Prerunner style Maverick Tremor build w/ 33's

[Bwicka]

Spirit racing ,here in lakeside used to make those. Still keepin my centurion though . Bought in 1999 from orig owner . It’s got 400k on it and no dash Nannie’s!
it’s the desert tow rig.

Sponsored

 

[Maverickman74]

Next item , looking at is possible front subframe drop . Just a1 1/2”-2” along with read shaft bearing . May workout good for the Clearance I’m looking for . Appears that all electrical is long enough and large coolant hoses too ,little one to reservoir may need extending and another bypass on front by left side radiator may be too short.
6 billet pucks and bolts along with 2 custom billet blocks for the engine and trans mount,along with new bolts would do it , except steering shaft mod . There is a small slip section with universal at the floorboard( right behind and underneath the brake pedal) that wood make an easy to get to piece for a lengthened replacement . May have to go junkyard scrounging next week.
i know this only is a drop type lift ( no actual clearance gained down the center) but with a 33 “ I’ll gain another 1/2” of center clearance and additional body/ rocker clearance of 2”-2 1/2”.

May just be a crossmember drop, but it puts more distance between the top of the the strut and the control arm. Have to make sure those Flatouts maximize it. If not maybe they would be into getting wild with ya.

 

[Maverickman74]

Spirit racing ,here in lakeside used to make those. Still keepin my centurion though . Bought in 1999 from orig owner . It’s got 400k on it and no dash Nannie’s!
it’s the desert tow rig.

My tow rig is a 96 Bronco. Its got almost as many computer controls as my Tremor. No clue why it needs it on a motor designed back in '62 lol.

 

[Montana]

@Bwicka
... all of these people bitching about you cutting up YOUR truck will never take a wrench to their own. Cut that bitch up, brother!

You can always see them at Jiffy Lube in the waiting room if you choose to visit... or the dealership having a "technician" properly install their mudflaps.

Nah.

 

[Scupking]

Also love that you are going for 33s. I hope this all goes well. If it does, I have said it before I really hope that the Maverick/Bronco Sport are the XJ/MJs of the 2020s! If they are we are gonna be having a lot of fun bashing around in em in 2050!

My wife wanted a Bronco Sport. We bought a 2023 BigBend in May. The first thing I said is it reminds me of my old Jeep Cherokee XJs! They are very capable little SUVs. Same goes for the Maverick.

 

[Bwicka]

May just be a crossmember drop, but it puts more distance between the top of the the strut and the control arm. Have to make sure those Flatouts maximize it. If not maybe they would be into getting wild with ya.

Yeah, figured to just do the steel strut spacers at this point .have a set already .
its not gaining an more travel like that but maintains the original gr0 with the same cv angles.
would like to find a stock tremor in my area to do some constant comparisons .
i only did some minor initial measurements .
I would like to get cv degree measurements throughout full stock travel off of somebodies.

 

[Bwicka]

I am in southeast San Diego area .

 

[Maverickman74]

Yeah, figured to just do the steel strut spacers at this point .have a set already .
its not gaining an more travel like that but maintains the original gr0 with the same cv angles.
would like to find a stock tremor in my area to do some constant comparisons .
i only did some minor initial measurements .
I would like to get cv degree measurements throughout full stock travel off of somebodies.

Go out to sunset cliffs in OB and I will drive out to Hana out here. Just borrow somebody's telescope

 

[Barksdale123]

Very cool. I wonder when shop or even Ford will set up a Tremors upgrade like this as a package.

 

[colinl]

This is next-level crazy but I love it.

1-2 years ago some overlanding guy, of course looking to get YouTube subscribers, claimed he had 33s on a Maverick with a 2" lift.

I called BS. I think it was in a FB group rather than here on MTC, but I can't find it now, regardless. I was really sure that 33s would not fit on a Maverick and here we have proof! And apparently, someone with the right combination of skill, funding and insanity to make it work.

 

[Bwicka]

Yeah , insanity might be true .
additional pics of Ecu relocate and final seam trim and weld , along with bumper off pics for anyone’s interest.

kept two off the original harness plugs in this area ,just moved up about 8” on subframe .

moved others up top ,along with rerouting the horn wires out of wheel well.this has been documented by one of the lowering guys threads( they rub when on airbags and fully lowered)all cables fit ,just have to mov some of the push in clips around ,drill a couple new snap in holes for them(1/4”) and move one ground from down low to a existing ground screw right under air box.

opens up fender well a lot and protects eco and plugs from water crossings and mud.

original location just horrific for intrusion and crash protection.
last hybrid I fixed actually had to buy a new Ecu! Got dented when the drivers fender got hit , could not clear about 9 codes for engine problems and canbus communication issues.
first Ecu on any fuel injectected vehicle I have ever had to do this in 36 years of working on cars!
granted Ecu cost is only like $105 but chasing my tail on the codes for 2 days really cost.

also moved the passenger side wire for front lights to forward of the subframe drop bar to gain a few inches of fender well clearance.
have yet to decide on modding the felt liners or just get full size truck real plastic liners and make them fit over the 3/4” of the wheel well I’d like to protect still.

 

[Bwicka]

Oh seams

 

[James K]

I will be posting as often as I can on this pre runner style build of my 23’ tremor . First I did a gr40 suspension kit from flat out suspensions.

Then I mounted up some 255/75/17 BFGoodrich mud terrains ( 32x10”)

Now the whole unit sits about 2 1/4 “taller at the wheel arch. Only 1 1/2” in rear.
going to order longer springs too to play more with height . Didn’t get the 3 1/2” I was looking for.

stance is not quite right. May go 11/2” wheel spacer until I can make some A arms.
next up is cutting the bumpers up and doing some tube bumpers with skid plates.
but first is relocating elm from lower federwell( worst ford placement ever )

And rim and weld pinch weld

it’s dark now so will do finish work tomorrow.


the best thing about the suspension kit is the rear went from 2 1/2 “ of suspension droop to 5”
will have to re cycle the front after I get new springs made .
biggest issue all around is the lower arm resistance on the front .I may go for a custom lower arm with a uniball or other joint layed sideways . The swaybar is also adding a large amount of compounded spring rate ,even with one side disconnected.( looking at modding apex disconnects or making my own)
i do have a set of stock tremor tires with 2000 miles for sale soon and the stock tremor shocks,springs and struts too.
in the east San Diego area.

This truck is for light playing in the anza Borrego desert area. I have a property at ocotillo wells ,across from the airport there by the off road park.
I do know it will never keep up with the serious desert machines but is also a good daily versus my buggy or full size broncos .

But we will see what the limits really are!

It looks great! How's the road noise?

 

[Bwicka]

Only have done a little freeway driving and has a low hum ,but not obnoxious , I believe the lariat window and door jam foamies and extra stuff helps a little .
around town with windows done got a little lug noise rollin up to stoplights .
I think the light weighthelps a lot versus my full size bronco with ttb front end and camber being always off Making mud terrain lugs even noisier.
id say slightly noticeable , but not turn up the music louder.

 

[Bwicka]

i am adding more pics of final ecm/ Ecu relocate.
trimmed down factory bracket and added 3 standoffs like original in proper locations to cut solidly, 3/4” Clarence from battery and air box lid just pull open and comes off .

Sponsored