As she sits today, 8/27/17
Ok, so I think this is actually going to start happening. I've had the chat with my wife and she's down with me getting my truck a little more trail ready if that means we don't bring hers out on the trails as much haha.
I don't really have a huge plan because I'm on a budget, but the general gist of things is that I want a truck that will handle moderate off-road situations and still get me to and from work with no problem.
Before any of this, I repainted most of my frame with eastwood rust encapsulating frame paint. It was not terrible, mostly just the welds were showing signs, but there were some spots in the front and rear that needed some extra love. Hoping this helps future rust. I am also doing an internal coating of Fluid Film and spraying the under body every winter.
Initial thoughts/plans for stage 1:
Wheels-- I just committed to a set of Sport Edition 17's because I really just couldn't bring myself to buy tires for 18's knowing that I wouldn't be happy. I like the look of the sport Rims but will probably add spacers to push them out a little. When the budget allows, I'll probably get new wheels.
After I get the sports on, anyone want some 18s?
Tires -- I haven't narrowed this down, but I think I'm going to go with a 275/70/17 to avoid a BMC. I really like the KO2s on our 5th gen, but the price of the Falken AT/3 is hard to beat...I may pick those up unless there are some really good Black Friday deals going on. I also like the Cooper STT Pro, but I don't think they are good in snow like the other two...anyone know otherwise?
Lift -- I think that I am going to start with 5100s all around with a 2.5-3 inch lift spring in front so I do not have to preload them. Also going with a 1.5-2 inch rear spring. Currently working with TAP to see what deals they have for a decent set up. Not planning on UCAs right this moment, but will be considering that in the future budget. With the 2.5 inch spacer on our 5th gen, we are sitting just below factory castor spec, and it drives fine on the highway -- not overly twitchy for our liking.
Armor -- I already ditched my step rails and I will be adding sliders to the mix. I've had a good experience with Shrockworks, so I will likely continue my business with them.
My factory engine skid was pretty rusty and had a couple spots rusted through when I bought it, so I will probably replace that too. Thinking I'll go with a RCI steel skid and add more at a later time.
Extras -- For now, I'll also want to add a CB radio, probably a cobra 75 with a firestik off the hatch. I may also work on some sort of drawer system in the back that will still allow for my Dog to fit back there.
Anyway, I know that was a lot, but hopefully the fun will start soon!
Ok, so I think this is actually going to start happening. I've had the chat with my wife and she's down with me getting my truck a little more trail ready if that means we don't bring hers out on the trails as much haha.
I don't really have a huge plan because I'm on a budget, but the general gist of things is that I want a truck that will handle moderate off-road situations and still get me to and from work with no problem.
Before any of this, I repainted most of my frame with eastwood rust encapsulating frame paint. It was not terrible, mostly just the welds were showing signs, but there were some spots in the front and rear that needed some extra love. Hoping this helps future rust. I am also doing an internal coating of Fluid Film and spraying the under body every winter.
Initial thoughts/plans for stage 1:
Wheels-- I just committed to a set of Sport Edition 17's because I really just couldn't bring myself to buy tires for 18's knowing that I wouldn't be happy. I like the look of the sport Rims but will probably add spacers to push them out a little. When the budget allows, I'll probably get new wheels.
After I get the sports on, anyone want some 18s?
Tires -- I haven't narrowed this down, but I think I'm going to go with a 275/70/17 to avoid a BMC. I really like the KO2s on our 5th gen, but the price of the Falken AT/3 is hard to beat...I may pick those up unless there are some really good Black Friday deals going on. I also like the Cooper STT Pro, but I don't think they are good in snow like the other two...anyone know otherwise?
Lift -- I think that I am going to start with 5100s all around with a 2.5-3 inch lift spring in front so I do not have to preload them. Also going with a 1.5-2 inch rear spring. Currently working with TAP to see what deals they have for a decent set up. Not planning on UCAs right this moment, but will be considering that in the future budget. With the 2.5 inch spacer on our 5th gen, we are sitting just below factory castor spec, and it drives fine on the highway -- not overly twitchy for our liking.
Armor -- I already ditched my step rails and I will be adding sliders to the mix. I've had a good experience with Shrockworks, so I will likely continue my business with them.
My factory engine skid was pretty rusty and had a couple spots rusted through when I bought it, so I will probably replace that too. Thinking I'll go with a RCI steel skid and add more at a later time.
Extras -- For now, I'll also want to add a CB radio, probably a cobra 75 with a firestik off the hatch. I may also work on some sort of drawer system in the back that will still allow for my Dog to fit back there.
Anyway, I know that was a lot, but hopefully the fun will start soon!
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