I just picked up my 2002 king ranch 5.4l v8. This is my first american vehicle and my first truck. i have never been this much in love with a vehicle in my life.

 

If y'all are able to make it, be sure and visit the Runnin' W saddle shop in town. You will be able to get youselves some accesories (wallets, gun cases etc.) that match the logo on your trucks! I hope that you do come and visit Texas, you'll get to check the gas milage on your new rigs!

--Martin Kellner
non KR owner

 

And I wouldn't be too opposed to a road trip to Texas.

Schedule is kinda tight for a little while. There's a lot of work to be done to keep the lights on in NC and SC.

Keep us posted on your trip planning.

 

Two questions...

1-What trailer brake controller did you get that just "plugs right in"?

2-Exactly how did you crank your torsion bars? Put it on stands or what?

 

Hey SCOOBY14B,

Torsion Bar Adjustment Procedure:

I'll trade you info, okay, tie bar adjustment and trailer brake controller for info for vent shade squeaking noise after full roll up question and front window tint percentage question!

To level the truck using the torsion bars, I used a deep 1/2" drive 18mm impact socket with an extended swivel ratchet. The ratchet needs to be about 18" long to get the needed leverage. After taking some measurements, I then just crawled under the truck in a level spot in my yard on the grass and started turning the adjustment screws until I achieved the desired results. The long ratchet is really needed, as the torsion bar adjustment screws are tight as he//. I don't think a level spot is really needed but I just felt better doing it there than on a slope.

All the measurements were taken from the bottom side of my front fender lip moldings to the bottom of the inside of my front rims. I took the measurement to the rims as this negates and imperfections on the ground. I set the measurement on each of the front wheels to match that of the back and if I recall it was 32” from the previously mentioned location. Technically, I was trying to adjust the bars such that the measurement from the center of each wheel to the bottom side of the fender lip moldings was the same. Since finding the center of the wheel is not practical, then the rims inside surface will net the same result. Key on measurements is to take them all at the same exact place on each wheel. I had to crank the passenger side 5 turns and the driver’s side 3. I have no idea why the passenger side needed more but according to the measurements it’s just what was needed so I did it and it works just fine, drives okay with no additional alignment thus far.

After each turn of the adjustment screws, I got up and went to the front bumper and bounced the suspension several times to settle all the components and allow the setup to get into equilibrium prior to checking measurements and cranking more. I did one turn on each side and kept going from one side to the other until it was done. Bouncing the suspension a lot helps so don’t be shy.

Brake Controller Installation Procedure:

My brake controller is an electronic version made by a company called Kenonsha. The controller comes with wires with bare ends. Your truck should have come with a harness in the glove box along with some relays and an instruction sheet for the trailer towing package. I’m sure you’ll figure out the installation of the relays using the instructions provided if you haven’t already. Striping back wire insulation, twisting the wires together and using solder and heat shrink tubing; I then connected the factory harness to the brake controller. To connect the proper wires from the harness to the brake controller requires the use of the truck’s installation sheet along with your brake controller’s wiring info. After all the connections were completed, I then taped the entire wiring connection area with black electrical tape. Whew, man procedures are a pain to type. I could have called you up on the phone and told you that in minutes, took me more than half an hour to compose all this writing.

Now you can just plug it in to the truck’s trailer brake plug located under the dash in line with the accelerator pedal.

Okay, I left out a few details in my signature on how to get the controller to just plug right in. Actually, I had it already wired from my ’00 Scab 4x4 I traded to get my KR Screw so that’s why I said all I had to do is just plug it right in, hehe. Now you know my secret, shhhhh, don’t tell anyone, okay.

Now for the trade:
1. Do your window shades make a squeaking noise when you roll up your windows all the way. Mine make a he// of a noise after the windows are at their last ¼”?
2. What kind and percentage shade tint did you use on your front glass? Did you do it yourself or did you have it done at a shop that specializes in that work?

Hope that is a fair trade, hehe.

DaveMan

 

Be more than happy to trade.

