ThatSickRips (Re)Build Thread

ThatSickRip

New member
I wanted to start a thread on my re-build of my 05 SR5 V6. Bought it in November 17 with about 144,700 on it. Its a DD and I have only put about 1k on since I got it. Being a DD, most of my mods will be on the lighter side. Heres what Ive done so far and what I have planned:

-Mobil 1 for the engine with OEM filters
-Mobil 1 for differentials and transfer case (have done rear diff, still need to do front and transfer case)
-replaced headlight bulbs with Phillips VisionPlus
-replaced reverse bulbs with JDM LEDs
-replaced all interior lights with an LED kit from eBay
-Pioneer HU
-CoverKing NeoSupreme seat covers (black)
-Salex OCD organizer and tray
-replaced breather plug in rear diff

Heres what I have planned for next:

-replace both CV axles (leaking) Going to drain front diff prior, then refill after
-replace UCAs and LCAs with 1A Auto parts. Figured worst case, they can get my by while I attempt to rebuild the OEM ones at my leisure
-replace inner and outer tie rods on both sides
-replace all sway bar bushings (front and back)
-replace sway bar end links
-replace front and rear shocks with KYB
-replace rear springs with Moog
-Daystar 1/1.5 spacers

I have 95% of the parts on hand Im going to be replacing since Id like to tackle it all in one weekend if possible. Are there any other parts I should have on hand while I have it all apart, or any other bushings that I can replace while doing? Im going to be using SPC cam bolts on the LCAs and OEM UCA bolts. Even if theyre good, I plan on replacing them since its not much money.

Heres the order Im going to be doing it. Feel free to chime in if you see any issues or have a better idea:

-drain front diff
-remove UCAs, LCAs, tie rods and CV axles
-install new CV axles, tie rods, UCAs, and LCAs
-install front shocks/sprins with spacers
-install rear shocks/srpings with spacers
-install new bar end links
-install new sway bar bushings

When completed, looking at putting on new wheels and tires. Still on the fence on what. Either going to go down a size to 16" and run 265/75s or maybe just stay stock and put on 265/70s. Leaning towards some Falken Wildpeaks AT3Ws.

Ill be saving pictures for when its all completed.

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
Looking like pretty much a whole front end re-build you're doing. Looks good. The only thing I'll say, is I re-did my whole suspension twice. Don't make the same mistake I made. I thought I would be happy with a leveling kit. I wasn't and had to redo a bunch of stuff. I would almost suggest, if you have to buy new UCA's anyways, that you go with some high castor ones that can handle a lift, and lift your front end more than 1.5". I think you'll be so much happier with this.

Also, for another super easy maintenance item, I would lube your drive shaft. There are 6 zerks and it takes only a few minutes, but good preventative maintenance while you're under her anyways.

Also want to suggest some 255-75R17 sized tires for a 2-3" lift. It's a great size. Larger diameter than 265/75R16 and slightly narrower by 1/2"

Cheers buddy,
Will
 
Thanks for the feedback. Got lubing the driveshaft added to the lis :thumb3: Im pretty set in the lift Im doing since Ive already got all of the components. Id love to lift it higher, but it wont be going off road (on purpose :D) and all I really want to achieve is a little more aggressive look while maintaining reliability. Sold my loaded 14 FX4 and picked this up to save money for my 15 month old little girl, so reliability and longevity are key for me.

Is setting aside a full weekend on jacks look like sufficient time to get what I listed done? Keep in mind a noob, not an experienced wrencher lol
 
Thanks for the feedback. Got lubing the driveshaft added to the lis :thumb3: Im pretty set in the lift Im doing since Ive already got all of the components. Id love to lift it higher, but it wont be going off road (on purpose :D) and all I really want to achieve is a little more aggressive look while maintaining reliability. Sold my loaded 14 FX4 and picked this up to save money for my 15 month old little girl, so reliability and longevity are key for me.

Is setting aside a full weekend on jacks look like sufficient time to get what I listed done? Keep in mind a noob, not an experienced wrencher lol

You and I are similar in that we are both not experienced wrenchers. I learned all that I know from friends/youtube videos/or instruction sheets lol. to give you an idea,....It took me about 10 hours to do my front and rear suspension and UCA's. This included new strut assemblies and UCA's in the front, and rear springs and shocks. That's going super slow and methodical, taking pictures, not having air tools, and re-watching the same how-to videos 10 times. lol. I drained and filled front/rear diff, and xfer case in about 2 hours going super slow. The sway bar bushings are about a 20 minutes job. I removed my sway bar in the front, temporarily, to see how it rode, and removed the rear when I installed the lift.
Tie rod ends took me all of 10 minutes a side. I did a writeup on it, in my build thread. My first real, writeup. Check it out and let me know what you think of my build thus far!


