RufusTheRam
New Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2005
- Location
- Raleigh
So, I'm really at a crossroads with my truck build. My taste in rigs has changed/matured alot since I first started the build a couple years ago. I think that change has largely played a factor in my lack of motivation to get this thing finished. The standard time/money thing has of course been the number one issue. When I had time to work on it, I had very little money. Now that I have some money, I have very little time.
Anyway, for those of you that don't know I'm doing a complete makeover of a 99 ram 1500. I wheeled it from day one, made some basic upgrades/changes over the years. My level of wheeling started getting to the point where I was breaking alot of stuff, and I got sick of it. I was going to build a huge monstrosity that would go to the moon and back and never break. Right.
My plan was (and still is right now) for Rockwells, linked front and rear, some sort of doubler or low range gear set, and some metal/body work (redoing existing flatbed, front bumper, etc.). Front axle is shoved ~10 inches forward, and the rear ~2 inches forward with the frame hacked off just behind. Tires are 385/95r20 michelins (48's) on 20" beadlocks.
Sure, it'll have a hell of a wow factor, should rarely have drivetrain issues if at all, etc. etc. but it will be HUGE. Also, where will any real challenge be with something on Rockwells and 48's? Will I be able to really USE the truck, or is it just going to become something exspensive to gawk at and take through the widest trails I can find?
The past 6-12 months, my focus and admiration has switched from builds like this to things that are much smaller, well built, and can still go about anywhere with the right driving. I'm considering going back to something very basic and much smaller. 1 tons, super low height, and a max tire of 36". I'm starting to think something like that will be much more useable/practical, and provide much more satisfaction when I complete a tough trail. It will lack any real originality/creativity though. I've been wheeling stock/very mildly built trucks the past 2 years, and I've been having an absolute blast. Largely due to the underdog factor and driver skill required. You can't just point and shoot.
Anyway, any thoughts/opinions welcome. I'm at a point in the build where I can still switch directions, and not be too much time/money out. I am DEFINITELY still building this particular truck. It's been my love since I got it with 8 miles, struggled to make payments on it while going to college, investing countless hours of blood/sweat/tears, and countless hours of fun all over the eastern part of the country. I just can't decide what I want to do, and it's driving me nuts. I need a decent rig back!
Anyway, for those of you that don't know I'm doing a complete makeover of a 99 ram 1500. I wheeled it from day one, made some basic upgrades/changes over the years. My level of wheeling started getting to the point where I was breaking alot of stuff, and I got sick of it. I was going to build a huge monstrosity that would go to the moon and back and never break. Right.
My plan was (and still is right now) for Rockwells, linked front and rear, some sort of doubler or low range gear set, and some metal/body work (redoing existing flatbed, front bumper, etc.). Front axle is shoved ~10 inches forward, and the rear ~2 inches forward with the frame hacked off just behind. Tires are 385/95r20 michelins (48's) on 20" beadlocks.
Sure, it'll have a hell of a wow factor, should rarely have drivetrain issues if at all, etc. etc. but it will be HUGE. Also, where will any real challenge be with something on Rockwells and 48's? Will I be able to really USE the truck, or is it just going to become something exspensive to gawk at and take through the widest trails I can find?
The past 6-12 months, my focus and admiration has switched from builds like this to things that are much smaller, well built, and can still go about anywhere with the right driving. I'm considering going back to something very basic and much smaller. 1 tons, super low height, and a max tire of 36". I'm starting to think something like that will be much more useable/practical, and provide much more satisfaction when I complete a tough trail. It will lack any real originality/creativity though. I've been wheeling stock/very mildly built trucks the past 2 years, and I've been having an absolute blast. Largely due to the underdog factor and driver skill required. You can't just point and shoot.
Anyway, any thoughts/opinions welcome. I'm at a point in the build where I can still switch directions, and not be too much time/money out. I am DEFINITELY still building this particular truck. It's been my love since I got it with 8 miles, struggled to make payments on it while going to college, investing countless hours of blood/sweat/tears, and countless hours of fun all over the eastern part of the country. I just can't decide what I want to do, and it's driving me nuts. I need a decent rig back!
been trying since then to recapture my youth and get another one. Finally did, then went up to Jeep Mecca (amcjeepman's place) and discovered my new destiny.....to have MORE THAN ONE JEEP!!
which won't see anything tougher than URE.....but plans are in the works for a beater for trail only that will have full width 60's and nothing bigger than 38's to go have fun in.
)
Thread complete.