03 super duty build

jdinevens

Adventurer
so this is my truck, i've been lurker here for probably a few years posting here and there. i wanted to have something to show off before i started my build thread. seems like every other day i get an ahh cool truck comment and then i proceed to tell them i want to drive from alaska to Chile when i retire, i'm not sure if i will ever get that far but i'm definitely going to be exploring out west some more.

here is how i bought it, please ignore my awesome paint skills:

IMG_20130423_190558_214(1).jpg

it came with a RDS(?) in bed fuel tank/tool chest combo that i sold for 450 dollars as i wanted that space for sleeping and storage
38r turbo
single shot injectors
edge CTS
6 position chip
33" tires
moto metal 18" wheels
08 mirrors (i'd like to get actual ford mirors and get the folding/telesoping functions to work)
4" flowmaster exhaust
ranch hand rear bumper
airdog fuel pump (i'd like this moved as you can see from the pic its kind of exposed, a rock would destroy this thing)

I then added

ARE DCU topper, its got the dual doors in the back
Kargomaster roof rack
IMG_20130423_190558_214.jpg

shortly thereafter i added an Icon 5" excursion lift w/ bilstein 5100 shocks and steering stabalizer, the reason i went with this lift is that its an all spring lift rather than adding blocks in the back. i figured it was going to raise the SD 4" because the Xs sit lower than the trucks. also before the lift the front springs were sagging a bit so after the lift its sitting a bit higher than i thought it would, and the shop reused the stock blocks in the back so the *** end sits slightly higher, i havent decided if i'm going to take them off or leave it as is figuring it will level out when its at load.

marathon seat covers, in tan. I have a Rhodesian ridgeback who is only 10 months old (now 2, an 8 week old and 10 month) so these have been a life saver, shes gotten into the covers a little bit, as of right now she sleeps in the second row of the truck while we are camping, so at least shes destroying these instead of my interior. plus they are super durable 1000 cordura nylon so they've held up well to my abuse.

i also added the Titan 51 gallon fuel tank, you might be able to see the two stainless steel straps on the underside.


IMG_20130628_175352_616.jpg


future plans...include:

37 inch tires- i'm undecided on the Cooper STTs which is a 37x12.5x17 load range D weights 84 lbs. i found it for under 300 bucks a tire w/ 130 shipping for a set of 5
Toyo open country M/T which is a 37x13.5x17 load range E weights 93 lbs 325 a tire with same shipping

now the wheels i want are only rated at 2900 lbs a wheel and i checked the sticker inside the front door and the rear axle is only rated for 6k lbs which makes me lean towards the Coopers as i
wont really be able to use toyos anywhere near their load range, plus i'll save ~40 lbs in rotating mass, plus 125 bucks. but also the axles on the 250s and 350s are the same, so i'll have to
double check but i think they are rated and 6.5k, i'll have to double check but it would nice to be able to have that buffer, i could just get wheels that are rated higher.

Rock Monster wheels- they only come in a 17" w/ 4.5" backspacing. they are aluminum, double beadlock wheels made by the same people that make HMMWV wheels. only real down side is their price and the fact that
they are only rated at 2900 lbs as per the website. i'd like double beadlocks but i guess its not a necessity.

bumpers- i'd like aluminess bumpers all round because of the added protection w/o the huge weight penalty but i think they kind of fall into the mega huge bumper category that look soo ugly. i like the
look of the ARB bumpers as they add protection w/o drooping low like Jay lenno's chin, maybe aluminess can make something ARBish i haven't contacted them yet as its a ways off. the rear will
have the tire carrier, maybe a lock box for recover gear, don't really need more fuel as i have the larger fuel tank already and i've got plans for water for the inside.

LED lights- i'd like to have some spot lights forward facing on either the roof rack or the bumper than have flood lights lighting up around the truck to provide light at night when we are stopped.

Lockers- most likely going with ARB Air lockers f/r because i can turn them on or off and availability w/ the sterling 10.5 plus they have a bulletproof reputation. also a compressor, not sure if i want to
mount it in the engine bay, or maybe somewhere under the truck, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

engine rebuilt- i probably don't need to as its got 205k on the clock, but i'd like to just so i know stuff like the UVCH and CPS and a bunch of other 7.3 issues are taken care of. i was looking at swamps rebuilt
engines, but 7.7k is a pretty big pill to swallow. maybe i'll just have a shop rebuild it and have swamps tune it, as they are local to me and it smokes pretty good pre-boost in the mpg(?) setting.

transmission- its got a 6spd which is awesome and super rare for a CCSB but i think the 2nd gear syncros are going as some times it will grind going into second.

