Would really appreciate any and all constructive advice on my next " want "

[Tonkaman]

I can probably relate to this thread better than most the other guys. First off I grew up as a redneck in Heber.Everything I was taught about off-roading was that bigger tires and exhaust rules the land. When I was 16 I built an 85 k30 with 20" lift springs and 52" military tires. Sure I only had a stock turbo400 trans and 4.10 gears but the dual 4" exhaust had 8" chrome tips so it's all good! Needless to say that big bad truck got used and abused constantly but for some reason I NEVER got home under my own power, always getting towed by someone's little jeep or toyota. Fast foreword 10 years and I'm driving a 2002 Duramax. This truck is pretty beefy with all the motor, trans, steering, and suspension upgrades that would make it at home doing hardcore tractor pulling. Unfortunately my nearly stock Tacoma will out climb and out maneuver it anywhere in the dirt. The Tacoma doesn't even snap axles or tie-rods while in out!

I totally get the love for huge powerful loud mean mud flipping monster trucks but in the end they really can be a real disappointment when you try putting that truck to use. Don't follow in my footsteps just accept that the chevy will never be more than a camping rig

 

[STAG]

just accept that the chevy will never be more than a camping rig

at least, not on your predetermined budget anyways. Any rig is possible with enough money :greg:

 

[Jeepj667]

You said you put 4:10's in the rear but no mention of the front. I'd spend the money on the front so you can atleast use 4wd again..

 

[Zac001]

just bought 5.13 for both front and back should be in within two weeks... im probably losing the 40's and the body lift now... but the gears are going in cause i do already have 37x12.50x17 that i ran last summer i didnt notice any problems trying to turn them or anything but thanks to you guys im seeing its more about math than if it fits it works.. thanks guys

so i shouldnt expect to ever take my truck up rattlesnake or anything like that? not a good idea?

 

[N-Smooth]

Rattlesnake can be tackled by a lot of stock 4x's so yeah, you could definitely run it

 

[Zac001]

ill have to go out one time with ya guys if it ever lines up with my work schedule

 

[Greg]

Really glad you've decided to pass on the 40's and 3" body lift, that's the smartest thing you've done so far!

5.13's will take stress off up-stream drivetrain components (t-case, transmission), but if you take it out wheelin, you'll have to be careful with binding up that front end and breaking stuff like CV's, the actual diff housing, ball joints, TRE's, etc. 37's and IFS + wheelin' is still not the best idea. I wouldn't plan on upgrading any of that stuff either, simply because it's a money pit and you'll never make any headway.

Get it out on the trail and have some fun, you'll probably be surprised where you can go with 37's and that long wheelbase. Which 37's are you running now?

 

[Zac001]

Really glad you've decided to pass on the 40's and 3" body lift, that's the smartest thing you've done so far!

5.13's will take stress off up-stream drivetrain components (t-case, transmission), but if you take it out wheelin, you'll have to be careful with binding up that front end and breaking stuff like CV's, the actual diff housing, ball joints, TRE's, etc. 37's and IFS + wheelin' is still not the best idea. I wouldn't plan on upgrading any of that stuff either, simply because it's a money pit and you'll never make any headway.

Get it out on the trail and have some fun, you'll probably be surprised where you can go with 37's and that long wheelbase. Which 37's are you running now?

BFG's mudterrain t/a... but so far everytime ive gone out ive put my 33x13.50x15 superswamper TSL's on

 

[Greg]

BFG's mudterrain t/a... but so far everytime ive gone out ive put my 33x13.50x15 superswamper TSL's on

Wide Swampers are lame, IMO. Stick with the 37" BFG Muds, that's a great tire and it's not too heavy or wide, so it's be 'nice' on IFS parts. The rotational mass considering the size of 37's versus those 33's is pretty big, but I bet those 33" Swampers weigh just as much as your 37" BFG's.

 

[Tonkaman]

wouldn't plan on upgrading any of that stuff either, simply because it's a money pit and you'll never make any headway.

So true. I dumped several thousand into the beefed up steering and suspension parts on the Duramax and they still snap easily pushing 35" tires

 

[Zac001]

you guys are great

 

[STAG]

So true. I dumped several thousand into the beefed up steering and suspension parts on the Duramax and they still snap easily pushing 35" tires

lay off the skinny pedal

I bent my tie rod while hill climbing my duramax full throttle in 4L.. oops.. that was the final death of my KM2s, driving back from Payson with too much toe in.