Ultimate Exterior Retrofit - Turning a 2005 into a 2017

[jerryr]

I have seen a few people around the forum mention upgrading exteriors and such, but I'm not sure where to start posting this project. If you would give me some good intel, it would be greatly appreciated.

I will be literally changing a 2005 Limited into a 2017 Limited.

 

[BillAlex]

Great idea. Be sure to post photos as you go. I would like to follow your project as I am thinking of doing the same thing.

 

[R W Carpenter]

Now this ought to be one for the history books. Are you just planning on front end and rear end or all the way around? I'm curious if the body panels off a 2017 would even work on a 2005 without some SERIOUS modifications.

 

[JExpedition07]

The 2nd gen Limited looks better than the 3rd gen, why do it? I guess that’s my opinion.

 

[R W Carpenter]

The 2nd gen Limited looks better than the 3rd gen, why do it? I guess that’s my opinion.
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Wow, that picture of the second gen limited popped up on my screen and I thought it was mine. Identical accept for mine has amber lenses on mirrors and black skull caps. Also mine has vent shades on the doors. Other than that I could swear that was my truck.

 

[Flexpedition]

Have you looked at what new & used 15/16/17 upper radiator grilles go for? Its a pretty coin for a lot of plastic.

 

[JExpedition07]

Wow, that picture of the second gen limited popped up on my screen and I thought it was mine. Identical accept for mine has amber lenses on mirrors and black skull caps. Also mine has vent shades on the doors. Other than that I could swear that was my truck.

I almost bought another expy cream white Limited 2006, had the owner come down a little more I would have taken it to tool around with. Pretty trucks.

 

[bryan]

I looked into it. It would be quite doable from what I saw.

 

[Transporter]

My real question is why waste the money instead of just buying a 2018 if that is the look you want? With the 2018 you get the new engine and 10 speed tranny with all the technology and power, plus all the new interior stuff (BlueTooth, Display, plays FLAC, Handsfree, etc), and none of the bad stuff like rust, worn drivetrain, and the terribly designed front end on the Gen 2 that has to be replaced about every 30K miles!

But I will be happy to follow!

 

[R W Carpenter]

My real question is why waste the money instead of just buying a 2018 if that is the look you want? With the 2018 you get the new engine and 10 speed tranny with all the technology and power, plus all the new interior stuff (BlueTooth, Display, plays FLAC, Handsfree, etc), and none of the bad stuff like rust, worn drivetrain, and the terribly designed front end on the Gen 2 that has to be replaced about every 30K miles!

But I will be happy to follow!

Personally, I don't much care for the exterior of the 3rd gen. I have a 06 and I love the look of it on the outside. I do like a lot of the changes that they have made to the interior on the 3rd gen though. specifically moving the sifter to the center console. I am an old school manual transmission guy so out of habit i suppose i like having something to hold onto while driving.