DBS311
Adventurer
Hey guys,
This is kind of an intro, but without pics it is more of an "unofficial" intro. I'm a convert from the more "hardcore" type of wheeling and have already started building my 1990 FJ62 with that type of wheeling in mind. Actually, after reading about Brady's trip up north and after following Dave Connors trek down south, that would be considered hardcore wheeling in my book. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I come from a "rock crawler" background (even though I'm starting to hate that term) and find myself developing a fascination with exploratory (is that a word?) type wheeling.
A little background on my vehicle.........I started with it completely stock and drove it that way for seveal years. First mod was the ARB bumper and 31's on stock suspension. Next step was the OME lift with 33x10.50's. I did most of my off road excursions with it set up this way. Next thing to go on was a roof rack with some aux lighting and a snorkel. I was the guy in college with a truck, so I found myself taking my buddies camping and hauling all the gear. The more I wheeled, the harder the trails I wanted to conquer (for lack of a better term). Sooo, after deciding I was going to turn my Cruiser into a hardcore trail rig, I did the SOA with OME springs in front and stock height with AAL in the back, and I threw on the 37" MTR's. It wasn't too long after that when I discovered this forum and became addicted to the many trips you guys/girls were taking. Now I'm a little pissed because I wish I was SUA with 33's all over again. Oh well, I'm not going back at this point. My compromise was to go back to "small" 35's.
Now, where I need your help is to decide how I should start my new direction for this build. I have 4.88's to throw in, and was originally going to run ARB's front and rear, but now I am having second thoughts on whether or not this is necessary. I could use that $$$ for something like an Engel or even a decent camera. Problem is, I HATE going axle deep to replace gears and not take the opportunity to throw the lockers in while I'm already there. Should I just put an ARB in the back and call it good? There is a lot of gear I want to get, so I'm trying to prioritize my purchases. I'm basically looking at eventually getting a RTT, fridge/freezer, storage drawers, winch, storage containers, sliders, rear bumper, aux tank, etc.
I value everyone's opinion here and would just like to hear what your first/most important purchases would be. We can leave out the "baseline the vehicle" because it is running perfectly.
This is kind of an intro, but without pics it is more of an "unofficial" intro. I'm a convert from the more "hardcore" type of wheeling and have already started building my 1990 FJ62 with that type of wheeling in mind. Actually, after reading about Brady's trip up north and after following Dave Connors trek down south, that would be considered hardcore wheeling in my book. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I come from a "rock crawler" background (even though I'm starting to hate that term) and find myself developing a fascination with exploratory (is that a word?) type wheeling.
A little background on my vehicle.........I started with it completely stock and drove it that way for seveal years. First mod was the ARB bumper and 31's on stock suspension. Next step was the OME lift with 33x10.50's. I did most of my off road excursions with it set up this way. Next thing to go on was a roof rack with some aux lighting and a snorkel. I was the guy in college with a truck, so I found myself taking my buddies camping and hauling all the gear. The more I wheeled, the harder the trails I wanted to conquer (for lack of a better term). Sooo, after deciding I was going to turn my Cruiser into a hardcore trail rig, I did the SOA with OME springs in front and stock height with AAL in the back, and I threw on the 37" MTR's. It wasn't too long after that when I discovered this forum and became addicted to the many trips you guys/girls were taking. Now I'm a little pissed because I wish I was SUA with 33's all over again. Oh well, I'm not going back at this point. My compromise was to go back to "small" 35's.
Now, where I need your help is to decide how I should start my new direction for this build. I have 4.88's to throw in, and was originally going to run ARB's front and rear, but now I am having second thoughts on whether or not this is necessary. I could use that $$$ for something like an Engel or even a decent camera. Problem is, I HATE going axle deep to replace gears and not take the opportunity to throw the lockers in while I'm already there. Should I just put an ARB in the back and call it good? There is a lot of gear I want to get, so I'm trying to prioritize my purchases. I'm basically looking at eventually getting a RTT, fridge/freezer, storage drawers, winch, storage containers, sliders, rear bumper, aux tank, etc.
I value everyone's opinion here and would just like to hear what your first/most important purchases would be. We can leave out the "baseline the vehicle" because it is running perfectly.
