Slowest 80 Build Ever!!

[gillti]

Well, I warned you all that this would happen. . .The build on the 80 (1996, black and tan) has begun. It is destined to move slow as 3 kids, private school, and wife at home full time is want to do. However, I am very excited, just ordered the slee 2.5 inch Medium lift! should be here by wednesday of next week.

(A quick note as to our needs with this vehicle. we have a desire to get out with our little ones and encourage them, as they grow, to become interested in sports in the outdoors. I surf, mountain bike, rock climb--although it has been quite a while for this last one--snowboard, ski and generally enjoy hiking and camping and traveling. We don't plan to be too hardcore with this vehicle as we need this vehicle as a daily driver--i only drive about 1 mile to work and back--but want it to be easily fixable and dependable on the trail. I have dreams of spending 3 weeks at a clip down in baja searching for waves and campsites with the grommets when they get a bit older. Anyway, that is our primary dreams for this vehicle)

I know I have sought wisdom from a few of you about the medium or heavy rated kit. After talking with the guys at slee, I was convinced to make it more drivable most of the time would be the best option for me at this point. I have lots of grand plans, but since my time frame is so slow, it makes sense to grow into more lift. We pull the adventure trailer, but the truth is, don't get out much more than one weekend a month. Anyway, we will start here and see where it goes.

here is the plan: Not in a particular order except for the first 4 I think. . .

1. 2.5 ome lift--purchased!!
2. Rear bumper--trying to decide on best option for us, mainly looking at the slee, the hannah, and the 4x4 labs, as well as the kaymar.
3. ARB front bumper-- just a classic bumper IMOP
4. Metal Tech sliders--I dig these, but I am open to arguments for others. Slee's of course are great too.
5. Drawer system: This will need to be custom built as I need to keep one of the rear seats for the oldest child. I would like to integrate a fridge slide for the space. Have decided to keep the fridge in the vehicle.
6. The aforementioned fridge (45qt engel or Arb)
7. ARB lockers, Front and Rear.
8. Intii Roof Rack--Those are just too cool
9. Powertank and accessories.
10. Winch.
11. Snorkel.
12. Dual Batteries. Looking for suggestions on good set-ups
13. ADventure trailer (Got it!)
14. Roof top tent for vehiclegot it!
Awning for rig (dig the hannibal without the down arms)
15. (I'll leave this open as I'm sure there are many more things I will want in the future)

so, what did I forget? I know there is a lot.

I'm, of course, looking at socalfj's rig and drooling daily! However, I'm not sure I want to weigh quite as much as his rig just weighed in at. . .

Stay tuned for before and after shots, more ideas, and please feel free to add any wisdom you have, experience with certain mods that work better than others. Anything really!

Below is a pic of the rig (before the RTT and Rack--running a conferr right now) as well as a shot of the lc's i have owned. the 40 I am desperately trying to purchase back right now.

thanks in advance.
Tim:Mechanic:

 

[CaliCruiser]

Let me be the first to say, Good Luck!


Dylan

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Congratulations on the lift! :victory:

I think you have a pretty good list and are headed in the right direction. Looking forward to seeing the lift installed.:lurk:

 

[blupaddler]

My .02, maybe more...


Good job on the lift!
With the lift, good tires, and...um...a fridge you can go most anywhere in Baja.

So...
FRIDGE...I would focus on the fridge, it is as people say one of those things you don't realize how you lived with out until you get one. I absolutely love mine, and they are good for everyday use. General outings to the beach...If you are going to a buddy's house with frosty beverages. You get my point. Get the fridge.

STORAGE...I don't know what camping is like with three kids. Or how much free space there is, but I would try to build your drawer system. This will greatly help to organize and simplify things in the 80. If you don't want to go with a drawer system, maybe just some storage boxes or something.

SLIDERS...Great protection. Great value. I haven't seen the metal tech ones, but you can guarantee any will be of good quality. Hanna would be my first choice. But...sliders are a definite need.

DUAL BATTERY...Manage that fridge. I just got back from six days in Baja, my fridge plugged in the entire time.



That's it!
All the other stuff is fluff.
*Front/Rear bumper. Are they nice. Yes. Do you REALLY need them, that point has been discussed thoroughly. Could the $$$$ be spent on a trip to Baja and new boards for you and the kids, yes.
*Snorkel. I want one, but...
*Front/Rear lockers. They are great, but do some trips and see if you needed them to get where you wanted to go. Get the Center Diff Lock switch from Slee, I think it's less than $70. You would be surprised how far a lifted 80 could actually go. Get the switch, save on the locker $$$$ for now.
*Roof rack. Like you said, it "looks" cool. Like I mentioned above, I don't know what your packing situation is like but...try stay away from the rack. They suck your gas mileage, and increase your COG. You don't need to go and put 35 gallons of water (280 lbs.) or gas (210 lbs.) on your roof. I hate having the tent up there as it is, besides you have to put the boards somewhere.







That's my .02 more or less, probably more. If you have anyother questions or need help just let me know.

Good luck.

:wings:

 

[Mlachica]

Congratulations on the 80!

