Henry Honk - '05 AWD EX Build Thread

10067 Views 55 Replies 9 Participants Last post by wannahonda, 23 d ago

CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · Aug 16, 2021

4

Hello everyone! I mistakenly was posting updates to my welcome post, so I thought I'd start moving stuff over to a proper build thread.

My goal with this vehicle was originally to keep it pretty stock, as I have with most of my vehicles. However, my plans have changed - pretty drastically. Keep reading to find out.

Original Post from May '21:
Hi, folks!

Just scored this beautiful, well-maintained '05 EX for $6,000 with 171,431 miles (here in the PNW, that's a steal). The PO had it for 14.5 years and had all the records. Replaced the windshield several times, a brake master cylinder, head gasket and timing belt, etc. Very well taken care of. I hope to do the same!

You can't tell super well from the photos, but this beaut has running boards and the rear spoiler. I've already got an Aerogenics cage on the way, the shop manual, LED fog lamp bulbs, I'll be needing to replace the tires in the next year, and perform all the fluid flushes before summer is out.

We have an '09 Fit Sport as well. Her name is Betty Beep. Meet her big brother – Henry Honk! As you can tell, our kiddo loves him!

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #2 · Aug 16, 2021

4

June '21

Finally got around to installing the catalytic converter shield, and changing the oil and filter. I haven't changed the other fluids yet, but they all look good, even though the coolant is the green type. I forgot how stupid difficult these oil filters are to change - I helped my friend change the one on his CR-V before, but we were able to jack it up and get to it through the wheel well. Not so with mine because we don't have a paved driveway and thus my jack doesn't get it high enough. No tire rotations for me either then. >.<

Always install Fumoto drain valves on my cars!

Managed to bust off the tailpipe. Went to roll over a curb thinking I was in an actual truck. Busted off the tailpipe, smashed the forward-most mounts of the running boards, and made the passenger side airbag deploy. >.<

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 16, 2021

Upgraded the battery earlier than intended. I was working on the fog lamps and killed the battery after just a couple minutes of using them.

EverStart Max 35N 640 CCA. First time shopping WalMart in over 10 years. >.<

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 16, 2021

August 8th, 2021:

Just a quick update. Henry Honk has some goodies on the way! Doing a full suspension rebuild and putting some new wheels and tires on, as well as lifting 2 inches.

Here's the parts list:

Rocky-Road 2” lift kit (GR-2 struts, Dobinsons springs)
Aerogenics Billet rear control arms
Aerogenics front and rear camber kit (bolts and arms)
4x CV axles
front & rear sway bar bushings
front & rear sway bar end-links w/ bushings
tie rod ends inner and outer
235/75/15 Toyo Open Country A/T III
Mayhem 8303 Voyager (Bronze) 15x7 5x114.3 w/ hub centric rings

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 16, 2021

5

August 16th, 2021:

Replaced the engine air filter today with a Wix brand, and gave the engine a nice wipe down with Tub O Towel.

Filter looked pretty great for being 50,000 miles in.

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Torino R72P

· #6 · Aug 21, 2021

This is a fantastic thread, keep it going! And welcome to EOC! Henry Honk is a handsome box with a lucky owner.

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 21, 2021

Torino R72P said:
This is a fantastic thread, keep it going! And welcome to EOC! Henry Honk is a handsome box with a lucky owner.

Thank you! This guy is great. Almost all the parts have come in for the suspension rebuild and lift, and tires and wheels just came today! See next post for those.

CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 21, 2021

Happy mail day to Henry Honk and myself! Wheels and tires came. All parts for the suspension rebuild have arrived, and just waiting on the lift springs and struts now.

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 26, 2021

4

I've been accumulating some small items for setting out on the trails, while awaiting all the parts for my lift kit. Everything is on-hand, except my dang Dobinsons springs. My garage smells like a tire shop, which I'll miss when the new shoes go on.

