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I figure it will be fun to make a build thread for my new project, and keep all the pics in one place. As I install parts I will post pics. The goal is 11"+ travel in the front with 4" of lift, and whatever I can get out of the rear with Deaver springs and longer shocks. I'll also be doing some audio system upgrades with some pretty nice equipment.
I ended up going to King Shocks in person today and spoke with a tech. I also picked up my first mod for the new truck. I got a King steering stabilizer that is a direct replacement upgrade for the factory one. If this doesn't end up being enough I could always add one on the axle. The dude that helped me actually has a Ford F250 with a similar setup to what I will have, and he said he really likes the way their bolt on replacement works, and didn't feel any need to make it a dual setup.
We also decided that a 2.5" IBP shock with the remote adjuster should be plenty for my purposes. It's not like I'll be prerunning for hours, so the extra capacity of the 3" really isn't needed. The 2.5" version is also about $800 less than 3", so that helps O.o The IBP gives you extra bottom out resistance in the last few inches of travel, and the compression adjuster on the remote reservoir lets you quickly dial in the compression for different conditions. I love tuning shocks and being able to dial in the valving, they can get me in the ball park right off the bat, and then I can make an adjustment if needed after a test session. I am going with a separate coil spring and shock because it allows for more wheel travel than the coilover conversions. The coilover only gives you about 7"-8" of travel. With my setup I would like to have it in the 11"-12" range.
After almost 2 weeks of online research my list is looking like:
King high mount steering stabilizer
King 2.5" x 12" internal bypass shocks with compression adjustment on the remote reservoir
Pure Performance 4 link conversion (X Factor Plus, without the rear lift blocks or u-bolts)
Deaver progressive rear springs (stock height with a little less spring rate and more wheel travel)
20" Ion 134 wheels (20"x9", 0 offset, 8x170)
37"x13.5R20 tires (maybe 38")
Here are a few pics so far, starting on the day I bought it.
Nice looking truck! I look forward to following your progress on upgrades. What are you planning for audio upgrades?
I have a JL Audio RD 900/5 amp, JL TwK 88 sound processor and active crossover, Hertz 280.3 38mm tweeters, Morel 6.5" mids, and a JL 12TW3 shallow mount woofer that is going in a 1cu/ft custom box behind the rear seat. I ordered the PAC AP4-FD21 amplifier interface, and I ordered the custom box from supercrewsound.com yesterday. The box is $225 shipped with black carpet made custom for one 12" sub.
Do you have a picture of the steering stabilizer? Does King have a single shock kit for it? I havent been able to find one online. Good looking rig! I will be following this build!
Do you have a picture of the steering stabilizer? Does King have a single shock kit for it? I havent been able to find one online. Good looking rig! I will be following this build!
Ok I got the new King steering stabilizer installed! The part number is: 20C001-203. Here is a tip... I learned something many years ago about King Shocks company, you won't save any money buying it from anybody else. They are super easy to work with, but they are not big on any resale discounts. Just call them up and let them know what you need.
The actual installation time of this item was less than the time to take the pictures. lol Getting the stock one off was quick with a few wrenches, a pickle fork, and a 5lb hammer. The new one just bolts on. I did replace the washer on the end that goes to the steering linkage with a slightly wider hardened washer. The one they included barely covers the whole and it deformed too much when I first tightened it.
Not the easiest truck to decide on what lift points to use. I'm not even sure where I will lift it when I do the front 4 link conversion install.
I figured supporting it in the back wouldn't be a bad idea.
This was the only part that gave me any trouble, but a pickle fork took care of it quick.
This is where I installed a hardened washer under the nut instead of the washer that came with their kit. The bolt is just barely long enough, but it does go through the lock so it should be okay. I'm kind of picky when it comes to using the proper fasteners so I might pick up a bolt that's 1/4 inch longer.
All done! Here is the steering at full lock to the right. Here is steering at full lock to the left.
Wow I immediately feel a difference after installing the stabilizer, even with the stock wheels and tires it is dramatic. There is zero side to side shake in the steering wheel going over bumps anymore!
12-28-2017, 02:17 AM
I got a King steering stabilizer that is a direct replacement upgrade for the factory one. If this doesn't end up being enough I could always add one on the axle. The dude that helped me actually has a Ford F250 with a similar setup to what I will have, and he said he really likes the way their bolt on replacement works, and didn't feel any need to make it a dual setup.
