JDowns 2021 Carbonized Grey XLT Tremor

[JDowns]

Recently traded in my 2015 F150 XLT Super Crew for a Tremor and couldn't be happier with the change.

Main reasons for the change was I was nearing 60,000 miles ( I work from home ), was tired of not being able to park in my garage in Phoenix, and the 12/15 mpg due to the lift and bigger tires. Most of my mileage comes from the yearly commute to Idaho and back to Phoenix each year where I winter over currently. Eventually I'll end up full time in Idaho as I much prefer the CDA area.

When I got back to Phoenix this year I decided it was time for a change and visited a few dealers. One had a FX4, Lariat Tremor, and XLT Tremor. After driving all three I decided the XLT Tremor was the best fit. Really loved the ride and comfort of the seats. I did enjoy the Lariat but much of the added features at the additional cost was not appealing to me, plus I really didn't like the instrument cluster. Only thing I did want was the LED headlights but figured I could upgrade those later from Ebay. Considered the Morimoto or Apex but I really don't care for the startup sequence on either that cries out "Next on the main stage... Porsche!" But since I don't drive a lot at night upgrading headlights is low on the priority list. When I do drive at night its mostly in Idaho where I'm more rural and can utilize forward facing Offroad lights when needed.

Current Mods:

Rockblox wide mud flaps. The last half mile drive to the property in Idaho is gravel so having the added protection was important.​

Bed Rug. Really liked the extra padding and a non scuff surface.​

Rear Seat Delete. This was a must since the pup is my little 110 lbs wingman. In Idaho where most places are pet friendly he goes with me everywhere so his comfort was important. Our routine out there is to head into town each morning and do his hike in the nature preserve and then head into town for pup cups and coffee. That and him being comfy for the 1800 mile drive keeps me sane. I'll update with photos but did what most people have already done. Removed the seats and wrapped in plastic for storage. Cut two pieces of 24x28 1/2 ply then topped with 2" memory foam. I then have a large velour blanket that goes over everything else. The two pieces of ply are attached to the floor of the truck using the bolts from the seat mount.​

Front lower grill insert. This was a must, can't imagine why they left that big hole like that.​

AVS Smoke Side Window Deflectors.​

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Future Mods:

Bak X4S. This was a tough choice. I've spent weeks going back and forth between the X4S and Diamondback. Ultimately for how I use the truck the Bak won out between the pros and cons.​

Diode Dynamics Ditch Mount with Rigid Radiance Amber Backlit Lights. Deer, Elk, and Moose are a common occurrence at night on the drive up to the property in Idaho so having the extra light could come in handy. Not a necessary mod but will be a nice to have installed.​

(2) Pair Rigid Radiance Amber Backlit Lights. These will be mounted in the lower grill area.​

Customize the XLT Grill with Raptor Style Lights. I'll put these on a dimmer so they match the intensity of the Rigid lights if needed. These lights will be DIY mounted so they match the openings where other aftermarket lights aren't centered on the edge openings on the stock XLT grill.​

Additional Rear Marker Lights. I'll fab this up and see if I like it or not.​

Custom Side Vent Inserts. Designs are being 3D printed now for testing.​

Carhartt SuperDux Precision Fit Front Covers. I tend to get dirty working up in Idaho on the property, and with the pup as a ride along, being able to preserve the front seats was important. I had considered a set of new covers from Leather Seats. I did this in my F150 and they held up extremely well over the years. I ended up getting more credit for the seats at trade in then I paid for them. But I do recall my hands being claws for a week after steaming and stretching installing them. So call this a lazy install.​

Damper. Needed to appease the gods lest I be sacrificed to the beasts of the Damper Cult.​

AVS Bug Deflector. Not a huge fan of the look, but appreciate the protection. I'm sure it will grow on me. Although they are back ordered for forever, I just hope I get it before I leave in March.​

Diode Dynamics Pro Fog Amber Fog Lights. Early fall fog in Northern Idaho can get pretty thick in the early mornings so having good fog lights was a must. I hated my white fogs on the F150, super bright but useless up in Idaho in the fog and rain.​

Tow Hooks to Shackles Mod. Really like the look of shackles over the hooks. They'll get plenty of use in Idaho for sure.​

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I may eventually get bigger tires after I get some use out of the stock tires. I really like the idea of larger fender flares and the wider stance of 285's with a 1" front leveling lift. But for now I'll just enjoy the much better gas mileage. I do tow quite a bit in Idaho with the sawmill and razor on a trailer. So staying stock may be a benefit. This will be a tough mod to avoid.​

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The nephews like the idea of camping and off roading up there so I may get an RCI rack. I'll have to play that one by ear and see if this is a passing whim or I'll actually get some value out of a rack or not.​

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Other than that I think that will wrap up the major mods. I may do a few small things here and there, and of course I'll follow up with some mandatory pics. Especially of the damper for proof of life.​

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[JDowns]

Working on an insert for the side vents. Going to ditch the XLT badge and replace with a backlit amber running light. Light will be white with an amber lens. Still need to print some samples. The amber lens will be fitted in a way that the XLT badge can always be reattached, although there will be a hole behind there, but plenty of room for 3M tape to reattach the stock XLT badge if necessary. The badge will be paint matched to the truck.

