What are the best starter mods for my 04 SE?

[PrecisionX]

I have a 2004 SE with 123k. It is bone stock and might need tires sooner than later. What size would be good and what other starter off road friendly mods should I consider?

[Slartibartfast]

I know a lot of R50 guys switch to manual hubs in the front to save gas and some wear and tear on the CV axles when you're on the road.

[bushnut]

I've had my '00 SE for about 6 months now and I am impressed with this truck. I've been snow wheelin' quite a bit and haven't been stuck yet! With cheep AT tires at that. The mods I plan on doing this summer are all about making a Overland/camping truck...some storage in the back, modify the hitch so it doesn't hang so low, jerry can holder on the roof rack and some rear facing work lights. I will be replacing all the shocks /struts and springs as they are 13yrs old and kinda saggy. everything else will be just maintenance to keep her running and looking good. I do believe that manual hubs are in my future just can't decide between the Warn or the Mile Marker.

 

If I were into more than casual off roading a serious set of MT tires would be in order. My cheep AT tires are passenger vehicle rated but are almost new so I won't be replacing them anytime soon, but when I do it will be with LT All Terrain one size up from stock probably 245/75/16.

[Precise1]

I know a lot of R50 guys switch to manual hubs in the front to save gas and some wear and tear on the CV axles when you're on the road.

This is a very good mod, BUT some years/models (the ones with the 4x4 select knob) need the front axles to spin due to some internal lubrication IIRC. I know it has been discussed so let me know if you can't find it.

 

You should consider what you will use the vehicle for and how much you are willing to spend, and that will generally decide how much to lift, rims, tires, bumpers, etc. Horse before the cart, eh?

 

B