09-11-2020, 03:44 PM
|
#1
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
Lessons Learned Wheeling on Elephant Hill
Recently took a trip on Elephant Hill in Canyonlands UT. Great trail, but learned a few lessons the hard way I would like to pass along:
1) All of your bread must be in boxes. Otherwise it will turn to mush.
2) When it gets hot, thermo-electric coolers don't cut it unless they run continuously. If you use one, you will need to mod the rear 12 volt port so that it can run when the car is off.
3) Control arm skids are a must. They are 75$, and you will destroy your rear control arms if you don't do this. I managed to avoid structural or weld damage, but the minimal stock protection is pretty messed up. I have some on the way, but wish I had done this BEFORE going on a technical trail.
4) There is a reason the stock height 4runner has a rake. When you load down the rear of the 4runner with gear and passengers, it sinks, and you hit your tail on everything. Avoid this by simply lifting the rear and front by the same amount when unloaded.
Long story short, I need to do an always on 12 volt mod and I need to replace my rear eibach pro-truck lift springs with something closer to 2-2.5" instead of 1". I sagged so much my rear bumper was lower than an unladen stock 4runner...
__________________
2007 v8 4Runner Limited Build thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ing-build.html
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-11-2020, 03:49 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kansas
Age: 28
Posts: 4,304
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kansas
Age: 28
Posts: 4,304
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gimlithepirate
Recently took a trip on Elephant Hill in Canyonlands UT. Great trail, but learned a few lessons the hard way I would like to pass along:
1) All of your bread must be in boxes. Otherwise it will turn to mush.
2) When it gets hot, thermo-electric coolers don't cut it unless they run continuously. If you use one, you will need to mod the rear 12 volt port so that it can run when the car is off.
3) Control arm skids are a must. They are 75$, and you will destroy your rear control arms if you don't do this. I managed to avoid structural or weld damage, but the minimal stock protection is pretty messed up. I have some on the way, but wish I had done this BEFORE going on a technical trail.
4) There is a reason the stock height 4runner has a rake. When you load down the rear of the 4runner with gear and passengers, it sinks, and you hit your tail on everything. Avoid this by simply lifting the rear and front by the same amount when unloaded.
Long story short, I need to do an always on 12 volt mod and I need to replace my rear eibach pro-truck lift springs with something closer to 2-2.5" instead of 1". I sagged so much my rear bumper was lower than an unladen stock 4runner...
|
Pics? Elephant hill is an awesome trail.
Lower link mount skids are awesome, they are the only skid of mine that isn't dented, but they get used all the time. Saved a lot of headache.
__________________
2005 4R Sport 4WD "The last of the V8s!" - Custom TIG'd SS Dual Exhaust - King 2.5" +2 LT. - ARB Front & Rear - 37's - Dana 60 - Build Thread
2005 Tundra 2WD Regular Cab V8 - Chopped Frame - Short Bed Swap
1977 Celica Liftback - LFX Swap - Build Thread
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-11-2020, 04:19 PM
|
#3
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inv4drZm
Pics? Elephant hill is an awesome trail.
Lower link mount skids are awesome, they are the only skid of mine that isn't dented, but they get used all the time. Saved a lot of headache.
|
Working on pics. I mostly shoot film these days so I have to wait to have time to develop and/or get stuff back from the lab xD In the meantime, a quick cell phone shot on the way out:
(This image is pretty close to level which should tell you how steep it was. My buddy in the jeep completely screwed up his line and it took him a couple of tries, but after watching his mess I was able to make it on the first go )
Was not prepared for how awesome elephant hill was. It is a fantastic off roading trail, with beautiful views and super unique topography. Unfortunately, my sagging rear end meant I kind of banged my way down the trail.
The eibach shocks I think are a straight up improved version of the Bilsteins, and their front springs I've been pretty pleased with. When I put it on, I was afraid the rear 1" wouldn't be enough and I was right. I'm probably going to a Dobinsons progressive spring next to help keep things a little more level when there is a load back there.
But yeah, after that experience, I'd tell people to do armor in this order: rock sliders, control arm skids, gas tank skid, then a full skid package.
__________________
2007 v8 4Runner Limited Build thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ing-build.html
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-11-2020, 04:26 PM
|
#4
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
Oh! One other lesson learned. Replace the radiator cap before it breaks on high mileage 4runnners. Mine kind of exploded internally on the trail, spewing coolant everywhere. Good news is I found all the parts, and Moab had a replacement and more Zyrex Red coolant... but I paid waaaay more than if I'd just done it with the timing belt.
__________________
2007 v8 4Runner Limited Build thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ing-build.html
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 12:02 PM
|
#5
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 523
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 523
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gimlithepirate
Recently took a trip on Elephant Hill in Canyonlands UT. Great trail, but learned a few lessons the hard way I would like to pass along:
1) All of your bread must be in boxes. Otherwise it will turn to mush.
2) When it gets hot, thermo-electric coolers don't cut it unless they run continuously. If you use one, you will need to mod the rear 12 volt port so that it can run when the car is off.
3) Control arm skids are a must. They are 75$, and you will destroy your rear control arms if you don't do this. I managed to avoid structural or weld damage, but the minimal stock protection is pretty messed up. I have some on the way, but wish I had done this BEFORE going on a technical trail.
4) There is a reason the stock height 4runner has a rake. When you load down the rear of the 4runner with gear and passengers, it sinks, and you hit your tail on everything. Avoid this by simply lifting the rear and front by the same amount when unloaded.
