Hey All,

I am new to the forum and DIY modifications, and have some questions I am hoping for some feedback on.

I have a stock, manual transmission 1996 T100 (well, 31x10.5x15 BFG All Terrains) that I want to start four wheel camping with, and am pretty much looking to mirror what KC is doing:
KC's page
So, some questions, but first a little background...

I am in Denver, CO, and so most of my wheeling will be in CO and UT. No extreme rock crawling and pre-running, but there are obviously a lot of rough roads out here and I'll have an extra 1000 lbs on the bed, plus my wife and daughter. So, I basically need some extra horses for the mountain passes, and some new suspension to handle the upcoming demands...


1) Has anyone out there supercharged a pre 97 T100? I have seen a few posts but they ended basically with "still not running smooth". Seems like a lot of money needs to be spent on fuel injector kits and ECUs, and still I have yet to hear anyone say their pre 97 T100 is running well. I have also heard that 98s are easier to supercharge than 97's (not sure why). Anyone with a SC 97 care to comment? Did you need a new fuel pump or other mods, or did you just install the SC and drive away?

2) Assuming I cannot SC my 96, I have debated about selling it and finding a clean 97 or 98. Short of that headache, what about headers? The one thing I have done is install a Downey air intake, and the exhaust is the OEM stuff that is a bit rusted out so I plan on getting the Gibson Swept Side cat-back. I have heard mixed things about headers and am not sure that its worth the money. Additionally, I am having a hard time even finding headers. Gibson makes them but only for the 2wd T100, and Downey's catalog has a lot of exhaust stuff, but they personally told me they don't deal with T100 exhaust parts anymore. So, anyone recently get headers, and if so, from who and whats your opinion?

3) Suspension... I plan on replacing the OEM shocks with Doetsch Tech Prerunners, a Doetsch Tech steering stabilizer, plus Sway A Way 25mm torsion bars and some rear air springs for the camper load. Anything else people would suggest? I am enough of a neophyte that I am feeling overwhelmed with all of my choices and long term considerations.

Thanks much for the advice!

Josh

Josh, I replied to and covered most of this in a PM. But for public consumption....

I'm no expert, just some dude with a T100. But supercharging a 97 or 98 shouldn't be a problem. Pre-'97 models have a different ECU and may not get you the full benefit of the SC, if it even works at all

The only headers I've seen used on a T100 with positive reviews were the TRD headers (I think) that H2O Man had. He'll correct me if I'm wrong. I know the HP claims that manufacturers make regarding exhuast systems are mostly BS. Noise makers they are and not much else.

Regarding suspension mods, I like to keep it simple. Ball Joint spacers, good shocks, good tires and airbags for the rear. Skid plates for the IFS, transfer case and gas tank would also be a good idea if you plan on hitting the trails in CO & UT.

All that said, people often ask me do they need this piece of equipment or do they need that mod, to go out for extended periods on some remote trails. My answer is always the same,

"You need the time off from work, the attitude that you're going out to relax and recharge and a beer cooler that doesn't leak. Roll with what you got."

Don't fall prey to those who would tell you that you need a bunch of high dollar equipment to enjoy your time in the woods with your family. Your attitude, not fancypants equipment, will determine the success of your trip.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Ive got TRD headers on my T100, there are more options for you since youve got a manual, JBA also makes 3.4L headers as well, dont know of anyone personally that has put them on a T100,

Did the torsion bar thing and nice shock setup for trail rides and all that SE Idaho has to offer...i do more prerunning than trail rides these days...ive heard that the SAW torsion bars are difficult to find these days, i bought mine at downey (still got em in the closet)...coilovers now...

Id agree on a nice set of shocks, many of us are partial to the bilstein shocks,

Agree on the BJ spacers as well.

OK, I forget to mention Ball Joint Spacers, they seem like a consensus upgrade. Questions for those of you who have done this mod on the T100s: Did you need to get longer shocks, and did you do anything for the rear to keep things even (like new shackles or an extra leaf, etc)?

Thanks in advance

I never did go through with my plan, but originally I was going to use balljoint spacers up front and 3-4" longer shocks that fit a mini truck from rancho (adjustable ones) and a 1.5" add a leaf pack that fits a tundra from wheelers offroad.