🛠️ Member Build 2022 Glacier Blue - Stitch

[Graidian]

I was actually sitting at the dealer awaiting the paperwork and already making calls and placing orders, so I will be tearing into this pretty soon. The first thing I did was tint the front two windows and get rid of the tires. I am getting far too old and cranky to listen to that much road noise. I also noticed that whoever had the truck before me, while they clearly wanted to customize it a bit, seemed to take a few shortcuts that needed to be fixed...as well as a few design choices I just couldn't agree with. The Magnum side steps they installed...I am guessing they lost some of the hardware and used bolts that are clearly not designed to be used in this application, and as a result the steps already have some surface rust. Not to mention my daughter and I both agree that we prefer to have a little more room to step. I had the Tyger steps installed on my last Silverado and really liked the look and finish, so I am going with those again on this truck. On a semi related note, when I get the new ones on I will practically (if not literally) be giving away the Magnums, so if anyone nearby will be looking for a set and they don't mind the surface rust or want to put the time into fixing them...

I have also never been a fan of the Bullet antennas, call me old fashioned but I prefer a standard antenna, however a OEM antenna sticks up too far and hits my garage door, so I removed the Bullet and installed a shorter 22" one. I am still debating if I am going to throw my BEARCAT 980 SSB CB in, but it will definitely be warmer before I tackle that as I am OCD about a clean install and proper cable management.

Outside of that I have already installed the Tyger back seat storage as I carry way too many "just in case" items for the factory storage. I also installed the RealTruck swing out case in the bed and the X4s tonneau cover to help keep everything dry and safe-ish. A couple Diode Dynamics LEDs in the reverse lights, some upgraded license plate LEDs and the FitCamX integrated dash cam (front and rear facing) and we are pretty much up to date.

Mild so far, but I always have the itch for more. Which is why sitting in the stall next to the truck I have the Bora spacers, J&L oil seperator, step sides, under-hood lighting and the WeatherTech mud flaps. I also have an order of color matched caliper paint on it's way from G2 and a set of the ZR2 puddle lights coming from RTG. Once it gets above freezing, it's going to be a fun weekend.

Preinstalled Mods/Upgrades
[LINK] Removed Bullet Antenna
[LINK] Magnum RT Side Steps
[LINK] S&B Cold Air Intake

Personally Installed Mods/Upgrades
[LINK] AntennaMastsRus Antenna 21"
[LINK] Boost Auto Fog Mod
[LINK] Diode Dynamics Backup LEDs (XPR)
[LINK] FITCAMX Dash Cam
[LINK] GreceYou Under Hood LED Light Kit
[LINK] J&L Oil Separator
[LINK] Range DFM Module
[LINK] RealTruck BAK Revolver X4s Tonneau Cover
[LINK] RealTruck UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage Box
[LINK] RTG ZR2 Puddle Light
[LINK] Tyger Under Seat Storage


Awaiting Mods/Upgrades
[LINK] Auxbeam V-ULTRA Series 5" LED White Pod Lights
[LINK] Boost Auto ION Series LED Door Handles
[LINK] Boost Auto Lumastep M2 Powered Light Up Running Boards
[LINK] G2 Color Match Caliper Paint
[LINK] Putco Freedom Blade with Remote
[LINK] RTG 6-Piece Spotlight Style Grille Light

 

[Blue ZR2]

That looks like the exact truck i just traded not that long ago.

 

[AXE]

If you like a lot of light in the back for trailering or backing in the dark, check out the POD Holes light assembly. It is a really nice package. There are some threads on here for install and function.

 

[Graidian]

If you like a lot of light in the back for trailering or backing in the dark, check out the POD Holes light assembly. It is a really nice package. There are some threads on here for install and function.

I was looking into some of those mods, I don't think I need that much light, I don't play around at night like I used to. I have a couple light bars I debated tucking behind the grill or so, but I doubt I'll even get that far into lighting. I'm just getting too old to crawl under the dash upside down to zip-tie wires in place and properly run cables and switches

 

[landpilot]

Which tires did you go with?

