$1000 for the 80. Where do I start?

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Phares

Phares

Mostly Useless
10 Year
Joined
Aug 29, 2012
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105
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Location
Charlotte NC
So I've budgeted 1000$ out of my fall bonus/overtime money to go torwards the 80. My plans call for a OME 2.5" lift from SLEE as the first step in the build process. The next steps being weight adding options like bumpers, etc.
I figured I'd ask for opinions before I pulled the trigger though on what people felt the first step in an overlanding focused build should be. This is all personal preference so feel free to chime in. I've read most of the threads I can find and feel confident the suspension is the place to start but I just don't want to leave any stone right side up.
 
an overland/camping build for the east coast..... i'd go with things like a roof rack/rtt, fridge, batwing awning, rear bumper with swingout, wagon gear storage, dual battery and things like that before a lift. Not very many places you won't be able to go with a stock locked 80 for right now if a family camping overland rig is your aim. A lift can always come at a later date.
 
Sliders! Protect those rocker panels! Don't bother with a bumper until you need a new bumper. Personally, I don't like the swingout carrier... It means I can't run down the road with the back open (this is helpful if you use your 80 like a truck). Also, the tire gets in the way when I look out the back. Do you have lockers?
 
I agree with Al that you should be concentrating on the camping aspect since that is why you bought the 80 in the first place. Maybe an RTT, maybe an off-road pop-up camper? Give it some thought... I like the dual battery and fridge, too.

OH DANG! I almost forgot! Upgrade your low-beams. The stock ones suck.
 
Wow, some "grand" ideas, love to know where we can get an off-road pop-top camp trailer for $1000.

Yet, I agree with the premis that a stock/locked 80 can get most places but the most technical.

EZ-awn RTT's are great IMHO but some don't like climbing up and sleeping that far off the ground, make sure everyone sleeping in it are happy with that. Dual battery/fridge freezer are fantastic upgrades for being comfortable overlanding but will eat up the whole $1k. Those that have converted the rear to a drawer/sleeping platform save a ton of $$$ by building themselves.

$1k doesn't go that far these days, I'd be looking at making the experience more comfortable by making sure you've got all the "little" stuff taken care of, sleeping space 1st, food storage 2nd (fridge/freezer), storage (drawers/trailer) then stuff for the rig. We spent many years with a HUGE tent that held 2 queen air mattresses, EZ-up for coverage and a nice Yeti cooler to keep food cold/fresh, just that set up will be close to your budget.

My point is...the rig needs solid preventative maintanence (obviously), then put resources into sleeping and eating well, both of those go a long way in have a great time as compared to surving when getting into the great outdoors...
 
Mtbcoach said:
Wow, some "grand" ideas, love to know where we can get an off-road pop-top camp trailer for $1000.
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Me too... I had written more, but it sounded like I was making a counterpoint to Al... :doh: The point I was attempting to make (before I actually deleted it) was that Phares is camping with his family so a RTT may or may not work for their situation. I've seen a few RTT's that could be purchased right at $1,000, but they require an aftermarket roof rack (hit to the budget) and ultimately might not be comfortable for the family. I also deleted the reference to the article in a recent "Trails" magazine where a gentleman reviewed RTT's and off-road campers - he did a good job explaining what worked for his family and what didn't. Phares, let me know if you don't have that issue and I'll see if I can get you the article.

I had stock suspension on my 80 last year when we went to Uwharrie. I could do all of the trails but Daniel (and I needed help at one location on Dickey Bell). Lockers and suspension would have made a difference, but I agree with Jerry and Al that solid camping gear would be at the top of the list (unless you ride Dickey Bell - in which case I'd budget for sliders).
 
I was worried about the extra weight of future mods having an affect on the suspension so that's why I thought it would be a good place start. Also, I figure 20 year old suspension could use a refresh. Sliders are definitely high on the priority list. HFS here I come...
I've been following the "HG replacement is/isn't PM" thread in the 80 section closely. I'm at 155K miles with no indications of any failures but I know I could drop close to the 1K doing that job. If I planned a super long trip it would certainly be on the list. Just not yet I think.
Battery/Fridge setup would probably put me closer to the 1500$ range which is doable in the Spring if I wait.
We have plenty of camping gear from our pre-baby back packing the Smokies days. I need to get car camping cookware and furniture. Maybe I'll drop 500$ on that stuff and then save the other 500$ for the Spring mods.
Anyone have some threads for on-board air? Seems like that would be a useful mod for situations.
I don't think the Wife would be comfortable sleeping 10 feet off the ground with the baby. I wouldn't have any issues but I'm more comfortable sleeping under a vehicle than on top of it.

Continued thoughts?
 
CharlestonG8R said:
Me too... I had written more, but it sounded like I was making a counterpoint to Al... :doh: The point I was attempting to make (before I actually deleted it) was that Phares is camping with his family so a RTT may or may not work for their situation. I've seen a few RTT's that could be purchased right at $1,000, but they require an aftermarket roof rack (hit to the budget) and ultimately might not be comfortable for the family. I also deleted the reference to the article in a recent "Trails" magazine where a gentleman reviewed RTT's and off-road campers - he did a good job explaining what worked for his family and what didn't. Phares, let me know if you don't have that issue and I'll see if I can get you the article.

