TG587's 2025 XLT build.

[Rozzly]

And the biggest change to date, swapped the rear bumper and exhaust system to a tremor bumper and hitch with a takeoff exhaust from a 2025 BAP XLT.

Love the look and I noticed on cold start that it sounds pretty good, for a 3.5 that is

Really interested in this piece- I have a Lariat with BAP, so I already have the dual exhaust, however I do not have the rear tow hooks. I've settled with using some U bolts and a set of front tow hooks instead, however these are mostly cosmetic and for connecting my trailer safety chains.

The tremor rear does have the hooks attached to the frame, I presume not just to the bumper? did you get different frame pieces for the rear tow hooks? Curious if I can use my lariat rear bumper and swap out something smaller to get the hooks.

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[TG587]

Really interested in this piece- I have a Lariat with BAP, so I already have the dual exhaust, however I do not have the rear tow hooks. I've settled with using some U bolts and a set of front tow hooks instead, however these are mostly cosmetic and for connecting my trailer safety chains.

The tremor rear does have the hooks attached to the frame, I presume not just to the bumper? did you get different frame pieces for the rear tow hooks? Curious if I can use my lariat rear bumper and swap out something smaller to get the hooks.

The tremor tow hooks are simply welded to the hitch assembly. Since your truck already has the dual exhaust you would simply need to replace the hitch. You would have all the other necessary parts already.

Very easy to remove the bumper. Disconnect one large electrical connector, one ground and 6 bolts. Then just swap everything over.

 

[TG587]

Your truck looks great!

The Bilstein install isn't bad other than getting the studs out of the LCA. If you can hammer them out or just cut them off using a sawzall (what I did) install only took about 40 minutes a side.

I had some take off FX4 shocks and struts so I took the top hats off and assembled the Bilstiens already.

I have them set at 2 inches for my 3.5 which I think should look good.

What setting did you go with? Im going to attempt the install this afternoon or tomorrow. Thanks for the tips

 

[Rozzly]

The tremor tow hooks are simply welded to the hitch assembly. Since your truck already has the dual exhaust you would simply need to replace the hitch. You would have all the other necessary parts already.

Very easy to remove the bumper. Disconnect one large electrical connector, one ground and 6 bolts. Then just swap everything over.

Do you happen to have the part number for the hitch assy? Did you follow any kind of guide or video for disassembly?

 

[BlueFowl]

I had some take off FX4 shocks and struts so I took the top hats off and assembled the Bilstiens already.

I have them set at 2 inches for my 3.5 which I think should look good.

What setting did you go with? Im going to attempt the install this afternoon or tomorrow. Thanks for the tips

I used setting 5 which is 2.4" on a 2.7L. Having them preassembled will def save time.


I found this Youtube video very helpful. I was able to grab my tools prior to starting. One thing I did notice is that the nut sizes in the video weren't 100% correct. They were still 15mm, 18mm, or 21mm just different from what they said. I also ended up needing a torx bit to keep the sway bar endlink from spinning when removing.

2021-24 F-150 Bilstein installation

 

[TG587]

Do you happen to have the part number for the hitch assy? Did you follow any kind of guide or video for disassembly?

There might be a few part numbers but I did see a post a while back where someone posted it.

The part number posted was ML3Z-17D826D.

I bought mine used for $200 and then sprayed it with some fresh paint.

I didn't use a guide but once the plastic step pad is removed, it is very clear where everything goes.

I can snap a Pic of the connector that needs to be disconnected and the ground.

 

[Rozzly]

There might be a few part numbers but I did see a post a while back where someone posted it.

The part number posted was ML3Z-17D826D.

I bought mine used for $200 and then sprayed it with some fresh paint.

I didn't use a guide but once the plastic step pad is removed, it is very clear where everything goes.

I can snap a Pic of the connector that needs to be disconnected and the ground.

Thank you! I was looking at ML3Z-17D826-G which replaces -E and -F, curious if this would also work in place of -D-- though -G is marked as being for the raptor. Not sure if the raptor and tremor have the same part. Looks like raptors have the tow hooks welded a bit higher than the hitch, and the bumper caps accommodate that.

Next up is researching if the max tow package has a specific hitch, or if ML3Z-17D826-D is the same with hooks. @TG587 Can you snap a pic of the load rating sticker for the hitch you purchased? (ML3Z-17D826D)

 

[TG587]

Popped my 6112's on the front this afternoon, about 45-50 minutes per side. Picked position 5, 2 inch level.

I also installed my front winter wheels/tires.

Looks a bit funny but I'll install the 5160's and rear winter wheels tomorrow.

 

[TG587]

And, couldn't leave it unfinished. Installed the 5160's in the dark.

Haven't taken it on a road test yet but it looks good to me!

Just have to swap to my rear winter wheels tomorrow.

 

[Rozzly]

And, couldn't leave it unfinished. Installed the 5160's in the dark.

Haven't taken it on a road test yet but it looks good to me!

Just have to swap to my rear winter wheels tomorrow.

Let me know how the ride quality is compared to stock! I hate how much mine feels like a boat, and have been leaning towards the Eibach 2Rs, but might wait for the 2.5s if I decide my wallet needs a bigger hole.

 

[TG587]

Looks a but funny with the winters but swapped them on this morning. Hoping we don't get much of a winter here but who knows?

 

[TG587]

Your truck looks great!

The Bilstein install isn't bad other than getting the studs out of the LCA. If you can hammer them out or just cut them off using a sawzall (what I did) install only took about 40 minutes a side.

You were absolutely right. Took about 45 minutes per side and the hardest part was those damn studs. The Bilstein design is way better with bolts instead.

I used a small pry bar and carefully persuaded the studs out. Could have disconnected the lca's but it was so close I didn't bother.

 

[Nw150]

The tremor tow hooks are simply welded to the hitch assembly. Since your truck already has the dual exhaust you would simply need to replace the hitch. You would have all the other necessary parts already.

Very easy to remove the bumper. Disconnect one large electrical connector, one ground and 6 bolts. Then just swap everything over.

Where did you get all of the parts to do the swap? I'm looking to do the same with mine.

 

[TG587]

Where did you get all of the parts to do the swap? I'm looking to do the same with mine.

Found a hitch locally, bumper end caps and brackets on ebay. The other parts were from a local dealership

 

[TG587]

Decided to bump the front coilovers to 2.5 inches so had to disassemble everything and do it all over. Super easy the second time around, lol. Decided on 34 inch tires. Just trying to figure out what size wheels I want to go with. I have factory 18's and 20's on hand.

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