 

[AXE]

I was looking into some of those mods, I don't think I need that much light, I don't play around at night like I used to. I have a couple light bars I debated tucking behind the grill or so, but I doubt I'll even get that far into lighting. I'm just getting too old to crawl under the dash upside down to zip-tie wires in place and properly run cables and switches

I know the feeling......lol. I just did a bunch of gear install on my sxs and its getting harder to do those gymnastics.

 

[jruck]

Nice Rig!

 

[Graidian]

Which tires did you go with?

I decided to go with the Nitto Ridge Grapplers, stock size. My last two trucks I ran Falken Wildpeaks, figured I would go down a new path on this one and am glad I did. I feel like the Falkens had a little more grip but these are a touch quieter. I'm ok with the trade off.

I know the feeling......lol. I just did a bunch of gear install on my sxs and its getting harder to do those gymnastics.

I know me, and I know I'll get the itch soon enough. Problem is, I tend to overthink, over-engineer, overcomplicate and over-OCD everything just because I want the wires lined up, the right color, and everything almost plug and play...ish. This was my "simple" switch and relay/fuse setup on the Nissan...

 

[Graidian]

So, it really needs to warm up so I can be outside installing rather than inside ordering. I decided to add a bit of light up front with the RTG 6 piece spotlight grill set (thanks a lot @AXE for getting my mind wandering). I also ordered another accessory that I'm sure many people are going to scoff at, but hey, it's my truck and it's something I've wanted to play with for a while.

I want to maintain a mostly factory-ish look, so I'm not going to go too crazy with accessories. I don't feel like building anything too overland-esque, or off-road heavy, but as I usually find myself off the beaten path I would like to have a few accessories.

1. I would like to put my CB in and an trying to track down antenna mounts y'all have done.
2. I am debating pairing the 6 piece set with a couple bumper mounted driving pods, and again, browsing ideas.
3. I have been debating a tailgate light bar on my last couple trucks, and for just a hint of hidden flair, I think I might try to get one on this, but I cannot seem to find any that are "compatible" to work with the multi-flex tailgate, so I might have to send out a request to see if anyone has found a decent one.
4. Depending on what accessories I add, I might start working up a switch panel, or I might look into prefab ones as I don't know how ambitious I want to get with this.

Don't mind me, just thinking out loud and documenting that once again, I am already dipping into my truck fund.

 

[Graidian]

No surprise to anyone that has been paying attention, but I added the Putco Freedom Blade and Range DFM Module to upcoming installs/mods. When it gets warm I am going to have to take a week off to get everything on.

No pictures as nothing has really changed...especially since right now I feel like this is where I am at with my mods...

 

[Graidian]

Slight change of plans on the truck, thanks to the super official meeting I had with my daughter. She knows I am partial to decent lighting when we hit the night trails and so I decided I will be adding some 5" driving pod lights to the bumper, and we agreed to upgrade the side steps to the Boost Auto powered steps with lighting built in. I didn't get all the bells and whistles on the steps because someone, and I won't mention names, decided to talk me into the overpriced light up door handles from Boost as well, and the price tag was already getting high enough. They way I see it, I should have plenty of light without the accent lighting and such being built into the boards...I can always add that later...

It's warm enough this weekend that I am really hoping to get out there and at least get some of the simple stuff installed like the DFM module (thanks, @cgrubb1 , it made it!), the oil separator and maybe the under hood lighting and spacers... I got a few projects that are going to include climbing under the dash and feeding wire through the firewall...I'll wait to tackle those until it's a bit nicer out...

 

[AXE]

They're are many new switch panels including Bluetooth options that will make wiring into the cab for multiple lights/accessories easier. Considering the amount of lightting you are planning, I would install one of those before you start stitching it together one by one.

 

[Graidian]

They're are many new switch panels including Bluetooth options that will make wiring into the cab for multiple lights/accessories easier. Considering the amount of lightting you are planning, I would install one of those before you start stitching it together one by one.