Not sure about the front LCA's or CV axles. Haven't done them yet, but looks really easy. I'd say maybe allow 4 hours for LCA's and CV's on both sides??? I've heard to replace the CV oil seal when replacing the axles, as it's a super cheap part, and will ensure there are no leaks after doing the shafts.
 
You and I are similar in that we are both not experienced wrenchers. I learned all that I know from friends/youtube videos/or instruction sheets lol. to give you an idea,....It took me about 10 hours to do my front and rear suspension and UCA's. This included new strut assemblies and UCA's in the front, and rear springs and shocks. That's going super slow and methodical, taking pictures, not having air tools, and re-watching the same how-to videos 10 times. lol. I drained and filled front/rear diff, and xfer case in about 2 hours going super slow. The sway bar bushings are about a 20 minutes job. I removed my sway bar in the front, temporarily, to see how it rode, and removed the rear when I installed the lift.
Tie rod ends took me all of 10 minutes a side. I did a writeup on it, in my build thread. My first real, writeup. Check it out and let me know what you think of my build thus far!


Not sure about the front LCA's or CV axles. Haven't done them yet, but looks really easy. I'd say maybe allow 4 hours for LCA's and CV's on both sides??? I've heard to replace the CV oil seal when replacing the axles, as it's a super cheap part, and will ensure there are no leaks after doing the shafts.

Awesome, thanks for the info! Going to check out your build thread now

Yea, I researched the shit our of the CV axles lol. Ive got all OEM oil seals and dust caps for the swap. Ive got replacement drain/fill plugs for all the diffs, transfer case, and oil pan. For the small cost, Id rather be as prepared as I can going into a job, instead of getting into it and find out a bolt was stripped/rounded from previous owner, and then have to stop and get/wait on a part.
 
Awesome, thanks for the info! Going to check out your build thread now

Yea, I researched the shit our of the CV axles lol. Ive got all OEM oil seals and dust caps for the swap. Ive got replacement drain/fill plugs for all the diffs, transfer case, and oil pan. For the small cost, Id rather be as prepared as I can going into a job, instead of getting into it and find out a bolt was stripped/rounded from previous owner, and then have to stop and get/wait on a part.

That's funny. I relaced all my crush washers and hardware as well LOL. We have the same mindset. I'm subscribing to your build thread. I'm sure it'll be a good one.
 
That's funny. I relaced all my crush washers and hardware as well LOL. We have the same mindset. I'm subscribing to your build thread. I'm sure it'll be a good one.

Lol Yep, I bought the crush washer kits for them as well :D
Weather is looking good for this weekend, so right now Im planning on getting the front end work done. If time permits, I will be doing the rear shocks, springs and spacers also.

I wasnt sure on what I wanted to do with wheels/tires, but I was browsing DiscountTire last night, and stumbled on a deal. The wheels arent my favorite, but I like them enough and the price was definitely right. I debated just using the stock 17's, but for the final cost of an extra $180, I went with some American Outlaw Sheriffs in 16's

sheriff_graymachined_6lug_white.jpg


Wrapping them in Wildpeak ATW3s in 265/75s. Total cost after DTs rebates and Ebates came to $657.09
 
Last edited:
Just know that 16's won't clear certain brakes....believe there are 2 brake options for the 4th gens. Sport models and some limiteds had larger brakes. Or in the future if you want to do the 5th gen brake upgrade, you won't be able to with those wheels. Just food for thought :)

Cheers!
 
Just know that 16's won't clear certain brakes....believe there are 2 brake options for the 4th gens. Sport models and some limiteds had larger brakes. Or in the future if you want to do the 5th gen brake upgrade, you won't be able to with those wheels. Just food for thought :)

Cheers!

Yes Sir, Im good there. Got the SR5, so no fitment issues. Thanks to T4R.org (again), I had plenty of info before going into it :D No issues with the brake upgrades; nothing to tow and not off roading so as a DD it'll be good to go :thumb:

ETA: Holy shit! Just got email from Discount Tire..my wheel/tire combo will be here Thursday, which is sooner than some Amazon items I ordered at the same time :O
 
Last edited:
So after 2 longs weeks of the truck on jack stands (working on it at night after work, limited weekend hours with baby) finally got the front end rebuild completed last Friday, new wheels and tires mounted and aligned on Saturday. I know one of the techs there and asked him to put eyes on what I did while he was doing the alignment and I got the :thumb:, so Im pretty happy considering this is my first go around with this kind of work. Recap of what was replaced:

-both UCAs and LCAs
-CVs, seals and dust covers
-TREs
-new KY Strut Plus with Daystar 1"
**KYBs and Daystar mad the front end go from 33" t0 38" ground to fender (had a thread on it) and that was with the stock wheels. Need to remeasure this weekend
-new end bar links and Energy Suspension sway bar bushing

Truck feels completely different now. Everything up front is tight and no more bouncing, squishy or shimmying on rough roads. Very pleased

Plan on doing the rear shocks, springs, Daystar 1.5, end bar links and sway bar bushings this weekend.