I had stock suspension on my 80 last year when we went to Uwharrie. I could do all of the trails but Daniel (and I needed help at one location on Dickey Bell). Lockers and suspension would have made a difference, but I agree with Jerry and Al that solid camping gear would be at the top of the list (unless you ride Dickey Bell - in which case I'd budget for sliders).
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I'd love a copy of that article. Why are you awake on 0530? I'm at work. I have an excuse.
 
+1 to Jerry's post. Take care of the family needs first so they actually enjoy trips and want to go. Do all baselining so there are no surprises. After some trips, what 'wheeling mods you need will be revealed.
 
I believe last time I saw Chris he was already baselining his new to him truck..... I may be wrong but that is why I did not mention baselining. That is very important though Chris if you haven't done it.


Chris one thing you need to decide is if you are a new or used parts kind of guy and a premium parts kind of guy. As everyone else has said new overlanding parts and new "performance" parts for an 80 in general are pretty $$$$$.

You can build a J-Moose style roof rack for pretty cheap. TG sliders are around hundreds of dollars cheaper than SLEE or other ones. Dual battery systems can be put together for much cheaper than the kits sold go for. Jason Traylor is selling some pretty serious batteries for hundreds less than a comparable die hard sears battery would go for. As Jerry mentioned a sleeping platform can be made for pretty cheap if you can measure and have a saw.

My point is if you are patient and search classifieds on all the yota, nc4x4 and expo boards you can get great deals.

I think the only new part i've personally bought was a new slee adjustable panhard bar and that was only because I needed a new panhard right away to make it to a spring tide ride trip.


Oh yeah and unless you are going pot hole diving in the OBX or sitting in creeks during a heavy downpour you most likely aren't going to need a snorkel. Over hear its mostly just another thing to spend money on. I got mine as a birthday present so it was basically free. :)
 
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Unless you are headed to Uwharrie, then sliders are unecessary, and even then are just a luxury. Same with heavy duty bumpers/winch. A fridge is something I'd buy after everything else. Coolers have been doing people fine for 60+ years.

For $1000, I'd get some 1" spacers for a bump in height, some good brand name shocks (if your shocks are 20 years old, this needs to be done anyway), look at things interior lighting, maybe underbody skids, stereo, toolkit/recovery gear, interior storage that you can build yourself, and some pare parts/maintenance items.

even then, your $1000 is gone quick.
 
Is it an option to invest the 1k in something to grow it to something better like 2k?

I'm with Jerry on this one. If you're going to buy a suspension, buy a used 2.5" lift suspension. Yes, I know they're hard to find, but if you're patient, you'll be able to make the money go further.
 
Just a thought. My tires are 295/75/16. My lift is average. I'm 6' tall. I still use my sliders (SLEE, but others are also great) as a step every time I get in. The wife is 5'2.75" (she counts as much as she can) and definitely uses them as steps. Point being that lift/tires/sliders might go together for a very $$$ purchase. Plus, you might want to consider a slider with a plate or mesh that fills the gap to prevent a foot from getting ripped off, since your kid'll be scrambling over it. @NCFJ made some for @erymer a few years back.
 
Phares said:
Thoughts on snorkle necessity East of the Mississippi?
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If it's going to be the family hauler, I'm sure you're not going to want to go over your hood in water with them in it... The only place I've seen where I would have been more comfortable with one on would be up on the sound side in North OBX. We decided to do some silly water crossing maneuvers. But don't get a snorkle without doing the other waterpoofing measures.
 
Sorry, I don't know your situation well enough, didn't realize you have a new baby to share the world with. Maybe I can help a little if you want something used...we have had this amazing tent since our girls were babies, I can put it up by myself if necessary. Our girls have grown up in this tent, its solid and I can't see us using it again now that the girls are in college...

IMG_2408.jpg


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All the poles are "shock-cord", we have been in the spring snow of the Sierra's, crazy thunderstorms of the south, stayed dry everytime. I'll be glad to donate it to you and your family if its something you think you can use. We have surely received our money's worth out of it, if it helps introduce another generation into enjoying the outdoors, I'll be glad to put it in your resources. Send me a PM if interested...
 
Jerry showing why he is one of the most stand up guys around :cheers:
 
I agree with the baselining shocks and camping/comfort mods first. Its an incredibly capable vehicle sans lift. However


If time money and space allow...

Triple your budget :)
Buy clittle90 's 80.

Sell drivetrain to rice
Sell rear bumper to erymer
Sell Aussie locker
Sell sliders to someone (welded)
Sell your wheels n tires

Install lift and tires and part out the rest till you have a hulk of scrap and drag that to the yard for .13 a lb.

Back down to under 1000 but more time and effort.
 
jfz80 said:
I agree with the baselining shocks and camping/comfort mods first. Its an incredibly capable vehicle sans lift. However


If time money and space allow...

Triple your budget :)
Buy clittle90 's 80.

Sell drivetrain to rice
Sell rear bumper to erymer
Sell Aussie locker
Sell sliders to someone (welded)
Sell your wheels n tires

Install lift and tires and part out the rest till you have a hulk of scrap and drag that to the yard for .13 a lb.

Back down to under 1000 but more time and effort.
Click to expand...


Weird. It sounds like the voice of some soccer dad with 6 kids going to 10 different events with every second of the day carefully planned .... and then you open your eyes and it's Jason.
 
Rice said:
Weird. It sounds like the voice of some soccer dad with 6 kids going to 10 different events with every second of the day carefully planned .... and then you open your eyes and it's Jason.
Click to expand...

Hahahahahhaaha
 
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