Just got a 2009, I got questions.

[Eric1249]

I went from a 2004 that had a BTF spacer lift and UCA's. And various other mods. My new 2009 is plain. So the ideas begin.

The mounts on my 04 where the UCA's attach to frame broke off. Not sure I really want to go that route for a lift. And the ride now is nice. I want the truck to be at the least level. What is the best way to accomplish that? With a small body lift, would I keep the ride quality? I have 17 inch rims now. With just a leveling kit, what size 18 inch tire could I go with?

I have some Focal speakers I took out of my old truck. Would there be an improvement over the stock speakers if I kept the stock deck?

The back lighting on the shifter/gear indicator and the headlight switch are out. Is this an easy fix?

Thanks
Eric

 

[Ronin8002]

A small body lift shouldn't affect the ride quality at all since you aren't touching the suspension. Maybe a little higher center of gravity but when I went with a 1" body lift I didn't notice any changes.

The Rancho Quicklift struts have been reported to have good ride quality (since they have the knobs that allow you to adjust the valving) and will also give you a little lift. They also have more travel than OEM type struts so you should get an improvement in offroad articulation. I can't definitely say if they level the truck or not though.

The upper control arms mount differently on the 4th Gens than on the 3rd gens so you're not going to have a repeat of the control arm mount issue you had.

I went from a 2004 that had a BTF spacer lift and UCA's. And various other mods. My new 2009 is plain. So the ideas begin.

The mounts on my 04 where the UCA's attach to frame broke off. Not sure I really want to go that route for a lift. And the ride now is nice. I want the truck to be at the least level. What is the best way to accomplish that? With a small body lift, would I keep the ride quality? I have 17 inch rims now. With just a leveling kit, what size 18 inch tire could I go with?

I have some Focal speakers I took out of my old truck. Would there be an improvement over the stock speakers if I kept the stock deck?

The back lighting on the shifter/gear indicator and the headlight switch are out. Is this an easy fix?

Thanks
Eric

 

[Themightyquinn]

The back lighting on the shifter/gear indicator........ are out. Is this an easy fix?

Thanks
Eric

Yes, this is a fairly easy fix.
Step 1: remove the oval shaped, chrome bezel surrounding the shift selector. It should pry up fairly easily with a small flat-tip screwdriver.
Step 2: Open the center console storage lid and removed the two 8mm bolts on each side of the latch.
Step 3: remove the trim part by prying up on the aft end and disconnect the 12V power port connector.
Step 4: Remove the black base with the selector indicator. There should be 4 little locking tabs holding it on (2 on each side) that you will have to push in to release the base. It will not come off all the way unless the shifter knob is removed so just move it out of the way.
Step 5: Then on the left side you should see a black wire and a white wire going to the white light diffusing plastic strip. Follow those and you should see the holder. Turn the holder 90 degrees and it will come out.
Step 6: Pull the bulb out and replace it. I don't remember the bulb number, but just take it to Autozone and match it.
Turn the headlights on to test it, and re-install everything in reverse order.

 

[Themightyquinn]

The back lighting on.............the headlight switch are out. Is this an easy fix?

Thanks
Eric

This thread will show you how to replace that light.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=373550&highlight=steering