Also got my oil analysis back from Blackstone Labs, and got a great report, which is icing on the cake right now.
 
So after 2 longs weeks of the truck on jack stands (working on it at night after work, limited weekend hours with baby) finally got the front end rebuild completed last Friday, new wheels and tires mounted and aligned on Saturday. I know one of the techs there and asked him to put eyes on what I did while he was doing the alignment and I got the :thumb:, so Im pretty happy considering this is my first go around with this kind of work. Recap of what was replaced:

-both UCAs and LCAs
-CVs, seals and dust covers
-TREs
-new KY Strut Plus with Daystar 1"
**KYBs and Daystar mad the front end go from 33" t0 38" ground to fender (had a thread on it) and that was with the stock wheels. Need to remeasure this weekend
-new end bar links and Energy Suspension sway bar bushing

Truck feels completely different now. Everything up front is tight and no more bouncing, squishy or shimmying on rough roads. Very pleased

Plan on doing the rear shocks, springs, Daystar 1.5, end bar links and sway bar bushings this weekend.

Also got my oil analysis back from Blackstone Labs, and got a great report, which is icing on the cake right now.

What you're doing is great man. I'm about to embark on the same set of jobs, just throwing an entire lift install into the mix too. Thanks for sharing! my wife and I have a 3 month old, and our weekends have changed a lot since she came...its encouraging to hear someone else out there is able to get projects done during that time. Also, rebuilding stock components that have a lot of miles is SO underrated.
 
What you're doing is great man. I'm about to embark on the same set of jobs, just throwing an entire lift install into the mix too. Thanks for sharing! my wife and I have a 3 month old, and our weekends have changed a lot since she came...its encouraging to hear someone else out there is able to get projects done during that time. Also, rebuilding stock components that have a lot of miles is SO underrated.

Thanks man, the little ones are a challenge when trying to get projects done, but sooooo worth it, my little girl is my world :D. I came home from work each day, did Daddy time, dinner, and read books. Then when she was out down for bed, I went to the garage and did my work for the night.

Honestly, I used this forum the most, then YouTube and built my list of parts and tools needed before I even touched anything so that I would be ready to go 100%. Id honestly say studying, then preparation is the bulk of the work to get this stuff done (so far), especially if youre a visual person. I can spit out all of the torque values and nut/bolt sizes of the front end components now, but thats a good thing and a hell of a learning experience lol.
 
Thanks man, the little ones are a challenge when trying to get projects done, but sooooo worth it, my little girl is my world :D. I came home from work each day, did Daddy time, dinner, and read books. Then when she was out down for bed, I went to the garage and did my work for the night.



Honestly, I used this forum the most, then YouTube and built my list of parts and tools needed before I even touched anything so that I would be ready to go 100%. Id honestly say studying, then preparation is the bulk of the work to get this stuff done (so far), especially if youre a visual person. I can spit out all of the torque values and nut/bolt sizes of the front end components now, but thats a good thing and a hell of a learning experience lol.



Studying/gathering parts and tools beforehand is KEY.
By the time you actually start the work, it’s the 10th time you’ve gone through it in your head. Helps tremendously.

I’ve started gathering all the tools needed the night before,down to setting aside the particular socket and wrench sizes. It just helps a lot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Got a late start on the rear suspension. Was supposed to start Saturday so Id have the weekend if things came up, but didnt get started until late Sunday. Driver side end bar link was mangled on the bolt/nut attachment to the sway bar, so it took some negotiating to get it off. Got the rear shocks off and lowered the rear axle to get to the springs. I was able to remove the OEM spring on the drivers side, but I couldnt get the new spring in, especially with the 1.5 space. I tried the old spring and spacer, still a no go. I was a little uncomfortable with the way the rear axle was, so I didnt really want to push it any further. I wrapped it up and just replaced the shocks and end bar links for now. Still need to do the sway bar bushings and figure out the new springs and spacers.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,056
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top