Preperations for an Overland/Camp build

Over the last two three weeks I have been taking my pup off the beaten path in many areas covering a 100 mile radius. My truck is bone stock as far as suspension goes and tire size. I feel like my 94 f350 is pretty robust in stock form and am quite impressed with its manners to be honest. I do think a steering stabilizer is necessary to reduce some "bounce" in the steering as ive been getting a lot going over rocky areas. What would you guys recommend to "upgrade" if the truck was going to be a daily (20-25 miles a day) plus a weekend warrior.

I love the trucks power pretty much stock when it comes to idling up hills and over obstacles so don't really want to change much there mostly looking for chassis upgrades/preparation suggestions.

I don't plan on flexing like crazy either but if necessary, well you gotta. Id like to get up to a minimum of 33/34 inch tire size with room to articulate.

I think the idi 7.3 4x4 trucks would make some of the best overland adventure platforms out there due to the robust running gear and simplicity of the motor. Its a wonder they are so overlooked.

Thanks guys,
Kevin

There's a couple guys on here using their trucks as overland type trucks. Then again, there are a lot of us who live in areas where our trucks get a healthy amount of regular 4x4 use just from daily living lol.

I use my 86 F-350 all the time off road lately on a daily basis they are great rigs for it and my truck flexes pretty good nothing to brag about but with a crew cab long bed and a turning radius of a city block i am limited a little on some trails

Up here there’s not much 4x4 use until you hit the winter then it’s oretty common. I mean I just can’t believe how robust they built these trucks and why ppl up here rag on them. Once I do a zf5 swap I feel it’ll be pretty indestructible

New bushings in the springs, slider material in between leaves, a winch, done.
Oh and PLEASE! stay off of chitt like expedition portal unless yer there to poke fun.

I really like a 255/85/16 on a stockish build. It is pretty amazing where mine has been with stock suspension, those tires, and one locker.

Clb said:

New bushings in the springs, slider material in between leaves, a winch, done.
Oh and PLEASE! stay off of chitt like expedition portal unless yer there to poke fun.

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I love reading there but some of the people are such snobs! I had an 85 trooper ii camping rig and loved it. My idi has so much more potential though.

Black dawg said:

I really like a 255/85/16 on a stockish build. It is pretty amazing where mine has been with stock suspension, those tires, and one locker.

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Me too! It’s that or I was thinking 255/100r16 military style which is a little under a 36

Clb said:

New bushings in the springs, slider material in between leaves, a winch, done.
Oh and PLEASE! stay off of chitt like expedition portal unless yer there to poke fun.

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Hhahahahaha lame is an understatement iv delt with a few of these pud stains and all I can think is how have you not ran yourself over yet

Black dawg said:

and one locker.

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A locker would be a good upgrade for sure.

On a stock F350 front end I fit 255/85/16 no problem--they do come close to the bumper but no contact. For simplicity and reliable starts even with a few failed glow plugs I would install a manual glow plug switch.
A manual fuel shutoff mechanism instead of the 12v fuel shutoff solenoid in the IP would be a sweet upgrade IMHO. I'm sure it doesn't happen often but the thought of being stranded due to a failed FSS just don't sit well with me.

All great suggestions!!

Thanks guys

If you put washers behind the bumper to get a bit more clearance, 285s go in without any running. If I was building an overlanding rig I would setup on board air and have a good inverter. As far as suspension, an rsk is gonna give you more clearance and ride much better off-road. Get a good winch bumper, replace any worn steering/suspension components and you are set pretty well.

Thewespaul said:

If you put washers behind the bumper to get a bit more clearance, 285s go in without any running. If I was building an overlanding rig I would setup on board air and have a good inverter. As far as suspension, an rsk is gonna give you more clearance and ride much better off-road. Get a good winch bumper, replace any worn steering/suspension components and you are set pretty well.

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I was thinking about using the space where the front tank is (once I do my big rear tank install) to build a pretty legit on board air setup and mount it in its place.