1999 Mountaineer 5.0 AWD Build Thread

[PrerunnerManiac]

Well this is what my Mounty looks like now. It is a 1999 5.0 AWD and so far all I've done was added some wheel spacers to give me more off-set to fit these 31" General Red Labels on these Jeep wheels. I know AWD is not ideal but for what I want to do with it, it should be fine.

I decided to get True Travel Dynamics' +2.5 Ranger LT kit for the front

I'm going to use FOA coil-over shocks and their 2 tube bypass shocks. For wheels and tires I got some 16x8 Method Grid wheels with the titanium finish, and I found these Pirellis at a good price here in town. They are 285/75/16

I also got a pair of McNeil Racing's front fiberglass fenders with a 4" bulge

I'm still not sure what the plan is for the rear. If you have any suggestions I'd like to hear them. On my 96 Explorer I used Deaver Springs, but I think I want to do something different.

 

[WormsExplorer]

I want to see how this one turns out. I do have to say she looks good with those Jeep wheels on her.

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

I want to see how this one turns out. I do have to say she looks good with those Jeep wheels on her.

Thank you! They'll be for sale pretty soon if you want them...lol

 

[WormsExplorer]

Thank you! They'll be for sale pretty soon if you want them...lol

Your a little far for me to get them

 

[Billy260Z]

love those wheels !!! METHOD GRIDS

 

[fastpakr]

I can't find a single review online for one of their lifts. Best thing I ran across was somebody installing a work in progress lift design on a Tacoma. Seems like a ton to spend on something without any real background to verify?

 

[Spudhut]

Following....

 

[Turdle]

a guy tries to quit the crack habit and you go throwing a huge pile right on my coffee table.

I'm in. This looks like it's going to be sweet.

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

Sorry it's been a while since I posted. I just got over being sick...so far I have the kit on the front except for the bypass shocks. A friend of mine is painting the McNeil fenders for me and only charging me for the paint!!!

I'll get some pictures posted soon.

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

I can't find a single review online for one of their lifts. Best thing I ran across was somebody installing a work in progress lift design on a Tacoma. Seems like a ton to spend on something without any real background to verify?

Yes they are a new company, but they have over 20 years of experience in off-road racing. They make a wider version of this kit they put on a Ranger. You can see it on their website: https://truetraveldynamics.com/kyles-ranger-prerunner/

They wanted a vehicle to test out their +2.5 kit so I offered up my Mountaineer.

 

['97 V8]

Following, after a several year hiatus and picking up an 01 EB 5.0 with 100k miles.

 

[ProjectAviator]

Even though I only have a 5th gen right now. I will watch this thread. I am in search of a 2nd gen again.

Tim

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

Well I finally have an update. The first step to getting the shock towers on is to get rid of the factory upper shock mounts and the factory bumpstop. I also cleaned of the factory undercoating off the frame to get it prepped for welding.

Here is a pic with the shock tower welded on and painted with a little undercoat paint.

Here is the driver side installed

Normally this kit comes with tie-rod extensions to compensate for the extra width of the kit but I wanted their heim steering upgrade.

These things are a work of art. They are machined from 1.25" aluminum, and use a 3/4" rod end on the rack side and a 7/8" rod end on the knuckle side.

I had FOA powdercoat the bypass shock bodies black, and I think they look amazing

I should have the fenders back from paint tomorrow, then I can get those on.

Out back True Travel Dynamics was developing a 4-link kit that would get rid of the leaf springs in favor of a set of 12" coil-overs, but like every new product there is a trial and error period. They couldn't get the shock angle they wanted with this design, so they are going to make it a cantilever set up. The bad news is it has to wait until next week.

This weekend is basically the season opening weekend for the dunes and I am headed to Dumont to shoot some video and pics. So for now they altered the factory leaf springs and made some custom mounts for a pair of 10" FOA shocks.

I'll definitely post some pics of this thing out in the dunes. It'll also be a good place to test this kit. The dunes are a lot more forgiving than the desert is here in Las Vegas.

I'll also try and get pictures posted tomorrow if I really do get the fenders back from the painter...

 

[WormsExplorer]

Looking good sir. What was the cost of this kit?

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

Looking good sir. What was the cost of this kit?

Thanks!!! It is $3750 for the kit with the tie rod extensions. To get the heim steering upgrade it is another $600.

 

[WormsExplorer]

Ok thanks I think I will keep my build simple and cheep as possible.

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

Ok thanks I think I will keep my build simple and cheep as possible.

I realize it is an investment, but the way I look at it is it is cheaper than my friend's 4 seat RZR and I have A/C

 

[WormsExplorer]

OK There is that. My AC is still working in mine also. I have to agree with you on that.

 

[boominXplorer]

I realize it is an investment, but the way I look at it is it is cheaper than my friend's 4 seat RZR and I have A/C

My thoughts exactly againt buying an RZR. I can have a/c and drive it to the wheeling spot on the highway! I can think of a ton of cars and trucks I'd rather build or buy before spending damn near $20k on a side by side.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I all I can say is wow.

Now being in the hydraulic hose business for close to 15 years,
the 90 degree bend on the hose make me cringe.