OPINIONS WANTED: BKool's 5.4L SCAB

Gentlemen,

UPDATE: So over a year after the original post, and after another deployment to Africa, I've made serious progress on my build. I've updated my list of upgrades and included pics. Head out to Tuttle Creek ORV in Randolph, KS this weekend if anyone is interested!

SUSPENSION:
-WSI rear leafs- INSTALLED
-Middle perch adjustment- INSTALLED

STEERING:
-RPG tie rods- INSTALLED
-RPG power steering reservoir- INSTALLED

PROTECTION:
-Outlaw Raptor Alpha 1 protection kit- INSTALLED
-ADD ABS sensor guards- INSTALLED
-WSI transmission cross member skid- ORDERED FROM WSI

BUMPER:
-WSI Warthog Bumper- INSTALLED

LIGHTING:
-30" RIGID E-series spot/flood combo- INSTALLED


STORAGE:
-Tuffy underseat storage box for SCAB- INSTALLED
-WSI tire carrier (custom)- INSTALLED
-2x 20mm Ammo Cans- INSTALLED

TOOLS:
-VI AIR 450p-Auto air compressor
-Tire deflators
-Hi-Lift Jack
-Hi-Lift Handle-All
-Hi-Lift Tube Mount
-Hi-Lift Offroad Base
-WSI dune flag mount
-Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set-Hi-Lift jack
-T-Lift raptor adapter
-HMMWV recovery strap with D rings
-SCEPTRE fuel cans
-Chock block

TIRES/WHEELS:
-35x12.50x17 General Grabber Red Letters- INSTALLED
-Method NVs, Machined x5- INSTALLED

-Brian

My opinion, stick with the stage 3, rear leafs are a must on this truck

Awesome list man. And thanks for your service.

Your right in the middle of the country with the KC Raptor group. You should hit up firematt ( he also has a MO), I think he heads the group and they are planning a killer get together at little Sahara.

As for staying within budget, you really are lucky to have WSI Raptor Fabricator right in your back yard. He can save you some dough for sure. Call him before you pull the trigger on the stage 3, bumpers or lights. They offers HD rear springs that are less expensive that the nationals, and very comparable.

They can build and custom bumper for the same price as any of the others and its custom to your truck.

Good luck with your build, Tuttle Creek was fun, you'll enjoy it. Bring a scouter, it really helps.

Little Sahara is a blast.

Here are some photos from both.









I'll be watching your build man, have fun and thanks again for your service.

Yukon Joe
Buffalo Run Support Raptor
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/showthread.php?p=364119

Congrats on your return to the world and to being able to mod your rig. (Thank you for your service!)

Just one comment on your list which looks to be quite complete: I'd pass on the aluminum skidplates underneath the Raptor. If it were me I'd only go with steel plates as they offer more protection (should cost less too), they can be more easily repaired, and the weight difference is negligible on a truck as heavy as the Raptor.

Enjoy the process and the end product!

Thanks for the help so far guys. YukonJoe, I'm not going to be able to make that little Sahara mega rally. It's literally on the weekend before I get back. I'll shoot WSI a message and see if using his bumper and leafs can reel in this budget a bit.

Dan, thanks for the advice on the steel plates. I wanted aluminum to shave as much weight as possible because I only have the 5.4L, but I'll look into steel.

and no audio upgrades...... so sad.......

Well if I win your military raffle, priorities may change!

haha, so if i rig it, you will do an audio upgrade? tempting...... muahahahahahaha




no, i cant do that. its gotta be fair.

I hear you man. Thanks for doing that, by the way.

Also, YukonJoe, I sent WSI an email. Thanks!

for the skid plates it depends what you need them for. So far i have yet to run into an issue with the stock ones. So far that is.

Aluminum Vs steel is a never ending debate. Yes aluminum can be just as strong and ligther than steel, but its less forgiving over time. But if your only doing mild off roading, sand as you stated, aluminum will be just fine.

Hit up some FRF vendors for some better pricing. Try treypal for the radio.