As for the weatherflectors, I have sometimes noticed a pop but it is not very loud. More like the window "stressing" the plastic when it is fully raised. They actually fit better than I thought they would.

As for the tint, I had it done at a tint shop. It is warranteed for life...yeah right. The windshield is 5% and the front windows are 35% max legal here in GA. The others were already "privacy tinted" from factory.

Any more questions let me know.

 

Hey Guys/Gals,

Still waiting to get a reply from the King Ranch! I called them yesterday and spoke with a lady and she said they would get back with me on Monday the 8th as to what kind of special event they could host for us.

For a date, how does the weekend after Thanksgiving for a departure sound, like say the 24th-30th and drive down on the weekend 24th and 25th. Another date might be the week before Christmas like the 17th-21st of December, any more thoughts?

I figure it'll take two days for me to drive down, one or two days for visiting and another two days to return home. If most of us work weekdays, then driving down on the weekend will reduce the needed time off by two days.

So far, sounds like we have a couple that are willing to go and I will list them here based on replies:

1. DaveMan, 1320 Miles, 21 Hours
2. artw, 2617 Miles, 44 Hours (Ouch)
3. Bronco Dave, 1650 Miles, 28 Hours
4. logical, 1643 Miles, 28 Hours (Dropped out )
5. Model a, 60 Miles, 1 Hour (Our Escort to the Ranch)
6. Screwed in NC, 1452 Miles, 29 Hours
7. Skagel, 1625, 26 Hours
8. 2001 KR, ?, ?

C'mon, Let's hear from a few more KR guys/gals out there. I know you're there 'cause the views on this page are a lot more than the posts/replies.

DaveMan

 

I would love the road trip and my birthday falls in the middle of Nov 24-30 , giving me a great reason to get off of work, but i only have 257 miles on my KR. not sure i can break it in by Nov.24......then there is the whole problem with being a SWF and traveling across the country alone isn't advisable without my trusty sig220.

sarah

 

Hey Skagel (Sarah),

"Yippy I aye", I guess that's how you spell it, that'll be cool if you could make it. Haven't heard from anyone else yet on the proposed dates so thus far the trip could easily be in Nov. vs Dec.

As far as break in time, I don't think that would be an issue at all. Those recommendations that come in the manuals are not really requirements. I used to drag race engines and we would run them wide open hours after they had been built and never had a single issue. I know you don't have a drag truck and you want it to last forever, but IMO, I just don't think it would make a hill of beans of difference.

Hey, there is another real nice guy, logical, who I'm sure would ride along side as he too lives in Michigan. He has tentatively said he would come along but nothing definite. According to his signature, he lives in Motor City Suburbs. I don't have a clue where that is in relation to you so maybe you can reply to this thread and he could get back with you somehow.

BTW, if he doesn't, I could meet with you somewhere halfway or partway and then we could convoy the rest of the way together. My wife and son may come along but I'm not sure at this time.

I assume a sig220 is some sort of a gun, is that right? I don't have any guns anymore but have thought about it real recently. Probably not a bad idea to carry one of those bad boys along for the extra comfort.

How do you like that KR S'Crew. Bet you are lovin' it right about now, "A".

Do you have some pictures of the sweet ride? What about some specs added to your signiture in your profile?


DaveMan

 

Daveman,

Actually, i am not originally from Michigan, but i believe the "motor city" is a reference to the 'not so pretty' city of Detroit and unforutunately i live about 45 minutes south of the burned out "motor city."

I haven't yet taken any photos of my KR yet. and as for the specs.....well, i have it all...5.4l v8, moonroof (or as us Californian's call it, sunroof) class III trailer hitch, 4X4 of course, slip diferential, upgraded the tires though to goodyear wrangler at/s, threw out the original air filter and put a K&N in, had a ford remote starter installed at the dealership before i picked it up, and had some rust proofing system put on it. not sure what it is, but it cost $500 and i now have two little black boxes under the hood with little blinking red lights...yippie....Being from California i am a little bit **** about my vehicles. Before this truck i drove a $5,000 hyundai in the winter so my precious vehicles wouldn't get rusty.

