F-350 Vehicle Setup Help

[matt24601]

Let me preface by saying that I am pretty new to overlanding. I've been lurking around on sites like this and reading Overland Journal now for a couple of years, but I've never actually made the leap. I'm a pretty avid camper and backpacker and love all things 4x4 so overlanding is just a natural fit really. I'm ready to make the leap and I am looking for a little guidance in setting up my truck.

First, my previous 4x4s were built for trails. My CJ7 was sold last summer and I bought what I have now, a 2005 F-350 dually. I am not in a position to have a dedicated overlanding vehicle so the F-350 daily driver is going to have to be it.

First and foremost: Suspension. How much do you really need? My truck is stock (FX4 package). As I look around I see a lot of vehicles sitting on 33" tires or less. I know there has to be a balance struck between driveability and offroad capability, but what do I need? This is a 4x4 worktruck so it should be pretty capable, but is it middle of nowhere, overland capable?

With budget and value in mind, suggestions?

Just for background, here's my old Jeep.

My current ride.

 

[Humvette]

Put a leveling kit and 35's when your current tires get low.
Do you have a winch?
Next would be a rear locker!
You are not going to have great flex, so what you give up in flex you have to make up in traction. My H1 is the same way. If i lift a tire in the air because of the no flex the other one needs to have traction.

Food for thought,
M

 

[Rot Box]

I wouldn't worry about a lift right now maybe a leveling kit to clear some 285's-315's or so. Its easy to get caught up in a cookie cutter build--just take it out, have fun and build it up based off what works for you and what doesn't :bike_rider:

This is just based off my experience so take it with a grain of salt. Before any accessories I try to make my trucks as reliable/dependable as possible and single out the high wear items for that particular model and figure out a practical solution should they fail on the trail or in the middle of nowhere. Keep a very detailed log of all your repairs and parts replaced and keep up on recommended maintenance. Replace parts with quality products and avoid cheap parts store lifetime warranty items. Also carry a tool kit with basic and specific tools (if there are any) that work with your model of pickup as well as spare filters (air and fuel). Being a 6.0 diesel you may want to look into (if you haven't already) aftermarket gauges to monitor turbo psi, exhaust temperatures and trans temp. These can help you prevent expensive issues. A good set of batteries isn't a bad idea either--these motors take a lot of juice to make them fire in the cold weather.

Anyway great looking truck! Keep us updated once you start to customize it :elkgrin:

Andrew

 

[goin camping]

Be aware that rocks get between the rear duels and damage or pop the tires.

 

[BKCowGod]

I'm a big fan of running the minimum possible build for your needs - the less stuff you have, the less can go wrong with it! My little $500 Datsun with (at the time) worn out 28" tires and no lift made it through the Mojave Road with zero difficulty, and at no point did I feel like I was anywhere near the limit of its capability. Most of us have fallen prey to the overbuilding for the sake of overbuilding monster - that's when you know it's time to step back and figure out, in this order: Where you're going. What you will need to get there. What you will need to get there with ease/in comfort.