BUILD THREAD COMMENTS GO HERE

[Regulator1175]

You can chalk this up to me having a long weekend and being tired, and because of this I am a bit loose about speaking my mind.

Is it at all possible to have a minimum requirement before posting a build thread. It just feels like it is getting cluttered up by a whole bunch of useless garbage and the REAL VEHICLES that ACTUALLY GET USED are just getting lost in the midst of all the crap! I really don't mean to offend anyone, but at this point I really have no interest in reading about you bone stock, no mods at all, strait off the showroom floor, truck that has gone no where other then the gravel lot next to McDonald's. Seriously, build your truck, get out and use it, and then come back with an actual build thread showing what you have done along the way.

Yes, I am an asshole! I freely admit it, but this thread should be for the actual off road rigs! Earn your spot first!!!

[Conner299]

While your response is valid, it is a tough pill to swallow. There are some of us, with build threads, including myself, that are seriously trying to get to that point. In my case, I have many things conspiring against me. Mostly, time and budget constraints. Also the fact, that I have to balance this new hobby with another long standing passion, of mine... Whitewater kayaking. I look up to a lot you, because of your skills and expertise, and can say I am doing my best. Even though I currently have just a lift, and some decent tires, I am trying to get out there and ride.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Just get out there. Lots of pavement pounders on here lately. Like Roadies T-shirt...


Where we're going, we don't need roads.

Some people don't even need a build, just some dirt on the tires.

[mikekey]

I have to agree with Regulator. I didn't even post my build thread until after we did our first lift, then I started my build thread. And at the time, even though we hadn't been offroading with the lift, it was because we where preparing the car for a trip out west, which we summarily took 4 months later.

[DustinC1989]

I do plenty of offroading with my TB in stock form, my biggest set back is currently being unemployed. Everything is trimmed for the UCA flip, building quick disconnects, removed those stupid steps and doing maintenance things to make sure the the truck is 100% before lifting. Granted I also started my thread because I originally planned on having my lift shortly after

[The Roadie]

I agree with the asshole contingent, but then that's my position on the forum (co-founder and head asshole). Stock rides should be posting their trail reports before starting a build thread, because a well-driven truck can do PLENTY of things stock. One of the most fun times I ever had was meeting up with Teebes when he was flat stock, and showing him what he could do in the desert, with me there for recovery if he needed it. Then for Coyote Canyon, I had him park at the trail head and ride shotgun with me to show him what was possible with a few mods. In an hour demo ride, I probably cost him $20K when he got as obsessed as I was already.

Trail reports from EVERYONE can be inspirational. A build thread before a "build" has happened is just out of place, IMHO. Plans and aspirations that have not yet been made real, are best discussed in an Intro thread. Again, IMHO.

[dvanbramer88]

I agree that offroading is mostly driver and partially equipment.

EXHIBIT A: My truck and TECORE. Bone stock pickup with small bald tires keeping up with lifted trucks over rocks, through sticky mud, and up steep rocky hills.

Actually use your rig and you'll learn just how capable it is or isn't while gaining experience. Most modified trucks are more capable than most drivers will ever be.

[Conner299]

Well... Look at it this way. At least everyone, who is a member, doesn't have a build thread. Think about all the frivolous $hit you would have to wade through then. As it stands, I don't think 158 or so is that bad. And after awhile, you learn which ones are worth looking at.

[JorDaneeKey]

For a new user, it can be daunting to look through those numerous build threads.When Mike first told me about this site, I checked it out and wasn't impressed because the first 10 build threads I clicked on were "la de da". It wasn't until he pointed out James, Hardtrailz, ChevyCrew, DirtyAnton, Roadie and others that I was impressed and keenly interested. (and hopeful).

I propose that build threads get arranged by order of "extremeness" or "badassity" or whatever. Or use the rating system and rank by groups, give folks an idea of what to look at for what they want to do. What to be expedition focused? Look at Roadie, James, or Mikekey. Want to be extreme offroad? Look at Anton or ChevyCrew or Fishsticks. Or just trail rated? Plenty of those to choose from. Heck, it takes forever to even find some of the good builds.

[boog2006]

I propose that build threads get arranged by order of "extremeness" or "badassity" or whatever. Or use the rating system and rank by groups, give folks an idea of what to look at for what they want to do. What to be expedition focused? Look at Roadie, James, or Mikekey. Want to be extreme offroad? Look at Anton or ChevyCrew or Fishsticks. Or just trail rated? Plenty of those to choose from. Heck, it takes forever to even find some of the good builds.

and a general build thread for the newbies. Then once you have a relevant trip thread according to the direction you're going with your build, you can be moved into the appropriate section.

[Regulator1175]

Well... Look at it this way. At least everyone, who is a member, doesn't have a build thread. Think about all the frivolous $hit you would have to wade through then. As it stands, I don't think 158 or so is that bad. And after awhile, you learn which ones are worth looking at.

You are correct that 158 are really not that many. However, lets keep in mind that this is not supposed to be a master list of all lifted vehicles (that list is on GMTNation) and a lot of these threads haven't even began to do anything.

