Hi guys, my name is Doug and I just joined offroadtb. Im 17 years old(Yes I know) and last year my parents got me a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ at 82k. being a teenage boy and seeing that my new vehicle had 4x4 I had to take it off-roading. And quickly realized this isn't just a soccer mom car to keep me from street racing any who I am going into my senior year of highschool, and afterwards plan on going to college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff AZ. We just got back from a vacation in Flagstaff and I quickly fell in love with it. I also Mountain bike so I am no stranger to nature. AZ has a lot to offer when it comes to offroad/ back country type of stuff. And with that being said I need help.
within the coming years I want to turn my stock TB into a good off-road platform. I want my vehicle to be ready to handle trails up to level 3 and in rare cases 3.5 if need be, according to the trail rate guide on this forum.
My vehicle has a 3.73 axle ratio
stock plastic skid plates
g80 locker
and all the cosmetic bells and whistles that come with the LTZ package
she is bone stock.
the only upgrade I have done is I just purchased a set of Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT tires.(Size 245/65/17)
I love the dirt and trails and I just want my vehicle to be ready with me. Any help is welcome, for example how should I set-up my recovery gear, lifts, tires, fabrications, etc...
Recommendations for what order and what you guys recommend is greatly appreciated. I'm looking for an inexpensive(not cheap) type of build, as I myself will be purchasing all of the upgrades. so yeah, feel free to tell me about your builds and what project I should work on first etc... also links to gear and recovery items are greatly appreciated also. Like I stated early I want my vehicle to be able to handle a level 3 rated trail comfortably and ready for back country tent camping type of stuff.
Thanks for the help in advance!
Doug