Well I need to get a "vision" for my pickup. The audio system is nearly done, the rest of it is still in trouble. I am definitely more into trails than rocks, in fact I never touch rocks. I was envisioning 32" tires, rear limited slip or locker, a 4wd transfer case, perhaps a winch. Oh, and I would love for someone to convince me to buy retreads. They are so cheap..but I'm worried the tread would separate on the street...not good. I know semi tire retreads definitely do that with regularity, you only have to drive down the freeway to see that. On the other hand, I could definitely afford a set of 32" retreads...assuming I don't need a ton of lift on my 2wd to fit them. When I am back on broadband I will post the stuff I am planning on purchasing in the next couple weeks. That's assuming I have the $$$ left over after tires ....oh well!

 

I am relatively new to wheelin and I did a few minor mods to help on the trails as I am not setup for rocks. I replaced the plastic brush guard underneath the engine with some 3/16 aluminum diamond plate, did the diff breather extension mod for water and mud, put on 31x10.5 BFG ATs (which I now regret the size, should of went with 32s) and am waiting for my nerf bars to arrive. Looking at a locker for the rear as a next mod after I got stuck in the snow, also a compressor for airing up. Hope you got a healthy bank account

 

My suggestions, in order of priority:

-better tires
-winch
-locker
-everything else

 

Cheap?
Differential breathers

Easy?
Mud tires

More cash?
Sliders, lockers and skidplates

Free?
Experience. Find how what you have works and when you find a shortcoming, fix it.

 

I just want to clarify what we are talking about...

You are talking about an '85 2WD right?
Your stock tires are maybe 24 inches or so. Your diff gears are 3.73 or some other crazy tall ratio. Your rear axle is spring under axle...
Your truck is the definition of a pavement pounder. Its great for a newspaper route and pizza delivery in fair weather but not much else.

If you want to go where Dodge Neons and Ford Focuses only dream of, sell the 2wd and get an '85 4WD.
4x4 Toyotas from '85 are quite possibly the best stock 4x4 ever built.

Selling it is the best mod for offroading. You will spend enough money to buy two complete 4x4s if you try to mod your 2wd to a trail ready form.


:cry: