ucf_bronco’s Progress Thread (Updated September 2015)
#482
Burning Brakes
Hi there!
When we were discussing the brake job I did not realize you had done so much already on the car. It looks great, but man that's a lot of effort. I was just in FL recently for a month (Bradenton).
Maybe I should drop by next time I'm down there. LOL.
Keep up the good work!
When we were discussing the brake job I did not realize you had done so much already on the car. It looks great, but man that's a lot of effort. I was just in FL recently for a month (Bradenton).
Maybe I should drop by next time I'm down there. LOL.
Keep up the good work!
#483
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
I said the same thing about the headlights with the TL, but ultimately gave in to my temptations. I think I'm with you though that this is the LAST car I do it to!
Thanks man! That's exactly what I'm going for with my mods.
Hi there!
When we were discussing the brake job I did not realize you had done so much already on the car. It looks great, but man that's a lot of effort. I was just in FL recently for a month (Bradenton).
Maybe I should drop by next time I'm down there. LOL.
Keep up the good work!
When we were discussing the brake job I did not realize you had done so much already on the car. It looks great, but man that's a lot of effort. I was just in FL recently for a month (Bradenton).
Maybe I should drop by next time I'm down there. LOL.
Keep up the good work!
----------------------------------------------
So, everything is finished but holy shit was it a lot of work and extremely stressful. I was traveling throughout the two weeks and working on my car when I could. I wasn't able to get the calipers back on before leaving so I had to rig the brake lines so the fluid wouldn't drain while I was gone. I tried a couple different methods only to quickly see they wouldn't work so on the morning I was leaving I ended up cutting the fingers off some disposable vinyl gloves and using rubber bands to fasten them to the end of the lines. I did two on each one for added protection and had visions of them filling up and bursting so I then put them in ziploc bags. I was stressing about it like crazy for the four days I was gone. I knew if all the fluid drained I could be screwed but was very thankful when I got home and saw that my idea actually worked. Only the driver's side front leaked and my contraption kept it to a minimum so the reservoir never got below the "min" line.
As methodical as I am I have a tendency to screw things up when working on my car, only to have to undo several steps to fix it. First it was the rotors. I wasn't paying attention when putting them on and since they're drilled/slotted they're also directional. I managed to get the rears right but switched the fronts. I didn't realize it until I had already installed the calipers and SS brake lines. It wasn't too much to undo but still unnecessary work.
You would think that as a result I would pay closer attention going forward but that wasn't the case. I also managed to install the calipers on the wrong sides! I only realized it after finishing everything and not being able to bleed the lines properly due to the fact the bleeders were on the bottom. So after several wasted hours I then had to reverse the calipers and re-bleed. During this process I managed to snap one of the banjo bolts that came with the SS brake lines but thank goodness I was able to easily remove it and use one of the OEM bolts.
I got everything back together but during the test drive there was a horrible rubbing sound. A quick inspection showed it was the plate behind the rotor. I manged to bend it at some point (likely while resting the calipers on it temporarily while switching front rotors). A quick push and it corrected the problem. I then took it for a drive and bedded in the new pads and rotors which finalized the process.
Of course it won't be really final until a nice detail, but after spending so many hours in the garage and leaving the two kids with my wife I wasn't about to ask for another pass. It will have to wait until this upcoming weekend which is when I'll post better pics too.
Here's a quickie though.
Last edited by ucf_bronco; 01-04-2016 at 09:32 AM.
#485
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Thanks man! Agreed! It should carry over into other areas as well because it's drilled into my head that just because it fits doesn't mean it's right! I'll definitely be taking greater caution going forward with all mods/maintenance and do my due diligence before moving to the next step.
I'm just glad it's behind me at this point. More than once over the past couple weeks I wanted to throw in the towel and just have someone else complete the work, but of course I hung in there and now get to enjoy that feeling when it's all done (and I didn't spend a fortune in the process).
I like documenting it in this thread too, not only for reference in the future but also to remind me of what I went through. My memory ain't what is used to be!
I'm just glad it's behind me at this point. More than once over the past couple weeks I wanted to throw in the towel and just have someone else complete the work, but of course I hung in there and now get to enjoy that feeling when it's all done (and I didn't spend a fortune in the process).
I like documenting it in this thread too, not only for reference in the future but also to remind me of what I went through. My memory ain't what is used to be!
#487
#489
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Well, the latest drama in the life of my 4G...the zinc coating on my new rotors is failing!
