BUILD THREAD COMMENTS GO HERE

[Nakashige]

I Updated mine finally

[Regulator1175]

This is the most interesting thing I've followed on here in awhile. Not since we hazed the guy who liked to throw trash out the window. Now that was fun. And all this because someone put their underwear and socks on inside out, and decided to rant about build threads.

Hey now, I was actually sitting in just my shorts, no underwear or socks on, relaxing a bit following a long trip back from TECORE.

James, I think the best idea seems to be to have sub categories based on the experience rank. Since I started all this drama, and happen to have a decent amount of free time, I would be glad to put in the work on sorting everything out if you could use the help.

For what it's worth folks, this did start as an exhausted member who had had a stressful day, not stopping to think before I typed. I am sure Barton can attest to my mental state, I should have just gone to bed. That being said though, it is a legitimate issue so I am glad to see everyone discussing it reasonably.

[DustinC1989]

I don't think you cause any drama, it is a legitimate thought. They are called BUILD threads after all...

Starting a build thread while your truck is stock isn't bad, as long as it actually progresses some. But having sub forums for varying extents of builds sounds like a good idea. Only problem I see is trying to get newbs to post to in the right sub forum being harder than getting them to search....

Maybe categories like Stock, Lifted, Off Road Rated, All Out( ie. SAS and other extensive builds)?? I understand that it is a lot of work from the mods, but maybe something spread out over time

[The Roadie]

Starting a build thread while your truck is stock isn't bad, as long as it actually progresses some.

I agree, as long as the build thread starts with the first mod. Starting before the first mod is an INTENTION or FANTASY thread, not a build. We've seen way too many new owners who finally 'fess up that they don't actually have their PARENT'S permission to lift it, or the minimum $ necessary to mod and wheel it safely. There's drama we don't need.

[mikekey]

These are some of the ones that I found that are almost useless. Most don't even have photos. Some are the members only post ever.

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3138

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4247

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2765

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1865

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4187

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4242

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2931

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=765

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2384

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3911

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=561

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=443

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2163

[navigator]

thanks Mike

[navigator]

Got 6 Hella lights and a bunch of wiring and an ATV aluminium ramp. Gonna redo the roof rack situation as soon as its nice out.

Kyle, is that one of those tri-fold deals? I saw someone do something similar on another site and I thought about doing it with an old one we have here.

If it is a tri-fold, how did you "join" the 3 parts together, just long bolts?

[JorDaneeKey]

I really like how it looks, Kyle. Might be something worth looking into to run around town with instead of the baja.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Trifold. Once each section is bolted to bar, the built-in hinges bind it together. Its solid.

I may sell the load warrior, I can't think of an advantage for a basket over this.

Idea from expo and ihatemud

[navigator]

ok, we have one here that is no longer good for loading but should work great for a roof rack. The one I built howled too much to leave it up there.

Expo is where I saw the suggestion, thanks for reminding me.

[Blazintrails03]

I want to do something like that but I thought about just building off of the 1 inch square cross bars I already have. I like having my roof top basket but it sits a little too high for me. I'd rather have something with a lower profile but wider and longer. Something I could feel comfortable strapping a 4X8 sheet of plywood too if need be.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Bolt a $60 harbor freight ramp to your crossbars and you got it.

[DustinC1989]

Starting a build thread while your truck is stock isn't bad, as long as it actually progresses some.

I agree, as long as the build thread starts with the first mod. Starting before the first mod is an INTENTION or FANTASY thread, not a build. We've seen way too many new owners who finally 'fess up that they don't actually have their PARENT'S permission to lift it, or the minimum $ necessary to mod and wheel it safely. There's drama we don't need.

