2003 Expedition Face Lift Begins

[Vancouver Bob]

Yes, the bumper isn't a bolt on. You need to cut off the mounting brackets for the old bumper and bolt on a couple of mounting plates to the top and bottom of the chassis beams.



The bumper has to then get lifted into position and you have to weld the bumper to the mounting plates.

 

[Habbibie]

Seems like tedious work, good luck to the poor soul that has to put this sucker on while maintaining perfect alignment/fitment.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Seems like tedious work, good luck to the poor soul that has to put this sucker on while maintaining perfect alignment/fitment.

Yea, no doubt! I could be wrong but their mounting scheme also doesn't instill confidence. So I'm asking the other shop to do what they think is appropriate for a winch bumper. Not sure how Hard Notch Customs mount their bumpers but I'll find out come Thursday.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Danm... got a call from HNC yesterday telling me that they are too slammed to get me in today. Won't be able to get me in until next week! Oh well. I guess I'll have to get my wheels on order. Haven't quite decided. I'd go for the chrome XD Rockstars but the offsets they come in for our bolt pattern (6x135) are +35, +10, -24, and -44. Was hoping for something around -12. If my math is close, current offset with the stock wheels is +44 or so, meaning a back spacing of around 5". The +10's would get me closest to the original back spacing and would move the outside of the tire out towards the curb a little over 2 inches with a 12.5" tire, which wouldn't be bad if tires will clear. I've read some of you had some trimming and pounding of pinch welds with -6 offsets so -12 would be even worse.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Sorry to hear that Bob. I think we are all anxiously waiting to see the pictures.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Sorry to hear that Bob. I think we are all anxiously waiting to see the pictures.

Thanks, Andy. Yea, I was bummed. I'm hoping this is a one time delay. Just in case, I'm watching a bunch of Youtube videos on how to weld, looks pretty easy... ha ha... just kidding!

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Just ordered my wheels off of Custom Offsets. They were a little cheaper on Amazon but some of the reviews about getting damaged wheels made me a little nervous. Decided on the XD Rockstars in chrome (I know, I know... but black just doesn't get me excited). 20x8.5 with a plus 10 offset. Wanted a slightly negative offset but I would have had to go down to an 18" wheel. Here's what she should look like compared to what she currently looks like...

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

That is going to look great along with your new bumper.

 

[Habbibie]

I think the chrome better suits your truck with the glosdish lower trim.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Thanks for the encouraging words, guys! No matter which wheel I looked at, I'd always find myself going back to these. Now I just need to get that bumper mounted... appointment is for this Thursday and REALLY hoping they can get me in this week. I may need to consider a plan B.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Bad news... the shop still isn't able to get me in. Makes me wonder what the purpose of making an appointment is. I've got a couple of alternatives in mind... found someone on Craigslist that looks to do good work that works mobile, so I can get the bumper in place and have him come in and weld things up per the original instructions. That would at least get things mounted up. I can then decide whether or not I want to beef things up a bit, and if I did, he may be able to do that too. The other option is to take it to an actual shop so that they lift it into place and mount it properly. I left a message with the original shop to see how backlogged they are. Will decide what to do tomorrow.

In the mean time I did get something in the mail, which is always fun... all I need now is some wheels (coming on Monday) and some tires.



Got a set of locks with the lug nuts but when I look at them it doesn't seem like anything a big set of vise grips couldn't get past.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Does anyone actually steal wheels anymore?

 

[Big Brian]

Does anyone actually steal wheels anymore?

ha come to Detroit for your answer LOL

 

[Habbibie]

ha come to Detroit for your answer LOL

***** I was gonna say come to Chicago, they'll even steal your steelies!

 

[Vancouver Bob]

That's hilarious!!

I knew a guy here that woke up to find his Escalade up on blocks (borrowed from the neighbor) and his 22" spinners gone. Not sure why anyone would steal spinners but hey, I'm not one to judge.

What do you guys use for wheel locks?

 

[ExplorerTom]

I have some kind of spline drive lug nuts. I think they are "gorilla" brand.

So while the key is not common place, it's not super rare either. But I'm not really worried. I've seen my wheels on about 3 dozen vehicles around town.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

That's hilarious!!

I knew a guy here that woke up to find his Escalade up on blocks (borrowed from the neighbor) and his 22" spinners gone. Not sure why anyone would steal spinners but hey, I'm not one to judge.

What do you guys use for wheel locks?

I live in a small town where it is unlikely that anyone will steal my wheels but if they do I have insurance and my wheels are stock wheels. In the past, I have just bought wheel-locks from the dealership. If I had to go overnight to some questionable areas, I would probably get the locks too.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

I actually don't think I've ever had wheel locks before. Then again, these wheels I'm getting are the first new wheels (other than stock) that I've ever bought! Combined with the tires, this set of shoes is probably going to set me back a good $2500. I only carry liability insurance so spending a little extra to hopefully discourage someone from trying to steal my wheels/tires may be a cheap investment.

 

[Big Brian]

have you got a quote on comprehensive ins?

with all the stuff you are doing to that it might be worth it.

any crook can get around wheel locks real easy

 

[Vancouver Bob]

have you got a quote on comprehensive ins?

with all the stuff you are doing to that it might be worth it.

any crook can get around wheel locks real easy

Definitely something to look into, thanks for the suggestion! My brother-in-law is my insurance guy so will check.