Tow Pig / Daily Driver Build

[mjonesjr]

I found a leak in the rear tank. Hopefully it is an easy fix without having to replace the tank.

If I do have to replace the tank, I am going to install a 33 gallon Bronco tank. The stock tank is a 18 gallon tank. Filling it up will hurt filling it up, but will reduce the number of stops I have to make to get fuel. The Bronco tank is only $25 more than a stock tank anyway.

 

[mjonesjr]

I got the rear tank replaced. It was a pain in the ass.


I got a new stainless steel exhaust put on. It removed the factory cat and added a flow through muffler. It also replaced the restrictive down pipe with a 3" round down pipe. I can't decide if I like the muffler or if I want to take it off completely.

Exhaust kit in the box.

On the Rack.

Factory Down pipe and cat.

I got a new Westin bumper from Summit. Finding a good used one was a pain in the ass. The weight rating on the bumper is 8,000# load and 800# tongue weight. I don't trust a bumper for that, so I put a Class IV hitch on it as well that has a rating of 7,500# trailer (10,000# with weight distribution) and a 1000# tongue weight.

Hitch Installed.

The hardest part was deciding where to put the factory 7 pin trailer plug after the bumper and hitch was installed. Since the truck was ordered from the factory without a bumper, the factory location wouldn't work. I decided to drill the hole in the bumper instead of letting the plug hang down. It was nerve racking, but I think it looks a ton better.

 

[railman]

looks really good

didn't realize the factory down pipe was so "flat"

plannin' on doin an exhaust upgrade here soon....

did ya put something on the exposed metal before ya put the 7 pin outlet on ????.....would hate for it to rust on ya....

also....you goin to Dirty Turtle this Saturday ????

l8r, John

 

[mjonesjr]

I didn't put anything on the metal, didn't think about it. Good idea.

I'm not going to be able to make it on Saturday. I don't get off Saturday morning until 8 am and my Jeep has the rear end tore out of it doing the 8.8 swap.

 

[mjonesjr]

I filled up the front tank last night from 1/2 full. It was mainly in town driving and I got 16.9 mpg with it. I drove the truck on the interstate to my dads and back today (185 mile round trip) and I filled up when I got back from 1/2 tank (front tank only). I got 18.9 mpg on the interstate. Both mileage readings is unloaded. The in town number includes some heavy foot action too. I was quite amazed by the fuel mileage. It is much better than the 8-9 mpg my Dodge was getting.


I hooked the trailer up and towed with it the "new" truck for the first time. It pulls amazing. I need to find out if it will hurt the transmission hauling the XJ like below in OD. The XJ and trailer combined weight is about 5,500#.

Truck and trailer only.

Truck, trailer, and XJ.

I also can't decide if I want to put on a leveling kit. The front sits a tad bit lower than the rear with a load. I don't want it to look sagged when I load the truck.

 

[mjonesjr]

I took the bed off on Wednesday to fix the fuel tank venting problem (now holding 42 gallons of fuel). When I had it off, I found a little typical Ford rust that needed immediate attention.

I also undercoated everything that wasn't the body color with rubberized undercoating. Hopefully this solves the rust issue.

"Hey, why ain't we moving?!"

 

[mjonesjr]

I added a bug shield today.

I also added a set of gauges to it yesterday. I thought I should monitor the EGT's and the transmission temp.

 

[railman]

I really like the new additions

been debating a bug shield myself.....still undecided though....

l8r, John

 

[mjonesjr]

I did the 6637 filter mod a couple weeks ago. I finally got it painted and put back in this weekend. This makes all the difference in the world in air intake and lower EGT's. It is much cheaper than any aftermarket intake system that does the same thing. This cost me total of $75 ($65 of which was the filter, WIX).

I also added a torque converter lockup switch today. I was amazed the difference in how the truck would pull itself and how well the transmission did down shifting during braking. Without the switch engaged, the transmission would go to neutral when you hit the brakes; now it down shifts.

 

[mjonesjr]

I washed the truck up this weekend and took a couple pictures of it.

I also added a 2.5# ABC fire extinguisher in the cab. I have a 10# ABC extinguisher in the tool box as well.

 

[Bennybooster]

It looks great, I would probably level it

 

[mjonesjr]

It looks great, I would probably level it

I ordered a Rough Country leveling kit Friday for it. UPS says it is supposed to be delivered on Tuesday. Hopefully I will get my shocks this week as well. It will look much better once it is level.

 

[Bennybooster]

For sure, it's gunna look nice!

 

[mjonesjr]

Thanks.

I can't wait to get her level, espically with the 285/75/16 tires that are on it.

 

[shane96ranger]

That truck is very nice. I know a couple of people with these rigs that love them. It's definitely one of, if not my favorite body style.