Which came first, the lift or the skids?

Looking for some insight on what would be a good/recommended next step for mods on my 2014 DCLB . I'm not sure the best way to go, skid plates or a lift. I'm thinking if I go skids most likely going with Pelfreybilt and OME 885/Dakar for a lift. Sadly will only be able to do it one step at a time. So far my offroading has resulted in a dented factory skid and ding on the 3rd crossmember, thankfully didn't take out the exhaust! Mild Moab and mountains, but hopefully lots more soon! Thanks for the help

 

This is also my first post, so if there is another thread that covers this, send it my way. Thanks!

 

Lift first. The stock setup can't handle the extra weight you would be adding. This is assuming you are going full skids.

 

I went
Tires (265s, so no rubbing even on stock) > Lift > Skids & Sliders

 

Get the lift first ground clearance is your best friend

 

would be going full skids, already have sliders, they were an easy sell to the wife so she had a solid step!

 

I would say sliders/skids first! You've already witnessed some dents and damage. Some of that can be pretty severe. Besides, you are still going to need the skids after your lift. People ride stock all the time, but they have protection. Suspension component wears out a year or two later due to weight of armor... big deal. You've had time to save by then anyway.

Don't count on stock skids. You can take em off, put them between two crates and bend them by stepping on them. Your truck is going to exert MUCH more force than that. And since it seems like you obviously offroad, you are going to want to protect your goods.

 

If you already have sliders then I would defiantly say lift I'm in the same boat and I got my long travel kit on order and sliders I'm going to custom make to my liking as soon as I put the lift on I have a fat dent under the door from resting my truck on a rock

 

If you are asking this question, I assume you do not already wheel a whole lot. Therefore I vote skids and learn to wheel your truck in its stock configuration. This way you will protect your investment and learn what you need and why. Just my $.02

 

I did a lift first, and I still don't have skids only sliders.

 

You can also go with aluminum skids to save weight on the stock suspension.

 

I did sliders first. In the NM mountains, a couple inches lift won't make a difference in the rock gardens. You're gonna scrape something. So far the stock TRD skid plate has held up (the steel one, not the tinfoil bling add-on). I could probably use more protection underneath but haven't decided what/which/how.

Around Moab the ledges seem to be what bites stock trucks first. Approach angle and short wheelbase is more helpful than ground clearance. A Taco is just too long for some of the gnarlier trails in the area, built or not.

For me the next step is a winch and Al bumper. Then I'll lift the truck.

 

Why do you say the stock setup can't handle the extra weight? Looking at a full set of skids is adding no more then 140-150lbs. Due to drop in clearance or wear out the stock suspension quickly. Thanks

 

Since you already have sliders, I'd say lift first/larger tires for most of the trails in Utah that I've been on, including Moab. Added ground clearance is key, and knowing your limitations/weak points. I'd also check out the All-Pro skids. They seem to contour the truck well for the most amount of clearance.

 

Lift and tires, then skids. At least at 46, I don't want to have to scrunch around under the truck more than I have to. The extra clearance makes installation a whole lot easier.

 

DCLB defiantly puts limitations to some of the trails approaches I'll be able to make. A trip to NM is in the works, I may have to pick you brain on some areas to check out!

 

I still say skids. Stock suspension will handle enough. I'd rather squash my springs then smash my dif or tcase. Sure, some may sat gear angles suffer with extra weight. A lift Is going to do the same, just opposite . It really comes down to how you wheel and what protection you want. You are already denting oem skids. So either pick a better line or get armor that will take the abuse. I have a taco leveled out where I am more careful on my lines, and a 4" lifted wrangler w/35" tires where I Hellen Keller it. Depends what your intentions and style are/is off-road

 

Lift first, then skids.

 

Lift for the clearance.

 

Get some daylight unda that mutha