Getting started

cleatusmac

New Member
Joined
May 17, 2010
Location
Ft. Bragg
New to the Forum and all things offroading.
Got a stock (so far) 1991 4x4 Toyota Ext Cab V6. Got it repainted recently and installed some speakers in the ext cab cubbies a while back.
Current projects/wishlist:
  • Tore out the carpet and put down padding for ACC Vinyl/Rubber flooring. Still need to get the sh*t laid/installed.

  • Took out the drivers' seat (was 60/40 style two seater) and got another passenger seat from the junkyard and modded it so it'd fit on the drivers' side mounting bracket. So now I got two bucket seats.

  • Wanna get old 40MM ammo can and mount it in the middle as a center console. Make it lockable too.

  • Custom "pioneer kit" (pick & short handled shovel) mounted on Duralast tool box. Used unistrut, strut nuts and 1 1/2" EMT Minerlac straps. Handy 'cause I can lock them up!

  • Need offroad bumpers as well. Front first. Scouring forums and hoping to find sth. Open to style - ARB or tubing. Just sth basic but solid. Don't really want a 3' stinger or sth. Or priced like the ARBs. Winch would be nice but that's for later down the line.

  • Install what I think my buddy said were "4 wheel disc brakes"(?). He recommended these as a "performance" style upgrade, not crucially necessary.
That's about it. I'll try and post pictures as I move along. I have little experience with vehicles but plenty in construction and relatively mechanically minded. Hopefully this is in the right forum...
 
Welcome to the forum! Lots of good folks here, plenty of good info. I'd wheel your truck for a bit stock first to get used to it and find out what mods you want for what you're doing. hang out here and find a group that's headed to URE or some place and tag along.
 
What's your plans for how you intend to use your rig? DD? Wheeler? Mall crawler? Are you worried about looks? Street performance? Off-road performance? It's easier to give feedback on what modifications take a priority when we know that info.
 
Welcome to the board! Post up some pictures of your truck. There is a wealth of knowledge in this community. I wouldnt worry about the disc brakes in the rear yet. That is a good bit of work when usually the drums work fine (I dont plan on changing over to disc). Some good places to look online at bumpers and stuff is www.allprooffroad.com www.trail-gear.com www.marlincrawler.com There are many more places as well as many shops around that can build what you are looking for. Hang out for a while and you will know who has fab shops and who wheels yotas. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I may not know as much as some of the other guys on here, but I know where to look to find answers.
 
Thanks for the welcome guys!

My plans are to get the truck ready for anything without getting outta control. I want to get out on the trails (not ready for rock crawling yet) and be able to help other people out (as well as myself!) whenever we get stuck. Definitely amateur/hobbyist level right now.

But as I imagine the story often goes, it's my DD as well! So I gotta take it easy too. Think I gotta donate to post pics, right? Gotta do that and get some photos up.

Already got a PM offering help on fabbing up a bumper so that's awesome! Thanks for the support!
 
cleatusmac said:
I want to get out on the trails (not ready for rock crawling yet) and be able to help other people out (as well as myself!) whenever we get stuck.
Click to expand...
That statement alone means a good winch would be a priority. I'd say a mild lift or cut some fenders, upgrade the tires to something more aggressive and still street worthy no bigger than 33's, and if you really want those bumpers, there's a ton of incredible fab people around here who could put together something quality for you.
Still, get out there and play with it as is and see what it can do. You'd be surprised how capable your rig already is and how much you can learn about driving off-road. Get to Uwharrie asap or hit any trails you're allowed to access on Bragg and start :driver:
 
I dont think a winch would take priority. Id start with a locker. I have been wheeling for a few years, same type of stuff he wants to do, and have never needed a winch. Just dont wheel alone. Get a locker, body protection and have fun. Dont forget a tow strap.
 
sgtbriangreen said:
I dont think a winch would take priority. Id start with a locker. I have been wheeling for a few years, same type of stuff he wants to do, and have never needed a winch. Just dont wheel alone. Get a locker, body protection and have fun. Dont forget a tow strap.
Click to expand...
I've done the same for years, too. Started with a mild lift and lockers, then went from there. But he said he wanted to be able to help himself and others on the trail. Just seems to me like a winch would accomplish that. True though, that a locker will eliminate the need for a winch on many obstacles.
 
A winch will stay with you...a locker may get tossed in an axle upgrade...for his use an XRC8 for 3 bills could go a long way...

before you build it, break it.
Before you change it stick it.
Find out your weaknesses dont build what mags and websites tell you.
 
johnski said:
I've done the same for years, too. Started with a mild lift and lockers, then went from there. But he said he wanted to be able to help himself and others on the trail. Just seems to me like a winch would accomplish that. True though, that a locker will eliminate the need for a winch on many obstacles.
Click to expand...


Good point. Experience and wheel time will get you farther up the trail than anything else. I say wheel it and upgrade as you see what you need. I built my last truck faster than I built my driving skills and I couldnt drive it where it could go. That is why I started over.
 
sgtbriangreen said:
Dont forget a tow strap.
Click to expand...

Got that covered. Got a 30'x2" strap from Tractor Supply. Also got I think a 30' medium sized chain.
Winch will have to come after the bumper upgrades and dependent on how serious I get. I just really like to tinker and work on sth on my spare time and the truck seems like a worthy investment - better return than the bar! :D :beer:

Want a Hi-Lift first too. Also wanna get some water/fuel cans mounted. From what I've seen on forums seems I might fit into the whole "expedition" type category. Was at first thinking I wanted to mount the cans in the bed between the wheel wells and tailgate. Now if I get a custom rear bumper done I'm thinking swing type mounts like I've seen before.

Thanks to johnski and sgtbriangreen and everyone else for the advice. Gonna stay stock on the lift, lock and with the tires I got right now (think they're 31.5?). Hone my skills a bit then see where I wanna go from there!
 
Back
Top