I am sorry if anyone feels I am singling them out with examples, I am frustrated by a lot of this thread, not just a few. That being said, installing a radio in your truck does not warrant a build thread. Buying a couple straps and taking off the 1 inch of lower valance on the front bumper does not need a build thread. Taking off the cover and putting a basket on the roof is not a build. Posting pictures of your sisters truck should not even come close to being a build thread.

That is just a few recent threads on the front page. I can go back in the 6 or 7 pages and find many more examples. What this has done is effectively bury a lot of really good builds from guys that actually use there trucks. When builds like Barton's, Gordinho's, Jamesdowning's, and Chevycrew's fall back a few pages it makes it harder for the new member to find. These are all guys that actually wheel their trucks, I also purposely picked them because they span a wide variety of modification level.

When someone new to the site comes and checks out a build thread with the main modification being that they put their dog in the truck, what kind of an impression does that give about our community?

I don't see any reason that you should not be Offroad Rated, or at least Trail Ready, before posting a build thread here. This is an offroad enthusiasts site after all. If that is not a reasonable expectation then go post your "build thread" over on GMT Nation. It very well may be a better fit for you.

[Conner299]

For a new user, it can be daunting to look through those numerous build threads.

But aren't we the ones telling newbies to read, read, read... And search, search, search. And any newbie that is serious, and is around long enough, will eventually learn which build threads are worth looking at. I know I did. As for the frivolous, you look at them once, realise what it is, and then go on with your life... If they dont post anything else on it, no loss. If they do, and its idiotic, then they'll probably get hazed too hard, and move on. Just playing Devil's Advocate here. But, IMO, its a lot of uproar over something small.

[RyansTBLS]

One of the main issues I see with the build threads, is that our coolest trucks don't post their builds in them. I frequently see something in fab or modification, but they never update their build thread. If they kept them updated, then the ones with the most mods would naturally be on the top. Even though I had waited until I had the brush guards on before I posted, the main reason I did post then before my first trip, is so I could keep track of the mods as well. That being said, certain off road vehicles, probably deserve to be in a "Hall of Fame" to serve as inspirations to the rest of us, without sorting to the bottom of build threads. I find the same goes with trips, I had a trip last weekend, that took me a few hundred yards of to a view point, and another that was a couple miles. The majority of my trip was on the interstate, and the "offroading" didn't deserve to be included. I only have posted one trip, but have done many. We can debate what is valid there as well, but I personally enjoy reading about any of these trips, even if I wouldn't normally post them myself, provided it's mostly pictures in action.

[Wh1pple]

I'll admit, I'm one of the guilty ones from Regulator1175's post. I primarily did that as something to get her going/inspired to do stuff. It'll mostly be a project I help her with. Secondary, just as a track for what we will do. I apologize if that truly ruffled any feathers.

To find the "good" build threads, I just go through the Lift/Tire Size thread and start clicking through names. It seems like most of the big dogs are in there. That's how I found them.

I do like the concept of categorizing into various build styles. Or a Hall of Fame. Another suggestion I have is to sticky the important/good builds. That way they are always at the top.

[mikekey]

It also helps when people are really detailed with their build threads, like James or the Roadie. I've tried to take their approach with my own, even going back detailing my thoughts and experiences with previous items in my build.

There are a few senior members (cough cough) with really nice setups with build threads that resemble that of some newbies.

[Trail X]

Keep the suggestions flowing... we're listening.

I'm liking the idea of the hall of fame. Or maybe name it "Featured Builds"...

[Diacom]

How about breaking up the build threads based on your Rank?

SO rather than have everyone bunched together, you have a section for each rank we can qualify for. Once your rank and build both match, you get moved to the new rank.

Gives some incentive for some. Others can be happy to settle somewhere they feel comfortable.

[Regulator1175]

How about breaking up the build threads based on your Rank?

SO rather than have everyone bunched together, you have a section for each rank we can qualify for. Once your rank and build both match, you get moved to the new rank.

Gives some incentive for some. Others can be happy to settle somewhere they feel comfortable.

I really like this idea! Plus it helps separate the types of build.

[Trail X]

That's a lot of admin work. Rank changes are all manual, and so would moving the build threads...

I dunno, we can think that one over.

[Blazintrails03]

I like the idea of a "hall of fame" or "featured" list. But also something I never thought of before is the sort menu at the bottom of the page. Set it to "views" and it brings all of the key players right to the top. I personally have gone through and looked at every build thread on here. Seeing ideas done to the platform gives me ideas of what I would like to do my TB no matter how cheap or small of a mod it is. I'll reference JD's OBA Setup, I like it but I don't need anything that extreme so I'll take ideas and mold them into my own. I also don't understand why someone would make a build thread where all info listed is "stock" or "future". I have a build thread saved on my computer already set up with suspension parts from my lift and all the other criteria as well as the wish list section. But as of now I don't feel worthy posting a build thread where the wish list out weighs the mod list