This is just the 1st day mock up. There will be more bracing for sure. A buddy of mine is doing the work. Its not bad for the design phase 1st day.

[QUOTE=X5nHI;986370]FMU just replied to my inquiry, "We estimate the cost to be somewhere around the $500 + shipping mark." No notes on what may be included in the kit but encouraging so far.

Barring any lift or clearancing a 70 series tire might be too tall? GL and please report back if you try

I contacted FMU about the x5 they built. I wanted to buy their lift shims for the springs. I asked if they ever had it off road. They said no. It is just a show piece. Then I inquired about cost and lead time for the mild lift kit. At that time they were about 6 months out. They. Also quoted 500 give or take.
I just had a machine shop make them. Took way less time and cost less. Just my 2 cents..

2 inch lift shims work without the need for any other mods. More than that you need to drop the subframe and extend the steering coupler

Thanks for the info Sarek!

edit: upon more thought I am going to stick to the streets. that plus seeing some sweet 20s on sale helps. the x5 still blows the doors off the neighbors 2wd anyway :p:

Close up pics please
 

Radiator and front bumper mods are definitely on my todo list now. When it is finished please take some close up shots of the bumper mounting points and tubing angles. Close ups of the lower rad tubing welded up would be helpful too. Thanks.

265/65/17 works, all else stock
 

265/70/17 should fit the fenders but will require mods (cutting and grinding plastic crap) to make the spare tire fit in the stock location. There are other guys that have run this diameter (different size) on the forum. I run 265/65/17 with no issues. If I had it to do over, I would get 275 or 285/65/17 only a little taller and wider. This may require cutting up the spare tire area for a full size spare or get a swing away on the rear bumper that will hold the spare. It measures right but not sure if it will fit with the cutting because it is very close. Any taller and you have no chance of fitting it in the spare tire tray. You will have to go on the roof, cargo area or rear bumper. Roof is a bad idea. Ski racks reduce my highway mpg from 19 to 16.

How's the bumper coming along?

Getting ready for skid plates.

It is coming along nicely. What is the purpose of the nose loop? I see them often but can't figure out what they are for. Sometimes it looks like they protect lights I'm but not sure.

Really good for wrapping your winch line around so you dont need to constantly spool in and out. Also can help from nosing over.