XC Move. To mod or not?

[Scooch13]

So let me start out by saying I apologize for the lengthy post..

Now:
Currently located in MD, however, in about a month or so if all goes as planned I will be returning back to Breckenridge, CO. In order to get back out there obviously I needed 4WD. So I sold the motorcycle (Daytona 675) and my car (modded Mazdaspeed 3). About 2 months ago I got lucky and a family friend was selling her Runner so I purchased a 2005 V8 SR5 with 75k miles on it. After extensive lurking on the forum I was able to gather copious amounts of info. PO did a great job of taking care of the vehicle and only drove it on long trips to the beach and in the snow. However, did not take care of the undercarriage very well, and in MD, that's a no-no with the ridiculous amount of salt they lay down here.

Which brings me to my question...
I'm hoping to start a lot of wheeling trips, camping, etc when I get out there. I would like to do a full OME setup with a 1" or 1.5" BL. and do it right the first time. I considered a Cornfed 3/2 but with install it seemed that I should just nut up and get the OME setup and do it myself. For tires I'd like to do a 285/70/17 setup and narrowed it down to the Duratracs or the Trail Grapplers. Obviously I'll be trimming away and hopefully not have to touch the body mount too much but I am prepared if I have to. I think for wheels I'm just going to get some Pro Comp steelies 17x8? Still trying to do the math and narrow down exactly what size I'm gunna go with. Id rather not mess with spacers and from what I understand I'd need a wheel with an offset of about -12 and backspacing around a 4.5? Forgive me if I'm wrong but its not exactly my area of expertise. So basically my question is, does it make sense to do all of this BEFORE I drive my rig XC? I have the money now I'm just worried I'm gonna get out there and put everything on the back-burner. How many of the forum members have driven their rigs XC with a full lift/tires? Took me approx 29 hours the last time I made the haul, so I just want everything to go smoothly. I'm worried about the "wandering" aspect with the new setup, and without new UCA's I hope when I get it aligned that they do a good job and get it reasonably within spec. So save my money and use it towards PM as timing belt, water pump etc will be within my near future? Or get this damn thing done already? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! Everyone on here has been awesome and provided me with some great info so far!

Thanks!

 

[black4vcobra]

Just my $.02 here but I'd relocate first then modify the truck. The last thing you want is to have a mechanical failure on a long trip or start modifying your truck and getting delayed due to issues that always seem to arise when modifying. Besides that, you don't want to put 1000 miles on new tires anyway.

If you end up putting the modifications on the back burner once you get there, then they weren't meant to be anyway.

 

[Range]

I don't know why so many people think you need new UCA's with a 3 inch lift and bigger tires. I have a 3 inch lift, 285x70x17 tires and stock UCA's and my truck steers like a laser. I'm sure theres some people, maybe there have been many, who have had problems but I have never had a problem and I have had my lift for 3 years. My .02 is get the belts, hoses, oils etc.. checked out and drive the truck cross country stock. Then when you get to CO do the mods. If you drive CC, just like black4cobra said, you're going to put unnecessary miles on your tires, your gas mileage will eat a dick and theres less probability of something happening. Breaking down somewhere in the middle of Kanasas would suck ass and make you want to kill yourself.

 

[foxtrot]

I would do it once you get there, I put icons on mine 2 weeks before driving from wyoming to Florida and back and had no issues with stock uca's, but there is no need to put the miles on new tires unless your old tires are pretty worn. Just make the commitment to yourself that you will do it as soon as you are able to.

 

[Davy180]

Congratulations on the new purchase. I also previously owned a Mazdaspeed but I had a 6.

I agree with everyone else, you should mod after you move. I have done several of cross country moves before I got my T4R. You'll save on gas and wear on your new parts. Tires aren't cheap either, save the good tread for the trails.

 

[Scooch13]

[MENTION=102425]black4vcobra[/MENTION]-
That's kind of what I was thinking, I never seem to have any good luck with my vehicles when I start the modifying lol.

[MENTION=6047]Range[/MENTION]-
Well it's nice to know that your rig drives exceptionally well, gives me a little peace of mind. Definitely going to get everything checked out as you're right, its not a trip you want to break down on. Kansas was the death of me last year I never ever......EVER want to be stuck in that god forsaken place LOL.

[MENTION=78170]foxtrot[/MENTION]-
If you had to do it again would you still have lifted it before you left? Tires are almost brand new so I suppose it would be kind of unnecessary to put the miles on the new shoes.

[MENTION=121759]Davy180[/MENTION]-
Thank you sir! Ahh I love the Speed6's, I wish they made the 3's AWD they're great little cars! That's another aspect I was worried about was the gas mileage decrease. Do you think it would be that drastic? However, on a trip that long it adds up pretty quick.

Thanks everyone for your input!! Now I've been thinking hard at your responses and what would be your guys thoughts on just getting the lift installed before the trip? Tires on the rig now are brand new 265/65 so It would make sense to put the mileage on those. Only reason I say id want to do the lift here is due to all of my connections, tools etc are through friends here. I know a couple techs that Id be able to use a lift and their air tools so that's definitely a plus! When I get out there I wont have have that as I will be by my lonesome:mmph: lol. And also, being in Breckenridge, I'm not sure what shops would even be within 2 hours to do the work anyways and I wouldnt be able to drop it off for more than a day.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Move first, moving is enough of a pain in the ass without involving potential mechanical failures due to aftermarket parts.

 

[yosh2000]

you will also get better MPGs for your trip not lifting and installing 33s prior to.

 

[wadle5]

Dont put the cart before the horse.

I would say wait until you get out there. The reason is not only because of reasons of better mileage and less wear and tear, but also convenience. I have a feeling the amount of specialized shops in CO will not only give you a better deal, but now you have a local place that hopefully will be able to warrant and service any mods they do. Also maybe try going on a few camping trips stock and take a list of what your must haves and can do's would be after each trip. Maybe you will see that you would rather go with different size tires..or maybe underbody armor...sweet roof top tent? It all depends on what ya do, but I don't see the shame in not only driving it stock across country, but also a couple trail runs stock as well.

And hey don't get all bent on the midwest. If ya need a stopping point like my buddy did driving his Taco from DC to Denver let me know!

Safe travels/welcome to the group/and congrats on the purchase!

:car:

 

[foxtrot]

I wouldn't change a thing. It was really nice having all new shocks for the trip. Mine were OEM and had around 110000 miles on them, so the ride was much much better. I don't see a problem doing it before you move, espically if you are doing it yourself with access to tools/lift. I don't really see a negative with putting the suspension on there and just getting new tires once you are in colorado.

 

[Scooch13]

[MENTION=84680]wadle5[/MENTION]-
Great input I certainly appreciate it! I do agree with you there, I see a lot of guys located in CO and the prices they've posted for various installs are significantly cheaper than shops here in MD. Plus they probably have a better grip on what they're doing out there, not to discredit anyone here lol. Some good ideas, also, it might be best to try some trails stock so when I do start the modding process I can see what I've been missing out on stock! I can already tell my bank account will hate me the first couple of months there :rofl:. Thanks for the offer that's very generous of you!I will definitely take you up on that if need be!
[MENTION=78170]foxtrot[/MENTION]-
Yeah I figure if I can save some extra cash and knock it out here I'll have more $$ for gas, trailer, "oh-shit-fund" etc. lol. Might be better to wait on tires anyways until I see some trails there to hone in on the best selection for the terrain difference from MD to CO. Thanks man!