noob

[joethefordguy]

Now I wish I'd said "Noob from Texas". sorry about that.

anyway, I found this site by searching the internet. I hope to find info to upgrade my 2004 Expedition XLT SSV 4x4 5.4L.
FWIW, I have zero interest in recreational, ultimate offroading. I have no interest in trying to break my truck on a weekend, since I want to get somewhere on Monday.
I do want a robust, off-road capable vehicle that is not limited to asphalt. I prefer to go around obstacles rather than over or through them. I hope to capitalize on the experience of others.
once upon a time, i was responsible for a small fleet of off-road wheeled and tracked vehicles, and their drivers, for a couple of years. it was an educational experience.

 

[Shaggy]

Now I wish I'd said "Noob from Texas". sorry about that.

anyway, I found this site by searching the internet. I hope to find info to upgrade my 2004 Expedition XLT SSV 4x4 5.4L.
FWIW, I have zero interest in recreational, ultimate offroading. I have no interest in trying to break my truck on a weekend, since I want to get somewhere on Monday.
I do want a robust, off-road capable vehicle that is not limited to asphalt. I prefer to go around obstacles rather than over or through them. I hope to capitalize on the experience of others.
once upon a time, i was responsible for a small fleet of off-road wheeled and tracked vehicles, and their drivers, for a couple of years. it was an educational experience.

So lift or no lift? Bigger tires, better suspension? What are your thoughts? Welcome to the forum!

 

[joethefordguy]

Right now, I'm looking at the standard 3/2 lift, with 33 or 35 tires. Gibsons all around, maybe the F150 mod in front. I've looked at lots of different lifts, including the rize. It is very difficult to find actual improved ground clearance figures for each lift. In the one installed rize lift I saw a picture of, the increase in ground clearance was not clear. If I can get to the bottom of this, I would also consider a body lift – whatever is the smartest move, since I’m very aware of the load this puts on the steering, drive shafts and suspension.

Under the hood, I want to minimize intake and exhaust restrictions, so complete dual exhaust with at least a better air filter - I'm not sold on the whole CAI concept yet. When I tried to find out how much temperature reduction of the intake air stream CAI provides, the best I got was no answer. I already have dual cats, so I already have "duals" from the exhaust manifolds through the cats to just before the muffler - all I really need is the pipes from the cats back and two good mufflers. I will probably combine this with a tuner to get the full benefit, but I have not settled on a tuner yet. If I can find good headers that fit, I would do that, but that looks doubtful.

I also want to do the transmission Jmod, skid plates, and rock sliders.

At the moment, I'm still researching and planning the budget - looking at 10 grand plus for everything at a minimum. And thanks!

 

[joethefordguy]

10 grand was optimistic.