MY turn.
It all started in the spring of 2001. I had a 99 Durango with all the options, but never really trusted the vehicle. I had always wanted an 80 series so started looking. Found one near Vancouver. A 1997 LX450 with 89,000km and lockers. Flew out, it was as represented and drove it 600 miles back home. It was a great feeling driving back in my new cruiser.
I took it out on a few trails near me and found that the stock tires were even more useless than they looked. So first things first, got some Yoko Geolander AT+2, and removed the running boards. Then I installed a Belton 2 1/2" lift and an ARB front winch bumper.
The next mod was adding a supercharger, cuz as we all know these things are pretty slow.
As with many of us here, I started modifying with the thought that I would only do some relatively mild wheeling. Things changed when I went to my first Cuise Moab in 2002. I had Christo and Ben from Slee Offroad bring me a set of sliders that I installed at the campground. Good thing as I would have crushed my rockers.
Now I wanted the 80 to be capable enough to do harder trails. So I called up Christo and Ben again and ordered J springs, Long shocks, extended brake lines, and a slee rear bumper with tire carrier.
Then of course came 80s on the Con. I had to go. I have wanted to drive that trail since I was in high school.
Next was the decision to get some new tires, and decided on MTRs in the 315 size. Hmm all of a sudden this thing is getting bigger. Add a slee transfer case skid plate and drive down to the Rubicon.
Had a great time there, but it became apparent that the stock gearing was not up to snuff, even with the supercharger. So time to add 4.88s. Some other thing I added around that time were David Quatch's larger longer rear lower control arms. He kindly delivered them to my town when he came to Canada on holiday. Thanks. I also wanted to address some drivability issues and added adjusters to my rear upper control arms and to the front and rear pandhards. Made a whale of difference in tracking.
Well a little more wheeling and saving money and I hear rumour of the 6" springs. Saw some that Robbie had on his 80 at 80s on the Con. Got me to thinking.
Thinking lead to acting, and that fall drove down to Slee Offroad in Golden Colorado and had them installe the 6" springs, double cardan driveshafts and added an interior antenna switch for the M12000 that I stuck in the bumper hole. Had it all set up and drove home in what seemed to be becoming a beast.
Now I am begining to get a spring collection.
I have done a whole bunch of other smaller mods that I will get to, and post up a complete list.
Here are some pics of the metamorphosis.
Cheers,
Sean
Thats All for the moment.
Wait, what happened to the Browse button to attatch pics????
It all started in the spring of 2001. I had a 99 Durango with all the options, but never really trusted the vehicle. I had always wanted an 80 series so started looking. Found one near Vancouver. A 1997 LX450 with 89,000km and lockers. Flew out, it was as represented and drove it 600 miles back home. It was a great feeling driving back in my new cruiser.
I took it out on a few trails near me and found that the stock tires were even more useless than they looked. So first things first, got some Yoko Geolander AT+2, and removed the running boards. Then I installed a Belton 2 1/2" lift and an ARB front winch bumper.
The next mod was adding a supercharger, cuz as we all know these things are pretty slow.
As with many of us here, I started modifying with the thought that I would only do some relatively mild wheeling. Things changed when I went to my first Cuise Moab in 2002. I had Christo and Ben from Slee Offroad bring me a set of sliders that I installed at the campground. Good thing as I would have crushed my rockers.
Now I wanted the 80 to be capable enough to do harder trails. So I called up Christo and Ben again and ordered J springs, Long shocks, extended brake lines, and a slee rear bumper with tire carrier.
Then of course came 80s on the Con. I had to go. I have wanted to drive that trail since I was in high school.
Next was the decision to get some new tires, and decided on MTRs in the 315 size. Hmm all of a sudden this thing is getting bigger. Add a slee transfer case skid plate and drive down to the Rubicon.
Had a great time there, but it became apparent that the stock gearing was not up to snuff, even with the supercharger. So time to add 4.88s. Some other thing I added around that time were David Quatch's larger longer rear lower control arms. He kindly delivered them to my town when he came to Canada on holiday. Thanks. I also wanted to address some drivability issues and added adjusters to my rear upper control arms and to the front and rear pandhards. Made a whale of difference in tracking.
Well a little more wheeling and saving money and I hear rumour of the 6" springs. Saw some that Robbie had on his 80 at 80s on the Con. Got me to thinking.
Thinking lead to acting, and that fall drove down to Slee Offroad in Golden Colorado and had them installe the 6" springs, double cardan driveshafts and added an interior antenna switch for the M12000 that I stuck in the bumper hole. Had it all set up and drove home in what seemed to be becoming a beast.
Now I am begining to get a spring collection.
I have done a whole bunch of other smaller mods that I will get to, and post up a complete list.
Here are some pics of the metamorphosis.
Cheers,
Sean
Thats All for the moment.
Wait, what happened to the Browse button to attatch pics????