I need your sage advise.....

[TNRonin]

I have a mid-90's Ford extended cab 4x4 pick up that I would like to modify for some trips out west. I'm in TN so dust is not a big issue, but if I do go out west it WILL be an issue. So a snorkel is in the future for sure, and coolness points really are nice. :drool:

What mods would be good for the truck?
I have an email to flip-pac for the model # of the topper I would need from them for my vehicle.

What shocks would I need in order to make the vehicle more stable. I need to say I'm not into lifts as I don't mud, or rock crawl. I think (correct me if I'm wrong), that I can get some larger tires for more ground clearance if necessary.

I'm on a serious budget as a teacher, and the reason I'm going with the truck is because it is paid for. So please be realistic in the suggestions.

 

[spencyg]

If you're on a budget, you don't need a snorkel...

Even if you weren't on a budget, you don't need a snorkel...

Coolness points don't factor when you're on a budget....only function.

Bilstein makes very nice shocks and will last a long time. They are worth the money. If you aren't into heavy trail work (i.e. mud, rocks), than I don't see any reason to get too hung up on larger tires. I'd try and get the largest diameter tires you can fit without a lift...stay away from a wide tire though. Something like a 235-85-16 might fit the bill, but I'm not up to snuff on my mid-90's F-150 specs, so you'll have to research. An all-terrain is a good choice for mixed driving. Start shopping around Craigslist for used campers...if budget is a real concern, a new Flippac shoudln't be on your radar. Maybe a Roof top tent would be a good compromise on a bed rack?

Spence

 

[Pskhaat]

Is your truck unstable now? Do you really need new shocks? Does it have oscillation at highway speeds or something?

A lot of folks I know put a regular topper on with a nice mattress and are good to go. How many are you?

 

[TNRonin]

But, but, but I want a snorkel! :elkgrin:

Thanks for the input!

I looked at the RTT, and I don't have a rack on the cab nor topper I currently have. I was concerned that the topper I have wouldn't handle the combined weight of me (250lbs, and companion).

I'll look into those shocks you mentioned.

 

[bucketosudz]

TNRonin,
First...WELCOME!! to the Portal. You will find a tremendous amount of information and kind folks to go along with it, here!!!

As an owner of 90 F250 Extended Cab, I have looked into alot of the same things you may be interested in. I have heard and found from many that our trucks tend to sag alot after time, especially on the the heavier trucks. Just simply replacing the springs for new makes a big difference. If I end up keeping mine I would like to replace the front and rear springs and add a leveling kit. I believe they will add a 1.5 inches and have relatively insignificant changes to any of the other components of the drivetrain. This coupled with some nice shocks, can make for a pretty decent ride on the ole Fords.

The Portal is very addicting and you will find yourself brainstorming more than ever once you have been bitten by the bug. It can be somewhat daunting too... I dont ever think I will any savings left! :wings:

If interested you might also wander over to www.ford-trucks.com/forums they also have a great bunch of folks that can make some component suggestions for our series of trucks. I have found them quite helpful on many occasions.

Once again, Welcome.

 

[TNRonin]

Scott, that is precisely why I'm asking these questions. My truck has stock shocks, which are probably due to be replaced after all these years. I thought possibly since I'm placing something so high up that there would be issues. I've tried the sleeping in the bed of the truck thing, it didn't work out too well. I'm getting up in years and comfort is something I value. I just have to do it within reason. Now if I could figure how to elevate the topper about 2 feet when I get in place I could put a bunk system in, maybe.

 

[mountainpete]

In my opinion, tires are first item that should be examined during a truck setup. You have 4 points of contact with this earth so make them good ones. Match up the tires with your intended terrain.

As for the rest, I would focus first on items related to safety and self-sufficiency. Collect items like a toolkit, good jack, tire repair kit and items to self or team recovery depending on how you will travel.

Snorkels are cool, but remember that a snorkel is only part of a system. For a snorkel to be more then just an attention getter, you need to install it in combination with some other work. Extend diff breathers, seal engine components, etc. The time and cost usually encourage the modification to be one that is done later down the road.

If your budget is very serious then look for some used camping gear or as already mentioned just throw a mattress in the back under a canopy. Then save money for gas and explore :smiley_drive:

Pete

 

[TNRonin]

Just to flesh out the truck info some more. It is in pretty good shape and driven on w/e to haul the trash. There are quite a few miles on it though as I'm the second owner. I'm friends with the previous owner so I know in no BS terms the story on the truck. The truck has had the tranny replaced so I know THAT is strong.

The tires I have on it are M/S with good tread, but not a super aggressive tread. The shocks seem kinda mushy to me so that will probably be a priority within the next year.

I hope to take the vehicle next summer on a trip with some students for their Senior trip, we will probably caravan to Yellow Stone, Glacier, etc. I plan on getting a utility trailer to operate out of for the kitchen set up etc.

Again thanks for the input, I appreciate it tremendously.

Mitch

 

[Pskhaat]

The shocks seem kinda mushy to me so that will probably be a priority within the next year.

Being that the case, I would also check out your springs as maybe that is what you are experiencing?

 

[TNRonin]

Being that the case, I would also check out your springs as maybe that is what you are experiencing?

Good point.

 

[Cody1771]

I'll start with the shocks, imo easiest way to tell if you need new shocks is do it by yourself, or grab a buddy and get the truck rocking side to side. i mean really rocking. then stop and see how long it takes to settle. it should settle pretty quickly if the shocks are doing there job, if there toast the truck will bounce around for awhile. if you plan on traveling fire roads a good set of bilstiens should definatly be concidered, since its definatly not fun being all over the road when you hit a bit of a washboard.

for budget traveling i'd personaly just go with a normal canopy. you can pickthem up on craigslist from anywhere from free to $200 for a pretty good one,you can always go super fancy and get a LEER or something, build a platform in theback to store your gear under and sleep on top. you can get a twin matress in the back of your truck if you really want to.

The mid 90 F150's are a nice truck, definatly built to take some abuse. if you are really worried about dust in your intake you can get a washable foam barrier to put around the air cleaner, they use them for desert racing and in the big Mudders, just stops your nice fraam filter from picking up all the nasties and you can wash the thing in a river if you want. i use one for fireroads when im following my buddies. i think they started with tractors...

 

[TNRonin]

The truck is a Ranger, I'm sorry, I thought I had said that. My bad. Here is a picture. I got to looking at it. I could put a platform like stated and MAYBE have enough room. If not, pick up a tall topper for space. I will need to find one of those truck tents that afix to the back. I'm going to try to design some sort of drawer system for under the platform.