The X Wing - KChurch86

So it's going to be slow-going, but here's my build! I'm starting off with the easy (cheap) things for my Stage 1, while my Stage 2 is a more "complete" off road machine build, and my Stage 3 is most-likely going to be a "here's what I'd do if I won the lottery" kind of list...but who knows, maybe I'll get to Stage 3 someday. We all had to start somewhere, right?

I decided to mark my "to do" list below with S1, S2, or S3 depending on what stage I hope to perform the mod.

The breakdown:
Stage 1: This includes things I've already done, things I've already bought and are waiting to be put on, and things I plan to do in the following calendar year.
Stage 2: This includes things I plan on doing within the next 2 calendar years. Stage 2 will probably be my final stage, unless my wallet grants me the privilege to do more.
Stage 3: If I make it to Stage 3, this list is my final build stage. Once these items are completed, I'll call my build DONE.

2004 XE/SE
Silver Lightning
3.3L N/A 4x4
70,XXX
X Stickers (As needed)
X Lights (As needed)
X Recovery Equipment (As needed)
X Remove mudflaps (S1)
X Remove rear sway bar (S1)
X Remove rails (S1)
_ Alternator (S1, S2, S3, as needed)
X Idler Arm Brace (S1)
X Remove intake baffles (S1)
_ Cherry Bomb Turbo muffler (S1/S2/S3, no rush)
X Paint headlight bezels/grille (S1)
_ Replace head unit, speakers, sub, amp. (S1/S2/S3, no rush)
|____X Head unit install done, have speakers but need to find adapter rings
X PML (S1)
X Horn (S1)
X Lobo rack (S1/S2/S3)
X Shocks (S1)
X Bedline lower body (S1)
X Tires (S1/S2/S3 as needed)
X Hood rod mod(S1/S2)
_ More lights (S2)
X Black 15" steelies (S1/S2/S3 no rush)
_ Power inverter (S2/S3)
_ On-board-air (S2/S3)
_ 2" BL (S2/S3, still not sure if I want a BL)
_ DIY Limb risers (S2/S3)
_ 3" SL (S3, but oh so close to buying UCAs right now)
_ Sliders (S3)
_ Skids (S3)
_ SAS (S3 and pretty unlikely)
X CB (S1)
_ Snorkel (S3, Parts purchased, project in motion)
_ Electric fan conversion (S3, Parts purchased, project in motion)
_ Shrockworks/ARB/custom bumpers, front and rear (S3)
_ Gobi rack/ladder combo (S3)
X Etc... (Never-ending...)

On to the photos:

Here's my X the day I brought it home. Not a ton has changed, as you'll see.



New exhaust put on a week later, it failed inspection so I had the work done for free. The guys ended up hanging it a little higher than stock, so the tip is barely visible from behind the bumper.





Put together my "essentials", I've since added a few more things but here's a good representation. Tools, ropes, straps, hooks, jumper cables, etc. are housed by the mortar tins.



Installed 5 Vision X driving lights, 3 up front and 2 in the back. 100W each!







In action:





Maglite mounted



Facelift time!





I really kind of like how the headlights look without bezels; except for the big gaps around the edges.



A closeup of the sun (and chemical??) damage to the grille.



First coat of paint on the grille, Krylon Fusion hammered silver.



Finished grille, two-toned it with the Krylon Fusion and Rustoleum bedliner (love that stuff).



Center lower valance



Bezels hanging to dry. Anyone lose a Ford hubcap?



Removed the rear sway bar, used some "unconventional" methods but got the job done.