Hey fellas thanks for the responses/comments - much appreciated. Sorry for the delay on the getting back to your questions. I have been out playing the last few weeks with limited service (not complaining).
Since my original post, I have purchased some Carhart seat covers from the local Ford Dealership for my goldens, and boy are they worth it - very strong and I like how they match the interior of my truck.
As far as the Decked storage, it is a very strong, sturdy unit that can take some serious abuse. My only complaint, and it is small one at this, is small items, like a water bottle, can get trapped behind the unit thru the sides where it butts up with the bed. There is just enough room for **** to get back there and the only way to retrieve it is remove the storage bins, which is somewhat of PIA, but oh well. I've only 'lost' a Nalgene bottle. The right storage slide out has my skis, ski boots, poles with a little extra room to spare, so yes they are deep units that provide more than enough space for whatever. The left side I use for my recovery and medical gear. I have a portable ARB air compressor that fits perfectly in it.
I am really happy with the new suspension from Carli. It is super soft and flexes well. The foxx shocks are a huge improvement from the stock ranchos, so I can only imagine was King's would feel like on this bad boy. As far as 2.5 vs 4in lift, I personally think 4in and bigger lifts make these trucks too damn big, and like it was mentioned, afraid the COG would be out of whack on trails, esp steep inlcline, but again that's my opinion, so those who have 4in and higher please oblige to letting me know your experiences with your setup. I am happy with the 2.5 and 35's for provides plenty of clearance and flex for most trails. I saved myself A LOT of money going with the 2.5in vs 4in between tires to actually suspension cost so yes, I no desire to go any higher of a lift. If I can't go over a certain obstacle with my current setup, then it's just not to meant to be and I'll find a different route. I might longterm invest in some bags for the rear since I am going to be a nomad for the next year or so.
Having my front grille and side mirrors painted to match was $400. I had my bumpers powder coated and I have yet to have any issues with either and that cost me $200. I contemplated using factory black bumpers from an XL but didnt feel like going thru the hassle of selling my bumpers locally. I am so so so so so happy to get rid of the chrome :wings::wings::wings::wings:
I am currently in St. George exploring Sand Hollow, Zion National Park and other neat places, and as a first timer driving on sand, I did not like it what-so-ever. The sheer weight of my truck made me feel like I was in quick sand continuing to dig myself deeper if I didn't keep steady momentum. Also, being by myself at the time, I decided not to push it for fear of the worst, even with all the recovery gear I have. I will say I had my tires aired down to 17PSI and they felt great the entire time, always holding grip and instead of a spinning feeling. I air them up to 65PSI when I am trailering my 22ft Artic Fox (weighs around 6k at full load) and they are super quiet and don't have the luggy feel to them unlike actual mud tires.
I am in St. George as of today, but pushing onto Vegas tomorrow for a week or so, then to San Diego to pick up a BajaRack for my topper (on 3/14). After that, I will be heading up to Pismo Beach, CA for a photography workshop. If any of you all are in these areas I am going to be, I would love to meet up and explore the backroads instead of by myself. As peaceful as it has been to enjoy Moab and St George by myself, I am ready for a little company and local knowledge on the in's and out's of the area.
Excuse the huge mess, it seems like every time I think about cleaning my truck, it is only going to get dirty again with where I am traveling.
