Newbie saying hi, and looking for suggestions.

[8donovang]

Hi, I'm glad I found this site. I drive a 99 XLT and love 4-wheelin' it whenever I find the time, though it is also my daily driver. I figure I'd oughta start throwing on some parts or mods, I'm considering a 2" body lift and then some larger tires, but I'm not sure what else exactly I should be doing to improve it, though.

This is what I drive, and I detailed it myself.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6060/besti.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/514/p1010011xqy.jpg

 

[ExploringNC]

I like the side decals but not too crazy about the one on the hood.

First thing people will do is usually torsion twist in front and shackles in rear, that will give you about 1.5" lift, enough to fit 31's on.

Just remember that once you start moding and wheeling it other things will wear allot faster and things do break. Tranny, transfer case, hubs and the many suspension parts can get expensive not to mention the addiction of wanting to do the next mod which never ends.

 

[8donovang]

Yeah, I've already got that going on for me, hehe.

I put the stripes on the hood a long time before I did the stuff on the side, I'm considering removing it, but it'll take a lot of chipping off the paint and then a bottle of mineral spirits and a day of rubbing.. too much work and I might mess up the stock paint, too. I'll probably just leave it there until I get some other idea and paint the hood something else.

Also, I don't think I'll lift it for a while. I currently have a nice set of $800 goodyears (dirt/street hybrids, real nice tires) that I don't plan on getting rid of, so I'll probably wait to lift it until I need new tires, then I can lift it without it looking stupid with small tires. But you think I could really manage 30's on the stock rims with just a 1.5" lift? I figured I'd need at least a two, maybe almost a three (probably a body lift and some suspension up).

And.. how much mileage might I lose when I go with 30's?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Accessories such as lifts or big tires will decrease mileage. Check AlDive's thread called Quest for 30 for gas saving tips.

 

[ExploringNC]

I did just the TT up front with 31's mud tires and only have a slite rub on the swaybar, clears fenders fine.