Beginners Guide to Choosing Your First Offroad Vehicle!

[@SeguroOffroad]

This is definitely a good series to enhance on. From my experience, the most difficult thing to do, was to find someone to offroad with. With what I was rocking, no offroad groups would give a fat boy a trail day. I had to travel all the way to California, to wheel with a group of like minded folks. As a new vehicle offroad person. The biggest thing that people with similar vehicles ,do not understand, my offroad truck is not a daily. I have my daily for work and errands. The truck is offroad trails, towing building material or other offroad vehicles. Do I daily the truck at times, fuck yeah, sometimes you have to floss the weekend warrior to work. Ultimately, if there was ever an issue with the truck, I always had my primary vehicle. I would also add, to know your limits. Do not go to John Bull as your first off road trail, choose a Cleghorn that is more forgiving and has bypasses. Take it lighter than Cleghorn, in Arizona 4 peaks trail. Know your limits and if you do not have proper body armor (fuel tank, engine, transmission etc.) know when to say "not today".

[@66Duffman]

Great info! And I 100% agree that finding a group to go out with is important…we’re gonna be covering that soon on a Back 2 Basics video

[@matadorprime]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. One thing i would add is, no matter the vehicle you buy, wheel it the way it is first. Get to know its strengths and weaknesses. Don't throw the house and the sink at it until you have understood your vehicle and what you need vs. what you want.

[@66Duffman]

Terrific feedback! Always good to wheel what you got and upgrade slowly from there 👏🏻

[@rkd350z]

My first off-road vehicle in 2021was 1987 Suzuki samurai on 32”. It was a giant killer. Now I own 1st gen 4Runner on 1tons (installed myself) and dual t case and 2nd gen 4Runner on 1tons and ls swap. I like old rigs where I don’t have to worry about the paint or depreciation. Solid front axle is a must for me.

[@66Duffman]

Well said! Once you own an older dedicated rig there’s nothing else like…especially a SAS Toyota 👏🏻

[@t-rexfamilyoutdoorfun.311]

Bought a 21 ram 1500 with full intentions of beating the crap out of it,fist 400 miles on it stock had it in azusa, small lift bigger tires and met dirtnation realized i couldnt afford to beat it the way i imagined, now due to overwhelming constant projects and literally working 5 days straight and only having 2 days home i wanted something more for cheaper and BOUGHT...yes i know, a built xj but she is an awsome rig that i as a driver can grow into. And there is always room to expand someone elses build into your own. But time is my enemy, so a 2day project might take me a month...in in the end, the ram is still a little off-road capable, but more of a tow rig and having the option to be comfortable and play it safe or the option to get wild is a great feeling. And Dustin a big shout out to you and the dirtnation fam for never looking down your noses at me no matter what ive rolled to a DN event in super awsome and super thankful to have found such an awesome crew to chill with from time to time. P.s. sorry for the book length comment 😅

[@66Duffman]

Jason it’s been great having you and the family out! Nobody what anybody drives they are welcome here….keep doing your thing hopefully we get to see that XJ party soon 🙏🏻

[@chiefknowstomuch]

First off road rig was a brand new 1996 Ford F150 two wheel drive I lifted 2 inch's' with Super Lift coil springs, Rancho 9000"s shocks front and rear, Rancho extended radius arms, a Lock Rite rear locker and big old Dick Cepek mud tires on it. Then proceeded to take it places I had no business being. (I forgot to add that them monster tyres were 31" tall!) 🙃

[@66Duffman]

Sounds like a good time 😂 that’s the way to do it 🔥

[@danaweinberg1585]

First off road rig was a 1984 Toyota pickup on Outlaw wheels and 33's. I was a dumb kid when some guy drove by and offered to buy it for $3,000. Shoulda kept it. I've learned over time that once you have a toy like that, keep it no matter what, even if it's gotta be parked in the back yard. It'll cost you more to buy another one.

[@66Duffman]

Yeah absolutely! 84 Toyota is a unicorn these days… all good tho that dodge you have is a beast 🔥

[@mattandrickadventures8416]

What , I have been watching Dirtnation for 5 years....wow, time just goes.