That's why I said mine can be deleted if needed, don't need permission from anyone and I have the money... But being laid off, I can't spend money on that stuff currently

[Conner299]

Just a suggestion... When it comes to the build threads that most are seeing as "useless", I think a few things should be considered. First, even though it may not be updated, as often as some may prefer, it may take people a good amount of time to do some of these mods. I can say, for sure, my next update will be regearing the front, front locker, and putting in my 8.6" rear end. Unfortunately, this wont happen for awhile. Still have some saving to do, for the gears and locker for the front. Since this wont happen, for 4-6 mos, will my build thread be considered "useless", due to inactivity? Second, what constitutes a "useless" mod. The radio I installed removes wires that frustrate me. It removes the Sound Feeder, which also frustrates me. Frustrated driving = No bueno... For me. I feel it was a worthwhile mod, and someone else just may see the value in it. Even if some, in the ruling majority here, may not.

This may take some time, but here's my two cents worth. PM those who are deemed to have "useless" threads. Ask them if they are still actively modding their truck. If they are, ask them to add their updates. Those, who have threads that dont follow the guidelines, ask them to conform to the guidelines. If no response is received, or action is taken, wipe them off the face of the Earth. Also, criteria needs to be put forth, on what constitutes as "useless". One of the build threads Mike pointed out... One guy hasnt even been on here for a month! Give him some time to prove himself, and if he doesnt... Wipe him off the face of the Earth! Sorry if this whole thing sounds a little dis-jointed. trying to write it and work at the same time.

[navigator]

Ed, I think one of the main sore spots is someone who posts a build with no "offroad mods" or something simple like debadged, painted tails etc with a plan to "build" and then they don't ever build.

If they had created a build about the time they ordered their lift/spacers etc and then completed the initial phase in a couple weeks I don't think it would be a big deal.

There are several builds out there that are basically stock.

One of the other main vibes I am getting is don't create a build until you have something that will be of value to someone (lift, armor lights, navigation etc) and then post it. Another pretty clear request seems to be for some of the guys that are more experiences and with more built up rigs, they don't want to wade through all the build threads to look at guys with 32's that have never been anywhere.

If you take my build and JD's build, we are both running 32's but JD's build provides much more meat than mine. About all you get out of my build is what 4.5" of lift and 32's look like and that might be helpful to some folks but not the guys who are more advanced.

Keep the suggestions coming, we're taking it all in.

[JorDaneeKey]

It's like the name says: "OffroadTB". This should be a forum for offroading mods, not just lift and mall-crawl. Isn't that what GMTNation is for?

I want to see mods where their rigs have gone places and have learned from the experience. Do I want to regear from 3.73 to 4.10s or 4.56s to handle those trails? Who's got what and what trails have they tackled? Challenges/breakages they've experienced? What mpg changes are they seeing on and offroad? What gear do they carry? Replacement parts most common to break on the trail? How to stay organized? Best ways of recovery?

For that reason, Roadie's build thread is the ultimate build thread, IMHO, with James a close second. After that, you know who you are.

So why not break the builds out into 2 categories?

1.) Lift, Appearance, and Light Trail Running (as graded by the trail rating guide).

2.) Overlanding, Expedition, and Serious Offroading (as graded by the trail rating guide and activities are defined).


Sure, ExPo and AmericanAdventurist are great places to go for overlanding and expedition information, but there is no support for our rigs. That is what this site is for me, to connect with people of like-minded interests over our rigs and pushing them to the limits.

For those who keep stating "Well, I'd do those mods if I had the money/permission/time/etc", fine, you'll do those mods eventually, but your limitations do not give entitlement for special treatment. Delete those fantasy, wishlist build threads. When those builds are done, then post up.

And I'd like to add some additional criteria: There is a set format for the build threads. That format is designed to make them readable and easy to navigate. For those who do not adhere to the format, give sufficient warning before deletion.

[Trail X]

We've already begun the process of sorting. Let us know what you think. It will be a slow process to get everything sorted out.

[RyansTBLS]

I noticed at least a couple threads, that literally got here recently. I wouldn't deem them useless. I'm liking the sortation so far, I think that it will help those of us of a certain rank, to compare with others of the same rank, and what to look at as the next steps for moving up in way of rank and trails.

[fishsticks]

I am moving far too many threads into the Mall Crawler section.

Step it up guys.

[JorDaneeKey]

Why is there a jeep in the build threads?!?!? Shoot it!!!