build plan and parts (pre build thread)

by **dillonwalt** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 5:32 am

So I have got every thing I need to start lifting/moding my TB. About a year ago I got into a front in crash with my TB destroying my grille/ headlight retainer, grille, hood, bumper cover, also putting a pretty awesome hole in my condensor. Due to lack of funding, time and knowledge I removed my grille and bumper cover and drove my limping baby with no a/c through this last summer please don't judge I know how bad it sounds. Now I am doing all the repair work including replacing my condensor, a/c accumulator, idler/tensioner pulleys, serpentine belt, spark plugs all new Royal Purple fluids, XFER case fluids (auto trac II can only be purchased at the dealer wtf is that about), new U-joints, ball joints, cv axles, tie rod ends O2 sensors. Hmmm... and I missing anything.

Next week comes all the fun stuff you really want to hear about. My intentions for this thread are for it to be somewhat of a "pre build thread". So here it is let me know what you think and as soon as I am done I will post a proper build thread full of images of before, during and after.

Monday: Front end tear down, Install new CV axles, tie rod ends, ball joints, also doing the UCA reversal. Install new MarkMC 3IN Susp. Lift under Bilstien HD shocks with new springs

Tuesday: Rear end tear down, Install MarkMC 3IN Susp. lift under Z71 Tahoe springs, with Fox 2.0 Shocks

Wednesday: Install 1.5IN wheel spacer by MarkMC, American Racing Fuel AR321 17X8, With TreadWright Guard Dogs 285/70R17

Thursday: Wrap up, install Secret weapon R CAI, headlights/tail lights, black hood, black grille,

I went through and removed all emblems and replaced them with black billet emblems, removed roof rack to prepare for a much better after market one, painted all lights and reflectors smoke black, cleaned and painted any rusted engine hardware or suspension parts, also I have purchased but not yet made a final decision on a Ford SVT Raptor side vinyl graphic, feel free to comment hate or not on that last one may help me make a decision.

I purchased an ORTB decal and will be buying a shirt or a hoodie, I plan on representing ORTB at Crusin' The Coast next weekend. It is a huge gathering of cars and car people from around the country and even Canada every year held on the Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida Gulf Coast. It is mostly classic, vintage, and antique cars but they mostly appreciate anything cool and unique and I am pretty sure I may have the only ORTB in the area or at least at the show.

Future mods include, custom exhaust system, rock sliders, steel bumper/rad/oil pan skids, spare tire/equipment rack for the rear possibly an entire rear bumper assembly, rear suspension kit by massive,and last but not least my most anticipated ROOFTOP tent (best idea ever)

by **navigator** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 7:35 am

sounds like a plan Dillon. Tuesday and Wednesday should be short days, you can likely combine those efforts.
Also, you might want to give it a few days to settle in and get an alignment scheduled.

by **boog2006** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 7:46 am

What a week! Need pics!

Good luck.

by **wink** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 12:12 pm

Sounds like a good plan, except the ford grafix. What kind of new springs are you putting in the front?
Good luck. :mechanic:

by **TangoBravo** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 1:42 pm

Sounds like you have the makings of a pretty good build, I personally am not a fan of ford decals on a Chevy but I am familiar with the graphic your talking about and if done right might look ok. I would be interested in seeing what the final product looked like.

by **dillonwalt** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 10:24 pm

Moog Chassis Parts AMG60148 are the springs i went with for the front an alignment will definitely be happening. Also I am still undecided on the decal, but that is the beauty of a decal, if I don't like it I can always take it off.

by **dillonwalt** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:19 pm

Well I started on the front today as planned didnt realize I was going to need special tools or have to take my parts to a shop to have the new ball joints pressed in. Also I found much more corrision than anticipated decided to go ahead and get new rotors and wheel bearings. I am sinking more money into this project than originally planned on but I guess thats the name of the game. I will have to wait some time but I will eventually probably replace all the factory front end components. For now got the new shock and springs put together just have to wait until morning to get the ball joints pressed in should have the front finished tomorrow and the rear started, can't wait to see what surprises I find back there.

by **v7guy** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 4:04 am

I think you'll find the rear dramatically easier than the front.

by **dillonwalt** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:13 pm

Didn't get to do anything today but work proceeds tomorrow, glad to hear that though i really want it to be an in and out job when it comes to the rear.

by **fishsticks** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:14 pm

dillonwalt wrote:i really want it to be an in and out job when it comes to the rear.

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat's what she said. :mrgreen:

by **NC_IslandRunner** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:48 pm

I'd skip the Ford graphic, they may not laugh to your face but trust me they will laugh.

by **v7guy** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:18 pm

fishsticks wrote:
dillonwalt wrote:i really want it to be an in and out job when it comes to the rear.

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat's what she said.

Bada bump

by **CHIEF BIG RIDGE** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 1:30 pm

fishsticks wrote:
dillonwalt wrote:i really want it to be an in and out job when it comes to the rear.

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat's what she said.

You two had to have planned that? That was too easy.

by **v7guy** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 5:06 pm

CHIEF BIG RIDGE wrote:
fishsticks wrote:
dillonwalt wrote:i really want it to be an in and out job when it comes to the rear.

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat's what she said.

You two had to have planned that? That was too easy.

Nah, that's just how we get down over here on offroadtb

by **The Roadie** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 5:25 pm

dillonwalt wrote:I will have to wait some time but I will eventually probably replace all the factory front end components.

If you wheel it hard, you will have to REPEATEDLY replace all the front end components. :grin:

by **dillonwalt** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:16 pm

wow thats all i can say lol!

by **dillonwalt** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 6:59 pm

Alright so the TB is looking pretty stout! I have got the whole rear end complete with the front end completed sometime tonight. I had to take the lower control arms and steering knuckles to a local shops to have the new ball joints pressed due to lack of personal tools and time. I will be getting an alignment and testing it out over the weekend. I will have a full build thread up by next week full of pics for all to see and will hope fully start planning future projects thanks for all the help guys it went a long way.

by **navigator** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 10:07 am

sounds good Dillon, make sure to read through the build thread guidelines so the first post is consistent with others.

by **dillonwalt** » Mon Oct 08, 2012 10:26 pm

So I havent finished yet and I guess I have to do more research but if anyone can help me out here it would be appreciated.

by **v7guy** » Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:02 am

What's the problem?

Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys