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2019 Chevy 3500HD w/ FWC Upgrades

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#11 DavidinPhx

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Posted 31 December 2019 - 04:46 PM

Don’t know squat about big trucks (that’s why I’ve been lurking here for months) esp. Chevvies (I’m researching Superduties for my upcoming FWC), but I’ve spent 30 years doing off road, the last 10 in an overland built Tacoma, that’s just finally too small and uncomfortable. I have recovered some big trucks though!

My truck was moderately, slightly over- built to be capable, but not exceed GVWR, and maintain some sort of MPG. Only mildly lifted, I the one up tire size (32s). So, not super high, though 10” clearance.

In those 10 years with several good stucks all over the west, I’ve never used the winch, though I have loved the winch bumper approach angle. The rear offroad bumper with hitch delete was critical too. What has been invaluable was the locker and traction mats along with aggressive tires. Suspension is personal taste for comfort, weight, and to gain body/tire clearance and articulation to avoid stucks.

IMO, 1st great tires adapted to the terrain you're on most, AND will lift the diffs and frame sufficiently. Every full size truck I’ve seen seriously stuck was hung on the frame somehow. Lose the hitch too if you’re not towing.
2nd MaxTraxs (the “pro” version with metal teeth for big trucks) probably 4 of em. If you want to crawl some rocks or super sketchy stuff vs mud, snow or sand, I’d think of 2 MaxTrax and two bridging ladders. Much quicker and easier than winching for most situations.
3rd- if your truck doesn’t have a locker, get one put in. Cheaper than a winch bumper and winch and far more useful along WITH numbers 1 and 2 above.
Oh, a good jack and shovel too, of course. (#4). You pretty much can’t winch yourself out of some deeply stuck situations. Think sliding off a dusty/wet rock onto a deep hole or rocky frame grabbing situation. Been there done that several times. You either can’t winch out or can’t without severe damage. HiLift jack with stacked rocks/MaxTrax/bridging ladders will get you out.

The bonus is less weight and better MPG. YMMV, of course. If you don’t have or have much offroad experience, especially self recovery take a good course, or get some Bill Burke DVDs.

If money is no object, or the expected terrain is really boggy throw everything on it and go nearly anywhere limited mainly by length and body damage tolerance, but no matter what, you will suffer off road without #s 1,2,3&4 above. Good luck!
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#12 Adventurer

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Posted 31 December 2019 - 05:43 PM

Sounds like DavidinPhx knows his stuff.

 

Traction is key, and that's had by appropriate tires, lsd/lockers, then self-recovery mats/ladders.  A good jack and the knowledge of how to use it is also invaluable, as is a shovel.

 

Springs are for ride height, weight carrying.  Shocks are for rebound/damping, ride quality.

 

I see a lot of built trucks that aren't built effectively.  Just the other day I saw a short wheelbase Jeep with tall, long travel suspension, coil overs, LED lights everywhere, with a roof rack and tent.  Short wheel base with Baja-ready race suspension with a high center of gravity.  I wondered how the Jeep was used, but it was so clean that I couldn't tell if it'd ever been off road.

 

A contractor for us has something similar but with heavy bumpers/winch/tire carrier.  He put $15k into the Jeep in aftermarket modifications, mostly heavy "armor".  He said he'd always wanted a Jeep but he didn't want to take it off road because it might get damaged.  He was really proud of all of the stuff he put on it, rocker protection, a cage over most of the body, and all of it bright green.

 

I'd rather have the smallest lift it takes to fit the largest tire I need for ground clearance, with gearing and lsd/lockers, and low weight.  But, of course,  to each their own.


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#13 DavidGraves

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Posted 01 January 2020 - 04:34 PM

Don't forget the snorkel....gotta have a snorkel.....and an adventure hat.

 

Happy New Year all.

 

David Graves


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#14 Wandering Sagebrush

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Posted 01 January 2020 - 05:37 PM

A real shovel, not one of those short handled suckers that make your back instantly hurt.

<snip>

 

...as is a shovel.

 

<snip>


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