[@66Duffman]

It really does 🫠😮‍💨

[@Steven_T4R_0731]

Great video, love the new series. My first off-road rig was a 79 K20 on 40’s, manual 3speed. Had this for about 15 years. Wish I would’ve kept it, but divorce has a way of making you part with things lol

[@66Duffman]

I feel the pain brotha…I lost the kids kept the trucks and dog…silver lining 👏🏻😂

[@adamshartley]

Good video man. I started wheeling my daily driver and had a blast. But after having to fix it everytime i wanted to play a little harder i opted for a dedicated off road rig. What a difference it makes knowing i can just throw it on the trailer and have a comfortable ride home. Luckily i do all my own work on it so it keeps it more affordable. But i would definitely recommend off roading and getting out and enjoying the trails to everyone. Good video brother i look forward to the new series 🤙🔥

[@66Duffman]

Yessir well said 🙏🏻👏🏻

[@scottymac5174]

My first 4WD vehicle was a 1979 Chevy Luv 4X4. It was small, stupid simple easy to work on and modify. Looking back now I still wish I had kept it. It's cool you are doing this series. As a kid back in the late 70's/early 80's there were so few choices and no way to learn anything except for magazines. I bought my Luv because a friend bought one.

[@66Duffman]

That’s awesome! The Chevy luv is a classic 🔥

[@mikewarren671]

Well, I started wheeling in a 1970 manx 4 seater. 1300 engine and to be honest, it went everywhere.Blew the engine and then went to an 1835..Thats how I learned to drive off road and I took it to Calico, Pismo,Buttercup, Stoddard, Johnson, Mammoth, bridgeport,Gorman,Razor, you name it. But when it broke I had no way to get it, so I purchase a 1982 Toyota 4x4 truck, which I then used to get the buggy until I lifted the truck, put, bigger tires, roll bar and lights. I put 3000000 miles on that truck and like you beat the crap out of it. In 1989 I sold it. Then I got a Dodge ramcharger pickup, 440, locked front and rear, a beast, but fun in Azusa..a mudders dream. Drove that till it was totaled by a drunk on the 405. Then went to a 1985 chevy blazer, lifted 4", lockers, whips, lights and outside spare with jerry can. Put 3000000 on that one and 3 engines, 2 trans and 1 transfer case. Then to a Chevy Silverado 4x4, had 2 and now in a 2008 jeep jk. I was a mechanic so I worked on all my stuff which saved me alot of money. A carb run engine can be a wonderfull thing off roading. All the electronics now days, if you get an electrical problem your done. So you will like this, I was way back in at Calico in my blazer. Got a flat, no problem, patched it and then aired up the tire. That tire on the way out popped, ok, go to my spare. Then my mechanical fuel pump went out. Great, so I had a bottle of gear oil. Dumped it out, pulled off my wiper lines and put it on the bottle. Got some gas to fill it up. I then opened the hood, took off the air cleaner and ran the hose to the carb with my buddy holding up the bottle in the air so gas would drain into the carb. This actually did work for 28 miles, the longest time of my life. Stopping alot to fill the bottle. We actually made it to the highway. This ordeal started at 8am, hit the highway at 9pm. Then all of a suddlen the fuel pump started working. Great, headin home as fast as I could, about 5 miles from my house the spare tire blew, I was out of tires. Luckely I had AAA, they towed me the rest of the way home, which ended up being about 1pm. After that ordeal, I never went out alone again. So that's just one of my stories. I have many, even some from Azusa Canyon back in the day...So I've been wheeling since 1980 basically and riding dirt bikes as well. You wanted a story and there ya have it. As we get older we get smarter I think, I hope....

