Superduty 2.5 build

[silvrzuki77]

Well starting to make progress on my truck. So far 2003 xcab 7.3 turbo diesel, auto trans, and manual shift tcase. Has some mods for towing such as intercooler, gauges with chip, exhaust, and tranny cooler upgrade. We decided with the growing family and dogs that the xcab is too uncomfortable for long hauls so a new crewcab is on the list soon. I just paid this truck off and just hit 90k on it soo there is no point in getting rid of it.
It is currently leveled in the front and is running 315/75r16 FC2 tires
I have done spyntec free spin hubs to replace the going out unit bearings. This kit got me servicable bearings, 35 spline inners and outer axles, real hubs. Plus I replaced balljoints while I was there.
I picked up an ARB bumper for a tundra.

Thought I would sell it quick, but not soo much so I decided it hack it up and put it on mine. I believe that the tundra was 69" wide or soo and the superduty is 78 so I added in 2" per side. I know its not 78" but the f250 bumper stuck out on each side. I cut the off the corners next to the main support setup.
Oh first the pic of my truck with no bumper

bumper with 12k winch

ARB changes the mounting points from mounting on the front of the frame horns to the side in a vertical setup everything ive read its a pain to setup. So I removed the tow hooks built 1/4 plate that extends from there with 2" 1/4 wall square tube on top then built a plate that bolts to the factory bumper mounts but use four bolts per side. All off this is welded togther soo its pulling from the tow hook mounts and the bumper mounts.

It all bolts on with no hassle is level and centered perfect soo far lol. more too come in the next couple of days. still need to add gussets
Oh and teaser theseare for the front end soon.

comments suggestions welcomed.:victory:

 

[marshal]

lookin good

looking forward to seeing the ARB mounted

 

[locrwln]

Looking forward to the build.

Jack

 

[KMV77]

Looks good, keep the pics coming.
Kevin

 

[silvrzuki77]

Got the mounts and bracing done to day so I could finally mount it

front shot lower down

mount on the truck, so in total of 7 - 1/2 bolt 4 to the frame mount and then 3 where the factory tow hooks went

how close the winch sits to the powersteering cooler

about 2" from the ac cooler

Net step is too reattach the side skirts with the 2x2 tubing I added to each side the skirts sit just past the body

front view

Havent gotten around to do these yet. The ARB light bracket hits my frame mounts so i will have to cut them off. I dont know if I want to mount the skirts yet or find a new light setup or try to reuse the factory ford fog lamps and make the mounts with them off.

also the side skirts will need to be shortened up so the tires dont smash them. Im leaving the factory smash bar for little cars on for now because the brackets are welded off the spring perches and when I do coilovers i will remove them. plus it protects my tranny lines. Off to gymboree now to dance and sing!:wings:

 

[CCFD170]

looking good there Bauer!!! We cant wait for the Mojave run!! Git-r-done!!

 

[poriggity]

I always love custom builds.. Very nice use of a bumper!

 

[Greggk]

subscribing....

is there any rubbage with the 315's and the leveling kit?

I have the 315 BFG A/T's and am ordering the procomp leveling kit today.

 

[chasespeed]

Mine didnt rub IIRC, I had BFG MTs, but, I also had aftermarket wheels that come with the truck...SO, I dont know......

Chase

 

[Greggk]

i have stock wheels now, but am looking for aftermarkets to push them out a bit from the springs

 

[silvrzuki77]

greggk - Yes they do rub both on the springs at full lock and middle/ bottom of fender liner. I have the procomp full leaf leveling kit rides ruff. I will be pulling mine off in a couple of months so if you wanna good deal let me know :sombrero:

Well I got the wing skirts back on and welded. I still need to brace them to the frame build the bull bar setup, lights, wire winch, paint, gap fillers under the head light, etc etc....

Any one with a arb know where they mount the winch box? I think it goes here but havent tried and just noticed it today at work

 

[Humvette]

Awesome build!

Are those ICON shocks? You have the same plan i do hehe. I want to make my F350 expo here in 5 years or so

M

 

[silvrzuki77]

nope they are 2.5 FOA coilover shocks. My friend is starting the CAD design for a 4 link kit for the superduty with air bumps and torsion sway bar. Looking at doing a full removable subframe to protect the transmission and t-case.

 

[silvrzuki77]

Well got more done been having trouble with my batteries dying because the power does not shut off after opening the doors with the engine off. 2 days later at ford and 325 bucks later the vehicle security module was bad. least I have a friend there otherwise it would have cost me a bunch more in hours. Anyways new pics. I cut out plate for the uprights and added 1 1/2" tube for the center bars.

Next step is do the headlight protection. Then brace the side skirts. figure out lights. Been thinking of using FJ cruiser or newer landcruiser arb lights they look better.

 

[SLO_F-250]

NICE WORK ON THE BUMPER!! :drool: Ive been wanting to build on for mine for sometime now. I look forward to seeing the progress of this build.
Questions:
1) You have coil overs in the previous picture.... Please tell me you are going to link it in the front!!! Are you converting it to a post 03 front end, or doing your own custom linkage. There are a few companies that make kits, you'll just have trim some stuff on the front axle. I hate my rough leafs in front haha

2) How hard was the spyntec free spin hubs install? Ive got over 200,000 and need to do my wheel bearings soon so this might be a good upgrade/option.

Good luck and nice truck! :Wow1: