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-   -   99 3.0 XLT Stepside 2wd build thread (http://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/99756-99-3-0-xlt-stepside-2wd-build-thread.html)

spillina 09-23-2013 03:34 PM

99 3.0 XLT Stepside 2wd build thread
 
Hey everybody, I'm pretty new here. Been around for a while in the shadows reading (where I got most of my ideas). Now that I've done some work on my truck, I'll post onto a build thread.

Background
I got this truck just over 3 years ago to take to college with me. First three years, I neglected her. It got bad to the point that I needed a completely new rack and pinion at one point; and had wires coming out of my tires. Now that I'm getting ready to graduate and commission into the Navy, I'm starting to do a little work. I started off by fixing everything that was broken.

First, this is how she was the day I got her:
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/..._5359798_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/..._2438189_n.jpg


First job in my repair/mod work: new leaf springs!
The back end had a really bad sag and shot shocks. New springs picked up in extremely good shape from an '02 4wd at the JY.
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...64966765_n.jpg

Jobs to be done with the new springs:
-New upper and lower ball joints (front)
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...60096009_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...23734385_n.jpg

-New tool box for the back
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...80538933_n.jpg

-New front and rear shocks (3/4 were completely shot when I got them off)
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...85823107_n.jpg


Now time for the work. Before picture:
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...30464661_n.jpg

My little helper:
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...90571065_n.jpg

3/4 old leaf spring bolts needed to be cut off. We had no cutoff wheel or dremel. 8 Hacksaw blades later, we had them off.
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...09095029_n.jpg

New leaf springs and factory 4wd lift blocks installed:
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...25613175_n.jpg

Old leaf spring removed:
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...52411241_n.jpg

Now with 2" lift in the rear (blocks) and new 4 pack leaf springs.
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...23030112_n.jpg

Front lifted with 3" coil spacers: (no in progress pictures taken :rolleyes: ):
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...17130793_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...43648310_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...16027551_n.jpg

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***Note, I live in an apartment, so all work on this truck is done in the community parking lot or a friend's garage.***

Next up: roof rack, CB, and lights

Roof rack was taken from a Ford Escape (don't know year) from the JY for $13.
I wire brushed the aluminum cross piece and repainted the rails black.
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...40847855_n.jpg

CB Antenna setup: Passenger side is Firestik Firefly 3' antenna, driver side is the Firestick AM/FM 3' antenna. Managed to get about a 1.5 SWR on both channel 1 and 40 with this setup. CB is a cobra 29 mounted between HVAC controls and cup holders.
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...19112775_n.jpg

In progress in parking lot:
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...13141111_n.jpg

Harbor freight 100W off-road lights mounted to escape roof rack:
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...50501624_n.jpg

Wiring runs into the weather stripping and down the a-pillar. Lights are power by 2 separate relays; one for the outside lights, one for the inside lights.
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...01688752_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...15608136_n.jpg

Lights in action during daytime:
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...00712777_n.jpg

Inside lights:
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...97804767_n.jpg

Outside lights:
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...04871161_n.jpg

Console setup: You can see the CB mounting location, along with new switches for lights. Top red switch controls inside lights, bottom control outside. Black switch on the right controls nothing right now. CB also has a 15W PA speaker mounted near the front grille.
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...52671678_n.jpg

Driver's side front fender dent removed (removed fender and pushed dent out):
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...20940482_n.jpg

Koda22 09-30-2013 10:08 AM

Re: 99 3.0 XLT Stepside 2wd build thread
 
Looks good so far...how the ride with the coil spacers? And where did you get 3 inch spacers?

spillina 10-01-2013 04:33 AM

Re: 99 3.0 XLT Stepside 2wd build thread
 
The ride isn't too bad; a little rough over speed bumps if I go to fast, but not unmanageable.

I got the spacers off of fleabay, they're about an inch thick and advertised about 2.5-3" of lift. I didn't get before/after measurements, so I don't know exact lift amount. They lift about the same height as factory 2" blocks and 1" shackles in the back.

2000rangermg 10-01-2013 06:44 AM

Nice looking truck so far!

spillina 10-22-2013 05:17 AM

Re: 99 3.0 XLT Stepside 2wd build thread
 
Had a 4-day weekend, and some time for updates:

First up, I build a backseat storage container for my extended cab. Saw one on here that inspired me, but I wanted to leave 1 jump seat in for passengers if need be. (this entire box was built with a jigsaw and 12v cordless drill)

In progress:
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...53992722_n.jpg

Carpeting and mounting streamlight charger and compressor:
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...42770319_n.jpg

Mounted in truck, along with straps to hold my tent/hammock:
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...47010624_n.jpg

New fire extinguisher mount:
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...97682925_n.jpg

Compressor and streamlight ultrastinger:
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...94525680_n.jpg


Next was the dual battery setup. I wanted to have a deep cycle in the back for running accessories while camping or anytime the engine was off and a starter battery up front to start the engine. I used a 120 amp isolator and a group 24DC battery for the deep cycle. All wiring was done with 4 gauge wires.

Isolator mounted near front battery (center is from alternator, left is to starter battery, right is to deep cycle and accessory box:
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...38042841_n.jpg

Starter battery and isolator:
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...52489289_n.jpg

Deep cycle is located in bed tool box. The wiring you see there is for bed mounted marine speakers, to be installed later.
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...01035799_n.jpg


Up next, bed tool box mounted 12v weatherproof outlet, toolbox mounted marine speakers, with switch to control inside vs outside music, and LED bedlights.

In the future, when funds appear, I also want to switch to an 8.8 axle with a LSD and put mustang disc brakes on it.

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These were done previously, but I forgot to post them:

Under door LED puddle lights:
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...15817325_n.jpg

Hood light (LED):
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...88644467_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...33509328_n.jpg

My tailgate edge was fraying really bad and caused fiberglass splinters to anyone that leaned on it. Solution: leftover bedliner from when I bedlined the inside of my boat. Looks and works great.
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...03042374_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...64663797_n.jpg

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As she stands now:
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...28619584_n.jpg

Rutgers 10-11-2014 01:11 PM

Re: 99 3.0 XLT Stepside 2wd build thread
 
Great pictures! New to the forum and just browsing around! Thanks for sharing!


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