What would you do

[Doc2012]

OK.

First off, save yourself some money.

Don't do the 4WD swap. If you're blasting through the dunes, 4WD is the least of your worries. That, and the CVs limit your LT.

Do the full LT kit up front. Do a full LT in the back.

Just be aware that your truck is going to handle MUCH different. Those springs are going to be soft. You don't want to pull a trailer with soft ass springs. That trailer gets a little squirrley, you're screwed. You'll be bouncing all over the place with it. Best bet is to just get a tent and keep it in the back of the Runner.


Lock the ass end, get a tube bumper, a winch, and a boat anchor. You get yourself stuck, that will get you out.

Just my .01.

 

[ARC]

Good point on the towing, I do not plan and towing more than 1500-2k TOPS. likely much less and will just make sure my tongue weight is in check.

For arguments sake:
total chaos front kit, 3grand.
shocks are about ~1500 for the front
4wd parts are up to 800, although could be done for cheaper
500 for odds and ends.
500 for fenders


Rear is ~1000 for shocks. I have tools to fab hoops and what ever else I need.
few hundred for odds and ends.

estimating ~$7k
What would needs $3k for up keep??

Roll cage, engine cage, gusset all the mounts, wider axle for rear if you want match track width, paint for fenders, bumpers (at least front), reinforce alignment cams, limit straps and I am sure a lot more stuff I am forgetting.

Upkeep will be the CV's you will destroy, shocks rebuilt, whatever you break (which will happen).

My vote is for do it. So I can see the pictures. I can't afford it so I'll live vicariously.

 

[Hepar]

I personally am doing both. Looking for a Grey 2014 trail premium but will keep my 2000 for tough trail duty. Whats the reason for keeping the Duramax? Nice truck but is there a specific reason for needing it?

Um, first a C10, right?

 

[Jedrattle]

I have been meaning to respond to this thread for a while.

My gf has a '13 runner and I have a built '98. She lives in the mountains by Big Bear. There is no way in hell I'm dragging that big bodied 5th gen down the trails. No to mention the cost of that thing. It's a great family SUV but it's too new and too expensive do serious stuff with. I don't like it but I don't feel too bad if I dent the '98. I think I would cry at dents and scratches on the '13. As far as LT front end goes....do it! I just got the chance to wheel mine for the first time since I put a Camburg lt kit on it. Way more flex and it's more stable. Not to mention the ride! It only paid 2400 for my kit used. As far as 3k in upkeep....I don't think so! The 3rd gen is the way to go for dessert romping/trail running. My .02

 

[twitchee2]

yea I have made up my mind and I am going to start getting parts. It will be a slow-ish process but I am going to start building up a pile of parts and then one day it will be surgery time.

While Whitson Metalworks is building racks again, I got one on order - If anyone in socal wants to get on that and split shipping that would be awesome.

My gf has named my 4runner Clifford, as in Clifford the big red dog. I guess it is time to live up to that name! I am hoping by the end of the year I will have quite a beast of a 4runner!

Next order of business is to go to carmax and find a seat I like!