If you had it to build again what would you do differently?

You got it

 

... minus the retrofit. That's a waste as well.

 

Jeep in its natural habitat. Broken.

 

I don't want to turn this guys thread into a Jeep VS Taco deal.

I love my truck. I'm building the XJ for my Wife to go to the off road park with me in her own rig. I don't have another 40k laying around to do another Tacoma...

It's not broken. It's being built. My truck has been in this very position MANY times

Now, lets get back to schooling the OP lol!

 

I would have started sooner.

 

Im just BSing with ya. My truck isn't running at the moment. I might own a jeep if I fit in the damn things comfortably. Although, I do thing the Toyota is a more reliable platform in general.

 

Referring to life in general I would never buy another new car--quickest way there is to lose money. Buy 1-1/2 to 3 years old, low mileage, and let some other poor sap take that initial hit.

Also never trust anyone who is smiling while saying "I'm here to help you."

 

I would have done extensive research up front to ensure that's what I truly wanted. I didn't really intend to mod my truck very much from its stock form. I was happy with the ride and over all enjoyed the looks of the truck stock. I did; however, upgrade the wheel and tire package which ultimately started it all. If I had known what I know now, I would have installed the lift first. Now, I'm debating on bumping my 5100's up and adding a large AAL to the rear. This way I could stuff some 285's under there.

 

I bought my 13 new. I'm on my second lift, fourth tire size, third aftermarket rear bumper, second winch mount/front bumper, installed airbags, removed air bags, etc...

Like I said. Learn from my mistakes. Figure your end goal and then over build it. Lol

 

Thanks for all the replies!

I agree that an end goal is best to prevent 'redoing' stuff and wasting time, money and sanity. I would really like to only build it once as I had nerve surgery on my neck and fore arm and still don't have full use of my arm so everything takes longer!

Thinking it's best to centre the build around tire size... end goal would be 33" tires- no larger with as small of lift as possible to accommodate the 33s. I am willing to do some cutting if need be. Not opposed to narrower tires either.

Also the suspension has to ride like a luxury car! Because of the surgery I need a supple ride- not bouncing around like a cork in the water. Was even looking at those ORI nitrogen gas struts.

A daily driver that has to be able to tow, haul and get groceries/ go to the mall. So the suspension needs to have 'good road manners'

Lots of good advice so far!

 

I would have not bought tires, rims , an amp, a subwoofer and box , and component speakers all within 2 months of buying my truck. I'm so broke right now but god damn I love this truck even more

 

- I would have gone with 285/70s instead of 265/70s when I bought tires
- I would have gotten sliders sooner
- I would have gotten Dakars instead of an AAL