I was digging through those, I figured any chance to make things a little easier on myself, the better. Honestly, however, I am not the biggest fan of what I found. I don't want to deal with having to charge a controller, and as old as it makes me sound I still prefer a switch or physical button to an electronic one. Plus I can customize it a little easier if I make it.

 

[Graidian]

Finally got a chance to get out to the garage and add a few things to the truck. I got the Range DFM Module, J&L Catch Can and Boost Auto Fog Light Mod installed. All nice and quick. Got the under-hood lighting in. Thanks to @Wildturkey707 for the link and the location/measurements for the hood pin. Last time I did this I pieced together a kit myself and being able to order everything as one unit this time was so much nicer. Although I did add a "kill switch" inline with the hood pin that way if I have the hood open for an extended period of time during the day and do not need the light, I can switch it off and not worry about drainage.

I popped in the RTG puddle lights...which are working, but I noticed they are a little loose. Double checked my installation and everything seems right, but the passenger side especially has some wobble to it. I am curious if anyone else has the same issue.

I had a couple other installed items get almost complete, it's my own fault for being way too OCD about wire management and such. Physically installing them took a couple hours, but the rest of the weekend was me cleaning up all the wiring. FYI: If you don't bleed during automotive wiring management, I firmly believe you are doing it wrong. I got about 85% of the way through the install of the RTG grill lights. The only thing remaining is the cab switch. I am not a fan of the basic stick-on one it comes with. I am putting together a write-up, but I want to wait until it's complete before I do. In the meantime...some testing...

Putco Freedom Blade is also installed except for the wire leading to the back from the engine bay. Again, wire management overcomplications. I did get it all tested before I started my journey of 1000 zip ties, just to make sure it was also working.

Today the Boost Auto steps and Auxbeam pod lights were delivered, so I will probably try to get those thrown in soon as well. The ION door handles should be here in the next couple days, so I might wait and try to get all that done in one shot. I also noticed during my testing that one of my license plate lights appears to have a short and was flickering, so I will have to track that down as well. Can't say how thrilled I am that the weather finally gave me a chance to get out there. Also been browsing rims and think I have it narrowed down.

 

[AXE]

Finally got a chance to get out to the garage and add a few things to the truck. I got the Range DFM Module, J&L Catch Can and Boost Auto Fog Light Mod installed. All nice and quick. Got the under-hood lighting in. Thanks to @Wildturkey707 for the link and the location/measurements for the hood pin. Last time I did this I pieced together a kit myself and being able to order everything as one unit this time was so much nicer. Although I did add a "kill switch" inline with the hood pin that way if I have the hood open for an extended period of time during the day and do not need the light, I can switch it off and not worry about drainage.

View attachment 26352
View attachment 26353

I popped in the RTG puddle lights...which are working, but I noticed they are a little loose. Double checked my installation and everything seems right, but the passenger side especially has some wobble to it. I am curious if anyone else has the same issue.

I had a couple other installed items get almost complete, it's my own fault for being way too OCD about wire management and such. Physically installing them took a couple hours, but the rest of the weekend was me cleaning up all the wiring. FYI: If you don't bleed during automotive wiring management, I firmly believe you are doing it wrong. I got about 85% of the way through the install of the RTG grill lights. The only thing remaining is the cab switch. I am not a fan of the basic stick-on one it comes with. I am putting together a write-up, but I want to wait until it's complete before I do. In the meantime...some testing...

View attachment 26354

Putco Freedom Blade is also installed except for the wire leading to the back from the engine bay. Again, wire management overcomplications. I did get it all tested before I started my journey of 1000 zip ties, just to make sure it was also working.

Today the Boost Auto steps and Auxbeam pod lights were delivered, so I will probably try to get those thrown in soon as well. The ION door handles should be here in the next couple days, so I might wait and try to get all that done in one shot. I also noticed during my testing that one of my license plate lights appears to have a short and was flickering, so I will have to track that down as well. Can't say how thrilled I am that the weather finally gave me a chance to get out there. Also been browsing rims and think I have it narrowed down.

Looks like a lot of good work. Should be some nice accessories!

I spend a lot of time trying to keep the wiring organized and clean. It just feels better when your done!