INPUT: '05 EB 4X4 Rancho QL + 255/70R17

[drdoom]

Hello everyone, I have an 05 Eddie Bauer V8 4x4 3.73 coming in here soon, supposedly needs tires. I have been planning this for a while and have read many pages here, so I wanted some input on this: Plan is Rancho quick lift front & rear, and a set of 255/70R17 tires. Does this sound about right for a moderate upgrade to the factory tire size & ground clearance? Thanks.

 

[Mrooney322]

the quicklifts will net you about an inch or so lift. stock you can fit 265/70 r17 tires.

personally the 265/70 tires would fill the wheel well better but thats just my opinion

 

[drdoom]

Thank you Mrooney, that's what I'm after, any input or advice.

 

[drdoom]

I have been doing some other maintenance on this rig, as it came to me at 135,000 miles. I saw on my test drive at the Ford dealer the boots were ripped on the front upper ball joints, so I pressed those out in place. The transmission had already been replaced with a Ford remanufactured unit. I suppose I should put a new filter in that. Moving rearward I changed the transfer case fluid and the rear differential fluid, then back up front I changed the coolant as well. Painted the calipers and put fresh pads & clips also. Spark plugs don't show much wear but a little crud in some of the recesses of course. I have a set so I will replace them soon.

I have the Quick Lift here, believe I might install that next, and get it put on a machine for alignment, and order four tires, and purchase a used spare locally. For tires I am still liking the Mickey Thompson Baja all terrain. I have General Grabbers on my 97, which have been fantastic so that is a likely choice as well.

I am getting Nerf bars to replace the running boards.

 

[2004xls]

I have an 04 XLS and have done many of the same projects. Currently have 110k and just did brakes, upper control arms & ball joints (oem), sway bar links, spark plugs and wires, and a front right hub. The spark plugs were a b*tch. The threads got stuck in the block on 2 so I needed to put helicoil kits in which sucked. But I plan to do quick lifts soon. I have 255 70 16 cooper discoverer at3's on right now and absolutly love them Great tire in all conditons anh havnt shown much wear for 25k on them. Definitly wish I went with the 265's though. The 255's look like they should be stock with the truck and with a lift the 265's will look a lot better. I have some pics Ive been meaning to post so hopefully Ill get them up soon. Good luck, looking forward to seeing it with the quicklifts. I cant wait to do them.

 

[drdoom]

Thank you, I am going to get some photos of the install to post up.

 

[drdoom]

Thanks. I'll get some photos too.

 

[drdoom]

I have installed three of the lifts, but unfortunately got shut down completely by the last shock to lower arm bolt which is completely seized in the bushing. I worked it for over five hours and so far nothing.

 

[drdoom]

At the fender arch pre lift (stock 245s) measured 33", with lifts 35.25".

 

[Mrooney322]

ah very nice drdoom

heres mine, with 2.5 in spacers and the quicklifts

 

[drdoom]

Very nice truck Mrooney! Were the spacers difficult to install?

 

[Mrooney322]

with the quick lifts they were, definately a 2 person job, still need limiting straps as my axles hit upon full droop

 

[k2sb2003]

Very nice sir. I would also recommend checking the front diff specifically the pinion seal, if that goes the fluid will to and its a fairly expensive repair.

Next I would look into a mechanical limited slip differential to complement the AdvanceTrac RSC. AdvanceTrac will do its job at the cost of smoking you brake pads, the LSD in conjunction will help redirect torque more quickly and effectively. I recommend the Torsen T2 or T2R for the rear minimum and possibly the front as well. Worth it weight in metal!! Very nice truck though.

 

[drdoom]

K2, I appreciate it, I have been wondering exactly that what to put in the rear. Good tip thank you!
Also I have the gear oil here for the front axle, was wondering how to drain the old. On a 2G you cannot access the cover plate (use suction gun), but it looks like you can on a 3G?
I have my tow hooks, and should have tires here soon.

 

[drdoom]

I changed the fluid in the front differential, and confirm that the procedure is to pull the cover for draining the old oil. Do not use the suction gun.

 

[drdoom]

Making the update here, I have just installed the tires which are Nitto ATs. The Mickeys are not currently available, back order around two months.

My net lift is 3.5" total, measured at the fender arch stock was 33", it now sits at 36.5". And there is some rubbing, very slight on the left rubber splash shield. Will need to tighten it down a little somehow, no biggie.