Adding too much weight? (4 Viewers)

[RollinYotas]

I've got a clean 2003 - no rust - 400k miles. I commute with it and drive a lot. I go to offroad events every other month or so. I'm casting vision for the build right now but worried that all the weight of body armor will make it handle poorly. The one thing that we have over the 200 series is that we can brake without nose dive even though we are big/luxurious.

Currently stock with 33" K03s. Adding ARB air rear locker in next week and I plan on controlling the locker and air compressor with the old 80 series turn switch. I plan on replacing leather with katskinz (unless there are better options). I may replace the steering wheel with the wood one from the Sienna Limited.

I really want to add the following that add weight but I'm concerned that braking, acceleration/driveline wear and turning will be affected. I know I can go heavy springs but then comfort suffers.
-1.5" lift kit. I might also do 1" body lift but we'll see. I don't want to look like I skipped leg day
- Sliders.
- Front bumper with winch
- gamiviti Roof rack
- Roof top temp(part time)
- possibly steel rear bumper
- possibly 35-40" tires but concerned about handling.

I like the armor because it could save it in an accident and these vehicles are starting to become unique and unreplaceable. Should I be concerned about the handling concerns? Which items should I not consider. My 80 doesn't have lockers but maybe I should save all that stuff for the 80. We are probably the last 2 generation who will enjoy the 40s, 60s, 80s, 100s even 200s.

 

[Kabanstva]

Lost me at 35-40” tires.

 

[whitec13]

If you consider going into 35”-40” tires, I would strongly consider regearing everything while doing lockers. You will need to eventually if you are serious about tires that big.
That said, a rig built as you’re describing with 33”-34” tires will do literally about anything you can throw at it in an off-road scenario.

 

[RollinYotas]

I don't think I'm doing larger then 35" tires. It'll be 33 or 34.

 

[riffman12]

what are your goals with this vehicle? If you're looking to do the Rubicon then sure go 35"+ but that's going to arguably affect driving and braking performance more than weight. 33" - 34" make these vehicles incredibly capable as long as you don't need to rock crawl too much. If you do want to rock crawl then I hate to say that a wrangler can get you doing that a lot cheaper.

In terms of the other items you listed, if you skip the rear bumper you're not looking THAT much additional weight over stock.

again - depends on goals. If you're mainly doing long distance travel and "overlanding" then skip the armor and go for more of a lightweight build. It will be infinitely more enjoyable for the driving you do 99% of the time.