Texan1983

Hey all,

So i am building a long range extended travel off-raod rig out of my 04 dodge CTD and have nothing but questions after the research i've done! So im going to break it down in to sections.

Suspension:
Want to stay as low as possible. Thinking about Kore's HD system due to low cost and variable rate coils (want improved ride) but i have heard alot of good things about Carli's starter system also, just dont want to spend $500 bucks more. Also heard kore's coils will hold the weight of the bumper and winch that will go up front better. Then with either system im adding Top gunz control arms (.5" longer) and their ajustible track bar.

Tires:
Pretty set on the BFG MT KM2s 35 12.5 R17. other Ideas?

Front Bumper:
Looking at three for now, Road Armor, ARB, and buckstop. I want a good aproach angle, needs to mount a winch and lights, and offer animal strike protection. the lighter the better also.

Rear bumper:
Ideas? i might just build my own since ill be adding a tire carrier to it.

Other stuff:
Adding an ARE topper and yakama load bars with basket. Also building a platform for storage and sleeping.

What am i missing? This truck is moslty stock now and always been on top of maintanace and this truck has been trouble free for years.

ramsport59

I'll be following this here and on Expedition Portal. I'm gonna be building my 2nd gen in the same manner to pull our offroad popup camper.

Rick

Texan1983

well, the carli starter system got ordered today with a carli track bar and im going to try a set of the top gun customz control arms. both these companies were awesome at customer service when i called with questions.

Tires bought... 35x12.50r17 BFG km2's

ARE topper ordered with yakama load bars...

moving right along...

Tedonlin150

Front and rear diff lockers

Texan1983

definatly in the works, just now money for it right now.

high bid

for extended travel think about installing a nissan fuel tank....you'll need the fuel.

Texan1983

What do you mean? you talking about titan tanks?

high bid

Yes titan tank and/or if you're going to have the sparetire attached to the rear bumper possibly think about adding aux tank in place of the spare. Just an idea.

Texan1983

well the suspension system came in... any tips/advise for install? particular order it should go together?

Dieseljunkie

The only advice I have for the install, is complete one end at a time! Don't get all excited to see what it looks like lifted.. Just do one end, then complete the other. I'd start with the front, since that's usually the most complicated...
Scott

Texan1983

yea, that was the plan, any thoughts on what order the shocks, springs, track bar, or control arms should go in? does steering need to be disconnected?

jstone44720

Look at Fab Fours for a rear bumper - very nice stuff.

Texan1983

ok, rear add a leafs are kicking my ***! any ideas? i can get the two spring pack bolts to line up and go through all leafs...

ramsport59

Got it done?

Rick

Texan1983

yup, got the suspension in. The rear add a leaf ended up being way harder then expected.

anyways all done now and tires are mounted. ride is improved but she still rides like a 3/4 ton dodge...

next up is getting the topper, building the sleeping/storage area, and i think i am going with the warn trans4mer mount for the winch mount.