Questions for "old guy's" 40th

[whereischadjones]

Well, I thought I'd beat you youngsters to the punch! I'm hoping you guys can help me decide which way to go with my build. I'm going to go by YOUR opinions, because YOU are the people I'll be going with. I will be paying for your advice/help with Blue Moon beer (or whatever else you like) anytime we meet up. So:

Suspension:

What mods are needed to run 37" military surplus tires? I'd prefer to run something that is proven and is known to work...I'm not fond of being the first to do something because then you have to work out all the problems!

Driveline:

Probably an ARB front locker and powertrax no slip in the rear? Seems like 4.88 gearing would be the way to go...but whatever you guys recommend. I just don't want to replace birfs and shafts all the time; I prefer to over-build whatever I'm working on.

I guess eventually the ridiculous T-case upgrade ($1,000!!!) to reduce gearing by 25%?! Robbery.


Armor:

I think I'm going to go with the white knuckle sliders (not sure if 66" or 69") based on keeping/removing mud flaps.

4x4 labs rear bumper. I like the double swing out but will not be adding heavy Jerry fuel cans as Justin (I'm so bad with names...sorry if wrong) said they aren't really necessary. If I'm going on a long trip and need more fuel, I'll just bring my trailer (that hasn't been built yet) so I hope I can still tow with the 4x4 Labs bumper.

Front bumper will be the same as JCardona...it seems to be the most popular.

If I can use my current xd9000i Warn winch, I will, otherwise I'm looking into "waterproof" winches or may just get another hydraulic one. Speaking of hydraulics, I think the assisted steering will be added down the road (unless it should be done when adding the hydraulic winch?!).

Jesus, this is a long list...sorry. I haven't even started planning electrical upgrades, stereo, snorkel...etc.

Where the heck should I start so I don't duplicate work? Anybody that can come up with a bullet-proof and thoroughly thought out build plan should contact me and let me know what they'd like for payment! Thanks guys...especially those of you who have already shared your knowledge.

 

[93yotasr5]

I'll be the first to chime in.
I'd go with the one J lift with the metal tech 2" front spacers and a 1" rear coil spacer.
Run the caster/camber plates, or the OME correction bushings.
Don't go with the Man-a-free drop brackets. They get hung up on every rock.




Or you can go with the full Slee 6" kit. I've heard all great things about the kit.
That's what I would've done if I were to do it all over again.

But my previously used 300$ OME J lift has served me well





As for gears, if your going with 37 or larger I would go with 529 gears.



I love the 4x4 labs rear bumpers. That's what I plan to get eventually as well.


Your warm xd9000 will work just fine for your rig.

 

[LandCrawler]

I agree. If you are going to run 37's then 5.29 are going to do better for you.

As far as lift, don't be afraid to put a body lift on your truck. Its the best bang for your buck, and will give you more room to fit catalytic converter protection & sliders. The 3" lifts available for our trucks are over-engineered and really transform our rigs. 6" is asking a lot from our trucks and will require a little more fab work.

The lockers you have chosen will work great in the field.

 

[norcalsvx]

Are you set on 37's? are you going to be just rock crawling everywhere ..a 4" lift and 35's with lockers n armor will get you out to most trails w/o problems..

You gotta figure out which direction you want to go first a family hauler rig/weekend wheeler or a super flex rock crawler...

Everybody loves the 4x4 labs bumper and Luke is the man but that thing is like $2k plus that money would be better off somewhere else ( unless your Matt and you hit every tree in your yard..haha)


Not trying to rag on ya but come up with a budget (5k-10k-15k)and some goals and we can help more from there...

 

[jcardona1]

Have you looked at Sean Huston's rear bumper? I like it better than the 4x4Labs bumper. Seems to have better aesthetics. And Sean can build it any way you want. Ladders, tire carrier, fuel can basket, etc. And the jerry can basket is removable. So you only put it on if you really need it. I think Sean's is the best value when you're looking for a full rear bumper.

 

[js93cruiser]

Have you looked at Sean Huston's rear bumper? I like it better than the 4x4Labs bumper. Seems to have better aesthetics. And Sean can build it any way you want. Ladders, tire carrier, fuel can basket, etc. And the jerry can basket is removable. So you only put it on if you really need it. I think Sean's is the best value when you're looking for a full rear bumper.

The problem with bumpers like that is that they have a poopy departure angle, I used to dragg ass over everything on the rubicon, with my labs bumper 85% of that dragging is gone, for overland those bumpers are fine

 

[jcardona1]

The problem with bumpers like that is that they have a poopy departure angle, I used to dragg ass over everything on the rubicon, with my labs bumper 85% of that dragging is gone, for overland those bumpers are fine

Even Sean's bumper? I haven't seen a 4x4Labs bumper in person, but looking at pics the clearance looks very similar between both. The 4x4Labs does have the obvious angled cut at the bottom though...

Mine (Sean's bumper)

4x4Labs

 

[js93cruiser]

With Sean's bumper you leave the stock rear crossmember, with the labs bumper you cut it out thus the more clearance

 

[js93cruiser]

I think you leave the cross member on Sean's...... It's hard to tell from that pic

 

[jcardona1]

Nope, rear cross member is removed with Sean's bumper also...

 

[whereischadjones]

Norcalsvx, I EXPECT to be ragged on! Otherwise what good are you guys? I wrote a really long answer, but deleted it...I type too much.

Let's keep this simple! Budget is $7,500 to start, and then add a piece at a time as budget permits. Total budget will probably be $15k or more over a year or two. I tend to overbuild stuff, and see no reason to stop now. Why don't we make this a "group project"? I'd like the military double beadlocks because they are cool, but don't want to be constantly breaking stuff. This is the "family fun truck" for camping, fishing, driving to Disneyland and the beach. I don't "need" a hard-core rock crawler, but would love to follow you guys on most trails. If I can do it on 37 military surplus tires that I can get for $100/ea, so much the better. You guys come up with the best lift/trim, gear ratio to do that well, and I'll buy the beer!!

I plan on building a custom trailer, as well. I was thinking of picking up a used rear axle from a junkyard so we'd have a spare on the trail...or use independent suspension on air bags, instead.

My kids wanted me to tell you they want giant tires, tv's in the seats & a snorkel (thanks Matt), plus my six year old wants FLAMES that shoot out the sides of the truck. What could be easier?!

Oh, and whenever jcardona1 and js93cruiser decide on which bumper, I'll get that one! If I'm going down to buy anything in socal, is there any interest in a group buy? I'm looking at White Knuckle sliders, military surplus Humvee tires and maybe Sean's rear bumper. I'd be happy to trailer stuff back for you guys, because if you aren't a master fabricator, you'd better be a good delivery boy!

I'm at 530-755-8808 or whereischadjones@yahoo.com if anyone needs to get ahold of me.

 

[jcardona1]

Oh, and whenever jcardona1 and js93cruiser decide on which bumper, I'll get that one!

Since you said you're not looking for a fullblown rock crawler, I say get whichever one you like best in terms of looks. Price is close to the same on both, I think Sean's may be a bit cheaper. They're both built really well. I went with Sean's because I like the ladder and the detachable jerry can basket. I also liked the side protection and the overall fit/finish of how it looked on an 80. I don't think you can go wrong with either. If you need extreme ground clearance, 4x4Labs might be a bit better because of the angles at the bottom of the bumper; it will let you slide off rocks easier.

Lift/tires/gears I don't have much input since mine came with all that already. I will be looking to get a 4" lift, gears and 37s sometime in the near future too...