new guy fresh build, from Mokena, IL

[Mrandersonxd]

Hey everyone, been a lurker here for a while.

Just getting started on my 03 EXT that my parents bought in 2003. I purchased it from them when they were going to trade it in 2 years ago.

169k on the clock, 4.2, 3.42 gears, non G80(next spring/summer project)

purchased a set of wheel spacers off the classifieds and ordered a LIFTMeister 3" lift/level kit(thanks!)

Just thought I'd post something for once.

[Mrandersonxd]

Here's what I've done so far:

INTERIOR:

LED interior light swap
Removed 3rd row seat
4 new kicker CS65 speakers
Panasonic head unit(going into my boat in spring)
12" Kicker CVR in a ported box w/ mono amp
ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII device(running torque on my droid turbo, getting my note2 repaired for this)
Mount for my Droid Turbo on dash
Removed carpet in old 3rd seat area, and rear cargo area
Shaved down studs and brackets and Herculined exposed metal


EXTERIOR:

removed factory step bars
herculined plastic moulding
plasti-dipped stock wheels
plasti-dipped front grille
HID Headlights


DRIVETRAIN:

Upgrades:

removed intake resonator
removed exhaust resonator
removed stock air box, replaced with K+N filter
drilled and tapped new vacuum fittings

Maintenance:

replaced 4L60E with a rebuilt(Shift-Rite Kankakee, IL - 3yr/36k) - August 2015
did fluid changes on the diffs/transfer case when I put the trans in
replaced thermostat(Stant) - December 2015
6 new COP, 6 new plugs - March 2015
new belt - December 2015
Water Pump - October 2014

SUSPENSION:

Upgrades:

Bilstein's - They're old 2011 maybe(40-50k on them, will see how they hold up, just did my lift today)
Flipped and swapped UCA's
MarkMC 3" Lift/Level kit
MarkMC 1.5" wheel spacers
MOOG 81114 front springs
OEM EXT rear springs
(5) BFGoodrich MT TA KM 255/75/17 on stock wheels

Maintenance:

4 new calipers, ceramic pads all around - October 2015
bled entire brake system - October 2015
tie rods, ball joints, sway bar links, UCA/LCA bushings - May 2015(the only work I haven't done myself)

[Mrandersonxd]

Lift Done.

[ErikSS]

Welcome! I'm local to ya. I live in Lansing, and work in Tinley Park.

[Mrandersonxd]

Thanks!

I lurked your build a few times, sick rig!

You had it dyno'ed the next building over from my shop haha. We've since moved tho.

[ErikSS]

Nice! They were really nice guys over there at StraightLine Performance.

[v7guy]

We need more pictures! LOL

[DirtyBacon04]

We need more pictures! LOL

That's Jason... he's our local Creepy Cowboy. Mostly harmless... unless you're a tree.

[v7guy]

21zyMT2.gif (1.28 MiB) Viewed 15781 times

[Mrandersonxd]

Ask and you shall receive.

[v7guy]

I really enjoy my droid turbo, first phone I haven't bothered rooting in years.

You're probably gonna want to look at alternative shocks in the rear if you spend any decent time off road and probably an oil pan skid.


If you haven't found need to take off the front bumper (or it hasn't been removed for you by obstacles) your radiator will probably be safe.

[Mrandersonxd]

Any recommendations for the rear shocks?

[Trail X]

Take a look through the builds or through The Complete Lifts and Suspension Accessories Thread: viewtopic.php?p=19428#p19428

There's also a Bilstein shock that isn't listed in that thread. Basically it just comes down to Bilstein, Fox, Skyjacker, or BDS.

[BC backroader]

Any recommendations for the rear shocks?

I'm using the BDS 55619 on my '05 EXT, along with Z71 Tahoe springs and the spacer in Marks 2.5" lift/level, and I'm very pleased with the improvement in ride, both on the highway, and on the logging roads I love to explore. The ride with this setup, at least on our long wheelbase EXTs, is firmer than stock, but not harsh or bouncy. I noticed an improvement in tracking over washboard at speed with the firmer rear setup, compared to OEM. Some members have found the Z71 springs too firm on the short wheelbase 360s.

[Mrandersonxd]

by Trail X » Fri Dec 18, 2015 1:26 pm
Take a look through the builds or through The Complete Lifts and Suspension Accessories Thread: viewtopic.php?p=19428#p19428

There's also a Bilstein shock that isn't listed in that thread. Basically it just comes down to Bilstein, Fox, Skyjacker, or BDS.

I have looked through a few times. I was pretty interested in the Fox 2.0. I may just go with something more price effective for now. The BDS seems like a good choice at $45/shock.

Just driving it to and from work the past 2 days my front bilsteins seem to be doing nice. I cross a rough railroad crossing and a terrible gravel road to get to my shop. I hear a knock from the rear when its extended, fronts handle it great. Could this be the end links hitting the UCA? I need to get that sway bar out of there.

[Anthony Hernandez]

Don't forget ranchos...I recently became a fan myself...

[TBYODA]

I hear a knock from the rear when its extended, fronts handle it great. Could this be the end links hitting the UCA? I need to get that sway bar out of there.

Naw your stock EXT rear shocks are topping out. With the lift you need longer rear shocks which has been stated. A lot of guys run skyjackers n8030.

Skyjacker (N8030) 2" Slim body Softride Nitro Shock Absorber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B4QVR0/re ... Dwb20H94FN

[Mrandersonxd]

Arriving Dec 24 - Dec 31
Not yet shipped

2 of Skyjacker (N8030) 2" Slim body Softride Nitro Shock Absorber
Sold by: Everything-Aftermarket
$47.49

[TBYODA]

Good deal, BTW you gonna need to use bunch of washers or some kind of spacer on the bottom shock mount. So the shock doesn't bang around.

[Cable810]

Welcome!