Granger's 2019 XLT 4x4 Log

[Granger]

The time has come to have more fun with the truck. I will update this post with the things I have done and to plan future upgrades.

Rough list

• Tailgate damper (of course)
• ReadyLift leveling puck
• Yakima Rack
• Livernois Tune
• Tremor side steps
• OffRoam phone mount
• Husky floor mats
• Weathertech back seat cover

In progress

• RCI Ski Plate
• DD LED bulbs (third brake light and side marker)
• Window and side mirror module

Future

• Exhaust
• Shocks/Struts
• ???

Sponsored

 

[Granger]

Feedback/suggestions are welcomed. This forum is great for finding upgrades I didn't know I wanted.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Feedback/suggestions are welcomed. This forum is great for finding upgrades I didn't know I wanted.

This is too vague a request. What do you want to do with the truck?

 

[RangerPNW]

Agreed, need some guidelines for what you intend to do with the truck. That said, I'd recommend getting the Diode Dynamics fog light kit, probably set aside 700 bucks for a Tom Wood's driveshaft (when the OEM one starts to shake, more of a when than an if), for an exhaust I like my Thermal R&D kit with the turn down option (keeps it out of the path of the tire).

 

[Granger]

This is too vague a request. What do you want to do with the truck?

Sorry, I meant it to be more of a statement than request.

Overall plan is to have a fun truck that can still occasionally tow an RV trailer. It is my daily driver and the road trip vehicle. For now, my current adventures are mainly state parks and off the path campsites. The truck can do all of that now but, more power/comfort is always nice.

My next focus will be replacing the leveling puck in the front. I'm looking to get a small lift on it while also improving the suspension. I remember test driving an FX4 and did not like the wavy/bouncy feeling it had.

 

[Granger]

Agreed, need some guidelines for what you intend to do with the truck. That said, I'd recommend getting the Diode Dynamics fog light kit, probably set aside 700 bucks for a Tom Wood's driveshaft (when the OEM one starts to shake, more of a when than an if), for an exhaust I like my Thermal R&D kit with the turn down option (keeps it out of the path of the tire).

Thanks for the heads up on the driveshaft, I wasn't aware of this.

I'll check out the exhaust too. I lean towards having it tucked away as well. I have enjoyed a more quiet truck, so I wouldn't want anything too loud.

 

[RangerPNW]

Thanks for the heads up on the driveshaft, I wasn't aware of this.

I'll check out the exhaust too. I lean towards having it tucked away as well. I have enjoyed a more quiet truck, so I wouldn't want anything too loud.

Its definitely not a loud, shouty exhaust. Its definitely louder than stock, especially on a cold start. However it doesn't sound any louder in the cab than stock. Just sounds a lot better when you're rolling with the windows down.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Sorry, I meant it to be more of a statement than request.

Overall plan is to have a fun truck that can still occasionally tow an RV trailer. It is my daily driver and the road trip vehicle. For now, my current adventures are mainly state parks and off the path campsites. The truck can do all of that now but, more power/comfort is always nice.

My next focus will be replacing the leveling puck in the front. I'm looking to get a small lift on it while also improving the suspension. I remember test driving an FX4 and did not like the wavy/bouncy feeling it had.

The OME Nitro Charger lift will be the best bank for your buck. It rides great and is, in my opinion, the best option before jumping up to 2.5" suspension. I had the FX4, Eibach, and Nitro Charger suspension before jumping up to the OME BP-51.


As for the rest, get a tune and stop there. If you don't need to do supporting mods, don't. I have a tune, charge pipes, BOV, and snorkel. The snorkel was worth it as, I believe, the OE air intake is a big restriction. You could achieve the same thing with an intake too but... I always wanted a snorkel and I have adult money now.

 

[Granger]

The OME Nitro Charger lift will be the best bank for your buck. It rides great and is, in my opinion, the best option before jumping up to 2.5" suspension. I had the FX4, Eibach, and Nitro Charger suspension before jumping up to the OME BP-51.


As for the rest, get a tune and stop there. If you don't need to do supporting mods, don't. I have a tune, charge pipes, BOV, and snorkel. The snorkel was worth it as, I believe, the OE air intake is a big restriction. You could achieve the same thing with an intake too but... I always wanted a snorkel and I have adult money now.

Adult money does change things. Rock on with the snorkel.

I initially was disappointed with just the tune. It didn't feel like the responsiveness I was hoping for. At first I thought I was being too conservative by going with the 87 Performance tune, but later I tried out sport mode, and that was much more fun. I never really used sport mode before the tune.

I plan to try out the 87+ Performance tune with higher octane gas (91 or 93, not sure what is around) and then also the 91+ Performance tune.

Thanks for the suspension suggestion. I started with talking to a local place about an OME Kit, but they suggested going with Bilstein 5100's all around due to not having a load for daily driving. While I understand being practical, I don't mind giving up some comfort for daily driving when there is a load though. Plus, I'd rather do things once.

I also ordered a GFB DV+ to see if it helps with the response I want.

 

[Granger]

RCI Steel Skid Plate installed. Way beefier than whatever was on there.

 

[Granger]

Mishimoto Cold Air Intake came in today. Should be able to get it installed within the next day or so.

 

[Granger]

Since the last update

- Intake installed
- SPD Downpipe and Magnaflow exhaust installed

Originally was going with CVF for the DP but ultimately didn't want to deal with any emission issues. Exhaust is solid, was a bit louder than what I was aiming for. I was able to resolve this by configuring the exhaust with a pipe and sound chamber that it comes with versus just having it capped off.

Bilsteins will be coming at some point. OME would be nice but realistically, 5100s may be the more cost effective route for what I'll need.

 

[TxOTRRanger]

Status report. The Bilstein 5100s that I had installed on my truck, made it drive like a dream lol. In all seriousness my truck is a daily driver and makes 100 mile round trips to and from work. After the torture testing on the Farm Market roads. No complaints, I'm happy with them. Just my two cents.

 

[TxOTRRanger]

The time has come to have more fun with the truck. I will update this post with the things I have done and to plan future upgrades.

Rough list

• Tailgate damper (of course)
• ReadyLift leveling puck
• Yakima Rack
• Livernois Tune
• Tremor side steps
• OffRoam phone mount
• Husky floor mats
• Weathertech back seat cover

In progress

• RCI Ski Plate
• DD LED bulbs (third brake light and side marker)
• Window and side mirror module

Future

• Exhaust
• Shocks/Struts
• ???

I like your truck! Best advice that I can give you, is build your truck so that it suits your needs.

 

[Racket]

Since the last update

- Intake installed
- SPD Downpipe and Magnaflow exhaust installed

Originally was going with CVF for the DP but ultimately didn't want to deal with any emission issues. Exhaust is solid, was a bit louder than what I was aiming for. I was able to resolve this by configuring the exhaust with a pipe and sound chamber that it comes with versus just having it capped off.

I've been thinking of future performance upgrades and one was a high flow catted downpipe. F 150 and musrang forums seem to think the SPD is quieter than the CVF but that the SPD will throw codes even though they both use essentially the same cat. I don't know what to believe but I already have the Magnaflow because it was the least noisy 'performance' exhaust. If you're saying the SPD is loud it really is a discouragement.

I have the GFB DV+ and run it with the spring. I feel it makes the on and off turbo response a little more refined. Less lunge in response to getting back on the gas in mixed driving.

Sponsored