[@66Duffman]

Mike, awesome story! Thanks for sharing….moments like yours with the blazer in calico are stories for a lifetime…I’ve had some moments like that and I’m sure there will be more 😂

[@TheHitSquadOffroad]

My first offroad vehicle was a 1998 Blazer that never made it to the trails because it started having engine and transmission problems. 2nd rig was a 2017 Ram 1500. Put an Icon suspension on it and 37s. My first trail was Cleghorn by myself. Thank God I didn’t end up on any offshoots. 2nd run was with you guys for your takeover and camping at Hungry Valley Practice area August 2019. I was terrified just to go up the easy portion of the hill, but I did it😅😅 I had to get rid of my Ram, but wanted something smaller so I got a JT in 2020. I didn’t intend on doing rock crawling, but I did Gold Mountain after I lifted it and put bigger tires on it. I’ve been trail hunting and rock crawling every since. This was a great video and you guys definitely are part of my foundation for off-roading. I’ve only rolled with you guys once or twice, but I’ve never missed a KZbin vid by you guys. Keep the vids coming.

[@66Duffman]

Much appreciated! It’s always awesome seeing you wheel the heck outta that JT 🔥👏🏻

[@SingleCab22R]

Just my 0.2, I had a 93 single cab Toyota that I wheeled with for years. It was a great truck, it went through mostly everything. What it didn't go through, my winch would get me through. The only annoying thing I ever ran into was the darn snow..that's what made me want a different rig entirely. I bought everything to SAS the 93..ended up trading it for an 85 single cab. It's been an absolute blast having a solid axle rig finally!

[@66Duffman]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@brawnto]

2004 Tacoma extended cab with the 5 speed manual. And I agree, if you can do it - go for a dedicated off-road rig that you can beat on and rebuild. That being said, I love 2022 Bronco and plan to find a decent rig I can put solid axles in for more intense rock crawling and use the IFS Bronco in the desert and on highway driving. Shop around for parts to compare what it would cost to build up whatever vehicle your interested in.

[@66Duffman]

Solid points! Thanks for sharing 👏🏻 can’t go wrong with a 1-2 punch of new Bronco and SAS rig

[@jamiethomas8975]

Really cool and interesting idea for a new segment on your channel. Keep it up, I liked it a lot! PS First offroad rig was a 2000 Tacoma 2wd. Learned how to wheel a bit and realized I like the hobby enough to upgrade to a 2001 Tundra 4wd. Absolutely love this truck for camping and some offroading.

[@66Duffman]

Thanks for watching! And sharing your story 👏🏻

[@bcadventureswithjustin]

Also when getting an off road vehicle look for parts support. Both aftermarket and from your local parts store.

[@66Duffman]

Agreed!

[@romebautista9060]

My first rig was an 89 Suzuki Sidekick 2 door JX. My dad gave to me. We were actually part of a Suzuki off club called the Gad Zuks of Southern California. My dad’s rig at the time was one of the first to have a body lift. We went all over from Big Bear, Anza Borrego, Dumont Dunes, and Pismo Beach. Best rig I ever had… regret selling but needed the money for my daily. Hope to get another rig .. maybe a 94 Toyota pickup. Anyways love the channel and keep up the good work! 😊🤙🏼🙏🏽

[@66Duffman]

Thanks for sharing 👏🏻

[@ascentoffroad]

Pre runner danger ranger! Built for high speed desert stuff. I ended rolling it down a hill. She no longer exists unfortunately. Then I went down the Jeep route for awhile. Now I’m doing the Toyota thing.

[@66Duffman]

Right on 👏🏻

[@Cobes_347]

Pick me up a 98 Jeep Cherokee about 5 years back. Had it for a daily driver for about three years. Slowly but surely turned into a decent build front truss and gears rear ford 8.8 locked and geared on a long arm kit with some custom suspension work. Sitting on some 35 inch tires. Front axles out getting re freshed . Looking for some 37 in tires now. 😂

[@66Duffman]

That’s how you do it! Solid driver that you build up little by little 👏🏻

[@JoseVazquez-op3sl]

I’m over here wheeling and dailying my 3rd gen 4runner with LT, dual locked, 35s, full armor, supercharged Super capable and reliable No regrets, even tho it’s a money pit 😅

[@66Duffman]

I feel your pain 😂 you’re in good company

[@Mario562]

1st rig is still my only rig, and daily. Bought in 2019. It’s a 99’ 4Runner. 💯👍

[@66Duffman]

Badass 👏🏻

[@nathanielpulling]

My first rig was a1980 toy. Got it bone stock. It was my daily driver. Had to get rid of it about 20 years ago. My two tips for today are if it's your daily drive and you go out this weekend and break it you don't have a way to get to work on Monday😢. I was recently lucky enough to find another 1980 Toyota 4x4 😊. which brings me to point number 2. Be mindful of how old your vehicle is that you are getting. There are certain parts for my truck that are almost impossible to find because of it's age.

