This is the first year I got my truck. I installed first a shell since I was doing computer service on the road and needed a secure place for my parts. I bought a used set of GM OEM aluminum wheels with 31X10.50 Cat Track tires (bias ply). I hated them (the tires). I also installed a Grizzly push bar.

 

 

 

The second year, I sold the wheel and tire combo since they were vibrating a lot and bought BFGoodrich mud terrain 31X10.50. I mounted them on wagon wheels (15X8). I installed 4 tractor off-road sealed beam on a custom made light bar.

I bought my truck new in June 86. It was my first 4X4. I had many modified cars before that, but since I bought my first house in 85, I was resigned that car/truck modifications were something of the past. But when you have the modification bug, you can't keep a vehicule without doing some mods on it. This is how it all started, once again...
In the next two following years, I installed a body lift kit (3") and cranked the torsion bars and installed a 2" Add-a-Leaf for a total of 4" of lift. Bushwacker 2" flares, and BFG Mud Terrain 33X12.50 on new chrome/black 8" wheels. At that time I started doing trails and mud racing. I was not competitive at that time but was learning. For better performances, I had a shop install 4.88 gears and a Detroit Locker.
In the following year(s) I removed the shell and installed a double/single Smittybilt roll bar with four 130W Dick Cepeck lights. Here I borrowed a set of 35X12.50 on 8" wheels from a friend. As you can see the fenders are full. They were rubbing under compression. I also build a bumper (replica of a Pro Zap bumper) on which I welded my pushbar. At that time I also did my Buick V6 and TH350 swap.
In 1990-91 I installed a Trail Master IFS lift kit. I had a total of 8" of lift. I then installed 36X12.50 Super Swampers. Compared to the BFG Mud, it's day and night. Noisy on the road, but who cares! they have excellent traction off-road, specially in mud. A friend of mine, Jean who is working in a stainless shop, build me a custom skid plate, 11 gauge, in exchange of Toyota parts. I made a removable light bar because the truck was not clearing the garage door any more.
This is my Buick 3.8l. I rebuilded it myself. It is .030" overbore with 9.25:1 compression ratio. A Crane Cam 2000-4500, Holley 4barrel 390CFM, Kenney Bell Buick intake manifold (single plane), blocked heat riser and EGR valve, 160° thermostat, insulating pad between the carb and intake, Advance Adapter headers, Edelbrock valve covers, heads are port matched with 3 angle valve job and 100 psi springs. It develops around 215 to 225 HP. It was my first engine rebuild and I loved doing it. A lot!
In summer I was doing mud racing and in winter, snow drag racing. I won many races and won the third place of Quebec provincial championship in 91. I personnally consider this third place as a second place since the 1st and 2nd positions were two guys racing on the same vehicule. It was merely a frame with a modified engine running race gas and comming to events on a trailer. It was not fair for our class but the rules were not precise enough. This was corrected the year after. Look at the Jeep behind me. <GRIN>
Here I try a set of 15-38 Ground Hawg on 10" wheels. I liked the width but prefered the tread of the Swamper.
My friend Jean helped me cutting the brackets off the frame for my solid axle conversion. He looks like he's asking himself if it was the good thing to do since at that point there is no turning back! This was in 1993.
After all the brackets are cut, OEM spring hangers are welded to the front crossmember with support plates. A hole is cut inside the frame and a sleeve is welded inside for shackle installation. It is a time consumming job but it worth it. It is more solid, has more travel, don't plow into mud but cuts into it, and is easier to work on. The springs were the most expensive thing of the swap. Skyjacker Softride 5" lift but they are better compared to others.
Then, around 1996, I decided it was time for a change. I did the body work and painted the truck Viper yellow and GM purple.

Then in 2000, I installed 16-38.5 Swampers on custom made 14" wheels. I had to fabricate so fender extention for tire coverage since nothing on the market exists for 5.5" of coverage. It's not nice but it works.

I used a rubber belt from farm equipment. It is near 1/4" thick and doesn't break like my Bushwackers when they touch a small tree.