It took less than two weeks to surface (installed Jan 3rd, noticed issue on Jan 15th). I was so pissed but fortunately the company I ordered them from (Brake Performance) is stepping up and sending me replacements at no cost. Their site clearly states that there is no warranty on the zinc coating so I was very happy that they were willing to make an exception. I requested that they send non-coated ones this time around so the possibility doesn't exist that it will happen again.
I expect the install to go pretty quickly since the process is fresh in my mind and I won't have to bleed the brakes again.
On another note, I just hit the 80k mark! I can't believe I've put 72k miles on her and she still feels new.
It took less than two weeks to surface (installed Jan 3rd, noticed issue on Jan 15th). I was so pissed but fortunately the company I ordered them from (Brake Performance) is stepping up and sending me replacements at no cost. Their site clearly states that there is no warranty on the zinc coating so I was very happy that they were willing to make an exception. I requested that they send non-coated ones this time around so the possibility doesn't exist that it will happen again.
I expect the install to go pretty quickly since the process is fresh in my mind and I won't have to bleed the brakes again.
On another note, I just hit the 80k mark! I can't believe I've put 72k miles on her and she still feels new.
#490
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Another exciting update! My youngest has already outgrown her infant car seat so it was time for a convertible. Had to go with another Recaro and fortunately the one I wanted comes in the same color scheme as my oldest's.
Yeah...slow news day
On another note, the company I bought my rotors from (www.brakeperformance.com) decided to ship me some new ones even though the zinc coating isn't covered under warranty. I haven't had a chance to install the new ones yet. They don't have the zinc coating but should still look good...I didn't want to risk having the same issue again.
Yeah...slow news day
On another note, the company I bought my rotors from (www.brakeperformance.com) decided to ship me some new ones even though the zinc coating isn't covered under warranty. I haven't had a chance to install the new ones yet. They don't have the zinc coating but should still look good...I didn't want to risk having the same issue again.
Last edited by ucf_bronco; 03-04-2016 at 02:26 PM.
#492
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Yeah, they are great seats! Fortunately I personally haven't had to test just how safe they are but they're comfortable and look good (and of course have very high marks in safety).
My wife has two in her Ody as well. ..the same models but different colors.
My wife has two in her Ody as well. ..the same models but different colors.
#493
Drifting
Another exciting update! My youngest has already outgrown her infant car seat so it was time for a convertible. Had to go with another Recaro and fortunately the one I wanted comes in the same color scheme as my oldest's.
Yeah...slow news day
On another note, the company I bought my rotors from (Brake Rotors Brake Discs Drilled Slotted Rotors) decided to ship me some new ones even though the zinc coating isn't covered under warranty. I haven't had a chance to install the new ones yet. They don't have the zinc coating but should still look good...I didn't want to risk having the same issue again.
Yeah...slow news day
On another note, the company I bought my rotors from (Brake Rotors Brake Discs Drilled Slotted Rotors) decided to ship me some new ones even though the zinc coating isn't covered under warranty. I haven't had a chance to install the new ones yet. They don't have the zinc coating but should still look good...I didn't want to risk having the same issue again.
#494
The Original Shawdy
Need matching Recaro front seats!
#495
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
^^^Haha, agreed!
Well I'm finally taking care of something that has bugged me for a while. I had to roll my rear fenders when I got the aftermarket wheels because I went with the 255 series tire. The guy that did it also pulled them out a little (not sure if that's just a 'side effect' of rolling the fenders or not) so my rears have been a little more sunken in than I'd prefer. Even correcting the camber and bringing it to -0.7 still leaves more of a gap than I'd like. The adjustable ball joints I installed a couple weeks ago took care of the front so I'm going to add some adapters to the rear. This weekend I did a test fit with some washers and tried +9mm and +12mm. Although I really like the way the latter looks I'm worried it'll rub and I'll ultimately regret it (don't want to raise the rear or dial the camber back down). So I think I'm gonna go with 10mm (hub centric adapters) and call it a day. Any input is appreciated!
Here's some before/after pics.
Before:
+9mm:
Before:
+12mm:
Well I'm finally taking care of something that has bugged me for a while. I had to roll my rear fenders when I got the aftermarket wheels because I went with the 255 series tire. The guy that did it also pulled them out a little (not sure if that's just a 'side effect' of rolling the fenders or not) so my rears have been a little more sunken in than I'd prefer. Even correcting the camber and bringing it to -0.7 still leaves more of a gap than I'd like. The adjustable ball joints I installed a couple weeks ago took care of the front so I'm going to add some adapters to the rear. This weekend I did a test fit with some washers and tried +9mm and +12mm. Although I really like the way the latter looks I'm worried it'll rub and I'll ultimately regret it (don't want to raise the rear or dial the camber back down). So I think I'm gonna go with 10mm (hub centric adapters) and call it a day. Any input is appreciated!
