Vincent Vega
Full Access Members
@MissileMech earlier this year I installed F150 coils and Bilstein 5100s in the front and got a 2.5 inch lift. I posted photos and info on here somewhere if you want to consider that vs. the spacers. I had to do spacers (w Bilstein 4600s) in the front, couldn't find anything better. Night and day difference offroad vs stock.I am in the process of doing the same things you are. I was going to buy a used Rubicon but didn't want to say goodbye to $30K so I am going to spend $5K instead. My wife and I also want to be able to take family with us on trails and the Expy is the only rig I can think of that can manage it comfortably. I have an '04 XLT and have had the Rancho's and spacers for years and they have worked well. I am about to replace them since I have put about 100K on them. I am also replacing my upper and lower front control arms. On Monday I am taking it to our local fab shop and they are adding fuel tank and trans/T-Case armor, Detroit TrueTrac's front and rear and a winch mount between the front frame rails. I will post photos once it is all done.
I know you haven't been out on the trails much but is your bumper trim seeming to provide the approach angle needed or will you be pulling the lower bumper entirely?
Can you give me an idea what a shop might charge me for the skidplates, Detroit install, and winch mounts? I also have a CO2 tank mount (not sure how that will work yet with the 3rd row seat in the back) and rock sliders on my list. I just have no idea how much it will all cost. Thanks for any help on that.
Which LCAs are you installing? I am leaning toward the Moog LCAs with the pre-installed ball joints and bushings. A few bucks more but I won't have to wrestle with pressing out the old balljoints. Also inner/outer tie rods because its only another $100 (Motorcraft) and will need an alignment anyway after. Next weekend.