Your Thoughts

Your thoughts on upgrades:

Have you ever seen an extemely modified buggy crawl right up a hill with no problems and thought "even a toddler could have climbed that hill in that buggy"?

When do upgrades become over the top?

Everytime I go wheeling, I think of another upgrade I would like to install to make my rig perform better offroad. But at the same time, after the upgrade, I now need to step up to a higher 4 rated trail to have the same amount of fun as when I ran a 3 rated trail with open diffs front and rear.

So is it worth it? Where does it end? What are your thoughts?

Upgrade for strength, and maybe some capability, then go wheeling.  My XJ now sits at 5" of lift, rides on 35's and is locked in the rear and open in the front.  My next upgrade will be the Vanco brake upgrade kit.  It's pretty pricey, but says it will lock up 37's.  Overall, I'd rather be safe than sorry, so I think it will be worth the money.  Especially since I frequently drive it around town and on the highway.
 
So basically go simple, strong, and a lot of fun.

I agree with above with the exception of two things.
 
1st - Matt, it never ends.
 
2nd - Safe, simple and strong
   (Note to self - add additional roll cage protection.)

ORIGINAL: photosbymatt

Your thoughts on upgrades:............................

When do upgrades become over the top?

........................................................

 
 
 
See Hammers rig.....................
 
 
As was said earlier, safe strong and simple.
Although mine is outrageously huge, I concentrated all my energies towards keeping it safe to drive on the street and pass a safety inspection. Safe means safe, not almost or nearlyas....

I too been looking at some better brakes and steering..just how much $$$$$ i am willing to give up. 

My thoughts are always. What do I want.
Build it the way you want and enjoy it. Personaly I have been building mine the way I like it. I wanted it strong and quality. I want to wheel where I want and when I want. If I want to drive down a flat dirt road or on a crazy trail I can. want to back it out of the garage and wheel it. after wheeling I want to put it away and wait till the next time with out having to work on it all the time. I say build it to wheel what you want so you can have fun wheeling and not breaking on the trail if possible. Remember have fun no matter what.

AMEM BROTHER.....

I say build it the way YOU want it and forget what everyone else thinks........
Look at mine......I'm adding the 7.5" springs in the front before Mega Run and I found some 35"
tires made by Kelly out at Traders Village for $115 each. That will happen as soon as I save up the money

I think over the top goes by who you are and what you wheel. what might be way over for one person, Isn't enough for another. Heck look at the guys that are competeing in the top truck challenge this year. Those trucks are stupid. But to each his own. Heck they would probably laugh at my runner setting next to one of their trucks

It's never over the top. Bigger is better!

ORIGINAL: rooney77

It's never over the top. Bigger is better!

 
You're just trying to convince yourself because of what you're building.....                just kidding "lug nut"
 
 
 
 
Build it for what you want to be able to do with it. 

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid, but what do i know i never can get mine to the trail with out castrosphicly going to..... well lets just say boom. i migh go with bigger axels like 44s and lockers on the jeep, so i can roll 35s on it. Maybe 60s, or 2500hd parts on Avai but only becouse its already rolling 35s, but its aready top heavy. and then probly roll gages for both, first i get them to the trails.

here is what I have to compete with around here: http://www.pavelstudios.com/ps/jeeps/smfr09web/content/_MG_2716_large.html

But so far I have been keeping up with the big boys! Although my jeep has been taking a beating on the undercarriage since moving here! I just put beadlocks on the other day and now have two half doors instead of one...yea! Working on all 4:)

Also came across a 51' Hudson Hornet at a steal... can post pics if anyone is interested?

ORIGINAL: photosbymatt

here is what I have to compete with around here: http://www.pavelstudios.com/ps/jeeps/smfr09web/content/_MG_2716_large.html

But so far I have been keeping up with the big boys! Although my jeep has been taking a beating on the undercarriage since moving here! I just put beadlocks on the other day and now have two half doors instead of one...yea! Working on all 4:)

Also came across a 51' Hudson Hornet at a steal... can post pics if anyone is interested?

51' Hudson Hornet

Definitely post the Hudson pics.

Very nice area y'all wheel in.   

It depends what you are after. Do you have the itch do do what the guy in the pic is? Do you like it cold and raining on you with mud in your eyes? Not to mention having to trailer it everywhere. You have a daily driver right? Well if you have the itch...take it out to gilmer and dont be so layed back. Pedal to the floor and soon body damage and breakdown will occur. Then the rig will decide for you on the neccessty to upgrade. Thats how mine and rutz started. I am sure that is how a lot of us started...Right kevin?

ILL HAVE TO AGREE TO THAT. REPLAY MEGA RUN 2004 AIRSTRIP IN MY DAILY DRIVER.

[image]local://365/07A9198E58594C1C899E31BB53A89BD4.jpg[/image]

Attached Image(s)

ORIGINAL: rutz79

ILL HAVE TO AGREE TO THAT. REPLAY MEGA RUN 2004 AIRSTRIP IN MY DAILY DRIVER.

[image]local://365/07A9198E58594C1C899E31BB53A89BD4.jpg[/image]

Man, I'm sure glad I don't wheel my DD. Hope no one was hurt.

NO I DIDNT GET HURT BUT I SURE WAS SORE AND MY PUCKER FACTOR IS A LOT SMALLER FOR SURE. ANYWAY THIS IS MY RIG NOW, SAME FRAME AND  ALL. TOOK 2 MONTHS TO BUILD IT BACK UP.

[image]local://365/892D9454C2264D55AF0FE7EA87E85F6E.jpg[/image]

Attached Image(s)