Here's some before/after pics.
Before:
+9mm:
Before:
+12mm:
#497
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Haha! I know, I've been MIA. Work has been keeping me busy lately so less free time and the majority of the time I was spending on here was from my work desk. Of course having two little ones at home means minimal free time there too. I'm sure you're getting a taste of that though!
#501
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
You got it! So excited to see what the RJ looks like installed. Hopefully it fits like a glove (not OJ's though) and looks as good as I'm expecting.
When it came to the spacers, I would've loved to go more aggressive but didn't want to dial the camber back down nor raise the back end up. I really like the way she sits now...there's just something about camber close to zero (or -1.0) and minimal wheel gap that I dig (as long as I can still drive it like I stole it at times). I also figured less is more when it comes to weight and more available threads on the lug nuts. I like your idea of hopping on the rear door jam though, wish I would've tried that. I did it on the step right before the trunk but not sure I would've heard any contact from there.
I'm crossing my fingers that the ET lug nuts work with my wheels. The holes need to be big enough to allow the extended part to go through. If that's not the case then I'll need to get longer wheel studs and I'd rather not deal with that. Though I have new rotors to install so I could knock it out then.
When it came to the spacers, I would've loved to go more aggressive but didn't want to dial the camber back down nor raise the back end up. I really like the way she sits now...there's just something about camber close to zero (or -1.0) and minimal wheel gap that I dig (as long as I can still drive it like I stole it at times). I also figured less is more when it comes to weight and more available threads on the lug nuts. I like your idea of hopping on the rear door jam though, wish I would've tried that. I did it on the step right before the trunk but not sure I would've heard any contact from there.
I'm crossing my fingers that the ET lug nuts work with my wheels. The holes need to be big enough to allow the extended part to go through. If that's not the case then I'll need to get longer wheel studs and I'd rather not deal with that. Though I have new rotors to install so I could knock it out then.
#502
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Well I'm back to give Jeremy an update, haha! This thread actually serves as my memory bank so years from now I can look back and remember what I did (and how much of a PITA some of it was), but the convo with J is just a bonus
After correcting the negative camber in the front (with the SPC adjustable ball joints) and getting new tires, I detailed my car and noticed some nasty slices in the sidewall of my front passenger tire. I had heard the tire make contact with the fender on a couple of occasions but didn't think much of it. Fortunately they aren't severe enough to warrant another tire, but of course I had to...
I also had to raise the front end a little bit, because I didn't want to dial down the camber. Fortunately there is no more rubbing so the problem is behind me.
I installed the new RJ grille and am very happy with it. It looks awesome! It was beat up a little but no more than what's to be expected with a used grille. It also matches all the imperfections in my bumper/hood perfectly, haha! I'm sure I'll add to the defects with my "50 mile per day on the highway" commute anyway.
The same day I installed the grille I attempted to also install the spacers but with no luck. Apparently the inner hub bore on my wheels is 72mm even though I called the manufacturer and they stated 73mm, I looked online and saw multiple sources that stated 73mm, and when speaking with Lenny at Motorsport Tech he also stated they were more than likely 73mm. I tried measuring it with my digital caliper to confirm but it wouldn't fit inside my wheel (and unfortunately I didn't think to just measure my hub centric rings). That 1mm difference was all it took to make me have to send them back for some 'alterations'. I also found that the ET lug nuts didn't work properly with my wheels (the extended part was too big to fit through the holes on the wheel). Fortunately that fix was easy (but nerve-racking!). I just had to drill them out a tiny bit (prob close to 1mm).
So I got everything on, gave her a nice detail, and took a few quick shots. I'm definitely happy with the way she sits now (though I need to play with the height a bit, front sits higher) and the look of the new grille. My old one looked like crap and needed some major TLC so this was a nice upgrade.
After correcting the negative camber in the front (with the SPC adjustable ball joints) and getting new tires, I detailed my car and noticed some nasty slices in the sidewall of my front passenger tire. I had heard the tire make contact with the fender on a couple of occasions but didn't think much of it. Fortunately they aren't severe enough to warrant another tire, but of course I had to...
I also had to raise the front end a little bit, because I didn't want to dial down the camber. Fortunately there is no more rubbing so the problem is behind me.