I agree with blupaddler, I would focus on the fridge, sliders, dual batteries, and storage. The fridge, sliders, and dual batteries speak for themselves. With three kids you definitely want your storage situation organized and secured. That's where having a trailer is nice. Do you plan on having it in tow all the time? You can keep a select few things in the 80 and throw the rest in the trailer. Then you really won't need an inti rack. Yes they're sweet, I wanted one for myself too but the thought of a 100+ lb. rack and a 135lb. tent on top scares me. Having that much weight up there alone sucks, I'd rather have an adventure trailer.

Adventure trailer has good batteries, Deka i believe. Lifeline and Odyssey are very good choices as well. Get as many amphours as you can. Here's where you don't want to skimp out on because of weight. A general rule of thumb is the heavier the battery, the more ah it has.

 

[adventureduo]

Congrats! Half the fun is building them! Don't worry about doing it too fast!!!!

 

[gillti]

Thanks everyone, some very good points made. Sometimes you all are too rational and reasonable!!!!!

It is interesting. We have been camping a few times with those with engels and my wife is not into them at all. She can't seem to see the point. Now granted, since the young ones are so small, we haven't gone out for too terribly long so that may have something to do with it. I'm still working on her though!

As of right now, the OME's just landed in CA and it should come in tomorrow. Any advice to make things go easier? I'm hitting all the bolts with PB blaster right now in an effort to make things go easier when I can get to it! Hopefully this week I can find the time and the space to do it. :wings: :wings:

I suppose the points made about the bumpers make some sense, except for the idea of having a rear tire carrier, which I would really like.

The sliders are a must do item asap!

I've started working the specs for the drawers and will keep you all updated on the progress.

BTW, I am running a tent up top the 80 as we speak. It is a must for a family of 5! COG is pretty tall, which makes me nervous, not to mention the inability to get into a garage and therefore the PITA it becomes trying to take it off! However, it's great having the kids up there when we sleep. They love it!

Gas mileage on our last road trip (to carpenteria) ended up at about 14 with towing the trailer. Not too bad if you ask me.

Also, any advice on the CDL switch that slee sells? I'm not sure I understand all of the benefits of it.

thanks all.
tjg

 

[blupaddler]

Rather than me trying to fumble around and try to explain what it does, try these links...

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_switches.htm

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=68645&highlight=center+diff

Or go to mud... www.ih8mud.com and search "center diff."




The fridge, well, imagine reaching in to grab a beverage, hot dogs or? Not having to reach/search through cold, icy water. You don't have to worry about stopping for ice or trying to find ice. Also, you can just add warm beverages and they WILL cool down to the desired temp. My wife wasn't too thrilled about the fridge idea at first too, but now she love's the thing. In fact she is asking how to get a smaller one to put into her car.





Yeah, unfortunately...what do I NEED, versus what do I WANT.
:Mechanic:

 

[gillti]

Yeah, unfortunately...what do I NEED, versus what do I WANT.
:Mechanic:[/QUOTE]


Isn't that the truth!!!!:costumed-smiley-007

 

[Pskhaat]

These are the priorities I've seen with fam:

After talking with the guys at slee, I was convinced to make it more drivable most of the time would be the best option for me at this point.

With all due respect to Slee and everyone choosing `medium' springs, I can't see not having heavy springs.

My top 5 of your set:

1. Dual Batt's. It's the mod save the suspension & tires I use the most. Saved me and the family numerous times.
2. Storage. Look forward to your half-drawer system. With 3 kids by all means need the 3rd row. I havn't devised anything yet looking forward to seeing what you do.
3. ARB (-alike) front bumper. I have mine for three honest reasons a) looks good and b) for hitting animals in the road and c) hitting other cars on the road.
4. Winch (when out alone it's nice security).
5. 2200 Rooftent Makes camping an absolute breeze.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Just for your information, last time I called Slee to place my order, they were out of the CDL switch.

 

[sleeoffroad]

We normally recommend medium if the customer is not sure on how long it will be to get the additional parts.

As for CDL switches, back in stock.

 

[gillti]

I know that heavies seemed to make more sense when you look at all I carry, but the reality is that at this juncture, we are around town a great deal more than we are off road, and so the decision was based on that and the fact that this will quite possibly be the "slowest 80 build ever!"

I am glad to hear Slee has the CDL switches back, that will be the next purchase. I am anxiously awaiting the lift as it has left the building and will be delivered soon.

. . .I just found out my parents were hit by a car on a walk this morning! apparently a guy got the sun in his eyes and ran a curb and hit them both. Running to the E-room now.
tjg

 

[adventureduo]

. . .I just found out my parents were hit by a car on a walk this morning! apparently a guy got the sun in his eyes and ran a curb and hit them both. Running to the E-room now.
tjg

OMG, so sorry to hear that! please let us know how they are. When you get back from the ER!

 

[gillti]

Good news, Didn't make it to the hospital, but they had x-rays and were released. Dad has a bone chip in his wrist and mom seems okay, don't know about soft tissue, but X-ray shows nothing. Drugged her up and sent them both home. Best case scenario, from what I can gather.

Just want to thank Andrew Walcker for taking time off work and getting over there. I appreciate it man. It's great to have family like you.

Thanks for the concern socal!

Back to regularly scheduled programming. . .

that lift should be here any second. . .