T/c The only "bummer" to this truck is the ESOF T/c i wish it had a manual, there is nothing more reassuring than feeling it clunk into gear. maybe if i do serious engine work i'll change this guy out
also, plus it would free up some dash space for some upfitter switches

Hub conversion kit- i'm thinking of going with spyntec, these will help with the 37" tires and reduce repair costs and availability of parts should they ever fail and give me the ability to limp home rather than be dead in
my tracks


Truck bed- i'd like a system similar to this:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/47516-LATEST-PROJECT-Truck-Drawers-Sleeping-Platform

with a few differences, i don't think i'll bother with a space heater in the back rather i'd have a water heater as a warm shower is awesome i really like the AT 12v water heater but im concerned with its
amp draw, suggestions? and possibly a slight design change depending on where we can squeeze the fridge. but generally enough room for food, water, supplies with enough room to sleep on top. Also a
dual battery set up, i'm hoping i can squeeze 2 batteries in the bed as i'll be powering, the water pump, water heater, laptop charging, fridge(thing of one from truck fridge), camp lighting, plus other
stuff i'm sure.

So i got a crewcab because we have 2 Rhodesian ridgebacks and friends that like to go camping but don't really have a rig for what i have in mind so when i got the topper i ordered it with the roof rack to put a RTT on it. so that would give us the ability to transport and sleep 4 comfortably. i haven't decided on brand but i was thinking Eezi awn as i could just fold it off the back, than that area where we'll probably be in and out of the most would be covered from the rain giving us a two-fer. I also really like how this roof rack is mounted in that there are 1/4 plates extending off of the top of the bed at each corner and the rack simply bolts to these plates, making me think if i ever get the garage space i could just hoist it off keeping the tent/rack secure/clean when i'm not using it.

Solar- so as i mentioned before i'm going to be putting a little strain on the battery system, and i'd rather have a way to recharge it without having to start up my 7.3L generator. so i've been looking at solar
i'm thinking the peel and stick variety, because although not nearly as efficient as a typical solar panel (the correct terms are escaping me at the moment) it is effected less by shading and will work on a
cloudy day. though its hard to find them in the right size, most tend to be way too long as they are intended for either a RV or the roof of a building. i think i've found some
we'll see if they are available when i go to buy them. so again ignore my sweet paint skills, my plan was looking like this:

the green rectangle is the RTT, the red line would be a probably aluminum or some other "board" with a set of probably 3 peel and stick panels on them, then there is an angled white piece which helps
move the air over the RTT and the next layer of solar panels, which initially i wanted to be like and accordian, with 2 pieces lying flat while in transit that it would unfold to the side exposing a total of 6
solar panels, providing shade with a hard roofed awning and then allowing the RTT to unfold to the rear.

IMG_20130628_175352_616(1).jpg



Ok almost done, still with me? =) so as you can see those are some pretty big plans. Aim for the stars land on the moon right? i grew up camping out of a tent sleeping on the ground cooking off of a fire not showing for days on end but my SO didnt so i've got to keep her happy and comfortable or else the ship doesnt sail. we've been out a few times already, keeping it pretty tame and generally going to a state campground mostly because i wanted to get a feel for how much room i've got with our stuff and the dogs. and how much room there is for two people in the bed, pleased to say we fit pretty easily so thats where it sits right now. Thoughts? Suggestoins?
 

surlydiesel

Adventurer
My only comments are, awesome build ideas, not too crazy or expensive. Don't touch the motor, maybe change out the sensors you listed but the heads and lower assembly should be just fine for years to come. I sold mine with 295,000, didn't burn any oil, heads were never off of it. Lots of other parts got changed out in that time span but the motor ran great. And for wheels, why not just trade someone for a set of stockers. Beadlocks most likely aren't needed unless you're going to get into some hardcore situations with that truck. I'm a huge fan of the look of the stock wheels and they are strong.

I would choose the same platform for a build. Looks Great!!!!

