2023 SL Midnight Edition

twinblown said:

Good looking Mada! Congrats! what was it? $60K?

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57 plus dealer crap so 59ish.

A few more from our trip to Moab New Mexico this weekend on account of the weather...

K-loco said:

How was your towing experience thus far? I’m looking forward to towing our Taxa mantis next month with the Armada for the 1st time. I’ve been using a VW atlas to tow but found that it struggled up hill or when picking up highway speed.

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hahaha...too funny!!! Check out my wifes car....(1st photo is kid not wife...lol) That VR6 is rock solid and with the quattro..(ahem 4motion) it is a legit beast for overlanding! VW has a 2" lift in front and 1.5" in back. (not ideal for towing I know) Also firestone helper airbags and General Grabbers on Niche wheels. 'mada definitely pulls better than the Atlas....but that fan is nuts sometimes.

CBEllis said:

I found this wheel & tire fitment guide that helps visualize the specs with the suspension: Wheel Fitment Calculator
I'm not sure true 35's would fit without a lift, maybe the height would be okay but the 12.50 width will probably give you fits with rubbing and clearance. Especially with they way you use the truck, towing and offroading, I'd go with a more conservative size to allow room to play. Truck looks GREAT and thanks for sharing the camping pics - very nice outing.

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Can't disagree in retrospect. My next plan is a modest 2" lift (type tbd) and 295/70/18s w/ that smaller offset for the aggressive stance. (once I burn thru these tires)

Nice setup and I think we have similar preferences. Here is my Atlas with lift spring and 255/70/17 wild peaks.


Our trailer is about 3k lbs dry, 3.5k lbs at scale with gear+water. Surprisingly the tongue weigh is approximately 470 lbs. I had about a 3” sag with stock suspension and about a 1” raise in front. The lift springs helped to get closer to ride level for sure.

I also had a custom exhaust system installed and it was great until we towed with it and going up any hill it sounded like a low bass note coming out of a large bass amp inside the cabin. My boss/wife had me go back to stock 😞

Not sure how the Armada would do with a lift considering the air strut/bag in the rear but I am looking forward to bigger rubber.

FriscoMada said:

hahaha...too funny!!! Check out my wifes car....(1st photo is kid not wife...lol) That VR6 is rock solid and with the quattro..(ahem 4motion) it is a legit beast for overlanding! VW has a 2" lift in front and 1.5" in back. (not ideal for towing I know) Also firestone helper airbags and General Grabbers on Niche wheels. 'mada definitely pulls better than the Atlas....but that fan is nuts sometimes. View attachment 52434 View attachment 52435 View attachment 52436 View attachment 52433


Can't disagree in retrospect. My next plan is a modest 2" lift (type tbd) and 295/70/18s w/ that smaller offset for the aggressive stance. (once I burn thru these tires)

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Agreed - I put 36k on the factory Bridgestones and had a blowout on 20 east of Dallas. I was waiting for the need for new tires and had the lift waiting in the garage. Got the lift installed and new tires the same day. Had to go with 275/75R20's because of the inside clearance near the knuckles. I'm happy with the stance and how it drives/handles.


Intake is next, then a new exhaust - I looked it over today when it was on the lift getting the oil changed. The factory exhaust is so restrictive - I'm gonna free it up alittle. Then maybe a drawer / storage system in the very back, something that I can still use the 3rd row with. We love this vehicle.

The Armada towed our 3,500lb single axle trailer like a dream. It felt planted and I charge even at high winds and during oncoming big rigs on country roads.