Bigg50's build - Well sort of...

Being that I've been pretty bad about taking pics and documenting the progression of my truck I can't really do your typical build thread. However, I have a couple different threads with some useful info that I thought I could condense into my "build" thread.

I'd like start by saying pretty much every mod I've done has been been to increase the performance and functionality of my truck while offroad.

Engine:

-Volant CAI
-5 Star tune

I've been very pleased with both. The Volant is closed off to most of the engine compartment which helps with the amount of dust you encounter on the trails. The 5 star tune is amazing. Went with the performance tow tune and it strait hauls. I previously had a Livernois tune on my 11 and there's a noticeable different.

Suspension:

-Deavers +3
-Outlaw bumpstop kit
-Outlaw upper control arms
-Icon 3.0 shocks
-Outlaw spindle gussets (yet to be installed)
-Customer Truck Shop upper shock mount gussets (yet to be installed)

I started with deavers and a bump kit which is a great improvement over stock. The +3's ride smoother than stock on the road imo and are way better offroad. I was really happy with this setup and is probably the ideal setup for 95% of Raptor owners. IMO Icon's or any 3.0 for that matter, allow you to drive almost to fast for what is safe for a truck without a cage. The trick is to have the self control to drive within a safe speed for the conditions and you will have a much smoother ride.

While I'm very happy with the Icon's, I wish I would have enjoyed the truck a little longer before I made the upgrade. After dropping nearly 30k on my 05 mustang, I learned to try and enjoy each stage of the "modding" process. There's always going to be something improve/add so try to enjoy the journey as your truck/car progresses. Unfortunately, I was laid off and had 2 months off doing nothing but spend to much time on the forum. By the time I landed my new gig I was so worked up about modding my truck that I went a little crazy and ordered up the Icon's along with RPG front and rear raceline bumpers lol.

Exterior:

-Lex Mega front bumper
-RPG raceline rear bumper
-LEX Chase Rack
-LEX 40" light bar
-Vision X Light Cannons
-Alternative Offroad hood mounts
-Race Ready Y strap

After bashing in my skid plate at Pismo, I knew I'd eventually replace my stock bumper. However, when I started to do my research I noticed pretty much most of the guys running aftermarket bumpers were still bashing up their skids when offroading. I decided to stay stock until I went on a Death Valley run and saw e63's truck. Right away I knew I'd be dovetailing my truck and going with his setup. While I didn't exactly like the idea of cutting my frame horns, I also didn't see the point of spending $1500 on a bumper that I would more than likely damage just like my stocker.

I originally went with the RPG front bumper but when ordering up a chase rack from LEX I spent to much time on their site and really started to dig the Mega Bumper. Luckily, tbone was more than happy to take the RPG bumper off my hands and I ordered up the Mega.

Electronics:

-Icom F5021
-Ipad with Motion X
-Lowrance & LGE mount

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Untitled by Big5050, on Flickr

Wheels & Tires:

-37x12.5-17 Falken Wildpeaks
-Method DS

Like most I'd rather have a big aggressive MT on the truck. However, after running BFG MT's on my 11 and the tread being less than 50% after only 10,000 miles (of which 1200 of those being offroad miles) I realized I should look for a tire that would last longer. I'd heard nothing but great things about the Wildpeaks from BlueSVT. He'd ran them through 2 LandRushes, and I believe 4 or 5 other runs without one flat. They also looked to be in great shape when I last saw them at Huckfest. The other thing I considered was the price. BFG's run around $450/tire while the Falken's run around $300/tire. Being that the Falkens would last me longer and cost less I was able to get passed the loss of the mean "look" of the MT's.

I will try to document any future mods within this thread. For now here are a few thread which document some of the mods I've done.

How to fit 37's with stock fenders:

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f25/additional-info-running-37s-stock-fenders-28733/

I run a y strap for my spare for DD use since the rear has been dovetailed.

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f25/securing-spare-tire-y-strap-28790/

Pics of LEX Mega and Chase Rack:

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f11/lex-mega-bumper-chase-rack-29263/

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Finally got around to installing the new spindles with Outlaw spindle gussets. While this mod might not have been needed, I felt it was worth the additional piece of mind. A spindle/knuckle failure is one of those things that will not allow you to get back to pavement and leave your truck inoperable. Most other failures will at least allow the truck still in a position to be towed out by another truck and a tow strap.

Install was pretty straitforward and Gbrown1867 was kind enough to let me use his garage/tools and help when I got stumped. I was a complete bone head and forgot to grease the passenger side O-ring and tore it on reassembly. Doh!

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As you can see there's a big difference between stock. Sorry, forgot to take a pic with then installed.


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What else are you planning I see a reservation

Those first two pics are awesome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice job! The pics are great.

Thanks guys. The first 2 are my favorite shots as well. Can't wait to get back out to the desert to try and top them. I don't think I can top the first one though.

tbone said:

What else are you planning I see a reservation

Click to expand...

Lol, not sure. More for the spindle gusset and upper shock mount gusset installs. Not much more I want to do.

I've thought about improving rear travel but don't really see a point without adding a cage. Cage is out of the question since I need it to haul the family around.

That is a NICE rig!

Thought I'd post up a couple shots of how well the Wildpeaks are holding up. This is the rear tire after roughly 1000 offroad miles and 8000 road miles. Barely look worn and no chunking.


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Untitled by Big5050, on Flickr

Updated with a few pics from installing the Outlaw spindle gussets.

installed a Lowrance GPS along with a LGE mount. Very pleased with the setup. The mount is great as it folds down.


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Untitled by Big5050, on Flickr