Build order?

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PhuckItImDone

PhuckItImDone

SILVER Star
Joined
Aug 24, 2018
Threads
17
Messages
853
Location
Central Jersey
Sorry if this isnt the place. Looking to start my 200 build, or at least some goodies. After decimating my show car, and arguing with insurance about BS, I'll now have more garage space. While Big Booty Judy doesnt fit, the boxes for parts will. Kinda curious to an order, or an idea of an order in which I should go.

Logic would seem armor underneath, as to protect my investment is the first purchase, no? After that would suspension, or bumpers be more appropriate?

Any feedback is definitely appreciated, as it's all new to me. I am running the White Knuckle sliders, so that is covered.

20191122_144900.webp
 
Pretty much everything. Haul the family, possible camping. Off-roading, be it forest roads or going over Imogene again to trying Moab. Budget is somewhere in the 5grand range.
 
I also have the same question, i have a completely stock 200. In my opinion the suspension is not enough to handle fast driving in the desert. Also ground clearance and approach/departure is pathetic. I think I will start with upgraded suspension+ lift. Second would be better bumpers to improve the approach and departure, also relocate the rear wheel from under the vehicle.
 
I did White Knuckle sliders like you have first. Then ordered some BudBuilt skids, along with taking care of tires at the same time.
Suspension definitely seems to sit a bit lower now with all the extra weight and being old. So now I'm going to take care of lift before doing bumpers. But man is it fun not having to worry about scraping anything important underneath when wheeling
 
if you dont need the 3rd Row - I would add Drawers. I would also add Ironman Foam Cell Pro suspension.

1. Gear to make life easier when offroad - shackles, snatch (kinetic) strap, maxtrax. Tire Plug Kit, 12V Air compressor and tire deflator -
2. Suspension
3. Drawers
 
agree with @krice118 that a stocked recovery kit is the best place to start . . .
 
1. Sliders - protect the rockers
2. Suspension + lift
3. Five really good AT tires
4. Drawers are great to keep things organized
5. front bumper + winch
6. Underbelly armor
 
How long do you expect the full build to take? I mean...will it stretch out over a couple years, or more? Less?

Makes a difference to what suspension weight you put in initially...to maybe bump up again later...or if a shorter timeline, do together or prior bumper weight etc. Coil spring & front end choices are about weight, so timing matters depending on if you’re ok re-do on springs, preload, etc.
 
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So I'm gathering that armor underneath is the last thing to worry about? Already on Wildpeak at3s, methods, white knuckle sliders. So suspension/bumpers? As stated, itll be used for everything. Hauling fam, lcdc, aoaa, raush creek. I've already ****ed up a qp/rocker, and caught a rear shock mount. I know I'm not gentle, and **** things up, so protecting my $86000 investment seemed like the first step. Seems like suspension would be last step, once I have everything else on, weights all aboard.
 
PhuckItImDone said:
So I'm gathering that armor underneath is the last thing to worry about? Already on Wildpeak at3s, methods, white knuckle sliders. So suspension/bumpers? As stated, itll be used for everything. Hauling fam, lcdc, aoaa, raush creek. I've already f***ed up a qp/rocker, and caught a rear shock mount. I know I'm not gentle, and f*** things up, so protecting my $86000 investment seemed like the first step. Seems like suspension would be last step, once I have everything else on, weights all aboard.
Click to expand...

I wouldn’t wait on suspension or sliders.

My thot of maybe waiting was just if you think you’ll put bumpers on almost immediately, & if so, choose suspension components that can handle the extra weight when they and put up with the stiffer ride for the short wait for weight. But if bumpers are coming later, then I’d do suspension...sliders & skids immediately (and tires) & do springs to match. With those three, you’ll be ready for basically anything except winching yourself out...& if you scrape your Tupperware bumpers in the meantime, you won’t care. ;)

-Meanwhile, grab a set of Maxtrax. I’ve Maxtraxed my way out way more often that winched & just last weekend Maxtrax saved the day for several snow drivers. Winched one out too, but 4 out of the 5 snow recoveries were Maxtrax alone to get traction on an icy patch where they were spinning tires.
 
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Looks like you need a set of skids if you're going to be beating on your rig sooner rather than later.. that was my logic, its an investment I want to protect.

With the type of trails we have on the east coast, you will be able to enjoy more of the trails with skid plates over suspension in my opinion. Not sure how soon you plan on doing everything. But with AOAA, Raucsh, and the likes there are a lot of rocky trails. You would still hit with a 2" lift. Where if you have the skids before the lift, they are taking the hit not something important.

I was questioned with my logic of armor before anything, but it gave me a lot more piece of mind being on rocky trails.
 
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What do want to use it for? How many miles does it have on it? If it where me I would make sure all maintenance is done first before any mods? I'm just starting to get used to my rig. It has been more capable stock, 10 years old, no modifications than most vehicles modified for 4x4 and a lot newer. I waited to do anything to really figure out what I want to do with anything. So after a spring summer fall and almost winter this is my list.

To be done this month.
Block heater
Battery heater
<going deep north into canada for a month in january>

Things to be done when I get back.
Suspension : glad I waited. I built a drawer/bed system that added a lot more weight than I calculated with tools, cooking stuff, gear ect.
Rear bumper/move spare tire : I am destroying the back bumper and spare. The back angle is...
Front bumper: Adding more weight. I don't want to steer around a deer or elk and roll over. I would rather crush and maybe have free dinner hoping for no busted bowls and tainted meat ;) Winch mount but no winch. This might be for the future but I don't want the weight and if I go somewhere I will need one I am with someone that has one. Too much money and most folks just get them because they look cool and don't know how to use them.
LED light bar for roof rack
Sliders : Yep bashed the factory side steps and came close to door damage
But this is just me and how I use and abuse.

5k goes really quick. Even faster if your paying a shop to do the work. If I was driving on SR's or heavy rocks on the regular than yeah bash guards and sliders. Especially if your reckless. Besides smash your diff and your SOL. Don't drive reckless and use a spotter. That will save 1k on bash guards. Know your vehicle and how you drive it. Enjoy, tires, maintain, a decent cell phone holder and more usb charging ports, enjoy, suspension as needed with steel bumpers, enjoy, maintain.
 
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