Now did you get a custom adapter plate? And what would it take for me me to get one made for my 5 speed?

The easiest way to get the setup to work is to convert to a six speed. U need to get the transmission clutch and flywheel. I can get u an adapter and shaft for that (since the r&d has been done already). The 5 speed is unique in that the output shaft is recessed really far back in the extension housing. The 6 speed is the opposite. The shaft sticks out and is removable. I am working on an adapter shaft for the 5speed. I need a donor transmission to start developing that one. Right now, the 04 to 06 manual and auto are designed. PM me if you are interested.

Some updated photos

How did you decide on dana 300?
I would like to use an NP203, but it weighs a ton.

The front bumper is great...how much does it weigh?

Dana 300 is cast iron and gear not chain. It is very compact and the doubler that I installed actually fits into the transfer case. I had to flip it to make a drivers drop. Dana 300 also weighs a ton. Np205 might be a better choice for than the 203. More options.
Bumper is very light. Basically tubing and some plate. It works awesome.

Is the D300 AWD? I can see gear reduction not causing the suspension and brakes to go haywire with codes and lights if the thing is still running AWD.

Speaking of that, 205 is not AWD, if I recall correctly. 205 is selectable 2 or 4, I believe..like the D300?
203 is cast iron chain AWD...and I would use it to stay AWD and keep all the ridiculous computers happy.
Did you have to reinforce the transfer case mounting situation/cross member to accommodate the extra weight of the 300?

I intend on making a bumper like that and something for the rear as well at some point. It's great.

Saw your video. And I want to be hitting the trails in my x.
Hmm around how much ballpark would you say the 6speed and flywheel nd cluth would be? Not a concern but id rather not have the x down for to long. Was concidering buying a doner 5speed to send you then replace my old 5 speed after the adapters are made.
But at that point I might as well just buy a 6speed to replace.
Although I do want you to be able to make a setup for five speed.
Does the 6 speed just bolt all up? Sorry for the trouble. Im really interested in getting my x setup for possibly joining the jeeps on the rubicon.
any problems with axles ?

Dont worry about the awd thing. Get a selectable locking transfer case. It will not make a difference to the traction control at all. The dana 300 is a 2wd 4wd selectable transfer case with low gear. I installed twin sticks on it so that I can select 2wd front or rear hi or low and also 4wd hi or low. I also have the doubler in front of that(different ratio) to multiply the gearing even lower (Third stick). My traction control does NOT freak out ( even in front wheel drive). Nothing goes haywire. I do not have any warnings on in the dash or fault codes stored. My traction control and all other factory functions still all work as designed. I suggest this case because it is tough. Gear transfer cases are known to be stronger than chain. They also tend to be a lot smaller. Not much room underneath there. I did fab up a mount on the rear of the case to hold the weight. Not a big deal.

PM me dabenthusiast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GbrR4YKM3Y
i think these will be fun... OP your X5 looks sic!

BMW Rock Crawl: http://youtu.be/5HVDNuGPMHM

some video

This is awesome! I'm trying to figure out my rear suspension....

just watched the videos, god damn!

Great build! Video links are not coming up but I found them with google. Very cool! If I wasn't a total track junky who bought an E53 solely for towing my E30 I'd turn it into something like this!

Suspension update.

Water crossing

Awesome. Love how you have completely changed the character of the X. Looks great.

what's the rear subframe out of?? This is so cool!!!!

That looks like a stock rear subframe but what have you done to it for mods?

It's a 03 range rover rear subframe. Designed and built by bmw. Similar to original, just more beef. Uses same traction control sensors too! No abs or dsc lights on. Also using my original diff. I am using the front suspension from the rover also. Same bolt pattern. Has some really cool plunging ball spline cv axles

Are the pickup points the same or did you have to modify the body at all?

Still using x5 front subframe. Rear mounts had to be modified. Body had to be modified

Here are some pics of the mods on the rear. The 1st is the original subframe. The 2nd is the L322 one. The 3rd is how I chose to modify the subframe. 4th is the mod to the body where the subframe mounts.

Definitely has way more flex than the original suspension.

Just finishing the swap now. Has not been tested yet.....lol! It is very tall now. I have 19"of clearance to the rockers.

Great job!

I just re-read this from the beginning, very cool!

What else do you look on improving at this point?

Looks like a lot of fun!

Great work with the mods! Clever.

In the beginning when you were just using Range Rover struts, what specific model and year were they out of and how much front end lift did you get? I have a largely stock e53 but I'd like to lift it a little bit and possibly gain some suspension travel. I'm wondering if this is a viable option. I know I'll have to think outside the box for the rear, I love you are set up but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that level of commitment!

Rims and tires
 

Sarek, what size wheels and rims do you have on the x5? Did you end up putting spacers on it to get them to fit?

Sarek, you still troll these forums - would love to ask you some questions about your build.. even see if you still have access to the r&D for the adapter plate you used?

Let me know :)