Function over Form

I've seen a lot of people actually get upset enough to tell someone that they are stupid for spending their money a certain way.

A "functional" off-roading truck is meant to do what? Either give you the experience of off-roading, or get you where you want to go. And the reason for that? Because it makes you feel good. Bottom line. It's something you like to do and it makes you happy. I've never met someone (I'm sure some of you have though) that is building their truck to save other people out in the wilderness, which means everyone is doing this for pleasure.

That being said, why the heck is it not okay for someone to build a truck because they get satisfaction out of the way it looks on the street as well as how others view it? It is also for the exact same reason as someone building it for off-roading uses...it makes the driver feel good at the end of the day.

I pity those who look down on people for spending their money on what makes them feel good, especially when it doesn't impact anyone but the owner themselves.

Prove to me that spending money on looks is a complete waste of money compared to spending it for off-roading use. You can't.

 

I bet your truck is fugly.

 

I bet your truck is fuglier!

 

That shit is funny!!!

 

Just a little bit nicer than yours. And that's all that matters

 

If people spent money for looks, then why are more practical mods more common?

 

Do you have actual statistical data to prove that statement?

And your argument (even though not proveable) is that because more people doing one thing, that is the right/only way to do it. Good argument.

 

A good chunk of people that do "functional mods" I'm willing to bet do them because they LOOK COOL.

 

Right on, Dr. Brown!

I'll just add this curiosity: Since pretty much all lift methods are a compromise of stock geometry intended to increase ground clearance, those that intend to use the additional clearance off-road are more willing to accept the trade-offs in streetability than those that just want to look badass on the street. So.. People seem to spend ALOT more to 'properly' lift a truck if they don't actually need to.

 

I have been trying to build as a tool for it to do what we need it to. From what I have noticed over the years in here a well built truck usually ends up looking pretty cool anyway. On the flip side, after 30+ years doing body and fab work, I don't care to beat the shit out it and drive a damaged truck around, if others choose to well it's their money. So i want it to be functional and look good at the same time if that makes any sense. I never have understood the concern of others on here about just how somebody else does what they do. In the end, at least for myself, I do it to make me happy and I enjoy the work. Good topic OP kudos to you Sir

 

EXACTLY. I'm definitely all about what functional items can I add to my truck that will also look good. I mean hell, do my red maxtrax NEED to be mounted on my bed rack? Definitely not. Do I think it looks cool? Yup.

 

Yup. Lifts are essentially a measuring contest. Literally and metaphorically. Some of the best off roading rigs barely have lifts on them. And they are mostly to clear very large tires.

 

4x4, open diffs or trac aid, and a good set of tires will get you most anywhere. Everything else is for IG points.

 

I haven’t seen a woman in a non-lifted Tacoma but plenty of womans in my 2 incher Tacoma. Pretty functional if you ask me

 

What about the ladies that own tacomas?

 

This is the internet, and its full of people. People love to find ways to differentiate themselves and make them feel better about their choices. Its everywhere.

 

Wow! Think how many more women you could get with 3"!

 

When you pay my bills and support my family, then you can make those decisions for me.

 

I kind ran into the same thing with the car seen. Either the older guys tried to shoo the kids with the imports away or they would give those of us with modified classics a bunch of crap. I don't choose to drive around with all kinds of stuff on my truck everyday like a Swiss army knife but I couldn't care less if somebody does. In the end does it make any difference? Nope, what somebody else does with their truck doesn't bother me for one second. I actually think the trucks with all the stuff mounted to them looks pretty cool i just don't choose to do it. Life is too short not to be happy

 

Yep, pretty much Jay. It's that individuals money so why would we care. As long as what they do doesn't cost me anything who cares