I grabbed a cheap cargo basket to tide me over until I feel I need something actually heavy duty. It rusted on the first rain, despite filling all the gaps with silicone, so I picked up some Plasti Dip and got to work.

Rectangle Wood Font Gas Brick

Computer Automotive exterior Composite material Gadget Electric blue

Tire Wheel Bicycle wheel Bicycle tire Bicycle frame

Automotive parking light Automotive side marker light Wheel Tire Car

I also picked up a large Plano case to put most stuff in - first aid kits, bottle jack, deflator, compressor, etc. I'll also be adding Quick Fist mounts for my shovel, once I get around to drilling out holes for them.

We're getting into the rainy season here, and at this point I'm unsure if I'll be able to get out before the next year. Holidays are crazy at work, and I'm most likely unable to get away. But, hey, at least I'll be ready!

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 2, 2021

Made the dash pretty.

Speedometer Automotive lighting Odometer Tachometer Car

Replaced the bulbs in the center console as well, but they're actually dimmer now, and the fan speed bulb still doesn't work. Can't seem to get the new bulbs to make contact in that spot. Already busted three while trying to.

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ControlBob

· #11 · Oct 19, 2021

Good color choices on the dash lights. Those Mayhem wheels like nice. Will be good to see it all lifted. Please list the part numbers for the struts and springs when you get a chance - I am looking at doing a similar height lift next year.

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 20, 2021 (Edited)

ControlBob said:
Good color choices on the dash lights. Those Mayhem wheels like nice. Will be good to see it all lifted. Please list the part numbers for the struts and springs when you get a chance - I am looking at doing a similar height lift next year.

Went for this height so I don't have to deal with subframe stuff - whatever that is. Hah!

Just waiting on my springs from Dobinson. Chose the wrong time to try to get anything from oversees. >.<

Here are all of the parts I got, pasted from my spreadsheet.

HondaPartsDirect:

Item	Part #	Quantity	Amount
Rubber, Front Bump Stop	51722-S7A-014	2	$57.76
Bolt, Flange (16X62)	90119-S6M-Z01	2	$18.86
Rubber, Shock Absorber Mounting	52725-S5D-A04	2	$8.68
Rubber, Rear Bump Stop	52722-SCV-A02	2	$20.26
Bolt, Flange (14X77)	90181-S7A-000	2	$16.50

RockAuto:

Item	Part #	Manufacturer	Price EA	Quantity	Total
Tie Rod End	45A1328	ACDELCO	$14.71	2	$29.42
Tie Rod End	45A5649	ACDELCO	$35.79	2	$71.58
Stabilizer Bar Bushing	45F2134	ACDELCO	$6.86	1	$6.86
Stabilizer Bar Bushing	45F2286	ACDELCO	$5.07	1	$5.07
CV Axle	HO8436	APWI	$44.79	1	$44.79
CV Axle	HO8437	APWI	$44.79	1	$44.79
CV Axle	HO8378	APWI	$53.99	1	$53.99
CV Axle	HO8377	APWI	$63.79	1	$63.79
Stabilizer Bar End Link / Bushing	MK80466	MEVOTECH	$15.38	1	$15.38
Stabilizer Bar End Link / Bushing	MK80465	MEVOTECH	$15.38	1	$15.38
Stabilizer Bar End Link / Bushing	MK90454	MEVOTECH	$18.40	1	$18.40
Stabilizer Bar End Link / Bushing	MK90455	MEVOTECH	$18.56	1	$18.56
Air Filter	42188	WIX	$10.58	1	$10.58
Strut Mount	KYB	SM5400	$11.69	2	$23.38
Strut Mount	MOOG	K90649	$37.79	2	$75.58

CarID:

Item	Part #	Quantity	Amount
Mayhem 8303 Wheels	3196489921	4	$696.71
Toyo Open Country AT3 Tires	3631450152	4	$559.00
Security Wheel Locks	351590	1	$19.95
COYOTE Balancing Kit	4306295	1	$0.00
Black Installation Kit	1808103285	1	$49.95
Hub Centric Rings	3412606099	4	$20.92

