Mr. Pickles

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'll still end up with the Kumho's for bang for the buck factor. Unfortunately, I can't swing 2 sets as we're saving to sell our home and buy a bigger one, and to get married (shhhh! its a suprise!). Plus I've got other projects going on the Pathy. So I'm left with looking for the cheapest, most economical, and at the same time most agressive toys I can find.

I've heard about the vibration issue, that they settle overnight and when cold, then are rough up to running speed. Between that and issues of overheating, I guess I'll stick with radials. The Pathy pulls multi duty as daily driver, driving hundreds of highway miles on long camping trips, as well as dirt duty. Those tires are probably better suited for a dedicated trail rig. Thanks guys.

Yep, spend twice the time you plan on preparing the surface to get it right. With paint in general (apparently including bedliner) the pre work and prepared surface have a ton to do with the finished product. You have to provide a clean solid surface for the product to adhere to.

Mine rattled like crazy (but no whistling). I put some sticky backed felt padding under where the latch contacts the plastic when closed. Basically, it holds the parts away from each other and also draws the roof even closer to compensate for the tired seal. So far, so good.

Haven't heard of a break like that, but yes, weld if possible. Clean it up, then get it done or do it yourself. Might as well do it right the first time.

From what I've heard (being too young to know ) I hear radial is the way to go on the road vs. bias ply. I'm bet they're probably not what I'm after, but for the price I have to ask if anybody has experience owning the Swamper LTB's (which I think are bias, they don't seem to confirm online). I'm interested in them if only because they are agressive and come in the size I'm thinking about, 31x11.5. I know people will slay me for not stepping up in height, but with gas prices going up like they are again, I really don't want to sacrifice the mileage on my daily driver for an occassional trip to the trail. As it is, I'm still pretty far off. Over the last year, I've only averaged about 7K miles since I work 3 miles away, so I think the BFG's should finally be done by the end of the summer/fall or beyond. Thankfully, the Acura we bought last summer gets over 30 mpg and gets us where we're going fast! Anyways, any comments? I'll probably end up with the Kumho's anyways, but had to ask.

From what I've read, to do Rhino Lining/bed liner, you have to thoroughly prepare the surface, scuffing all solid painted surfaces and sanding/grinding any rusted areas, then priming, all rusted surfaces. Point being, its probably going to be quite a job. But hit it up if you're motivated. I was thinking about it for my rockers, but we'll just add that to the 101 projects I'd like to do but don't have the time. Please post if you do it.

That's ridiculous. Do like 88 said, or better yet yank it from the shop if you can find another you know or was recommended. If the guy has been a flake for this long, I doubt its going to get better. Ask around, and move on if you have to.

I bought the SwayAway ones through AC. Gag. They seem good enough, but AC's support when I had a question was lame. FYI: you may want to try ordering them through an offroad shop locally. They're long, heavy, and spendy to ship.

Does anyboy know how Dynamat or the Scosche Accumat are made, or what they're made of? I'm pretty skeptical that they can be worth the cost typically attached. Its not gold plated. Does anybody have an insight into the make-up and composition, or to alternative materials that achieve the same goal? I've heard wise tales along the lines of light gauge sheets of lead, asphalt sheets or roofing shingles, etc. The point being, there has to be some way around several hundred $$$ to deal with the acoustics of the average vehicle.

I'd go with either another Pathy I could swap my parts onto, an Xterra, or a 90's 4Runner I think if I'm broke. Probably a Titan if I'm feeling rich. I've driven the Passport/Rodeo, and they seem to have less balls than a Pathy, no Exploders, Blazers, or Sheep, and a truck isn't really good for me (other than a Titan) in often-moist Washington.

As has been said, check out that sticky in the Garage. It covers pretty much anything from stock amps to ripping them apart and starting new.

FYI: I do carry a 1000 watt Alpine amp, 2 subs in a big box, etc. etc. Its all about logistics! I have a taller box screwed to the floor that hugs the fender well and still allows the mattress. But we've been together for several years, so now a quick trip to the woods involves 500lbs of gear filling the back and roof, a tent with the air bed, every kitchen tool and convenience know to man, etc. etc. At least we still go to the woods! By the way, Pathy's rock Sheep. Um, yeah.

Nice. FYI: a twin air bed fits fine between the fenders with the back seats folded down, at least on a 4 door. Do with this knowledge what you will. I shopped Jeeps shortly in the beginning, but the reliability question and my previous Nissan expericne (720 King Cab 4x4) pushed me to the Pathy. I don't like pushing vehicles and calling tow trucks (most American brands).

You're just jealous cause you have to do the awkward 2door tango to reach the back seat!

If its the same bang I've had, its Nissan's scary way of letting you know everything is ok.

I bet with Borla you're paying something for brand name, not to knock them. I'm sure its a solid system, but if you're going bang for the buck, I bet a Flowmaster/Dynamax/etc. would work just as good. I can't quote the cat issues, but all in all with one of many decent mufflers, pipe, and a cat, you shouldn't be out too much. I bet you could beat somebody into a full install of all named parts, out the door, for $300 or less.

The difference in price of Pathy's would come into play, depending on your area. We don't tend to have the frame rusting issues much on the left coast, and a 94-95 Pathy can relatively easily start around $4000 and go up pretty far from there cause they're solid. Its seems it would be hard to find a solid frame with a toasted body or engine, cause if they're still functional they're on the road. The ones in the boneyard tend to be wrecked or have a blown motor.

Yup, that's the protector plate thing. By the way, people say it won't fit after a body lift. Same as if the mounting holes may have broke on yours to kill it. Just line it up close enough, then stretch to the side, drill a quick new hole, and you're done. I can post a pic if people want, but no biggie.

I see a bit of blue, green, black, champagne (like mine), and occassionally white, and champagne in similar years. Its annoying, cause the champagne is seemingly impossible to get as a touch up brush or aerosol can it seems. If anybody has a source on this stuff that doesn't involve a paint booth, I'm up for it and I'd bet some others are as well.

That... Is... Awesome! I showed the GF, who isn't into vehicles beyond the gas cap and pedal or after I've washed and waxed her car, and she's like "what a moron!" Good fun man!

Yes, it will solve it with that dimming, especially if you're only running a 500 watt amp. Mine went from strong dimming noticable in the headlights, to barely a hint on close to full power. But that's a 1000 watt Alpine amp, which is right at the high end of the rating for a 1 farad cap. If you used a 1 farad cap, you should be fine. BTW, check eBay. I got a Phoenix Gold PowerFlow 1 farad cap, which normally goes for well over $100, for $35 with shipping. Just keep your eyes open.

Good idea, just always remember to shop around. Nobody want to get taken for a ride on cost. If you have a mission to have rear discs for example, I bet you could score them yourself if you spent some time. If not, 88 would probably find them and have them pulled and ready for sale inside and hour.

Dude, what's with the 4x2 trucks? You're gonna start a habit of settling for 2wheel drive, then spending cash down the road wishing your went for a 4x4. But, congrats!!! Sweet truck! :cool2: And kudos on keeping the Pathy. It will be a good trail rig and tinkering toy.

Um, what do the switches (with blury writing) in the pic do?