Datrupr's Mod Thread

[datrupr]

OK, I know that I am going to be getting a very large tax return this year, as I usually do, and I have been guaranteed a portion of it from the CFO. I was planning on doing the best mod I could think of with it........ A lift. But, as luck would have it, the CFO put stipulations on the funds released for modifications. I can get anything I want on my truck with the $$ she is going to allow, so long as it increases the gear capacity of the Trooper. With 5 people in the family and a dog, all of our gear, people, and pooch do not fit inside the truck. So, basically what I am trying to say is, she is making me get a rack. Now, since I have no factory roof rack to go off of already I think this could be considered a good thing, and a bad thing. I need something to mount the rack to, maybe some Yakima or Thule bars, and then I also would like to know if anyone here knows of a good place to get a quality, reasonably priced 3/4 or 1/2 rack for my Trooper. I have a few places in mind already, but I am looking for a few more ideas, and hopefully some places that I did not think of. If anyone knows of anywhere, please feel free to post up, don't worry if you are posting a place that I have already researched.

And, just so everyone here knows, my plan for decreased gas mileage and "hauling" capacity was an OME 1.5" lift. That got nixed, so that will still be on the list for a bit longer. Thanks in advance for any suggestions anyone might throw out there

 

[flyingwil]

...so I may be contacting Wil to see if he has any more. And, many thanks to Wil for ordering to many mounts and offering them up to us here to buy. Here are the pics.

Pic's Look Great! I still have some more if you are interested!

 

[datrupr]

Thanks Wil, do you have any Supers left?

 

[flyingwil]

Thanks Wil, do you have any Supers left?

Yeah that's all I got left! I think I have 6 more!

Oh and what did you choose for your CB mount, MAG/Hard? I might have missed it!

 

[datrupr]

I went with a mag mount for the CB. Since my budget was a bit limited I went with the cheapo from Radio Shack, I will eventually upgrade to a Firestick mag mount with a quick disconnect, but down the road a bit.

 

[datrupr]

Has anyone dealt with Rocky Road? I have been researching racks and they seem to have fairly decent prices for a 1/2 rack for my Trooper. What are anyones experiences with Rocky Road and Wilderness racks? Is there any place else that someone would recommend? Any different brands of racks? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again in advance.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Aaron,
I've been thinking of designing and welding up my own custom roof rack in preparation for a possible roof top tent someday.

If you want to buy the materials we can experiment with your vehicle!:ar15:

Then when we've got it all figured out I'll make one for mine.

 

[datrupr]

Brian, I might just take you up on that. Let me look into it and I will get back to you. We can also use my garage for the fabricating, and i like to keep lots of cold beer on hand. Whatever the fabricator likes is good with me. I will let you know.

 

[jeffryscott]

Has anyone dealt with Rocky Road? I have been researching racks and they seem to have fairly decent prices for a 1/2 rack for my Trooper. What are anyones experiences with Rocky Road and Wilderness racks? Is there any place else that someone would recommend? Any different brands of racks? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again in advance.

I got all the stuff for my Zuk from them and they did right by me.

Jeff

(they have good prices on all the Old Man Emu stuff you might want for your Trooper and GV)

 

[flyingwil]

(they have good prices on all the Old Man Emu stuff you might want for your Trooper and GV)

Good luck getting both by running that by the CFO! :hehe:

 

[Scott Brady]

My first investment would be OME firm shocks and heavy rear springs. It will transform the vehicle on the road and trail. And all for about $400

 

[datrupr]

Yeah, I hear ya there Scott, but the CFO is releasing funds only for a rack at this time. I was really bummed too, because the full OME expedition heavy suspension is only $465 or so from Rocky Road. But, she thinks a rack is more important and she will not listen to my reasoning. I am actually considering just ignoring her and going with the suspension, but that might get me fired, and I don't want that right now.

 

[articulate]

Aaron - might be high time for a negotiation:

• Save $$ by building the rack with mcvick
• Use the remainder for the springs and shocks

You satisfy the wife's requirement, and you can do the suspension all within the allowed budget.

And there might be a little bit left....you can take us out for a frosty mug in celebration of your accomplishment.

Think about it. :ylsmoke:

Mark

 

[datrupr]

Mark, I like the way you think. I might have to throw that into the negotiations. We will see, and I will keep you all posted.

 

[jeffryscott]

Explain to her that a roofrack on the stock suspension would make the vehicle "unsafe" because if you load the roofrack up with too much stuff, the truck would be pretty wobbly on the inferior stock stuff ... Old Man Emu is that much better.

Good luck,

Jeff