Rocky-Road:

Item	Part #	Quantity	Amount
Dobinsons + GR2 Lift Kit	Rear springs C23-105 Front springs C23-104	1	$833.64

AeroGenics:

Billet Rear Lower Control Arms		1
Front & Rear Camber Kit		1

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jan 8, 2022

Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive tire Truck Automotive design

Woohoo! Tomorrow, Henry is off to get the suspension rebuild, lift, wheels & tires all done. Delivering him an hour and a half away to Hiro's Hotrods in Bellingham. He's the gentleman that created and sells the swivel seat. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to have him work on my E.

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CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 16, 2022

9

Just got Henry back from Austin Hiro of Hiro's Hotrods in Bellingham, WA. He did an outstanding job and it only took him a day. Suspension rebuild + Dobinsons springs, AeroGenics rear lower control arms, and adjustable uppers all around.

The Toyo Open Country AT/III tires feel amazing! I sized down an inch for wheels, and sized up an inch for tires, giving me roughly two inches more of meat to work with. In hindsight, I could have sized up the tires without sizing down the wheels, but at least it doesn't look wonky. Hah.

Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Car Vehicle

Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Car Vehicle

Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Automotive side marker light

Product Gas Engineering Auto part Coil spring

Tire Automotive tire Tread Wheel Hood

Tire Shoe Blue Light Green

Automotive side marker light Automotive parking light Wheel Tire Automotive side-view mirror

Wheel Automotive parking light Car Tire Land vehicle

Today, I started playing around with some boxes we received from a friend that used to own an Element. These boxes all open up, and form the base for a sleeping platform. I'm happy to say that they also fit disassembled for traveling with the kiddo and pup, so I think I'm set for a platform! I don't love the setup, but free is free!

Car Vehicle Automotive tire Tire Motor vehicle

All in all, I'm extremely happy. I think this will really help prolong the life of the vehicle.

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AltitudeSeeker

· #15 · Jan 19, 2022

Are these the crv dobinson springs?

CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jan 20, 2022

AltitudeSeeker said:
Are these the crv dobinson springs?

They are Dobinsons. I believe they’re the same ones for CR-V! Purchased through Rocky Road Outfitters. They sell them with the GR-2 struts.

nomade

· #17 · Feb 8, 2022

CafeRoaster said:
They are Dobinsons. I believe they’re the same ones for CR-V! Purchased through Rocky Road Outfitters. They sell them with the GR-2 struts.

How has the ride quality been with the new KYB struts and the upgraded springs?

CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 9, 2022

nomade said:
How has the ride quality been with the new KYB struts and the upgraded springs?

The ride honestly surpasses my expectations, and I had pretty high ones. It rides like a new CR-V or Rav4, or perhaps better. The springs really show when traversing rough terrain. Way less bouncing around, lots more stability.

nomade

· #19 · Feb 11, 2022

CafeRoaster said:
The ride honestly surpasses my expectations, and I had pretty high ones. It rides like a new CR-V or Rav4, or perhaps better. The springs really show when traversing rough terrain. Way less bouncing around, lots more stability.

Thats awesome, thanks for the feedback. Getting ready to dive into some suspension overhaul my 2004 w/ 240k mi, been feeling pretty harsh for a while. Trying to figure out if I just want to refresh oem or maybe upgrade. Good to know how things have worked out for other people. With the crv struts you didn't have to do anything with spacers or modify axles right?

CafeRoaster

Discussion Starter · #20 · Feb 11, 2022

nomade said:
Thats awesome, thanks for the feedback. Getting ready to dive into some suspension overhaul my 2004 w/ 240k mi, been feeling pretty harsh for a while. Trying to figure out if I just want to refresh oem or maybe upgrade. Good to know how things have worked out for other people. With the crv struts you didn't have to do anything with spacers or modify axles right?

Nope. The whole reason I went with this setup is because there were no spacers or subframe dropping involved. Just struts and springs. My parts list has literally everything I needed.

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