Need money spending advice (1 Viewer)

[FloridaCruiser22]

I am set to graduate from college this upcoming Spring of 2021. To say the least I need to get out of Florida and away from family. Instead of going straight into a career and what not, I've decided I want to work seasonal jobs for a year or two near some national parks out West (Wyoming, Montana, Utah, etc) and somewhere else like Arizona in the Winter. I want to get out and explore some while I have no real obligations. I will most likely take my time driving out there and camp the whole way.

I have around 5k I can allocate to mods for a relatively stock truck. Stock suspension, 285's Michelin Ms2's highway tires, Yakima crossbars, and a drawer system. That's about it. Maintenance is not a mod but I've maintained just about everything and I would drive to Alaska tomorrow in it.

I'm having a hard time making a priority list on things that I actually need and or would be beneficial. Here's the main things I've thought of

- Sliders (Seems most practical, would probably go white knuckle)
- Lift/Tires (Replace w stock height/AT's or 2.5" and 35's)
- Front Bumper (Probably not really needed)
- Hidden Winch in front bumper (Mainly considering because I'll probably be by myself a lot of the time)
- Skid plates (Always useful)
- Bowfin Roof Rack (Cool but probably not necessary)

Another part of me says forget all the mods and just drive and enjoy it as is.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Bludozer]

Save your money. If your cruiser is already in tip top shape like you claim and your plan is to work seasonal jobs and just sort of hang out and camp, you will need the $$ more than your truck will.

 

[scottryana]

Save your money and drive it as is.

 

[Azca]

Save your money. If your cruiser is already in tip top shape like you claim and your plan is to work seasonal jobs and just sort of hang out and camp, you will need the $$ more than your truck will.

I agree, if you are going to put money in it, make sure all PM is done and run it. As long as you don't go nuts wheeling it, you will be fine. Reliability is more important than capability. Out west, you can be out in the middle of nowhere with no friends in site and no phone reception. It can be a long, very dangerous, hike for help.

For me, I would get a good set of AT tires (I recomend BFG) and possibly a dual battery setup. Other than that, just carry spare parts, tools, a blanket and water. There are good posts here on what essentials you should carry.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Save your money. If your cruiser is already in tip top shape like you claim and your plan is to work seasonal jobs and just sort of hang out and camp, you will need the $$ more than your truck will.

Save your money and drive it as is.

I agree, if you are going to put money in it, make sure all PM is done and run it.

x4. Nice 80. Just drive it.

 

[Irish Reiver]

I agree with the others. Put your dosh in the bank so you have it when the need arises. I drove mine in stock configuration for over 2 years before i really started to understand what mods would make sense. Other than my snorkel almost every mod was the result of a "shlt, i wish i had a ..." moment

 

[secretasiansam]

I ended up in Montana from Illinois after working a few summers in Yellowstone. Going on 16 years in a great mountain town, the West is the best!
I would get sliders and call it good.

 

[Irish Reiver]

if you do opt for sliders i suggest you give @cruisermatt a call. He is in your neck of the woods and is a magician with DOM and a welder..

 

[BILT4ME]

I would do AT tires and a hidden winch, especially if you are unlocked diffs.

Don't do the lift. Maybe sliders.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I think you are fine, as is, as already conveyed but I think the very first thing I would consider (if I did anything) would be to upgrade the suspension and tires. A "stock" height OME will get you about 1" over where you are likely sitting. That and some nice AT tires (BFG, Yokohama, etc.) would make the ride a bit more comfortable and capable off the highway. I would do that before sliders. In fact, I would suggest you stay away from places where you need sliders until you do some upgrades on the suspension and tires.

 

[Railwelder93]

Don’t need sliders- your on stock suspension and 285s, your not gonna be crawling on anything crazy (probably)

Don’t need a bumper- I still have a stock bumper, and I use it to push down half the woods anyway. It’s fine.

Don’t need skid plates- you have abig front axle that will keep stuff off your oil pan. Gas tank already has an ok one.

Winch- not a bad idea

Roof rack- your preference

Save your cash for fuel, and fun.

 

[bj70_guy]

Fridge
Solar
Go!

 

[ChiYota]

In my experience, the tires you have on are awesome - and their a solid size. The picture looks like you have a ton of tread depth, and I've had customers put 110k mi on those things on lesser part-time 4WD/2WD only trucks.

I'd do sliders and that is it.

If you're super worried about getting stuck in places from my 'stick with street tires' recommendation, get a winch.

Then PM the s*** out of it, spend the rest on gas.

Edit: Awesome sliding drawers!

 

[zapatius]

As a former seasonal NPS ranger (Colorado/South Dakota), I can say that the money isn't terrible. You won't go broke. If you stay in seasonal housing, it's usually very reasonable. Current GS-4 Step 1 with basic locality adjustment is $14.96/hour. My rent was less than $200/month and included utilities.

Depending on your wheeling plans, a hidden winch wouldn't be crazy on price and would be useful. Otherwise, just save your money in case something goes south like a power steering pump or a head gasket.

 

[desmocruiser]

Get the rig in good mechanical shape, install a Good set of A/T tires, save the rest of the money and keep An eye out for a used winch and hidden Mount/bumper or even better make good friends with people to explore with who have recovery equipment.

 

[flintknapper]

Lad, what you need is money SAVING advice.

I understand your youthful enthusiasm....but the 'Mods' you propose are better left until you have a steady, full time job somewhere and you have a place to work on it.

Enjoy your trek, don't waste your youth, have fun, be careful. Don't make any 'Life Altering' mistakes.

CALL your parents regularly, they will be worried.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

If you're gonna be by yourself, winch and a decent set of tools, save the rest for stuff that comes up along the trip and fuel

 

[coax]

Yep 5k is a lot of spending power for gas, adventures, food, emergency repairs, new tires when the existing run out, ski pass when you decide to stay out west, etc.

At most I’d find a 2” lift used from someone and then just run it. The truck will go nearly anywhere you want as is.

 

[Road Apple]

Agree with @Bludozer and @coax ... save your money for other stuff. Once you start spending on the truck it’s hard to stop. It is an addiction. But I love it

 

[tacocat]

$5K you say?

$4,500 - Supplies, fun stuff you find to buy along the way like a fly rod or snowboard.
$500 - Booze and condoms (or whatever birth control you prefer)