Post-lift concerns

[theluke19]

I'll let the last one go. lol Could say something but I already got yea.

Hahahahah you guys are ridiculous lol





So I saw a posting for custom fab work on Craigslist, and checked out the companies facebook page. It's a small ran-out-of-his-home type business, but his work looks great. Anyways, he's going to make the custom brackets/cut what's needed for install/ and mount the brushguard and towhooks for a decent price for me.

Turns out, he lives .5 miles from me! LOL I dropped the truck off about 10 minutes ago, and walked the dog back home

I'll post pics later!

 

[theluke19]

On a side note, how are you this new and your profile already says "Elite SportTrac'er"? I haven't even seen that before. Elite Explorer yeah, but that's a new one on me!

I've actually been a member since 2004, but was never really much of a 'poster' until I bought my Sport Trac (I owned 2 explorers before the trac). This place has always been such a great help to me. $20 a year is well worth it, imo, to be part of a community like this one.

Once you do donate for elite status, you get to put whatever you want in the 'Elite Explorer' area, so that's what I chose

 

[theluke19]

 

[OffTrac]

Niiice!

 

[theluke19]

Picked me up a compressor yesterday, had a fun little trip up in the mountains to get it, here's a picture on the way there:

Here's the compressor I got for $150 - and the cutoff tool I picked up on sale for $30

Here's damage done:

Everything's filed down, now- Let's hope I don't slice a tire lol

 

[theluke19]

Looking back now, I might get back out there and take down the passenger side a little more... ADDICTING ;D

 

[MidnightRebel07]

I had to take out the pinch weld seem just past the first bolt in the last picture on both sides.

 

[essendon22]

Very nice Luke! Was he not able to get the tow hooks on? I wanna have someone fab something for me, but I haven't seen where anyone has been able to do it.

 

[theluke19]

Very nice Luke! Was he not able to get the tow hooks on? I wanna have someone fab something for me, but I haven't seen where anyone has been able to do it.

the way it worked out with that particular brush guard - the lowest bar that runs across the middle would block the hooks from being put in place properly. He tried, and showed me what he meant - I told him I'd be back soon for him to integrate it somehow (cutting/weld another mounting plate to make it fit).

 

[OffTrac]

Very nice Luke! Was he not able to get the tow hooks on? I wanna have someone fab something for me, but I haven't seen where anyone has been able to do it.

I did it. Unless you mean without cutting the cladding.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Since it's bodylifted you could probably get awat with mounting S-10 tow hooks on it and not worry about the lower bar. They bolt into the factory tow hook locations and clear the bumper cover so you don't have to notch it.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Not all brush gaurds are factory tow hook compatible. Try the S-10 hooks.

 

[theluke19]

Our guards are a tad bit different - check out the bottom center bar. Yours is a Westin, right?
Mine:

Yours:

 

[interscope8]

His bar also curves to follow the curve of the body up by the headlights... and his light bar is higher up to

 

[OffTrac]

All correct.

 

[interscope8]

 

[ChallengerDave]

Factory tow hooks work on a Manik. Its just the way the bolt pattern is on the brush guard itself.

Im sure it would be possible if you drilled out one extra hole to let it bolt up.

 

[theluke19]

Factory tow hooks work on a Manik. Its just the way the bolt pattern is on the brush guard itself.

Im sure it would be possible if you drilled out one extra hole to let it bolt up.

Are your hooks vertical? do you have any more close up shots of your tow-hook setup?

 

[essendon22]

I did it. Unless you mean without cutting the cladding.

Yeah, I mean without cutting. You did a good job on yours. For me, under the fenders is one thing, but I don't trust myself not to screw up the exterior. haha

 

[ChallengerDave]

Are your hooks vertical? do you have any more close up shots of your tow-hook setup?

They are mounted horizontal, my brush guard used 3 bolt per side. almost like an L shape. I had to open out the slot on the tow hook to make if fit correctly. I would get you a pic of it but I just installed my body lift and have to fab up new brackets. Once I do ill show you what I mean. Also since I did mounted them to the brush guard I also made bracing that went from the top of the brush guard to the rad core support. Sure it helped out a little bit.