squint0241's Oahu Build

Best write up I think I've seen so far, looks great. Lots of good tips too. I'll be doing mine exactly the same way. Thanks for the shout in the 2nd gen thread. I've ogled your build before but not since you added these flares.

 

Thanks. I know it's not a complete detailed write-up, but most of the substance is there. Check out @bullaculla for some more good gouge. He has pics of the hardware I used and the sequence. Good luck in your build!

 

Btw...in case you were wondering..I cut in 2.5" of fender..

 

It helped a lot and gave me a bit more confidence to tackle my own. Did you use actual bushwackers or knockoffs from eBay?

Also, black fenders on a white truck like that looks bad ass.

2.5 seems to be ideal, I think I'll be doing the same. My pizza cutters still have a bit of life in them but I'm hoping to get 17's and 35's on by February so this is definitely on my list of upcoming projects. Really wanting to do a trip to Moab for spring break.

 

I did a satin black wrap on the sport hood I picked up... this is making me want to redo it in Typhon Kryptec. Then again wrapping it once was a massive test of my patience and skill.

 

Yeah...I did the tailgate and stopped after that. Had a few small wrinkles and then decided to have the hood done professionally..

 

They're the real deal (Bushwhackers). I contemplated getting knockoffs since I planned on cutting them the hell up, but the fit of the bushwhackers drew me in. I want the shit done right and to look as good as I can get it. Didn't want to chance knockoffs, but to each his own...

 

Finished install on one side of the truck with the new heims. Thanks to @bullaculla for bringing by the puller and 12pt socket I didn't have.. I jumped in knee deep and then couldn't separate the UCA bolt from the spindle. Hammer technique didn't work.. The puller is an item I must have. Also noticed the CMC on the passenger side is not cut back as far as the drivers side and I have a slight rub on the CMC. Gonna have to redo that side. Almost 1/4" difference.. Only rubs at full turn with compression though, so I'm gonna have to solve that real fast so I can get off-road..

 

Sooo...UCA Heims replaced, but not after a complete install and then a redo... Threaded the Heim rod ends into the billet arms and left some thread gap to try for some increased caster on the wheel. Seemed to gain more camber than caster... Another thing I found out after the install is that the rod ends need to be seated into the UCA arm and there is actually a pinch collar that allows for the extension/adjustment of the rod ends after the UCA's are mounted on the truck. With this after-the-fact/install newfound knowledge I had to disassemble the suspension again to set it correctly...fml It's all good though, because my pit crew time decreased immensely by doing it twice.. I think I can do it blindfolded now... Alignment scheduled tomorrow and I plan on having the caster pushed to around 3 to get some more wheel clearance from the back of the well.

New vs Old Heims:


Thanks @bullaculla for the Pitman puller (I need one of these)..

 

Sooo...this today. Second attempt on CMC cut-back. 35's need more clearance than 33's.. Shout out to @hacklerjason for the Great Work! and the guy can lay a great bead.. Cut about a 1/4" off the existing CM plate and then recessed the plate inside at an angle. It's tucked back nicely...

 

Back to the Beach...

 

This truck always looks good. How's the performance with the stock engine and 35's?

Did I miss the post about the hood/tailgate graphics?

 

The stock gears have been fine with the 35's. Honestly don't notice a difference daily driving and I have only played at the beach. 4 low works great for now. Regearing will go down after the new year. I think I'm getting better gas milage with the stock gears on the street... . The graphics were done over a year ago.

 

Picked up some ABS plastic from ePlastics to create some rear fender liners. It's a 98% solution. It won't fill in the gaps flush, but provides majority coverage from the muk.. 3/32" thickness. Used zip ties as a temp mount until I can source some retainer pins like the ones that hold the radiator plastic trim in the engine bay. @bullaculla brainstormed the idea. Mock up template out of cardboard and then trim plastic and mount to the tabs I made trimming the fenders. I used a fender washer to support the inner liner to the well through the bed. Also used a heat gun to warp the front plastic to conform to the plumbing near the gas line and fender supports then bent it by hand...

 

Looking good! If I can’t modify the factory fender liners to fit back in the wheel well, I’ll be using your method here to fit over the MUCH taller BAMF shock towers and HC bumper.

 

I suggest going with the 1/16" thick plastic from ePlastics if you decide to do it. It will be easier to conform

 

Frontrunner replaced my crappy expedition kit and I was at the 2 year mark if not a little past and out of warranty.. The corners and the center junctions.. Brand new. Frontrunner backs their product..

 

Wow. What happened there?

 

Bad manufacturing. It was resolved though

 

Was planning on replacing Lower Ball Joints on the cheap, but decided I'd just go the early Christmas present route...