I installed the new RJ grille and am very happy with it. It looks awesome! It was beat up a little but no more than what's to be expected with a used grille. It also matches all the imperfections in my bumper/hood perfectly, haha! I'm sure I'll add to the defects with my "50 mile per day on the highway" commute anyway.
The same day I installed the grille I attempted to also install the spacers but with no luck. Apparently the inner hub bore on my wheels is 72mm even though I called the manufacturer and they stated 73mm, I looked online and saw multiple sources that stated 73mm, and when speaking with Lenny at Motorsport Tech he also stated they were more than likely 73mm. I tried measuring it with my digital caliper to confirm but it wouldn't fit inside my wheel (and unfortunately I didn't think to just measure my hub centric rings). That 1mm difference was all it took to make me have to send them back for some 'alterations'. I also found that the ET lug nuts didn't work properly with my wheels (the extended part was too big to fit through the holes on the wheel). Fortunately that fix was easy (but nerve-racking!). I just had to drill them out a tiny bit (prob close to 1mm).
So I got everything on, gave her a nice detail, and took a few quick shots. I'm definitely happy with the way she sits now (though I need to play with the height a bit, front sits higher) and the look of the new grille. My old one looked like crap and needed some major TLC so this was a nice upgrade.
#504
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
Mr. Meticulous...just like me.
I love it...I hated that battle for flush and zero camber but not risking tires...bit me in the ass last time since I'd avoided a roll that whole time...not sure why, I KNOW how, just hate doing it.
our diary...
I love it...I hated that battle for flush and zero camber but not risking tires...bit me in the ass last time since I'd avoided a roll that whole time...not sure why, I KNOW how, just hate doing it.
our diary...
#505
Senior Moderator
WAO fantastic fitment!
#508
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
We're definitely similar in our builds, though to be honest you're on another level. I've been striving for that ideal stance and am happy that I've achieved it for the most part. Just like you I prefer the old school look, which is weird to say. I just don't dig that wide wheel / stretched tire / negative camber look that so many go for these days.
I agree on the tires! I'm going through a set about every two years so I'm hoping these will last longer now that I've corrected the camber at all four corners and have all fenders rolled. Time will tell!
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rockstar143 (09-13-2016)
#509
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
TWO YEARS IS AMAZING!
Yeah, I know what you mean, man...you post so well, and have such thought out mods...I'm surprised more people don't chime in.
I hate seeing a good forum dude posting and then there's nothing between another post from him again and again.
Yeah, I know what you mean, man...you post so well, and have such thought out mods...I'm surprised more people don't chime in.
I hate seeing a good forum dude posting and then there's nothing between another post from him again and again.
#511
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
That's actually why I mentioned that this thread is just as much for my documentation as it is to share what I've done with others. Don't want to come off as the guy that sits alone in the corner and talks to himself
#516
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
It's def been a minute! I've been swamped at work lately and that's really the only time I was on here before. I'll be transitioning to a management role in the very near future so I'll likely be on here even less.
Haven't done anything lately with the TL anyway. The KTuner is next on the 'to do' list but that won't happen until the end of the summer or maybe even Christmas 2017.
#517
Drifting
It's def been a minute! I've been swamped at work lately and that's really the only time I was on here before. I'll be transitioning to a management role in the very near future so I'll likely be on here even less.
Haven't done anything lately with the TL anyway. The KTuner is next on the 'to do' list but that won't happen until the end of the summer or maybe even Christmas 2017.
K Tuner is a mod worth having. Congrats on the transition, I know quite well how that can eat in to your spare time.
#518
The Original Shawdy
#519
Thanks man, much appreciated!
It's def been a minute! I've been swamped at work lately and that's really the only time I was on here before. I'll be transitioning to a management role in the very near future so I'll likely be on here even less.
Haven't done anything lately with the TL anyway. The KTuner is next on the 'to do' list but that won't happen until the end of the summer or maybe even Christmas 2017.
It's def been a minute! I've been swamped at work lately and that's really the only time I was on here before. I'll be transitioning to a management role in the very near future so I'll likely be on here even less.
Haven't done anything lately with the TL anyway. The KTuner is next on the 'to do' list but that won't happen until the end of the summer or maybe even Christmas 2017.
#520
Drifting
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Well I haven't been around much lately but I wanted to share an update anyway. After 7 years and 7 months I've moved on from the TL. I couldn't get an M3 or M5 like I would've preferred since I'm now making payments for both of my daughter's college tuition, but I'm not exactly disappointed with my new ride.
It's been real! Thank you all for your input over the years!
It's been real! Thank you all for your input over the years!