Limited Budget..What to get first?

[nwpianist]

Just picked up an 05 LR3 SE a few weeks ago, and want to rig it for some serious off-roading. The previous owner (soccer mom) put on some street tires (Toyo proxes s/t) which handled some light mud okay, but did pretty bad in some ice/snow. I live in western washington so I will mostly see mud, ruts and deep tree roots with the occasional rock. I plan to do all of the following mods, but can only afford one right now. Which would you do, and why?

-Tires, leaning towards cooper's
-Rock Sliders
-Underbody skid plates
-Winch, probably via ARB bumper (I do a lot of solo off roading)
-Rear spare tire mount w/full size spare (I have a donut right now)

Your opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

[Trynian]

If it were me,

Tires first without a doubt.

Full size spare, you don't need the bumper right away if on a budget since you can fit a larger full size spare underneath (somewhat deflated) or as some prefer to carry it in the cargo area when off-road.

Then I would get an under bumper plate either rasta or mantec. I skinned the lower bumper several times out of the gates before I got mine. I have the mantec and it covers more and is thicker then the rasta but it costs about $200 more and takes longer to get from rovers north. The rasta is good product also.

Then I would get the Rasta gearbox plate. The rasta underbody plate is nice but not really needed since the LR3 comes with a steel plate in that location. The rasta covers just a bit more area the the stock, and I do mean just a bit but has to be cut (which I did) to work with the mantec under bumper plate. It also weighs less then the stock plate.

Rock sliders next, especially since you don't think you will be in to many rocky areas.

The winch I think is cool but I put it last since I have always gotten by fine with a good hand winch like this one that I have and a 50' extention line.

https://www.wyeth-scott.com/index.asp

I have done plenty of solo and in 20 years of offroading (mostly medium difficulty stuff) with different vehicles I have only needed to use a winch once and the hand winch would have done the job then also.

 

[nwpianist]

I am kind of on the same lines. Winch is last, I already have a hand winch, and rock sliders just before the winch. As far as the under bumper plates go, does anybody know if they interfere with an ARB bumper?

 

[Trynian]

I am kind of on the same lines. Winch is last, I already have a hand winch, and rock sliders just before the winch. As far as the under bumper plates go, does anybody know if they interfere with an ARB bumper?

Yes I think they do, but I am pretty sure that if you have the ARB you really dont need the under bumper. The only reason I would have an ARB is only because I was set on getting a winch.

 

[nwpianist]

Thanks for your advice Trynian. Looks like i'll be going to the tire store this weekend!

 

[drzjoint]

You can look at the rasta sliders but I would not recomend them, they are just not that beefy. The best ones on the market so far in my opinion ar the ones by off roving.
Arb makes a good bumper, rovertyme makes one as well I think they cost the same.
The arb comes with its own skid plate, not sure on the rovertyme.

 

[yrbender]

I went with tires first and think that was the right choice. Added the roof rack next since thats what I needed most. I think after tires what is best for your specific situation. I would put the winch last.

 

[allodial]

tires first then you wont need a winch. or get a winch instead of tires because you will need it when you get stuck.

 

[nwoods]

I've given this some thought, and I think I would go in this order: Tires, high quality and complete recovery kit (straps, shackles, gloves, SPOT, headlamp, ARB strap bag to hold it all in), Front skid plate, Headlight upgrades (HID if don't already have them), CB/Ham/FRS radios, GPS unit, rear tire carrier for back bumper (frees up major interior space), interior cargo divider, rock sliders, gas tank skid, engine and transfer case skids, roof rack and ladder, then bumpers/winch, in that order.

The winch is incredibly useful, and when you need one, you NEED one, but ARB is the only bumper maker currently (Rovertyme won't produce theirs, and SafariGuard's is not out yet), and the ARB/Winch combo is really expensive. The OEM winch kit is poorly designed and greatly reduces front clearance and approach angle, so I'd avoid it. The factory plastic bumpers give decent approach angles, and you can replace them a few times before you approach the cost of steel bumpers...

 

[morrisdl]

Great list. From a newbie to LR3s thanks. I was also interested a winch - just seems like a landrover really deserves one. I also didnt want to stray from the factory look. Anyway, I found this one and didnt see it on your list.

Rasta Hidden winch. Anyone have an opinion on this?