[@66Duffman]

Solid points! Good to hear you were able to find another old Toyota 👏🏻 thanks for sharing

[@MrRICK244808]

Great video I know it will help out a lot of people to figure out what they want I started with a 2003 Chevy avalanche Z71 didn't know much about offroad or how the offroad system work on my truck took it out to Gorman that's were I met your crew when you were starting out in the parking lot. I had 20inch with mud tires like I said didn't know I need it 17inch with 35 on it but I gave it a try with the 20s they worked good but the ride was rough so I knew why everyone uses 35s for much smooth ride and you can are down for more grip on the rocks and sand but it worked out for that day and had fun and my truck is stock. Now I have 35s 12.50 17 and man it was fun more off-road went to one of the hardest trails I've ever done and keeper up with the jeeps and Tacoma's as well and the view going up and at the top I will never forget it. Now I have a 1987 jeep wrangler Laredo yj on 35's that was a trade for a job I did so if some is looking to by a inline 6 4.2 liter engine it's for sale guy told me is one of the true jeeps our there.

[@66Duffman]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing 🔥👏🏻

[@Heavy.Chevy.4x4]

Another great video señor.my first offroad vehicle was a 1979 K10 10 inch lift on 33s I had so much fun in that truck. I could still smell it. Unfortunately i had to part with it and steered away from offroading. Before that I use to ride ATCs in Baja. I always loved offroading but life had other plans. Its just been about a year when I found dirtnation offroad and went on my first run at TDS with Dustin and the crew. Since then I have gone out and learned a lot from the crew and others that share this lifestyle. Im currently attempting to build my own dedicated offroad rig. It definitely is a learning curve and expensive. When is a rig ever fully built tho? Just remember when getting into this hobby you have to replace frustration and disappointment with happiness and laughter almost like a krazy person 😅😂😅😂. Stay dirty yall 🤘

[@66Duffman]

Solid points! Seriously can’t wait to see that OBS tearing up trails 👏🏻

[@nickcazares01]

Dustin, this was pretty dope dude. 5 years = 10 Well said! I agree, DN content proves this statement. I really think the new gen of offroaders needed this info. This is an area of knowledge that can really be expansive & I cant wait to see all future vids. Education is great bro. Thanks for sharing! 🔥

[@66Duffman]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@humech]

I wouldn't generally recommend a full size vehicle for prerunning, lighter is often better especially when it comes to a budget build. However, it is a genuine cousin of overlanding and often the builds overlap a bit. From a kitted out tent truck with some reservoir shocks to basically a trophy truck with an enclosed interior and a license plate. Anyway that's the realm of off road I'm most familiar with, also don't discount baja bugs if this is your aim, they're great! For those that are interested in fullsize for the faster stuff, check out Chase Trucks, these are the support vehicles for off road racing teams and usually need to fit 3 things: carry tools n spares, reliably navigate torn up trails, and tow 6000+ lbs

[@66Duffman]

Solid points! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@lebahhh3047]

great advice! i have a fleet of 6 cars and yes it can be a big handful to maintain even just oil changes and basic maintenance, my first offroad rig was a 91’ YJ, it was awesome but not enough room for fishing poles and “PEW PEW” devices, so i have since “upgraded” to a 99’ isuzu trooper. This thing is awesome and would highly recommend to someone thats wants a 4runner alternative for less than 5k. Take care!! 👍

[@rkd350z]

I bought 1ton axle w full hydro, 2nd gen 4Runner with 5.3 ls swap on 42” for under 10k. It was too good of a deal to pass. This rig is capable af for its price

[@66Duffman]

Now that’s awesome! Can’t lose with 42s 👏🏻

[@OscarGarcia-st5fc]

I can totally relate with you, I bought a new 19 Tacoma TRD O/R and I felt bad beating it up even though it was a lot of fun! I ended up trading that taco in for a tundra and I am planning on picking up a 4Runner as a dedicated off roader.

