Dog Tired build thread

[Dog Tired]

Newbie build thread here. Don't hate too much, I'm looking for constructive criticism and any advice available.

Here she is as is. 2001 SR5 4wd with 104k. Nothing special really, just an average stock runner in need of a few mods. My goals aren't extreme off roading, more so a well maintenanced, capable of occasional off road adventures that would stop every average f150 driver out there.



As far as back story goes, I had another 2001 SR5 that made it to 164k just as I was getting warmed up to the idea of mods. I promptly totaled it and haven't slept well since. Just wanted another so bad I couldn't wait much longer and came across this one that met my initial criteria for something I could work with.

The list of things to do:
Speedys 2" lift-Done
Deck plate mod-Done
ISR mod
Upgrade stereo-Done
Upgrade speakers-Done, but…need to figure out a sub and amp
Steering rack bushings replaced-ordered and on the way
Front and rear sway bar bushings replaced-Done
Running board delete-Cant decide
Led light bar-24" Done

After buying it I took an in depth look at the rear end and one side is actually sitting on the bump stop! This will be my first suspension job and the rear rust is the only thing standing in the way…well, that and the parts. Here goes!

 

[alanflies]

Love the SR-5 with the limited flares...Love the color too...sweet truck!

 

[Unner]

Looks like a great start! Just remember to keep up on maintenance first. Look up the transmission cooler and LBJ (especially if you plan to lift). Those are the biggest two short comings of these trucks. Other than that they are rock solid. I've got 167k on my 01 and I just did the LBJ's and did the transmission cooler a few months ago. I wouldn't be afraid to drive this truck to Alaska and back.

If you wouldn't mind posting some pictures or a write up when you take the light bar apart to reseal it that would be great. I have researched this, but I couldn't find anything with pictures. I'm also to afraid to rip a brand new light apart without any sort of guidance haha.

Love the SR-5 with the limited flares...Love the color too...sweet truck!

I really like those flares too. Same ones I have but my truck is black. Only issue is the way mud can get packed in them. Its crazy how much mud I wash out of them after I go get dirty...

 

[Dog Tired]

Dog tired

Thanks. Forgot to mention full size matching rim spare!

Pricing 5x tires hurts my soul a little. Any recs on what 5 shoes I can do at the $1000 mark?

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Looks good so far man. As far as the sub and amp I would look at some of the builds where the box is built into the storage cubby in the back. It's a great out of the way spot imo. Cargo space is great but sub boxes get big quick.

 

[Dog Tired]

Box

I saw that trolling around earlier. It does look handy with the box in that space and the amp mounted to the plastic panel next to it. That may be the direction I go. Would have to build that box custom though…should be fun

 

[96LTDrus]

Thanks. Forgot to mention full size matching rim spare!

Pricing 5x tires hurts my soul a little. Any recs on what 5 shoes I can do at the $1000 mark?

A lot of decent brands and options, it really depends on what you want to get out of them. Maybe some Dueler Revo 2s? As tempting as it is to get the gnarliest looking tires, for a daily driver that only sees occasional forays offroad, something that maintains stock MPG and is quiet on the highway is high on my priority list. Cooper ATPs have a good reputation here and elsewhere it seems, for being very versatile and livable tires priced competitively.

 

[Dog Tired]

LBJs

Yes, LBJs are on the list as well for sure.

The radiator was just replaced 10k ago according g to receipts from PO, still do the tranny cooler? Along those lines, in front of the new radiator is another large cooling system very somilar in size to the radiator…is this stock? Looks that way, but it's bulging to the front center. Pictures to follow.

 

[Koch13351]

Thanks. Forgot to mention full size matching rim spare!

Pricing 5x tires hurts my soul a little. Any recs on what 5 shoes I can do at the $1000 mark?

Shop around on tirerack.com. That'll at least give you an idea of what you can get in your price range. A good all terrain would be the ticket with what you say you'll be using your vehicle for.

 

[Unner]

You don't need to do the transmission cooler if you have a new radiator, but the extra insurance doesn't hurt and it's pretty cheap. ~$45 and a couple hours of your time and you're done.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Thanks. Forgot to mention full size matching rim spare!

Pricing 5x tires hurts my soul a little. Any recs on what 5 shoes I can do at the $1000 mark?

General grabber at2. That's what I like. It's decently light and a good traction tire. 5 I believe is close to the 1k mark but not over it.

 

[3rzrunner]

Thanks. Forgot to mention full size matching rim spare!

Pricing 5x tires hurts my soul a little. Any recs on what 5 shoes I can do at the $1000 mark?

265/75/16 Duratracs or bfg at ko hands down

 

[Dog Tired]

Tires

All the reading I've done and I was still pretty stuck in the 285/75/16 mindset. The 265/75/16 drops the price right into my range. Tire rack doesn't offer any road hazard for the tires mentioned above, but discounttiredirect.com does so I think that's where I'm going for the General grabber AT2 for $984ish with the $70 rebate, "free" shipping, and what they call the "certificates of refund or replacement" which I can use to replace a tire I shred apparently.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Dog Tired]

Front bump stop gap with nothing in the truck. Other side looks the same. Stock gear Damn near quit by this point.



Rear. Yeah, that's touching.

 

[Dog Tired]

Light sealing

So here's the 24" light I got for the front bumper.



Side view.


side removed.


Long story short, it was already sealed. Not sure how to improve on it. Couldn't disasemble it any further without pulling what the manufacturer put in. Easy mod!

 

[Dog Tired]

Where to put the light

Planned on putting it in the lower half of the front grill. Pics below of the Dremel work. Handy little tool.

Front


Rear


Cut tabs out to gain access to other angles. Used a small cut off disc.


The "wear gloves" pic. This thing will dig into you faster than you can figure it out.


Cutout finished and lightbar put in for spacing and mounting options.

 

[Dog Tired]

Suspension should be in by the 14th. Busy week coming up.

Question: With rust situation that I'm looking at, would it be prudent to go ahead and attempt to PPP a few of the bolts ahead of the lift installation to possibly save myself some time when it comes to actually installing it? Even if I snap one bolt it can halt the whole thing for a few hours at least, if not a day or so.

 

[Dog Tired]

Tires

Bought these.



Pumped. Everything should be here next week. Now I'm reconsidering the 2" lift and wondering if 3" would be better. Means I need a diff drop and what else? Speedy's lift doesn't require one at 2" but what perch setting for the front 5100s and how will I match the rear? Spacers?

Newb!

 

[Dog Tired]

Shaaawing

These little dudes showed up in the mail today. Pumped!

 

[Dog Tired]

Tires showed up. Gettin there.