Long story short, I need to do an always on 12 volt mod and I need to replace my rear eibach pro-truck lift springs with something closer to 2-2.5" instead of 1". I sagged so much my rear bumper was lower than an unladen stock 4runner...
|
I was able to resolve my similar sagging issues with an airlift kit. Cost ~$100 and I can dial it in for when I’m loaded up/empty.
Also, not sure what kind of 12v cooler you’re running, but some have had issues using the stock outlet. I ran a custom harness with 10 gauge wire.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
'08 Silver SR5 V6 4x4: OEM+
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 01:51 PM
|
#6
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Berty_K
I was able to resolve my similar sagging issues with an airlift kit. Cost ~$100 and I can dial it in for when I’m loaded up/empty.
Also, not sure what kind of 12v cooler you’re running, but some have had issues using the stock outlet. I ran a custom harness with 10 gauge wire.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
What airbags are you using? I have had some really bad experiences with them which is part of my hesitance.
__________________
2007 v8 4Runner Limited Build thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ing-build.html
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 06:23 PM
|
#8
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 98
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 98
|
More pics! I miss Utah. Some of us will be living vicariously through your pics till we can get out there again. My most memorable trip was to the Maze district, but I rented a Jeep in Moab.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 09:14 PM
|
#9
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 441
|
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 441
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gimlithepirate
The eibach shocks I think are a straight up improved version of the Bilsteins, and their front springs I've been pretty pleased with. When I put it on, I was afraid the rear 1" wouldn't be enough and I was right. I'm probably going to a Dobinsons progressive spring next to help keep things a little more level when there is a load back there.
But yeah, after that experience, I'd tell people to do armor in this order: rock sliders, control arm skids, gas tank skid, then a full skid package.
|
I have the Dobs progressive springs, while they're super nice when empty, they don't get stiff enough, fast enough when loading it down.
I ended up adding some airlift bags to mine to compensate for when I'm loaded down.
__________________
'09 V8 Limited | Dobinsons Lift | Front: 3" - C59-302 + GS59-220 | Rear: 2.5" - C59-675V + GS59-701 | Tires | Ridge Grappler 275/65/18XL | Wheels | Method Standard Machined Finish 18x9 -12 offset | SPC UCAs | DT Long Tubes | GSport 2.5" Cats | DT Y-Pipe | Magnaflow Cat Back | 2.5" Vibrant Ultra Quiet Resonator
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 09:44 PM
|
#10
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 103
Real Name: Calvin
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 103
Real Name: Calvin
|
Thanks for the recommendations! Funny enough, I was just watching the trail recon video and a few others 2 days ago about that part of Moab. It’s high on the list, looks awesome! What brand did you end up going with for skids?
__________________
2006 Sport Edition 4x4 V8
Bilstein 6112 w/ King 700# springs (5th clip), Toytec 2" springs in the rear w/ ICON 2.0,
CBI single hoop front bumper, Smittybilt 9500 XRC, RCI steel full skid package, 285/70r17 BFG KO2s on TRD Offroad wheels
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 10:18 PM
|
#11
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
I don't have skids yet. I ordered new skids for the control arm mount, but the rest I'm planning to go RCI for skids and C4 for gas tank skid.
It is an awesome trail. Highly recommend it and the Joint Trail.
__________________
2007 v8 4Runner Limited Build thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ing-build.html
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 10:25 PM
|
#12
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 511
|
Interesting, I had not heard anything but good things about the dobinsons. I know they offer different weights of progressive springs.
How do you like the airbags off road? I'm concerned about durability. I may get the sway away rear spring, and then get airbags if that doesn't cut it.
__________________
2007 v8 4Runner Limited Build thread: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ing-build.html
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-12-2020, 10:45 PM
|
#13
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 181
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 181
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JONBOY345
I have the Dobs progressive springs, while they're super nice when empty, they don't get stiff enough, fast enough when loading it down.
I ended up adding some airlift bags to mine to compensate for when I'm loaded down.
|
I got the Icon Overland springs for the same reason. They are dual-rated so they ride ok when unloaded and hold quite a bit of load. Unloaded you do get 3" of lift though (don't have a rear bumper), loaded about 2". Had Toytec springs before and kept hitting my bump-stops all the time when loaded. Not anymore with the Icons. Really happy with them.
__________________
Black 2008 Sport V6 4WD | Toytec BOSS 3/2 | JBA UCA | BFG KO2 255/75/17 | Rocksteady Skids | White Knuckle Sliders | TJM Front Bumper | Superwinch
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-13-2020, 12:05 AM
|
#14
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 181
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 181
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BagiMT
I got the Icon Overland springs for the same reason. They are dual-rated so they ride ok when unloaded and hold quite a bit of load. Unloaded you do get 3" of lift though (don't have a rear bumper), loaded about 2". Had Toytec springs before and kept hitting my bump-stops all the time when loaded. Not anymore with the Icons. Really happy with them.
|
Here a picture of how it sits with the Icon Overland springs fully loaded. Front springs are 700lb set to 3" with full bumper and winch.
__________________
Black 2008 Sport V6 4WD | Toytec BOSS 3/2 | JBA UCA | BFG KO2 255/75/17 | Rocksteady Skids | White Knuckle Sliders | TJM Front Bumper | Superwinch
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-13-2020, 12:13 AM
|
#15
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 523
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 523
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gimlithepirate
Interesting, I had not heard anything but good things about the dobinsons. I know they offer different weights of progressive springs.
How do you like the airbags off road? I'm concerned about durability. I may get the sway away rear spring, and then get airbags if that doesn't cut it.
|
I put in a switch so I can swap between an independent and linked system.
Independent system is nice because it keeps the rear end from swaying.
Linked is nice because I can get more articulation off-road.
Best of both worlds imo.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
'08 Silver SR5 V6 4x4: OEM+
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|