[@66Duffman]

There ya go 👏🏻🔥

[@joseluiszamorajr9131]

brand new to the hobby coming from the rc community. being of limited means i got a 99 pathinder 2wd a month ago. shes manual and very clean. im just happy to get out.

[@66Duffman]

Awesome! Use what you got…the fact you’re getting out is the most important part

[@santosvasquez3815]

Hey man this is a great start!! Looking forward to what to do when you do get a flat or get stuck and all kinds of other unexpected shit

[@66Duffman]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@homer12407]

My first off-Road vehicle was a 2003 ford ranger 2 wheel drive but it identified as a first gen Raptor

[@66Duffman]

Awesome 👏🏻 😂

[@tombanta1050]

Great video. Definitely like episode 1. How often will these videos be coming out? Keep up the hard work, love seeing the channel grow

[@66Duffman]

My goal is every week but most likely every other week

[@markditko4363]

I used to regularly 4-wheel in Pennsylvania in the late 70's and early 80's in a modified Jeep CJ-7, but moved West (Los Angeles) and left the Jeep behind. And now I find myself wanting to get back off road. My question ... an opportunity came up to buy a '96 Hummer H1 ... which I did. I've always heard that these were pretty off road capable, but had never driven one off road. In your opinion / experience, can H1's really compete with modern off road vehicles with dif lockers and all the newer tech that's out there today? I just recently bought it and have only been off road a few times, but haven't been on any significant trails yet. I'd love to see an episode where you discuss the pros and cons of different vehicles and different set-ups ... and connect the topic that you brought up in this episode regarding what someone wants to do (rock crawl, overland, mud ...) with vehicles that lend themselves to that activity and possibly some minimal set-up to allow them to perform better. You already touched on it, but I'd love to hear more. Thanks!! Keep up the awesome adventuring and vids!!

[@66Duffman]

Good points and thanks for the feedback! As for the hummers it’s hard to say I don’t see them out that often…I know they have their issues lol any vehicle…most if the time if I see them it’s in Azusa…I remember years ago Dirt everyday did something with one and made it into a pretty cool rig

[@aarondelgadillo7691]

Good video.. good thing you brought up the whole 2 truck deal, don't wanna beat up your nice rig, unless you got it like that.. 😔😔I dont.. 1st rig, bought in like aug 2021.. bone stock 98 dodge durango aka DURACON , immediately thru 33s and 3" body lift and 3" torsion lift.. first run with DN was Cleghorn backwards.. had a blast.. after 1.5yrs started piecing together parts for solid axle conversion..done/finishing, waiting for drive shaft to actually be 4x4 ..

[@66Duffman]

I didn’t know Cleggy backwards was your first run…that’s awesome! Can’t wait to see that Durango on the trail no lie

[@aarondelgadillo7691]

@@66Duffman wait, now that I think back, lyttle creek was my first run, winchers shake down run after the sas..

[@66Duffman]

Yup that’s right 👍🏻

[@IMTHEONEOVERLAND]

My first off road rig was a 2013 Toyota 4 runner and which was a great rigg and nice to travel in, but maybe not to be turnt into an off road rigg. With the roll over I had on it I ended up wrecking it.

[@66Duffman]

Thanks for sharing! Rollovers are rough

[@jmichael6931]

This is super helpful. I have took my little Rav4 with a lift and AT tires about as far as is appropriate and that's lead me to looking for a proper 4x4 (as a secondary vehicle). I'm looking for something affordable that I won't care to beat on (I mean learn in lol). Mostly trails, some overland, and general off-road. I keep coming back to the 3rd or maybe 4th gen T4R. I'm just trying to find something at a decent price that won't need a ton of work straight away to keep it reliable.

