CelticDevilDog's 05 F150 Build thread

They are the raceline raptors. I've found a pretty good price for them. I think they will add a nice touch to the ultimate vision of the truck.
They have a 2500lb weight rating so 10K for your truck is more than your weight (truck)+ payload/cargo so you will be good. Smart choice.
What tires are you going with?
I'll keep people posted when I see if there is any difference. So far I like the difference when I push the go-go pedal!
I still need to find a local shop that will rhino line or line-X the bottom panels (hopefully for not too much) and the next mod will be the lift, a fabtech 6", wheels, raceline raptors and tires...haven't truly decided yet but I am leaning towards the Nitto terra grapplers and 35".
I'll post more pics up when I start the lift and as always, after.
I checked with my local Line X dealer and they wanted $400 do both bumpers and $400 to do spray on wheel flares.
The local Rhino lining guy said that he wouldn't make enough profit for him to do it.

I'm thinking I may do this sooner rather than later. Since right now the truck looks funky with the front fender flares plasti-dipped black and the panels and back fender flares are still tan.
It certainly looks like a work in progress!!
I've finally decided to do away with the tan on mine too - not this year though - but when I do, I'm going with black to midnight blue (I think) and it's all paint. Truck needs a re-shoot all over anyhow, so might as well get what I want in the process.
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Most of my plans are still on for the truck but they got a little side tracked with my recent move. So, now that I'm settled and it's Christmas time, I figured I would keep on with the build.
I just put a set of bushwacker pocket style fender flares on order. They will be on soon to start the look of replacing the tan bottom panels.
I still haven't decided what the best way to get rid of the tan section is because from what I've seen rhino linings and line-x all fade over time, which is not the look I'm going for. I'll have to see if someone out here can just paint it or something.
Depending on what my Christmas bonus looks like will depend on whether or not I get the lift for Christmas as well. That may have to wait until after March next year.
Anyways, back on the ball to get this truck built!
After much scrambling and frustration I found that the Rancho 4" lift kit is no longer made for our trucks.
I didn't want the skyjacker since I've heard it's too much of a pain for install and I already had wheels that I liked with a 6" backspacing so that takes Rough Country out of the picture.
So, to make a long story short I bought a 3" hellbent steel leveling kit and will be putting that on shortly after getting it.
Then I'll be adding 35s and possibly some different shocks. Still thinking Bilsteins.
With saving some money on the lift I'm sure there's something else I can spend it on....

This bolt on the upper control arm is just spinning when I try to tighten the nut down. It is the only one that is giving me any issues. The nut will only go on as far as you see in the picture so I'm pretty certain it's not safe to drive as it is (unless I'm taking it to a mechanic).
I'm at a loss and figured maybe some of you smart people can help me figure it out.
Once I get this part fixed I'll get some before and after pics posted so you can see the results.
After much chat with the some much smarter people than me I'm taking a trip to the autoparts store today for some replacement parts. There are a few things that I'd like to replace from doing this level that I may as well do it now anyways.
Will make for a better ride and safer in the long run.
I'll post pics up when I'm done. Hopefully later today or tomorrow.

Here's a before and after pic of the front from the ground to the fender.


All in all I felt like I did the leveling kit twice. Once on Saturday to install it, and once again today to replace the upper control arm. I can't for the life of me get the tie rod end bolt to losen up so I'll take that to the alignment shop and have them replace it along with the sway bar link when they do the alignment (I know that's really easy but the part isn't in yet and I'm not taking this damn thing apart again anytime soon).
Here's a pic of the front wheel well with the original tires in them
Before:

After:

Next up is waiting for the new lug nuts and the sway bar link to come in, and then put the new tires/wheels on and get an alignment. Then the fender flares will go on.
Now I'm pooped...and I think I'm going to pass out from all this work.
Now I'm sweating the work to put my 6" BDS kit on...that's gonna be a long day!







