Squeaky Penguin's (Trip Reports) Build Thread

Is @Night Eagle truck cracking everywhere yet?

 

I get where Brett is coming from. It is the fatigue failures that is most disconcerting.

 

I'm in the same position, although my 1st gen is much less built than yours. I've been thinking about picking up a 2.5 gen DCSB and putting the Vagabond Drifter on that and just do some Alcan or Deaver leaf springs and Bilstein 5100's and some minimal electrical work.

 

yeah but comon. Would you rather fix those and know they are fixed or buy a new truck and wait for it to happen all over again? It's not like that isn't going to happen on a 2nd gen. Okay the bed won't split, but it does bow /bend.

Everything else is of concern. I've watched enough LT guys go through the same thing to know that the 2nd gens aren't any less prone to that stuff. And yes, i realize that guys with LT are generally pushing it more than most, but it is a good example of just a more accelerated time line of what can happen.

I mean hell, Bob and Jason both have had to swap out the rear axles and do custom rear shock stuff anyways on their trucks.

If the 2nd gens had a bigger better rear axle from the get go, I'd be more for it. Otherwise I don't get it. Unless the larger interior space is that much more appealing which you can find plenty of double cable 2nd gens vs 1st gens. And I can relate, the interior space is awesome.

 

By the sound of it he wants to push the current truck to the limit, big tires, solid axles, cage and so on. That means it will be a terrible overland vehicle. He has seen the light and wants a tricked out reliable EAF vehicle for exploring. I say DO IT!

 

I mean that would be rad.

 

Trying to make one rig do all the things is really difficult. I love that idea and it's still what I'm aiming my build at, but it's also hard taking the tradeoffs along with it.

Not all of us can afford or have the space for a full stable with a crawler, an expo rig, a go fast rig, a DD, dirt bike(s), and on and on... and if you have a significant other that is anything but fully supportive of the hobby, good f'n luck!

 

I think I've proven that a do it all rig doesn't really work. I'm not bored of it, just tired of fixing all sorts of little annoying things that are showing up more and more.

And I don't think you understand how basic of a 2nd gen I want. Talking Kings all around, 1" lift, 32s, sliders and an IFS skid. That's it. Oh, and it would be a slush box.

 

In what way does it not work? Other than it just showing it's age and abuse here and there?

Yeah I get that. i still think the best time I've had in these truck was a setup just like that. Frank with 33s, a lift, front bumper and sliders and that was it. Great truck. Igor, 33s, sliders, kings front foxes rear. Great truck.

Slush box in the 2nd gens is way better than the 1st gens. What I'd do likely too.


But honestly...whats stopping you from just going back to that kind of setup now? Not like a lot of your mods are reversable. I mean if you are also changing your driving style and where/what you're doing. Less fatigue is going to happen from the get go.

 

Wow, dark-side material right there.

 

I think what’s keeping him from going back with this rig is it’s already broken. He must push forward and turn it into a crawler.

 

I inspired you with my 32’s didn’t I? I say if you are going to spend the money on King’s go with 33’s. But knowing you, you will want gears for that size.

 

I have started to look but haven't seen anything as of yet. Unless you count my rear fenders at the tail light. Those have cracked because they are wind catchers.

 

Speed is what I believe is our biggest issue. Slow speed rock crawling all the time I think we would be fine. If only we could slow down.. But that's not any fun.

 

I have found it impossible to be able to slow down haha once you're used to going speed X. Its hard to go back

 

Sounds like you aren’t going fast enough. I have a little kiddo so no going fast for me. Bret, maybe you should have a kid. That will slow you down.

 

Oh I go plenty fast, you slow poke

 

Back to this build.

Corbeau Moabs installed. I think they look sweet, and they feel great! Was never content with the sparco.

 

Finally got a proper seat for your future lady friend.

 

Those ones new? Don't think they had that model when I looked. Color match is nice.