IRSmart build log, “Big Red”

[IRSmart]

hahahahah, great work!

Thanks! Now if my next big mod would just hurry up and get here dammit...

 

[IRSmart]

So it’s been a while since an update after the headlights, and I hinted at a “big” upgrade. Well, it’s still happening, but the upgrade snowballed into something MUCH bigger. She’s going under the knife here pretty soon, for probably an almost 5-digit up-fit. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come...

 

[olyelr]

Are those 10 wides LOL

 

[IRSmart]

Are those 10 wides LOL

Maaaaaaaaybe...

 

[392DevilDog]

Looks like a possible 40 inch tire with a 3 inch lift from AEV? ?

 

[olyelr]

Maaaaaaaaybe...

Youuuuuuuuuu kakaaaaaaaaaa!

 

[IRSmart]

Youuuuuuuuuu kakaaaaaaaaaa!

I mean, I can’t let @UTAHPWRWGN get all the attention around here, can I? Haha!

 

[IRSmart]

Unintended mods are always the best *rolls eyes* I was under the truck for something unrelated, and discovered that I had become VERY lucky on the trail. My drive shaft took a direct hit and had a big dent in it and did not grenade itself. Instead of putting another OEM drive shaft in, I had A-1 Drive Shaft Co in south Baltimore rebuild the one I had using the stock ends. Since the one I had was only bent and not destroyed, there was little guess work and they had it back to me in 4 days. It looks like it’s about an inch smaller in diameter than the OEM aluminum one. I’m very pleased with their work. If anyone is in the area and needs a drive shaft rebuilt, definitely hit them up.



Good thing my other vehicle is a convertible, so I could get it to the shop lol



New and improved steel drive shaft

 

[IRSmart]

Things are happening…the big reveal will finally be soon. Hopefully I get the truck back tomorrow or Wednesday. It was supposed to be done already but things happen. What started as a simple mod to replace the broken headlights spun into the single largest mod I have ever done at one time. I can’t wait to pick this thing up and put it through its paces!

A teaser photo of what is to come…

 

[olyelr]

Jeeeez almighty whats taking so long
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[IRSmart]

Jeeeez almighty whats taking so long
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Who you telling? LOL It went in the shop on 6/7 and was supposed to be done for the annual PW offroading event at Rausch Creek, PA this past weekend. Well, it took longer to work on than expected so it wasn't ready in time. So I'll have a shakedown cruise in a few weeks. Better to put some new miles on the rig and break in the gea.....er...I mean, get a good feel for it before I put it on the trails

 

[olyelr]

Who you telling? LOL It went in the shop on 6/7 and was supposed to be done for the annual PW offroading event at Rausch Creek, PA this past weekend. Well, it took longer to work on than expected so it wasn't ready in time. So I'll have a shakedown cruise in a few weeks. Better to put some new miles on the rig and break in the gea.....er...I mean, get a good feel for it before I put it on the trails

5.13’s?

 

[IRSmart]

5.13’s?

Maaaaaybe

 

[IRSmart]

It’s time, for the big reveal! Finally was able to pick the truck up tonight and I could not be happier with the results. I just love how this turned from me not wanting to spend $1,200 on a steering upgrade to spending well into the five digits. But after many months of anticipation, here she is! Big Red came out of surgery sporting:

-AEV High Mark fender flares
-AEV Katla 17x10 wheels
-ProComp Xtreme MT2 40x13.5x17 tires
-PSC hydro steering assist kit
-Yukon 5.13 gears

This thing is an absolute beast now. I actually have 6th gear back when driving. I feel literally no drag on the tires, it drives better than before and I thought that it drove perfect before this, worlds better than it did stock. This combination is as close to perfection as you’ll get. The gear selection was perfect, the tires are nice and cushy, and it looks completely ****. I don’t have the same photoshopping skills that @UTAHPWRWGN has, so I’ll have to work on getting better pics!





Oh and to those that have been playing along with the home game, the hydro steering was the component that I was teasing months ago. Once I ordered that, the shop owner (who is a close friend of mine) said “you know I’m going to want to cut your truck up and do flares and 40’s, right?” and that’s all she wrote.

 

[392DevilDog]

Does not get any better than that. Unless you go full on Raminator...hahaha

 

[IRSmart]

I don’t think I’m too far off at this point

 

[rule18]

Your truck looks amazing, congrats on the good decisions.

 

[Rick Ram-jet]

I don’t think I’m too far off at this point

BAD ***! Keep us posted on any ball joint/suspension issues, just curious how they hold up to the 40`s

 

[B Mitty]

Looking totally awesome sick!

 

[IRSmart]

BAD ***! Keep us posted on any ball joint/suspension issues, just curious how they hold up to the 40`s

I did have to get new carrier bearings in the front during install. He said they were pretty beat up, estimated I’d probably need new ones again in 40k miles since the factory ones lasted about 55k.