-jorge
 

C5dad

Observer
Having a similar base rig, I will be watching. I've got a 6 inch lift and am in the process of dealing with wear items (front end, suspension upgrade and rear gears are coming!).
 

daddyusmaximus

Explorer
Gorgeous rig. Keep up the good work. Go with the Toyo MTs. They are a phenomenal tire off road, and very street friendly as well. Get strong wheels to go with them. Trust me, the weight adds up quick.
 

jdinevens

Adventurer
Gorgeous rig. Keep up the good work. Go with the Toyo MTs. They are a phenomenal tire off road, and very street friendly as well. Get strong wheels to go with them. Trust me, the weight adds up quick.

lol yea thats what i'm afraid of...that 8800 lbs is fast approaching =)

the toyos do come in a 37x13.5x18 so i believe they would fit my current rim, which is rated to 3600lbs, so more than the tire.

Here is a picture at my buddies wedding in Indianapolis just after Independence Day, proving it CAN still be civilized....
IMG_20130704_154849_087.jpg

daddyusmaximus, do you have the black mamba motor? i saw a picture in another thread it seems they shared a paint scheme.

Having a similar base rig, I will be watching. I've got a 6 inch lift and am in the process of dealing with wear items (front end, suspension upgrade and rear gears are coming!).

yea i forgot to mention, i'd like to go through front and rear axles replacing all the bearings and seals as i'd imagine those haven't been done in a while if at all..
 

daddyusmaximus

Explorer
Tall parking garage! Only one I've fit in is the airport in Indy. Gotta park outside at the VA. Black mamba? Yup... Been in there over 2 years. Lots of little issues, broke down twice on the way home from their shop in PA. They fixed it. Then broke the flexplate just as I was about home... leaks etc... but good power. Still got one leak where the dipstick goes in the pan, but just about got her settled down. I went with them because they were the cheapest. What good is a warranty when they are two states away? Kinda wish I had put a 12v Cummins in her.
 

jdinevens

Adventurer
Tall parking garage! Only one I've fit in is the airport in Indy. Gotta park outside at the VA. Black mamba? Yup... Been in there over 2 years. Lots of little issues, broke down twice on the way home from their shop in PA. They fixed it. Then broke the flexplate just as I was about home... leaks etc... but good power. Still got one leak where the dipstick goes in the pan, but just about got her settled down. I went with them because they were the cheapest. What good is a warranty when they are two states away? Kinda wish I had put a 12v Cummins in her.

i've got a 12v in the garage in pieces, i'm deciding do i like the OBDII and the ability to change tunes on the fly with the 6pos chip or do i want the i'll eat anything you put in the tank and still return 18mpg with 350HP easiest to fix cummins.... decisions decisions....


you'll notice my terrible parking job, we were a little late and this is the biggest thing i've ever driven....
 

jdinevens

Adventurer
You'll get used to it. Then you'll get in a regular car and think you're sitting on the ground.

This happens when i go back to the jeep, it feels like i'm driving a clown car. sometimes i wish it had coils for the tighter turning radius, oh well still a hell of a truck.

IMG_20130717_095511_486.jpg

so i'm deploying to AFG tomorrow so i'll be in the collecting phase for a bit, so the best pics i can upload for a while will hopefully be boxes from brown santa. the priority for when i get back will be getting the new stuff installed and getting the storage area in the bed completed.
 

jdinevens

Adventurer
So I'm Alive, made it through the Stan. I've been home for about 2 1/2 days and been busy ordering some parts. I've got a set of 5 305/70/18 (35x12.5x18) cooper s/t maxx coming with an extra rim, because apparently I dont have a spare. I went with the S/t Maxxs for a few reasons. First size, to jump up to a 37 would require a lot of additional work, re-gear, cutout fenders etc so I went with 35s because its the biggest I could go w/o having to do those additional upgrades. Second weight was similar to what I'm running now and lastly the price was right, It seems like the Toyos jumped up about 50 dollars a piece in the last month or so, maybe its because of the free shipping promo, either way they are in the mail.

I've got some cosmetic upgrades coming, headlights and new grill. Also a truckfridge tf41, good compressor right price right size. I wanted the 51 but it was too tall for what I want to do with my sleeping/storage platform. I'm hoping to get all that done by the end of the month as I've got a trip to SA coming up so stay tuned for brown santa pics.
 

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