'95 3.5 upgrade/prep priorities?

[Islander]

Having got some encouraging comments and helpful advice about a '95 3.5 with low Kms(see earlier post) I am going to take the plunge and buy one. I will be upgrading a prepping for a long trip including some significant off road work. I'd welcome advice on what my spending priorities should for upping the spec (just so I have done the important bits by the time I run out of money!). If you have experience of specific items that worked well that would be great.

Thanks

[Overkill]

I would start with the normal suspension lift, 50mm aftermarket springs in rear and then wound the bars in the front to match. Shockies will make the ride better but not something I would spend on first, especially if the truck has low K's.

Bigger tyres would be next, the 3.5 will easily handle 33", everyone has a preference for a tyre A/T or M/T, but it comes down to what and where you are going to do/go in the truck. A set of Cooper STT's would be a good choice for an all around tyre, not to chunky (enough to get you through that bog though) but last a while.

Good money would be spending on a locker in the front then some frontal and side armour next.

And the list then goes on............................................$$$$$$$$$

Dollar wise:

Springs = $250-300 (NZ Dollars)
Torsion Crank = Your time
Tyres = $290 each (approx) X5
Locker = Ask around for a price, possibly $2500 installed?
Armour = Ask around, TJM or ARB 2nd hand $500 for front, you could get sides made for around that mark also. I made my own for $130 and my time.

For about $5000 (in new gear) you can increase the performance off-road alot. But if you shop around and get good quality 2nd hand parts you can almost cut the price in half.

Hope this helps a little, just my 2 cents, others will hopefully have some better input!

Good Luck

[-Scott-]

For "a long trip, including significant off-road work" I'd look at 265/75-16 tyres (nominally 32".) They'll fit factory 16" alloys (later models), they come with high load ratings, and they're a common size in remote areas - so you're more likely to be able to buy a spare if you need one. Having said that, buy decent tyres and learn how to look after them, and you're less likely to need to buy another. I agree on the STTs - I'm happy with mine.

In addition to the "fun stuff" you should also consider a cargo barrier, a fire extinguisher (or two...) and a decent first aid kit - and at least two people trained to use it.

I would leave the locker to the last item on the list - and it would be an ARB front locker (should be around $2000 installed.) Mitsubishi LSDs work very well, and will get you through most "touring" obstacles - if front lock/rear LSD can't get you through, chances are high that twin lockers wouldn't make a signficant difference.

Cheers,

Scott

[psycronic]

I was quoted around $1350 fitted for the TJM XJS suspension package (including new torsion bars for the front). + $50 - 100 for it to be aligned (the 4wd megastore didn't do that).

definately fit the cargo barrier ~$500 fitted.

and for a touring vehicle look at a set of cargo draws, I am, and a couple of people at my club reckon they have been one of the best investments.

also look at a long range tank.

first on my list would be cargo barrier, tyres and suspension, a uhf, firstaid kit and if you are travelling alone an EPIRB. Also look at an HF radio or satphone.