I finally got a redneck truck!

Quick question: what kind of lug nuts should I use with the new wheels? Will the nuts from my steel wheels work? I haven't even looked, so my apologies if the answer is obvious.

Tom Suddard wrote: It is quite capable off road, although it could really use at least an auto locker in the rear for the real tough trails. I carry a little 12 volt compressor, so airing up and down is easy.

Had my first experience with a lunchbox locker a few weeks back. I was impressed.

Tom Suddard wrote: Quick question: what kind of lug nuts should I use with the new wheels? Will the nuts from my steel wheels work? I haven't even looked, so my apologies if the answer is obvious.

The steel wheel nuts won't work. Dorman P/N 711-305 is the one you want. Looks like this:

There are some cheapies out there which will fit but they have a stainless sleeve crimped over them instead of being one piece. The sleeves fall off almost immediately.

So....No update w/ pics?

i kinda stole tommys idea with the tarp and made it work for my mini van.. sorry dude.. but it totally rocks....

So, it's time for an update!

I didn't realize I never posted pics, I'll get on that tomorrow morning.

Sorry about the following list, it's in no particular order.

I added a 9,000 pound winch behind the front bumper on a mount I made with some spare steel, it works great.

I added a 1.5" lift with some shackles and a torsion bar crank. I haven't noticed any adverse handling effects, and it helped out off-road, especially launching the boat at the lake.

The new tires and wheels are amazing, I highly recommend General Grabber AT2s, they're great on and off-road.

I also added a "Lokka" brand locker in the rear, and while I was in there I replaced all the seals and put new rotors/pads/calipers on the rear axle, and new rotors and pads on the front.

I replaced the inner and outer CV boots up front.

I made my own drawer system in the back out of an old toolbox, a milk crate, and some wood. I keep emergency equipment, recovery gear, a full toolkit, bail out bag, shovel and hatchet, etc. in there.

I added a roof basket and a grassroots awning.

I added a Norcold fridge in the rear.

I added a rubber truck bed mat in the rear.

I added two Hella driving lights up front.

I added a moderately-decent Kenwood stereo in it, nothing spectacular.

I added a MagCharger on the driver's seat base and hardwired it in, it looks factory.

I added 6 hideaway strobes (2 up front and 4 in the back) to make it more visible when I'm on the side of the road shooting pictures or towing cars. I hid the control unit behind trim in the rear quarter, it is literally invisible, everything looks factory.

I added a trolling motor outlet in the rear cargo area to plug my fridge/ inverter/ camp lights into. I needed something that could handle more current than a cigarette lighter. This also looks factory, to the point that people ask me why Isuzu used that funny plug instead of a cigarette lighter.

I added a CB radio and a firestik 5' antenna to talk to my wheeling buddies.

I added a factory trailer hitch and wiring.

I've replaced the starter, battery, and master cylinder.

Sliders are sitting in the garage, I'll be welding those on in a week or two.

I'm leaving the first week of June for the Trans-America-Trail with the Trooper and 2 friends, we'll be camping for 2 or 3 weeks straight.

Oh, and I'd also like to point out that none of my modifications were "Redneck." All of my wiring is completely hidden from start to finish, and you won't find any wiring wrapped around fuses or taped to the battery posts. I did everything better than the factory would have. I also took my time and thought out the winch mount so it doesn't really affect my approach angle and so it's stupid strong.

I also upgraded the battery to a bigger, better one to deal with the fridge and winch.

The next step is probably going to be a transmission rebuild, as I'm concerned that it might be starting to slip. Like everything else on this truck, I'll be doing that myself, too. I'm either masochistic or I really don't like mechanics....

Or you're just cheap.

So far it sounds good, and I have seen rednecks that can be quite picky about finishing off auotmotive improvements. Everything else might be sloppy, but the truck shines.

Wait: Do you have a dog?

Sounds awesome. Can't wait for the pics!

Tom Suddard wrote: I'm leaving the first week of June for the Trans-America-Trail with the Trooper and 2 friends, we'll be camping for 2 or 3 weeks straight.

Best thing you posted. I wish somebody had bothered to tell me when I was 18-22 that I needed (NEEEDDEDDDDD) to do that sort of shenanigans if I wanted to. Tough to get away for even a week for the 30ish years that come after that.

Truck sounds good, need picterz.

sounds like a heck of a fun time. a while back on Expo someone posted a trip report from a guy that did the trans america up to about Moab where it got pretty hairy in his jeep XJ. from what i remember it was mostly tame except for some nasty mud in Oklahoma. it will definitely be an epic trip regardless.