Rock Crawler Build - E53 3.0L - Page 5

Sarek · #1 02-20-2014, 11:12 PM

After the strongbox doubler and dana 300 is installed. I think the diffs might be fine. Axles and CVs on the other hand will probably be another story.

acannell · #2 02-21-2014, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarek

After the strongbox doubler and dana 300 is installed. I think the diffs might be fine. Axles and CVs on the other hand will probably be another story.

whats your inboard winch plan? i always wanted to do that to my jeep but couldnt figure out a realistic way that wasnt basically designing a truck around a winch lol

btw, sort of off topic, but how much more annoying is it to work on the X5 engine versus the jeep straight 6, for instance? im trying to gauge what its going to be like when my parents get an X5 and i attempt doing timing chain/guide service..

and is it just more annoying or is it actually more complex, and how much can you trust the bentley manual?

Sarek · #3 02-09-2014, 03:39 PM

I am having a front bumper built as we speak so the entire front is changing. However, I didnt have any issues with the factory loops and have yanked on them heavily. I have removed the carpet after submerging the vehicle. I wrapped the entire body harness to clean it up. Only module I relocated is the lamp module. I moved it higher up in the dash. Happy to find that the vehicle was designed with water in mind. No other electrical stuff that is too low. Pedal sensor and other stuff mounted low has good weather packing so that as long as the water drains out doesnt pose a problem. Moved the battery out of the plastic box and moved the electrical wiring for trailer harness out too. Eliminated battery box. Moved the amplifier up too. Having rear bumper built too. The most exciting thing I am doing is replacing the transfer case! Will end up with 150 to 1 1sr gear! Cant wait to break sone axles...lol

Sarek · #4 02-09-2014, 04:17 PM

Mine is a 2001 3.0. The manual trans is the 6 speed ZF from a 2004 x5 3.0. The conversion was easier than I thought. All parts basically bolt right in. I prefer a stick shift for wheelin. Some prefer the auto. I destroyed my gm5 trans. They are not known for their durability. I guess I proved that. Lol .. Finding a donor junk yard x5 manual was a bit tricky. Obvious drawback with manual is lack of low gearing. Hence the transfer case and doubler retrofit. Btw. If you want the 6 speed in a 01 to 03 e53, you have to use the xdrive atc500 transfer case, front and rear driveshaft. You can use the 01 to 03 5 speed manual, you just lose the overdrive which for what I am doing doesnt really matter. It helps for a road car.

Sarek · #5 02-09-2014, 04:40 PM

Some pictures of the carpet out and the reason why the carpet came out. A close look at the floorboard shows that there isnt much except harness there.

bcredliner · #6 02-09-2014, 04:40 PM

I applaud your individualism.

It's especially rewarding when you achieve success after a lot of--you're nuts, I will believe when I see it or you're wasting your time and money.

Sarek · #7 02-09-2014, 04:50 PM

I dont claim its a TRUE rock crawler. Im not entering any competitions if thats what you think. Just enjoying the challenge. As far as wasting money, this kind of stuff always is in a way. Here are a few pics of the 6 speed manual.

TiAgX5 · #8 02-09-2014, 05:59 PM

I agree there's a lot that can be done to increase the off road-ability of the stock E53.

My inital post on this thread was pointing out that the OP had planned on building a rock crawling X5, that's what I stated would be the monumental task.

Just building an E53 to run the Rubicon Trail would be an extreme undertaking, and the RT is not "rock crawling".

Sarek · #9 02-10-2014, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

I agree there's a lot that can be done to increase the off road-ability of the stock E53.

My inital post on this thread was pointing out that the OP had planned on building a rock crawling X5, that's what I stated would be the monumental task.

Just building an E53 to run the Rubicon Trail would be an extreme undertaking, and the RT is not "rock crawling".

In hindsight I could have started a new thread considering this started out with Rock Crawling . I can say that in my area rocks are hard to find on trails unless I head to the blue ridge mountains. There are a couple of public trails like shoe Creek. I am planning a trip there in the spring and also heading to Tennessee to a huge orv park. Will definitely try to play on some rocks there. Here we have some hill climbs and creek beds and a whole lot of mud. X5 does well articulating thru uneven terrain with the differential braking. I have a video of that that I am going to try and get on youtube.

TiAgX5 · #10 02-10-2014, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarek

In hindsight I could have started a new thread considering this started out with Rock Crawling . I can say that in my area rocks are hard to find on trails unless I head to the blue ridge mountains. There are a couple of public trails like shoe Creek. I am planning a trip there in the spring and also heading to Tennessee to a huge orv park. Will definitely try to play on some rocks there. Here we have some hill climbs and creek beds and a whole lot of mud. X5 does well articulating thru uneven terrain with the differential braking. I have a video of that that I am going to try and get on youtube.

No worries.

I know a few Jeep owners who do the Jeep Jamboree Rubicon Trail run every year. Other makes/models are invited to join in. I've been told although several modded E53 owners have been invited, none have attempted the run.

A successful Rubicon Trail run by an E53 would demonstrate the modding has brought the vehicle to the level of a showroom stock "trail rated" Jeep vehicle.