Twin Hauler gets some upgrades

Vader's Fury

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So the time has come to do some upgrades to the Ex.

I originally bought this truck 3 days before my twins were born(march 2013) Only thing needed to pass inspection was new brake pads, but I ended up putting all new calipers/rotors/pads on it. I am the 3rd owner technically, (Man bought new, when he passed it was willed to his wife) but really the 2nd. Truck was well taken care of but was definitely used by the family.

20140418_080008_zpsjicidjzu.jpg


There were a few issues present when I bought the truck but, they were not necessary for the truck to operate and drive safely so since I had other priorities at the time (newborn twins and my wife) I got it tagged and I just drove it.

Well the time has come to finally spend a little time and money on the old girl. The goal is to fix any issues that the truck has, update any issues that Excursions have, update a few engine issues, and basically just get the truck ready to haul the family around for another couple of years.

Here is the list of things that I have planned.

Drivetrain
-New injectors (stock or AC's)
-New international up-pipes
-Honey badger Jr hpop
-******d Pedestal
-Van turbo or upgraded stock turbo
-Reseal few places that have developed small leaks(Fuel bowl, Turbo pedestal, Etc)
-Complete fluid change(engine, transmission, transfer case, differentials)
-Linex valve covers
-New intake (6637 or something similar if it is quieter than 6637)

Exterior
-New chrome front bumper
-New 2011+ chrome rear bumper
-New chrome grill(maybe. Want to see which looks better)
-2008+ Mirrors
-New side steps or removing them (still undecided)
-Window tint
-Led taillights
-Remove and Paint hitch
-Fix or remove loose body molding
-Fix auto light system

Suspension
-Complete 06 Suspension swap
-2012 Platinum rims
-305/55/20 Nitto terra grapplers
-New shocks(still need to figure out which ones)
-Truck rear sway bar

Interior
-New seat bottoms for front captain chairs
-Sound deadening panels for under dash
-Remote Starter installation
-Fix keypad entry system
-Replace door for garage door opener in overhead console

There might be more added between now and then, but this is the current plan as of right now.

I started collecting parts for all of this a couple of months ago and have 50% or more of it already. Slowly building a pile in my shop for when I can afford the time to park this thing for a couple of weeks to complete the work.

I will add more pictures once I get a chance to get into my shop and get pics of all the parts I already have lying around.
 
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bordo380

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Nice rig. I like your list, it gave me some ideas.
Mine is a 2001 Western Hauler.
I still need to up grade to 4" exhaust.
 

psduser1

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I'd skip the hpop, and do a 38r, with your new uppipes.
160/30s for an injector, and decent tunes, if you haven't already.
Reseal the engine, and rock on!
Four inch exhaust will change the tone, but not really necessary.
My .02, lol.
How many miles on your ex?
 

Vader's Fury

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I'd skip the hpop, and do a 38r, with your new uppipes.
160/30s for an injector, and decent tunes, if you haven't already.
Reseal the engine, and rock on!
Four inch exhaust will change the tone, but not really necessary.
My .02, lol.
How many miles on your ex?

I have the Jr just sitting here. Bought it when they had the release special. Figure I might as well put it to good use.

Have not bought injectors yet as I have not made up my mind yet on what I want.

38r worries me because I don't want to listen to the noise. The biggest part of this is keeping the truck quiet and trying to make it ride a little better. That is why I am leaning towards the modified van turbo.

Power really doesn't matter to me with this truck. If I can pick up a few ponies without needed a ton of upgrades I am good. I don't wanna have to get a built trans or anything like that.

Just rolled 200k on her.
 

Vader's Fury

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Just an update.

I have been taking to Mike @ No limit for shocks, steering stabilizer, and Hellwig sway bars. Looking to go with 4400# springs and some custom king shocks if I can figure out the bump stop issue. If not will be 4800# springs with king 2.5's most likely. Not sure on rear spring setup yet. Will have to play with it once I get the front ride height set where I want it.

Also planning on installing rear helper bags for when I have to tow my small enclosed trailer.

Also bought a 38r, IH up-pipes, 08+ mirrors, and ordered 160/80's from Unlimited Diesel.

Got my tires mounted up, windows tinted, and remote start installed.

Still have some more parts to collect, but the pile in the corner of my shop is growing.

Also planning to swap in some LED headlights, reverse bulbs and install a light bar in place of my fog lights.
 

psduser1

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Sweet! I love the black, wish I still had a black one.

Are you doing any trans upgrades? Definitely need it with your power mods.
Valve body and tc?
 

Vader's Fury

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Valve body and TC but that will be later.

Plan to keep it tuned down for the short term. Truck just rolled 200k miles so a full rebuild is probably a good idea. Have a core trans i plan to build then install at a later date. Possibly a Christmas present to myself LOL
 
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Vader's Fury

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Ptm.

Went with a vendor on Ebay. Was complete except the headlights. Will be going with Harley Headlights.

Hoping that it will be good quality. Figured with the good feedback rating they had it was worth the risk.
 

psduser1

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Perfect! I really like the Harley front ends. Decent lights for a factory setup. Pretty sure that's where I'm going, again.
Is the vendor out of tx? What brand of lights?
I've got eagle eyes in my '00, but I hear good things about a couple of other brands.
 

Vader's Fury

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That's what I will have except went with the Harley grill. Trying to not go 100% murdered out. Also I think will tie in with my platinum wheels as well.
 

cbf9703

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That's what I will have except went with the Harley grill. Trying to not go 100% murdered out. Also I think will tie in with my platinum wheels as well.
I hear ya. The EX wanted to pull the chrome trim and I fought it, didn't want to go total black, but it is dark. LOL

She's not clean today, but you get the idea. I like the little pop of chrome.
038fa9b5010f8dcf657fd29f923473a6.jpg


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 

Vader's Fury

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Yup mine has the same look. Will have chrome on the grill, wheels, light buckets, trim down the doors and maybe the mirror tops but will see if I like them chrome or black.

All the lights will be led and tinted to match the wimdows.

Hopefully it will look like the picture in my head. :fustrate:
 

psduser1

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I hear ya. The EX wanted to pull the chrome trim and I fought it, didn't want to go total black, but it is dark. LOL

She's not clean today, but you get the idea. I like the little pop of chrome.
038fa9b5010f8dcf657fd29f923473a6.jpg


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Those windows need more tint...
 

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