Hardcore's 2013 FX4 Build
#1
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
Thread Starter
Hardcore's 2013 FX4 Build
I'm bored today, so I figured I'd start a build thread. Mods have been coming on slowly, but I have lots planned, so stay tuned!
It all started in mid-november of 2013 when I was working with Ford to get a resolution for my heavily problematic 2011 FX4 Ecoboost. It spent a total of 66-ish days in the shop (23 total visits) within 2 years, having the entire timing chain assembly, exhaust manifolds and left-side turbo replaced. It also had the EPAS steering rack knock, rear end clack noise and CAC stumble. Icing on the cake was when I had the latest CAC flash done, and lost at least 20% of my power. Got rid of the truck and Ford offered me a screaming deal on a new truck provided it was an off the lot truck, not a factory order.
Went browsing through the lot and found my truck. 2013 FX4 Crew with the 5.0, 3.55 rear end, loaded with everything except 20" wheels. It even came with wheel well liners. Wrapped it up as soon as I found it.
Before i even picked it up, I had the dealer do full front end 3M, Line-X and window tint. Finally; on November 29, 2013, it was ready.
The morning after I picked her up:
I swore hand over fist that this truck would stay stock. That soon wore off, and I didn't like the performance of the factory 18" goodyears. I had some 20" Michelins laying around that I took off my '11 when I leveled it. I figured, what the hell? So I ordered up some 20x9 Fuel Maverick +20mm offset wheels and had them thrown on the Michelins. I also threw on a DeeZee tailgate assist which is quite possibly the best mod you can do for under $50.
IMG_4492 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
IMG_4480 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
IMG_4467 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
For the first 2 months of having the new wheels and familiar Michelin LTX M/S2's, I was really enjoying the setup. Then, the previous issues I had with the tires started rearing their fugly head. Brutal highway speed balance problems and most recently, chunks coming off the tread. I've had the truck checked by a trusted mechanic and he says the alignment is exactly correct, and the tires are nitrogen filled at exactly 35 psi. I'm working with Michelin to get it resolved, but they want to sell me a new set at a slightly discounted price. Fugg dat.
Then, on my second day at my new job, someone decided to clip my mirror and not leave a note. What's worse, is that the mirror was folded in, so they were extremely close. That made me very upset. Thankfully insurance came through and it'll be fixed with only the cost of the deductible, no monthly payment change.
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
I've been really enjoying my truck, it's got just under 13,000 kms on it with zero Ford related issues. Seriously, I'm the most **** person you could ever meet and nothing about the truck itself has even caused concern. However, the Michelin problems have pushed me to go with the same Rancho and tire setup I had on my old truck (not to mention the fact that I've been doing a lot more quadding and off-road work with the truck lately, which might require a more aggressive tire for out in the boonies) Here are some more plans:
Stay tuned for more exciting stuff! Enjoy some more pics in the meantime. I'd love to hear suggestions and feedback too!
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
20140513_160150 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
It all started in mid-november of 2013 when I was working with Ford to get a resolution for my heavily problematic 2011 FX4 Ecoboost. It spent a total of 66-ish days in the shop (23 total visits) within 2 years, having the entire timing chain assembly, exhaust manifolds and left-side turbo replaced. It also had the EPAS steering rack knock, rear end clack noise and CAC stumble. Icing on the cake was when I had the latest CAC flash done, and lost at least 20% of my power. Got rid of the truck and Ford offered me a screaming deal on a new truck provided it was an off the lot truck, not a factory order.
Went browsing through the lot and found my truck. 2013 FX4 Crew with the 5.0, 3.55 rear end, loaded with everything except 20" wheels. It even came with wheel well liners. Wrapped it up as soon as I found it.
Before i even picked it up, I had the dealer do full front end 3M, Line-X and window tint. Finally; on November 29, 2013, it was ready.
The morning after I picked her up:
I swore hand over fist that this truck would stay stock. That soon wore off, and I didn't like the performance of the factory 18" goodyears. I had some 20" Michelins laying around that I took off my '11 when I leveled it. I figured, what the hell? So I ordered up some 20x9 Fuel Maverick +20mm offset wheels and had them thrown on the Michelins. I also threw on a DeeZee tailgate assist which is quite possibly the best mod you can do for under $50.
IMG_4492 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
IMG_4480 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
IMG_4467 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
For the first 2 months of having the new wheels and familiar Michelin LTX M/S2's, I was really enjoying the setup. Then, the previous issues I had with the tires started rearing their fugly head. Brutal highway speed balance problems and most recently, chunks coming off the tread. I've had the truck checked by a trusted mechanic and he says the alignment is exactly correct, and the tires are nitrogen filled at exactly 35 psi. I'm working with Michelin to get it resolved, but they want to sell me a new set at a slightly discounted price. Fugg dat.
Then, on my second day at my new job, someone decided to clip my mirror and not leave a note. What's worse, is that the mirror was folded in, so they were extremely close. That made me very upset. Thankfully insurance came through and it'll be fixed with only the cost of the deductible, no monthly payment change.
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
I've been really enjoying my truck, it's got just under 13,000 kms on it with zero Ford related issues. Seriously, I'm the most **** person you could ever meet and nothing about the truck itself has even caused concern. However, the Michelin problems have pushed me to go with the same Rancho and tire setup I had on my old truck (not to mention the fact that I've been doing a lot more quadding and off-road work with the truck lately, which might require a more aggressive tire for out in the boonies) Here are some more plans:
- Rancho QuickLIFT front level, Rancho RS9000xl rear shocks with MyRide controller, 3" AS rear blocks
- 295/60R20 Toyo Open Country A/TII Extreme
- Tremor grille
- Evox-r Headlight upgrade
- Tonneau cover of some sort, maybe just a Truxedo soft cover for now
- CustomTruckSolutions Black/white emblems all around
- 20" Hanning LED lightbar in bumper opening
- 30" Hanning LED lightbar behind grille
- EGR in-channel vent visors
- .....And more!
Stay tuned for more exciting stuff! Enjoy some more pics in the meantime. I'd love to hear suggestions and feedback too!
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
20140513_160150 by HCFXFour, on Flickr
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
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HCFX2013 (05-20-2014)
#4
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
Thread Starter
#6
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
Thread Starter
I evaluated it and the suspension and driveline issues I was having on the last truck were pre-existing. I had the steering knock from almost day one, and the driveline click happened over 15,000 km before the tire upgrade.
#7
Glad to see aswell man that you aren't discouraged from modding. Going to be tastefully done, off road capable but still maintains factory-esque ride. lol.
Going to look good man.
Going to look good man.
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HCFX2013 (05-21-2014)
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HCFX2013 (05-21-2014)
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HCFX2013 (05-21-2014)
#10
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
Thread Starter
I agree. I'm usually a black truck kind of guy but this one really caught my eye. The pure white is really clean and to be honest there are way more blue and black 2013+ FX4's around here than there are white ones. I'm glad I did it, the maintenance is really easy. No need to worry about dusting it off or being super careful to avoid micro-swirls in the paint. Much better for Alberta's weather.
Agreed. Can't stand stock.
Agreed. Can't stand stock.