2000 AWD Xploder from Turbo back to NA

[willzilla]

Is the shackles for the sag? and what shackles did you use?

Car didn't sag thankfully but after I installed the larger tires I had to lift up the front (screwed in the torsion bolts) and once I got the front high enough (plus a little grinding) to clear the tires with no rubbing the stance gave it kind of a lean back look which I didn't like so that's why I added the Warrior shackles. The ones I installed were the Warrior 153 shackles, https://amzn.to/3Uc9rwg, which I think got the rear up enough to give the truck an overall much nicer stance!

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Car didn't sag thankfully but after I installed the larger tires I had to lift up the front (screwed in the torsion bolts) and once I got the front high enough (plus a little grinding) to clear the tires with no rubbing the stance gave it kind of a lean back look which I didn't like so that's why I added the Warrior shackles. The ones I installed were the Warrior 153 shackles, https://amzn.to/3Uc9rwg, which I think got the rear up enough to give the truck an overall much nicer stance!

I appreciate the reply bro and yeah it looks great i have a slight lean on my X so i might need the shackles

 

[willzilla]

I appreciate the reply bro and yeah it looks great i have a slight lean on my X so i might need the shackles

No problem! That can help for sure... May want to look into installing new leaf springs while you are under there, that should for sure fix the sag I'd think

 

[willzilla]

Found an older pic of the truck before I lifted the front or the back and on the older tires:

After the torsion lift in the front, Warrior shackles in the back, and slightly larger tires:

 

[Lee's Automotive]

No problem! That can help for sure... May want to look into installing new leaf springs while you are under there, that should for sure fix the sag I'd think

Yeah ive heard the leafs are a pain to remove though

 

[willzilla]

Yeah ive heard the leafs are a pain to remove though

Doesn't look toooo bad looking under the car... probably just take a little time if they are super rusty, lol.

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Doesn't look toooo bad looking under the car... probably just take a little time if they are super rusty, lol.

Nope mines a bama truck so no rust ive heard its very awkward to get them in and out

 

[willzilla]

Did a quick video on the steering wheel control button replacement:

 

[willzilla]

Nope mines a bama truck so no rust ive heard its very awkward to get them in and out

I saw a few videos... didn't look horrible. If you are planning to swap the shackles that's half the work already almost, lol

 

[Lee's Automotive]

I saw a few videos... didn't look horrible. If you are planning to swap the shackles that's half the work already almost, lol

Ill look in to it

 

[willzilla]

Tossed together a quick little overview video of the baby lift of the Xploder, lol

 

[willzilla]

Added the shorter belt and bypassed the AC compressor... All seems to be working fine, no issues

I used the Gates K060840 Micro-V Serpentine Drive Belt (https://amzn.to/3A4hwuP) which is probably slightly different from someone running an OEM waterpump versus my setup

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Added the shorter belt and bypassed the AC compressor... All seems to be working fine, no issues

View attachment 436314

I used the Gates K060840 Micro-V Serpentine Drive Belt (https://amzn.to/3A4hwuP) which is probably slightly different from someone running an OEM waterpump versus my setup

Dang that compressor looks new

 

[willzilla]

Dang that compressor looks new

It is, lol. I replaced it, the hoses, dryer, orifice tube, etc... went to fill the system and the quick connect line blew out... Got tired of messing with it so bypassing it all for now as things are cooling down here anyways

 

[CDW6212R]

The AC compressor doesn't turn unless the AC clutch engages, so you could always just unplug it as needed.

 

[willzilla]

The AC compressor doesn't turn unless the AC clutch engages, so you could always just unplug it as needed.

I had unplugged it but figured maybe still not good having it in the loop potentially empty as it occasionally would make weird sounds even being unplugged and what not, lol.

 

[CDW6212R]

The AC clutch when used can often make a tiny amount of noise, the clutch surfaces are supposed to be close together(old ones with more of a gap make more noise).

 

[Lee's Automotive]

The AC clutch when used can often make a tiny amount of noise, the clutch surfaces are supposed to be close together(old ones with more of a gap make more noise).

Yep mine does every once and a while

 

[CDW6212R]

Yep mine does every once and a while

The clearance can be adjusted if needed. There is a small spacer and shims in with the clutch parts, the gap should be under 0.050" I think it was. I've only needed to replace three AC clutches among my many cars, R&Ring the small bolt is always the only hard part(plus the belt R&R). Once that's off, messing with the parts that come off is minor and quick.

 

[willzilla]

Well... Have been driving the Xploder more as is my daughter and the temps got down into the 40-50s and the new bypass belt began squealing pretty bad, lol. Swapped the other belt back on and all is well. I'm pretty sure the bypass belt I got is just a tad to long as it wasn't really using much of the tensioner.