Howdy

[blown4pt3]

from SW Michigan. Been over to this site many times over the last year or two. Figured I should join at least. My purpose is probably a bit different than most on this site though. Many of you are into increasing the "Sport" part of SUV, while I'm needing to increase the "Utility". In practice, its not really that much different. Instead of climbing over a log in the trail, I want to recover it and use it for fuel (as in burning it for heat). So I do need to increase the offroad capability, but don't need things like a body lift, all while not trying to reduce in town gas mileage to single digits.

[The Roadie]

Welcome! Your needs for recovery and emergency equipment will be identical, and you will definitely be looking for stiffer springs like the Z71s and perhaps even the Airlift1000 bags for adjustability. Lots of cargo weight is tough on shocks as well.

[djthumper]

Welcome

[NC_IslandRunner]

Go ahead and max it out suspension/body lift 35" MT's Armored to the hilt and you can go deeper to get more logs and still make it back!

O yeah - Welcome!

[blown4pt3]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Will give a little more background, my tb now has 156k and is my DD. It also serves as minivan and pickup truck. My plans are the protection parts from Mike along with a bumper w/receiver. I also will be adding some weekend wheels/tires, like 265/70/16 guard dogs. At some point, I'd like to add a Warn Powerplant winch, although one from HF will probably happen first as it will be needed in spring. And thanks to Roadie, I'll be doing a 8.6 swap soon. Been lucky so far with the 8.0 non posi. The only thing that I'd to do is swap the 18 gallon tank for a 22. I've done searches, but haven't found anyone that's done this before. Or I wasn't searching the right words. Oh, and I've replaced T-stats, but am still fighting a low engine temp condition. Like 180 to 185 consistantly.

[v7guy]

welcome aboard.
I've had issues in the past where I received a faulty new thermostat that caused all sorts of headaches. Just a thought

[blown4pt3]

welcome aboard.
I've had issues in the past where I received a faulty new thermostat that caused all sorts of headaches. Just a thought

Pretty much what I'm figuring, although I don't want to admit it. The next one will be tested before installation. Running that cold sure isn't helping the winter time MPGs...

[DirtyBacon04]

Well not letting the oil heat up is causing premature wear on your engine rather than just your mpgs. Look into a block heater for the winter months.

[Mooseknuckle]

Welcome