 

[Bob902]

Just an FYI. I have the raptor grill lights that I got @Stage3Motorsports The light intensity matches the parking and side market lights perfectly. The Diode Dynamics yellow fogs are amazing.

welcome to the madness !!

 

[JDowns]

Will have to play with a dimmer for install and good light distribution. But I think this will be pretty slick looking in the side vents. Still need to design and print a housing on the back side, but so far I’m happy.. Small holes are for mounting with 2mm stainless screws.

 

[JDowns]

Housing is printing, got the plates painted. I may have to tint the clear a tad to match perfectly. Depending on the light and angle it’s close. Fun part will be cutting out for the lighting.

I thought about a knock off version and replace the M with a V. ?

Or replace Tremor with Damped. ?

 

[JDowns]

Rear seat deletes are covered in multiple places…but.

(2) 24x28x1/2 ply
(1) roll 2” memory foam
(1) leftover velour dog hammock

Used the existing bolt locations, memory foam sticks to the ply real well due to friction.

result one happy non whining pup.

 

[JDowns]

Pretty happy with how these are turning out. Planning on tapping into the front side markers. Need to take out the wheel wells to run wiring and use push pin zip tie mounts. Will probably get to this later this week when other parts arrive so I only need to disassemble things once.

amber is a bit washed out with my white overhead LED lamps, but you get the picture.

 

[MXGOLF]

WOW very nice custom mods there Jeff! I like the badging that's pretty cool.

 

[JDowns]

Got a wild hair and decided to wire up one side.

tapping into the front marker. Soldered in a connector and retapped.

There is an unused two wire connector that attaches to the inner fender wall and is capped. Not DRL or running lights. I’m thinking possibly for an alarm? Far right up top.

One side complete. I left a pigtail behind the light so if I need to tap in for other lights it will be quick and easy. Light output is about 50-75% of front marker so it’s not to in your face but a subtle touch

 

[JDowns]

I humbly submit my proof of ownership and install. @AzScorpion

Is the Man Card revocation permanent or temporary? ?

 

[AzScorpion]

I humbly submit my proof of ownership and install. @AzScorpion

Is the Man Card revocation permanent or temporary? ?

No your man card is now permanently reinstated! ? Welcome to the club!?

 

[JDowns]

No your man card is now permanently reinstated! ? Welcome to the club!?

Well that’s great news!

Not sure if this is a damper side effect. I’m working on the X4S install tonight and walked into the garage and said..”Alexa play country”. I must be getting soft.?

 

[JDowns]

Got the Bushwacker/Ford door sill protectors installed today. Very simple install, and as others have noted ignore the instructions and install the rears first so you can butt up the fronts. I’ll have to add a bit of door sill tape to the rears to cover further back to the rear or the pup will destroy the paint over time. I wish they covered more area inside in the backs for sure.

Also got the BAK X4S installed. What a pain in the arse! I would advise when you follow the ranger instructions insert to cut the shims in half length wise prior to install. You may need the extra shims like I did. Why they don’t include extra foam shims on a $1000 part is beyond me. If I had to call and have shims delivered I would have been peeved. I required one set of extra shims on one side. Also the latch mechanism is faulty. The locking mechanism is spring loaded on the latches towards the tailgate. The bumpers provided are about 5mm short to fully engage the locking rails towards the bulkhead of the bed. This results in the front third not fully engaging. Simple fix was to print a pair of rubber bumpers with the required thickness. Otherwise I love the cover and the matte canvas finish. The bulkhead seal is really well done also.

 

[JDowns]

Got the ditch lights wired up today. Went with DD bracket and Rigid Radiance Amber pods. Amber backlight is wired to uplifter (5) and the main lights to uplifter (4).

Pre-wired all the uplifters with waterproof disconnects.

Wired in a junction box for grounds with a 10awg 200c wire.

Dremeled a channel for the wires to be run under the plastic near each of the 10mm bolts. This allows the wires to be run under the plastic near the hinges and out of the way.

Removed the (8) plastic clips and replaced with zip tie clip mounts.

Really liking the amber backlighting.

Now to figure out the Raptor style lights then the dual pair of Rigid Radiance Amber pods for the lower grill. Forgot how long this wiring crap takes. ?

 

[Msfitoy]

I humbly submit my proof of ownership and install. @AzScorpion

Is the Man Card revocation permanent or temporary? ?

Now you're talking... ?

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