[@clutchcouple9868]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Can’t wait to meet you at hammer’s brother need our rigs to get a photo together

[@66Duffman]

Can’t wait! We’ll most likely be there the 31st to February 4th

[@clutchcouple9868]

@@66Duffman dang brotha I’ll be there 24th- 30th

[@Djkommode]

1994 4Runner was mine. Sold after blown motor.

[@66Duffman]

Ima guess it was a 3.slow 🫠

[@Djkommode]

@@66Duffman correct! Everything was in excellent condition besides the motor. Sold for less than a g. What a mistake!

[@JeffreyJohnston724]

well I all ready bought my 1st 4x4 it was a 1983 Toyota with the 22r and I actually still have it , so I dident actually watch this video but I let it run for the entirety so you would get the you tube credit and gave it a thumbs up while I play with a new AR15 and a new ruger 9MM I got for xmas . so now I am cementing so it helps your algorithm.I just bought another Colorado zr2 its a 2022 crew cab I still have my 2021 zr2 extended cab . I really like the gen 2 zr2s thats why I bought another on I am not interested in the gen 3 2023 zrs there are way to many issues with them and also they look like a silverado and that has not interest to me .I really enjoy your channel keep it up and I look forward to your 2024 adventures .

[@66Duffman]

Thanks for sharing! And appreciate you putting the time in to help the channel 👏🏻🔥

[@frankfilippone9679]

Do what I did, Toyota with a Jeep Axle 😆 but when I first started going offroad, it was my 96 4 door Jeep XJ Stick Shift but honestly, I prefer an auto on the rocks, it's a lot easier using 2 feet, but my best advice is be different, don't do the same thing as everyone else! Be original! Don't be a sheep! Do your own thing!

[@66Duffman]

Absolutely well said 👏🏻 stick shift 4 life 😂

[@frankfilippone9679]

@@66Duffman Stick on road, Auto on the rocks, if it's a sports car, definitely stick, but until I grow another leg, I'm sticking to auto offroad and just got my 03 F350 home D60HP !! And Sterling 10 and a half

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

Good video wey! Keep up the good work my dude!

[@66Duffman]

Thank you! And will do

[@gerardorobles1330]

Great info buddy!

[@66Duffman]

Much appreciated 👏🏻

[@ramirogutierrez8272]

People need to buy 90s jeep xj's with a 5inch lift long arms, very fun

[@greeneyes76lkn]

Great video 💪💪💪

[@66Duffman]

Thanks

[@blacksmithpunx]

Do not I repeat Do not buy a Subaru for offroading, it is 100 percent counterproductive. The cost ratio to upgrade to keeping up with a 4x4 is laughable. Unless you are a Subaru super gear head nerd. Also agree it is best to have a not so newer dedicated offroad vehicle. Alot less stressful when wheeling, and can build your confidence when behind the wheel. There is just something, about a sport, where you can build a rig that can crawl over rocks.

[@66Duffman]

Yessir thanks for sharing…you’ve put that subi thru hell…glad you got something you can build now 👏🏻

[@pnw8836]

I think it depends on what you mean by offroading. I daily drive an 05 forester that’s lifted 2 inches with bigger tires, and have a TON of fun in it. For light offroading, snow, mud, sand etc. it’s a blast. I also think it can really teach you good skills such as line choice. But, it definitely is not a true offroader, and you can’t take it on the trails that a 4x4 can.

[@homer12407]

Greatest off-road vehicle is a 95 Ford bronco

[@66Duffman]

Love me an OJ Bronco 👏🏻

[@_mudyata_]

First off-roader was my Miata🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@66Duffman]

Good way to start 😂

[@rlargarticha]

Jeep tj lj gang

[@66Duffman]

⚫️||||||⚫️

[@saulsanchez5826]

Whoa whoa whoa.....who you calling an idiot???😢😢

[@66Duffman]

All of us 😂

[@tomasgutierrez1584]

💀

[@66Duffman]

👀

[@IMTHEONEOVERLAND]

You killing it Dustin 🙏🫡👏

[@66Duffman]

Thanks 🙏🏻