Happy Joe
Apprentice Geezer
I agree with DaveInDenver and most of the rest of the posts above;
Take it slow and use caution to avoid getting in too far over your head on 4WD trails (finding a good 4wd club and going on some runs is a good way to learn the 4WD aspects, IMO).
Some months ago I got my lil'-ol'-man car; 2 door 4WD exploder (little better than a mini van at present, IMO). Its been camping once over labor day (though not really off road).
I figure to test its snow capabilities on the street this year (It is definitely not capable enough for off road mountain snow runs yet), then some light wheeling, and camping, on easy trails in the mountains.
Got to make another run to the scrap yard for 2 rear tow points, 2 fronts are already on) then as the budget permits it will get some mods, many from the scrap yard (I normally budget a grand per year for mods and maintenance).
The nasty no-name all terrain tires still have some wear left so they will, probably, not get replaced until 2018; then I will go with some mud tires (likely BFG's or Falkens); not really necessary unless you off road in the dirty sloppy) probably in the 32 or 33 inch range (plenty good enough for moderate and some difficult four wheeling (got to pick your terrain/trails) while not requiring so much lift as to make vehicle height (entry & exit and load/unload) a PITA.
The first step (preps) fire extinguisher, LED flashlight, first aid, some minor tools, jumper cables, an adequate air compressor, tire plugs, some fluids, a USGI E-tool, shackles and a snatch strap are on board (the places to squirrel stuff away in this vehicle are pretty scarce so the welder won't be going, its not meant for extreme off road, after all)...
Still need to find a good place for a hydraulic jack (I abhor hi-lifts, personal thing, though they are not out of place (if you get one, and have the room, get the 5 footer)).
I expect the first real mod after replacing my abused rear springs (maintenance), will be a stealth (hidden) light weight, front winch (will get ill prepared vehicles out of many situations) to get me by until I can address the PP, IMO, IFS and axle gearing & open diffs.
Enjoy!
Take it slow and use caution to avoid getting in too far over your head on 4WD trails (finding a good 4wd club and going on some runs is a good way to learn the 4WD aspects, IMO).
Some months ago I got my lil'-ol'-man car; 2 door 4WD exploder (little better than a mini van at present, IMO). Its been camping once over labor day (though not really off road).
I figure to test its snow capabilities on the street this year (It is definitely not capable enough for off road mountain snow runs yet), then some light wheeling, and camping, on easy trails in the mountains.
Got to make another run to the scrap yard for 2 rear tow points, 2 fronts are already on) then as the budget permits it will get some mods, many from the scrap yard (I normally budget a grand per year for mods and maintenance).
The nasty no-name all terrain tires still have some wear left so they will, probably, not get replaced until 2018; then I will go with some mud tires (likely BFG's or Falkens); not really necessary unless you off road in the dirty sloppy) probably in the 32 or 33 inch range (plenty good enough for moderate and some difficult four wheeling (got to pick your terrain/trails) while not requiring so much lift as to make vehicle height (entry & exit and load/unload) a PITA.
The first step (preps) fire extinguisher, LED flashlight, first aid, some minor tools, jumper cables, an adequate air compressor, tire plugs, some fluids, a USGI E-tool, shackles and a snatch strap are on board (the places to squirrel stuff away in this vehicle are pretty scarce so the welder won't be going, its not meant for extreme off road, after all)...
Still need to find a good place for a hydraulic jack (I abhor hi-lifts, personal thing, though they are not out of place (if you get one, and have the room, get the 5 footer)).
I expect the first real mod after replacing my abused rear springs (maintenance), will be a stealth (hidden) light weight, front winch (will get ill prepared vehicles out of many situations) to get me by until I can address the PP, IMO, IFS and axle gearing & open diffs.
Enjoy!
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