Newbie
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Eureka, Ca.
Newbie
I inherited a 89 F150 1/2 ton 4wd. It is stock and I am wondering what I should do to it to make it a good off roader. riverbars, muddy trails and sand will be the kind of terrain I will be dealing with. I have 33's now. what is the biggest tire I should run with the stock front IFS? Should I put a locker in the front? Lift it or cut the fenders? Big Heavy bumpers or stock ones? Any other advice is greatly appreaciated.
Posting Guru
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From: Chatsworth, CA
I wouldn't go any higher than 33" on your stock suspension. Idio has 35" on his F150 and its stock height so you maybe able to squeeze them on there. I would just trim the fenders and save the money by not doing a lift. regear your axles to 4.56 ratio, put in a detroit locker front and rear or weld them up if its a offroad only vehicle to save some cash. I would get some good quality bumpers or fab up your own and make some good clevis attachment points on them. you don't really need a winch unless your alone, just carry a recovery strap and a hijack lift. have fun!
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
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From: Oregon
Ahhh, the wonderfull new world of wheeling. Welcome! I also tell guys, baby steps. The best thing they can do it get out there and wheel that thing so that they can improve their skills and learn the limitations of their vehicle. As you advance and/or find weak spots you can improve them as you go along. Generally, having it locked up front and rear or at least with tight limited slips is important for the stuff you want to do. I'd keep it to 35s with your stock drivetrain if you want to play it safe, and just trim your fenders instead of lifting it. Pack good suplies/tools like fishy mentioned and have fun!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Eureka, Ca.
O.K., If I go with 35's later on, what backspacing will I need?
What is a "clevis"? Is that another term for tow hook?
Thanks for the help!
P.S. where do you get 4x4 gear cheap?
What is a "clevis"? Is that another term for tow hook?
Thanks for the help!
P.S. where do you get 4x4 gear cheap?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,066
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From: Chatsworth, CA
yes a tow hook would be good, but a clevis is like a d-ring that opens so you can put the tow strap on it and not worry about it slipping off. not sure about the backspacing but Idio should know. and to answer your question about where to get 4x4 gear cheap I'm still looking but haven't found a place yet. Not sure it exists but if you find it let me know!
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,759
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From: Auburn,Al
i like these ropes....one of these kits would get u started
http://www.masterpull.com/results.cfm?catid=366
or just buy the biggest rope you can afford
http://www.masterpull.com/results.cfm?catid=366
or just buy the biggest rope you can afford
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From: Eureka, Ca.
Well... I want to get an idea of what is out there. My local stores don't have much.
Where is a good online 4x4 outfitter.
Where is a good online 4x4 outfitter.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
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From: Oregon
Originally Posted by 95-F-350-4x4
Wow guess I'm the new fishy, what an honor! 
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,066
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From: Chatsworth, CA
Originally Posted by proeliator
Sorry, '95, I meant you of course. Calling you fishy might be an honor but it would also mean your overdue for a mental health evaluation
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
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From: GANS
Originally Posted by 95-F-350-4x4
I think all us guys can use a mental health evaluation in some form or another.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
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From: Senoia, GA
Originally Posted by proeliator
Sorry, '95, I meant you of course. Calling you fishy might be an honor but it would also mean your overdue for a mental health evaluation
-cutts-
o yea....stick around and ask questions! also just get out there and wheel the psis out of it and then upgrade as you break things. in fact if you wanna go bulletproof....chain your truck to a tree, back up all the way to the tree, then floor it. repeat this step until you break something. when you go to fix it get the biggest and best. repeat this process until the tree falls on the truck and you have to take off the body and build a tube cage/frame! then we'll talk
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
hahahaha, all too damn well! i'll never forget the time the brakes went out doin about 45 through the field coming up on a patch of trees! i know you bent that column shifter trying to get her in reverse, LOL
-cutts-
-cutts-
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chatsworth, CA
Originally Posted by fishmanndotcom
in fact if you wanna go bulletproof....chain your truck to a tree, back up all the way to the tree, then floor it. repeat this step until you break something. when you go to fix it get the biggest and best. repeat this process until the tree falls on the truck and you have to take off the body and build a tube cage/frame! then we'll talk