ctechbob
Well-known member
Sadly, no pictures. I'm not sure how YouTube guys manage it, especially the ones that do the filming themselves. I can't be buggered to pick up my phone and shoot a couple pictures as I'm working. Anyway.....
Finally got around to installing the Bilstein 5100's I bought for the front of the Ranger a few months ago. I had wanted the 4600's since they are cheaper, and I have no need for the leveling ability of the 5100's. The 4600's appear to be on perpetual backorder though, so I paid the extra for the 5100's. According to the Bilstein tech department, at least for my truck, the 4600 and 5100's are valved exactly the same. I've had 5100's on the rear since about 5000 miles and adding the fronts wasn't as big of a change, but it is still a nice change over the FX2 package shocks which are both too soft and crashy at the same time. No idea how Ford managed that. Easy job, wish I had a lift though. And I'm blessed with a 'no rust' climate. Don't tell ford, I reused all my nuts I took off, they want them to be one-time-use. I always go with a little blue loctite though just as a precaution.
Also replaced the DPFE sensor in the truck. They get water in them and go bad over time leading the funky surging in the engine. Gets worse over time, but will only throw a code when they get REAL bad. Not sure why they don't put a dessicant in the tube, but that's thinking with your brain.
Finally, it was almost time for the every 5000 mile oil change. Some gorilla (me) must have been feeling their Wheaties when I did the last oil change. Just about didn't get the stupid filter off. And I have never needed a tool to take mine off. Not sure why I superman'ed it on this last time.
I might throw my chrome Lariat wheels on since my tires are getting worn, but other than that 'Lil Blue' is ready to go on our Tennessee trip here in 2 weeks. This will be our first 'cool climate' adventure, so I should probably go get the one propane tank I've been using for 2 years now topped up. Be interesting to see how much is in it.
Finally got around to installing the Bilstein 5100's I bought for the front of the Ranger a few months ago. I had wanted the 4600's since they are cheaper, and I have no need for the leveling ability of the 5100's. The 4600's appear to be on perpetual backorder though, so I paid the extra for the 5100's. According to the Bilstein tech department, at least for my truck, the 4600 and 5100's are valved exactly the same. I've had 5100's on the rear since about 5000 miles and adding the fronts wasn't as big of a change, but it is still a nice change over the FX2 package shocks which are both too soft and crashy at the same time. No idea how Ford managed that. Easy job, wish I had a lift though. And I'm blessed with a 'no rust' climate. Don't tell ford, I reused all my nuts I took off, they want them to be one-time-use. I always go with a little blue loctite though just as a precaution.
Also replaced the DPFE sensor in the truck. They get water in them and go bad over time leading the funky surging in the engine. Gets worse over time, but will only throw a code when they get REAL bad. Not sure why they don't put a dessicant in the tube, but that's thinking with your brain.
Finally, it was almost time for the every 5000 mile oil change. Some gorilla (me) must have been feeling their Wheaties when I did the last oil change. Just about didn't get the stupid filter off. And I have never needed a tool to take mine off. Not sure why I superman'ed it on this last time.
I might throw my chrome Lariat wheels on since my tires are getting worn, but other than that 'Lil Blue' is ready to go on our Tennessee trip here in 2 weeks. This will be our first 'cool climate' adventure, so I should probably go get the one propane tank I've been using for 2 years now topped up. Be interesting to see how much is in it.
