( i have the drain plug ) and pan. I dropped the pan and replaced the filter.
here is the pan all cleaned up.
new filter from NAPA, i reused the gasket.
Old oil, I actually had the Transmission fluid and filter changed at a Transmission shop in Grand Rapids..they said there was a bunch of metal in the pan etc.. i thought i was in for a new Transmission.
but i was happy to see that after running about 3,000 miles i found just a very small amount of metal on the magnet.
drained out 15.5 qts added 15 and i was in the hashmarks..taking it for a run to check fluid level and to also warm up the Transfer case, i ran about 12 miles and the temps on my scangauge stayed right around 168. I switched with my girlfriend driving after the change and we were both impressed with the way the truck shifted. Before, it seemed hesitant during upshifts..now they are clean and very postive feeling. My GF says it shifts "purposefully"
If you have not tried Schaeffer's, i highly recommend you give them a shot. I now have in the course of this week week replaced the Front and rear diff, Engine oil and Transmission/Transfer case.
all with their products. going to order a red head steering box and use the rest of my ATF for that.
The wish list vs. the actual list are two different lists...lol. Can't afford wish list all at once, so I want to build and use as much as possible. Using winter as it's build/down time.
Raptor liner entire vehicle. Reuse cladding, as I like the two-tone.
I have a set of 2004 F350 axles I am suppose to pick up in a couple weeks. They are 4.10's with D60 front. So, rebuild those, hub to hub, including brakes. (ARBs on hold for at least another year $$)
Fabricate bumpers front and rear, including dual swing gates for tire carrier, Hi-lift, and recovery storage. Roof rack, of course, for the Rooftop Tent, fuel storage, Offroad/ work lighting.
Hopefully get to build my drawer/storage system, too.
And of course all the little fixes along the way....mirrors, f650 dash, cup holders, etc....fix the damn vibration at 60 MPH, etc.
Motor still runs strong and the trans is hanging in there too, for now.
That's all for this Winter. Next winter will be the ARB's, Hydro boost brakes, and hydro assist steering... (Want TrailReady Beadlocks running 37's when all is done).
Then Motor and Trans....If they stay together until then.
**Please Note: all these things are subject to change, should I win the lottery** Or lose my job....
So I put on the "B" code new American made springs in back today, along with the stock X 2" blocks. Very satisfied with those! I also put on the add-a-leaf in the front under the stock X springs. She sits nice and pretty, about 1.5" higher than it was both front and back. It still has about a 1" rake higher in the back than in the front like it previously did. It rides excellent. The long add-a-leafs from Superlift part # 2051 in the front do not make for a rough ride. I can just slightly tell the difference and I like it a little stiffer anyway.
However there is one thing I am not sure that I like. There is a small gap a little less than a 1/4 between the add-a-leaf and the X spring pack about half way between the u-bolts and the ends of the springs. This is because the stock springs actually had a downward curve and the add-a-leaf has an upward curve. I really thought they would blend together but they did not. Maybe over time? Is this bad? They are nice and snug at the u-bolts and at the ends of the springs. Any recommendations? I'm puzzled.
Pictures below are before, after, and a shot of the x springs with the add-a-leaf.
Before
After
Notice the gap between the add-a-leaf and the front stock X spring.
I really thought they would blend together but they did not. Maybe over time? Is this bad? They are nice and snug at the u-bolts and at the ends of the springs. Any recommendations? I'm puzzled.
Notice the gap between the add-a-leaf and the front stock X spring.
I wouldn't worry about it. I agree it'll settle in. As will the lift height. Re-check your u-bolt torque periodically.
I felt really guilty the last time i drove mine was 8/7/14, so when i got home i unplugged it from the trickle charger and fired her up, only drove it about 8 miles to my grandparents but at least she got a few miles on her.
08-21-2014, 10:20 AM
Or lose my job....
