Something I’ve been working on for quite some time here and there is repurposing an old metal work table into skid plates. This rusty chunk of 1/4” plate was free. I’ve been loosely following the diy by
@y=mx+b
. I faced a number of challenges, first not having a 3 prong 240v outlet then my air compressor not being able to keep up with the Cornwall tools plasma torch my buddy let me borrow, then the torch barely being able to cut 1/4”. I had the basic parts and pieces made for a while. I used some 3/16 u channel for the core support. I used 2x2 1/4 wall square tube and 3/16” flat plate for the two front stand offs and made some small spacers for the rear engine crossmember from UHMW. The transmission crossmember stand off is 1x2 rec tubing which was part of the frame of the table I cut up for this. The rest of the 1x2 will be the t-case crossmember. I still need some bracing and side fillers but otherwise I love how this is turning out.
Purchased a Smittybilt XRC Gen2 9500 winch and True North Fab recovery points with frame tie-ins. For ease of installation and time I mounted the control box on the side. It contacts the hood release in the center so that won’t fly. On the side it allows the best access to the control lead. I plan on making a custom aluminum mount for it once I have a little more free time. And I know, my wiring looks like ass.
Scored a set of used Bilstein 6112’s and 5160’s for a 5th gen for a great price. Swapped out the current front set ups for the 6112’s. The lower eyelet on the 5th gen shock is about 3/16” wider than a 4th gen. Two minutes with a flap wheel on my grinder and good to go. Installed YotaMafia extended ss brake lines up front too. Did a full brake system flush with synthetic dot 3. I still need new reservoir clamps for the 5160’s before I can use them. I’ll probably just keep them as backups when I have to rebuild the Icon 2.0s.
Got the Icon springs installed. Went out for a test and man what a huge difference. 3” 400+ Lb spring definitely don’t flex like these. My suspension as a whole is night and day difference over the Toytec 3” springs on 5100’s with their top spacer and 3” hd rear springs. The heavy springs were awesome when hauling firewood or my side by side but suck for wheeling. I actually bottom out on the rear bumps now. Time for Durobumps in the rear.
Purchased a Smittybilt XRC Gen2 9500 winch and True North Fab recovery points with frame tie-ins. For ease of installation and time I mounted the control box on the side. It contacts the hood release in the center so that won’t fly. On the side it allows the best access to the control lead. I plan on making a custom aluminum mount for it once I have a little more free time. And I know, my wiring looks like ass.
You can remove your old control arm bushings at your leisure now and install some Super Pro or comparable bushings. I went Super Pro.
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2003 Limited, V8, AWD. 4600 Bils/FJ springs, 1/2" spacer, SPC UCA, Super Pro bushings in front LCA and in all rear control arms, Michelin 265/65R17 LTX/Defenders, stock wheels with homemade center caps, Stop Tech slotted rotors w/Posi Quiet pads all around.