As for loving the truck....i gush just thinking about him....i even named him....Thomas....after my favorite author Thomas Sowell. he also writes a small article occasionally in the Conservative Chronicle....Yeap that's right i am a republican from California....we are few and far between.

oh yeah, the sig220 is a 45 caliper, semi-auto, stainless steel, sport model....sorry i am gushing again. between my pashion for guns and now pasion for my truck i wonder why i am single

Anyways, i think i can deffinately make it down to the beautiful state of Texas in November or December. Either way is fine with me. I won't be traveling 100% alone....I will be bringing the true love of my life.....my 3.5 year old son.

Sarah

 

Daveman,

not only did i drive my truck into work today, but i happen to have my camera in my computer bag and i just took a photo of my baby

 

Hey Skagel,

Man, you had me going there for a minute, didn’t know if you were talking truck specs or ooh la la! What color is Thomas, is he built the way you like?

Glad to hear you want to go to Texas, just hope there are some more dudes and babes that will want to go too. Just thought I would try my hand at some California talk.

Sounds like you are pretty handy with cars, that's unusual for a lady but then again that's pretty cool in my book.

As far as being single, sounds like a dude probably wouldn't know who you would love the most, him, your truck or that deadly shooter. It must be your truck since the truck doesn't ask much from you, never talks back and takes you for serious ride with air bags for protection. Don't take my jokes too serious, just like to fool around when I can, gettin' too old to be too serious.

BTW, the my son is just starting his terrible twos. I think I know a little more of what terror might be like, just kiddin' wouldn't trade him for anything in this world or any other kind or world either.

I used to own two guns, a SS 357 security six and a Remington 12 ga. automatic shotgun. I got rid of both in 1985 just before entering Engineering school 'cause I needed the cash. How I digress.........

Talk soon,
Daveman

 

Daveman,

well, i grew up in the garage with my dad and i learned how to change the oil/filter and lube before i could ride a bike. sadly i spent very little time in the kitchen with mom so my son and i either eat out or microwave left overs from the last nights out.

as for being single...after the first date and i let guys know that i like to spend my saturdays at the range, cleaning guns, working in the garage, and of course some quality time with my son who always comes first, and there is no way they are getting in my pants if ya know what i mean i usually don't get the call back. typicall guys like the outside package, but fear the inside.

As for your two year old son.....good luck boys are great ....my son will be four in february....he is becoming a gentleman...helps me in the garage. already knows the difference between a flat tip and a philips

Thomas is charcol blue. i tried to attach a picture, but apparently my file was to big. not sure how to shrink it...sorry i am a financial analyst not a computer geek.

sarah

 

Man, why can't we have ladies like this in NC?

 

Hey Screwed In NC,

Are you still up for the trip? How far will you have to travel and how many hours. If you post that info I will update an earlier one with all that.

BTW, how hard can it be to keep the lights on anyway, all you got a do is turn on a switch, right?

Skagel is for sure a rare find and I bet she can be a true friend if you know how to handle yourself with her. I would have to guess she's a one-in-a-million to do all she does and is a lady too. I think there was a song written about how when you got someone already then that's when you find the perfect match/catch. I don't remember how the song goes but something made me think of it just then.

Hey Skagel,

Email me your pic and I'll make it smaller for you so you can try and get it posted. You can email me by looking at my profile in one of my posts at the bottom left and then click send DAVEMAN an email. BTW, I'll assume you created a gallery on this site first and then just referenced the http address to the pics in your signature in your profile section. If no signature, then you can just add the photo to each seperate post when you want to by proceeding the address to the pic in your gallery with "[img]pic address goes here[ /img]" that should do it. I had to put a space in front of the /img to get it to show up since the system thought I was trying to put in a pic eventhough I was just trying to show you how to include the pics. You just add the stuff I mentioned either somewhere in your signature or in the body of your posts. Hope that helps.

DaveMan