Off Road Mods - What First??

[Larry2010]

Hi Guys .. glad to find this forum .. just joined today.

Gotta 99 Sport, all stock, with 255x70x16 tires and have taken it on quite a bit of light to medium trails and really enjoy it. I want to beef it up a little for some of the tougher trails and would like to get some recommendations and information.

I've seen several notes that 31x150x15 tires fit just fine without any lift and there's no rubbing or interference but have seen a couple notes that there is some rubbing and minor fender mods are required. Yes, I've seen the great chart on Max Tire Sizes. But can anyone who has actually put 31x1050x15s on a 99 Sport this comment on need for fender or other mods? I don't want to do a lift.

Next, I'm having a hard time finding any skid plates. Any sources?

Last, I'd like to take some pre-emptive measures and upgrade some of the weak points. What suspension/drive train parts would you folks expect to break first :roll:

Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[410Fortune]

Nobody makes skid plates other then the stock units provided on the truck.

I would do a torsion twist up front and shackles in the back, try to stuff 32" tires.

Then consider a rear locker if you want to take your off roading abilities to the next level.

Every truck is different, and not all 31" tires are exactly 31" tall. This is why every one has different issues with tire fitment. Typically trimming the "tupperware" or body metal is not a big deal if the tires are not too oversized. I used a hammer.

 

[Larry2010]

Thanks 410. I didn't expect there to be so much variation between trucks in the same model but I guess that's why there's varying opinions. If all it takes is a big hammer ... I can do that!! LOL

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

i agree with 410. your truck is very capable stock...with a slight lift 31's and traction devices such as a locker will make it much more capable. Start with a TT shackels 32's maby an aal to correct some ass sag. Then get some tow hooks in the front and the rear. From there there are endless options. It is all prefrence.

 

[99stocksport]

i have a 99 sport like you, and the two best mods i have done so far..to help me on some very mild trails are towhooks, and to help with the butt sag i installed a set of leafsprings from a 4-dr explorer

-Davis

 

[Larry2010]

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of swaping for leaf springs from a 4 door .. was gonna do aal but it looks like mine sag unevenly so I think new ones are the way to go. Then I'll level it out with a TT. Do you remember how much heigth you got with the spring swap?

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

do a 4-door leaf pack. Thern shackels and TT. I know a guy that did that to his 97 sport and he has 31's on a 15x8. His fenders sit at 35 inches.

 

[Larry2010]

thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to know!!

 

[badgett]

I think the tire rub has to do with weither or not your X has steps on the side. I have noticed the stock X has several different styles under the doors. I depends on which style you have.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

with the fenders at 35 inches 32's will fit fine. If not then trim a bit and they will.

 

[slravene]

im not so sure about that....its not the height of the tires that makes the problems, its the width. My fenders are at around 40" with my 33s on. They rub slightly on the plastic well in a compressed turn. The best you can do is just test fit a set of tires. Every truck is different.

 

[Bruce-L]

2010,
Do you have 15 or 16 inch wheels? If you have the 16's I'd go for either a 245-75-16 (30.7x9.5-16) or 265-75-16(31.9x10.2-16) Common sizes with lots of brands and tread patterns to choose from. I agree that 4-door leafs and tow hooks would be good. Look into getting a 98 ranger skid plate for the nose. a few minor adjustments to the plate and your frame will make it fit. a snorkel and a locker would also be good mod's.

 

[99stocksport]

those skid plates are hard to find, i have been lookin for one for quite some time now

 

[explrths]

www.putfile.com/explrths. Profile says the rest