Build The Story of Blue

[silvarshooter]

I ended up doing the floor holes as well on my first rear shock change, so much easier. Not sure if you found some caps/grommets or whatever but I just used some flex seal tape over the holes, infomercials aside that s*** is super sticky and haven't had any dust coming through.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I ended up doing the floor holes as well on my first rear shock change, so much easier. Not sure if you found some caps/grommets or whatever but I just used some flex seal tape over the holes, infomercials aside that s*** is super sticky and haven't had any dust coming through.

I got a couple different caps in route but if you can painted the edges then covered with FlexSeal you should be good. They are ridiculously sticky and long lasting!

 

[silvarshooter]

Nice, yeah I did scuff and spray the edges. Definitely sticky stuff, when I switched to dobinson a couple months ago the flex seal was so stuck it pulled up some of the tar sound deadening. Caps would be a good route though as far as reusability. The holes really proved themselves as the rear shocks took about 1/2 an hour give or take and zero frustration last go around.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Yeah, holes are the right way to go. I finished putting in the rear shocks. The new OEM cushions are so thick the I had to have a friend press the shocks up using a pry bar while I pressed down hard on the top cushion to even get the top nut started!

@FxFormat get ready for a fight on your rear AHC shocks if you don't plan to cut access holes in the floor.

 

[FxFormat]

Yeah, holes are the right way to go. I finished putting in the rear shocks. The new OEM cushions are so thick the I had to have a friend press the shocks up using a pry bar while I pressed down hard on the top cushion to even get the top nut started!

@FxFormat get ready for a fight on your rear AHC shocks if you don't plan to cut access holes in the floor.

If you’re just going to replace the entire shock, just cut the piston/shaft with a sawzall. Quick 5 minute job per side, just drain the fluid before. I plan on cutting mine when it’s time to replace it

 

[ClassyJalopy]

If you’re just going to replace the entire shock, just cut the piston/shaft with a sawzall. Quick 5 minute job per side, just drain the fluid before. I plan on cutting mine when it’s time to replace it

Taking out wasn't even half as hard as putting them back on! You have to get the top nut started while fighting the cushions (remember the fronts?)
And then you'll need to align the hydraulic line bolts and then torque them up.
I don't want to project my lack of mechanical prowess on you but I am curious if you come up with any tricks to do the install from below!

 

[Kabanstva]

I remember cutting the holes in my floor and praying to god I don't mess up. Luckily I cut them in just the right place haha.

 

[FxFormat]

Taking out wasn't even half as hard as putting them back on! You have to get the top nut started while fighting the cushions (remember the fronts?)
And then you'll need to align the hydraulic line bolts and then torque them up.
I don't want to project my lack of mechanical prowess on you but I am curious if you come up with any tricks to do the install from below!

Yeah the cushions will fight you, but I compress them beforehand and let it sit overnight so they’re somewhat squished. You can use a Jack to push up on the shock and squish the cushions some more to get the top bolt on. Aligning the two 12mm bolt that secures the line to the shock can be tricky, but you can sorta see them through the rear fender well. I have a lift at work, can’t imagine how hard this is on the ground.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Yeah the cushions will fight you, but I compress them beforehand and let it sit overnight so they’re somewhat squished. You can use a Jack to push up on the shock and squish the cushions some more to get the top bolt on. Aligning the two 12mm bolt that secures the line to the shock can be tricky, but you can sorta see them through the rear fender well. I have a lift at work, can’t imagine how hard this is on the ground.

Do post your experience here once you do the job. Without hydraulic pressure the shock compresses to half it size, so I couldn't figure out a way to use a jack to press it up, but the pry bar worked well. God speed!

 

[FxFormat]

Do post your experience here once you do the job. Without hydraulic pressure the shock compresses to half it size, so I couldn't figure out a way to use a jack to press it up, but the pry bar worked well. God speed!

For the front I used this method and jacked the entire control arm up, once the shock collapses fully it has nowhere else to go but squish on the cushions. I didn’t overdo it, but slight pressure up and it was enough to squish the cushion enough to get the nut on.

 

[FxFormat]

For the rears I plan on using this type of Jack once the vehicle is in the air to push on shock enough to thread the top nut on.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Well that used MTB I have been eyeing for a while will have to wait until next year, one more big ticket item for my Blue!
View attachment 3082365

Package arrived in about a week from ordering. I promptly installed it (took a little over 2 hours!) . The Fusible link block (coming off of the positive battery terminal is really not worth replacing (it just connects fuses and cables using actual bolts so there are no wear items on there!). The first time I turned the key the engine won't even turn over! Well Zhit !! My first thought was I must have either not fully pushed in one of the gazillion connections or have some how bricked something else. I was literally excreting rectangular hard formed objects!!

To calm myself down, I told myself that all the connections are really idiot-proof and definitely double checked all of my work it can't be plugs. I decide to take some pics of my handiwork and take some time off the job to calm myself down. Sat down to review my pics and noticed the starter cable was not connected

Reconnecting the starter cable brought us back to truck cranking but not starting
Oddly enough I was relieved to see that after spending $400+ in parts and nearly 3 hours of my time, I hadn't make the issue any worse!

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Ordered efi relay 85915-30050 from the local dealership. They quoted $160 plus tax and refused to price match with online retailers who are selling for $100.

I am really hoping to sort it out this week as I am planning to drive the Blue to Toronto with a stop at Silver lake dunes on the way back.

 

[YezusLX]

Ordered efi relay 85915-30050 from the local dealership. They quoted $160 plus tax and refused to price match with online retailers who are selling for $100.

I am really hoping to sort it out this week as I am planning to drive the Blue to Toronto with a stop at Silver lake dunes on the way back.

I hope this works out as well. Cannot have the fam, BLue, or you getting captured in Canadia. Those are some tough customers up there eh?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I hope this works out as well. Cannot have the fam, BLue, or you getting captured in Canadia. Those are some tough customers up there eh?

It has been out of commission for a week now. I am dangerously close to giving in on the pressure of taking our x5 on the trip

 

[YezusLX]

It has been out of commission for a week now. I am dangerously close to giving in on the pressure of taking our x5 on the trip

The last X5 I had contact with in the midwest lost a battle with a crater they called a pothole. But Trudeau might give you a pass if you went Bavarian there. Might be a decent call if you need a new set of wheels for it. That soft aluminum turns to squares if you do it right. Hopefully, this last $160 will set you on a path to victory.

 

[FxFormat]

It has been out of commission for a week now. I am dangerously close to giving in on the pressure of taking our x5 on the trip

What year what engine X5? I’ve owned 8 BMWs throughout my life and if you have the 4.4 or 4.8 X5 you’re not gonna make it out of your neighborhood lol.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

This must be my 10th and I have always stayed off of v8s!
2017 35i XDrive

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I just bypassed the EFI relay and she roared into life right away! Which means the next step should be to buy that new EFI relay and go from there!
The bypass is describe here by @medtro - thanks friend this was very helpful!

EFI Relay Bypass Kit (Immobilizer Fix) for UZJ100/LX470

I'd like to purchase the efi relay bypass kit from you. Its for a 2002 LX470.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Happy to report that a new EFI relay sorted the issue out! Makes me wonder if I needed the new fuse box at all in the first place? I want to say this is not a bad preventative maintenance for a known show stopper issue - I would much rather deal with it in my drive way than somewhere in Forgetonia with no tools and very irritated family!

The old one looks just fine to my highly untrained eye!