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Vancouver Bob
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Here's where the compressor was mounted.
2003 Expedition Face Lift Begins
- Thread starter Vancouver Bob
- Start date
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Rockclutch
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WTF? Your expy came with an ashtray?Well... I bit the bullet over the holiday break and got the new gears installed. Went with the 4.56's. As a last minute sanity check I talked to the guys at the shop about 4.11's vs 4.56's and they said the 4.11's aren't that big of a step up from the 3.73's and that I wouldn't even feel the difference. So stuck with the 4.56's.
I must say I'm happy with the results! Where she used to labor to keep speed on a gradual incline she now maintains speed with little effort. On steeper grades, where I would need to keep pushing the accelerator while still losing speed until she down shifted, I now get a good response, sometimes even while staying in OD. Overall she just feels lighter and more responsive.
I do need to get my computer updated because while with the 35" tires I ran about 10% faster than speedo, I'm now running about 10% slower than the speedo. I must say that the difference, while noticeable and positive, it wasn't extreme... so I can see why they said the 4.11's wouldn't be noticeable, certainly much more subtle. Speedo would have been correct though.
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Rear end ready to be re-installed... old ring & pinion and diff in the back.
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Front end close to being done. I decided to go ahead and have front and rear lockers installed. Almost decided to pass on the fronts and put the money towards a winch but my testosterone kept me from making such a practical decision.
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When they asked where I wanted the switches... I thought the left side of the dash, right above the hood release would be the easiest.... OR... tucked away where the ash tray was. I think they couldn't pass on the opportunity to put them somewhere inconspicuous for that James Bond look... glad they were willing to go to the trouble to mount them there!
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LOL
Congratulations on getting this done and thanks for sharing.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
ExpeditionAndy
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My 05 didn't have an ash tray or if it did, I never noticed it.
ExplorerTom
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Can you also air up with your air compressor?
ExpeditionAndy
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You have to have a supply of air on board for use on demand. You could have a storage tank, but then you would have to be sure to keep it topped off or you might not have the air pressure when you need it to lock the axles.
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Vancouver Bob
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Yes, I opted for the middle of the road compressor which powers the lockers plus provides on-board air. There was also a larger, dual compressor version that can provide enough air to power air tools.
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Vancouver Bob
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Thanks, Davey!
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Vancouver Bob
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Ha ha... that made me laugh!
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Vancouver Bob
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It took them about two days to get it all done. I was able to hang around a bit, take pictures, lend a hand here and there. Mostly just tried staying out of their way. When it was all done they had found two small bolts left over but couldn't figure out if it was from my Expy or from a previous job.
On New year's Day, as I was driving my kids home, I get a message on the display saying the engine is over temp and that power is being reduced. I check the water temp and it's pegged! I quickly pull over, cut the engine, popped the hood. First thought was water pump but I just replaced that not too long ago... serpentine belt was in place. Went to check the coolant reservoir and found it flopping around. That's where the two missing bolts came from. I opened the cap, heard a little air escape. Got everything back in place, started the engine and water temp was measuring back at normal level. Really strange. Not sure what happened or how the loose reservoir caused an over temp measurement. But that was the only thing that I could find. I've since got some new bolts in there M6x20mm in case anyone was wondering. Hoping I never see that message again.
On New year's Day, as I was driving my kids home, I get a message on the display saying the engine is over temp and that power is being reduced. I check the water temp and it's pegged! I quickly pull over, cut the engine, popped the hood. First thought was water pump but I just replaced that not too long ago... serpentine belt was in place. Went to check the coolant reservoir and found it flopping around. That's where the two missing bolts came from. I opened the cap, heard a little air escape. Got everything back in place, started the engine and water temp was measuring back at normal level. Really strange. Not sure what happened or how the loose reservoir caused an over temp measurement. But that was the only thing that I could find. I've since got some new bolts in there M6x20mm in case anyone was wondering. Hoping I never see that message again.
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Vancouver Bob
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Had the work done at Just Differentials in Cashmere, WA. Really quaint little town... now I know where Aplets and Cotlets come from. Snowed a bit while I was there. Snowed some more the night before and day of departure.
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There's a guy at work that has a Nissan pickup, roof top tent, large tires, and a big air tank in the back. Didn't know what the tank was for until I learned it was CO2 to air up his tires.
Rockclutch
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Thanks, RC... still not 100% sure I like the two tone across the driving lights. Does that look weird?
Rockclutch
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ExpeditionAndy
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I think it looks good but if you don't like it I see two other options. Take it above the driving lights to the first bevel on top of the bumper or , take to the bevel line below the driving lights. If you take it to the top bevel that will mimic the original paint scheme.
I don't think it looks weird, I think it looks like you take more time and effort to get it looking the way you want it. I am having CK Fab here in MT starting on a front bumper for me very soon (as soon as I get my header panel and new headlights installed that a deer broke for me) and it will end up being similar to yours, only major difference is he does square fog lights because he installs Rigid lights. I think I will be taking the beige color up to the upper bevel but I am not 100% yet.
One question regarding your bumper - Did it lower the front end more than an inch? I realize its heavier that stock and will cause a sag I'm am just curious on how much because I am looking into lift kits and am leaning towards the Ready Lift 3" front and 2" rear to help with the sag created by the bumper weight.
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Vancouver Bob
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Hi FRD88... I actually have a 3.5/2.5 lift on mine and she still has a bit of a rake, which I like. The bumper is heavy but don't recall it pulling the front down that much back when I was putting it on and off. Maybe a half inch? Just guessing. Here's a side view... this is back before I had the bumper ends modified to blend into the fenders better...
At one point I did have the beige up to the upper bend... thought it didn't line up well with the rest of the side trim. That's when I decided to take it across the lights.
I've toyed around with taking it down to the lower bend like Andy was suggesting (thanks, Andy), along with something in between... I think I like it with more beige. At some point I'll probably just paint it to match one or both and try them on for size.
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Vancouver Bob
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Here's what she looked like stock...
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