A_S_R's Build Thread
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I wanted something more aggressive than the Hankooks, but yet something that has good road manners. Almost pulled the trigger on a set of Nitto Trail Grapplers, but after reading some negative reviews on here about their on road performance I chose the Duratracs. I looked at them back when I bought my Hankooks, but they were still too new to have a lot of feedback. Since then, they've really gained popularity and have proven to be a great combination of on/off road performance. Almost went with Terra Grapplers, but ended up finding the Duratrac's for a great price and decided to give them a shot. I haven't done a lot of off road in the past, but hoping to change that in the future. I moved not too long ago, and there's an off road park about an hour away. I'm going to start going there, Duratracs should offer better performance than the other tires I was considering and still do great on road.
darkie3495
Moderator
Not a fully inflated new one. Some have fit a worn down 285 underneath but eventually it will rub on the panhard bar
Edit: hit submit too early. Ark, congrats on the new tires. They look great!!
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Thanks everyone.
I had 5 of the 255/75 Hankooks (32.1"). I kept one to use as a spare for these. The 285/70/17 is 32.7". I've tried this setup, does not cause any issues (dash lights, etc). I prefer the narrower tire so it doesn't hang down as long and drag, so it works well. That said, my 255/75 barely fits, but my hitch is different than most I think (v8 hitches changed in mid 2003). No way I could fit a 285. The v6 has a smaller hitch, so it may fit. I've heard of guys using a worn 285 and it fits, not sure which hitch that was with.
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Couple better quality pics...hope to have a chance to get it off road soon.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Mostly depends on if you do the install or pay to have it done. I did all the work myself, learned a lot and saved a ton of money. Best I can figure, you're probably looking at $1200-$1300 for the lift and upper control arms. I've got less than that because I was able to find deals on some of the parts, but that's probably what you'd be looking at on average if you bought it today.
Thanks for the compliment. As you can see from my build, it's taken me a lot of time and several different setups to get to where it is. I can finally say I'm happy with it, came out even better than I anticipated. I thought about going bigger on the body lift, but my sole intention was a little more clearance for the tires, and with the 285/70 the 1/2" did just that.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Thanks everyone.
Still running the RAS, haven't swapped coils yet. I've got the air bags adjusted for a over 2" lift, so the extended length Bilstein shocks should work great for that. I ran into issues because the stock shocks were constantly bottoming out. I'm still planning on the coil swap, probably going to wait until the RAS system fails though.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
39" front, 40" rear.
CrimsonCountry
New member
Couple better quality pics...hope to have a chance to get it off road soon.
Great job ARK! The new setup looks amazing. Its the exact look I've been wanting for a while. The only thing holding me up are these small Dynapros, which seem to be getting a lot louder as they age. Did you experience this at all? I used to think I had some odd vibration/hum in my drivetrain but now I'm pretty sure its just the tires...especially at low speeds.
Good to hear but I'm surprised by this. The BM/Fender rub is my main holdup with going to 1.25" wheel spacers and was under the impression it was "unavoidable" given a more aggressive tire. I've considered getting a small BL but just not sure I feel comfortable with adding more separation b/w the frame and body. I realize they are tried and proven, but still, just my way of thinking I guess.
EDIT: I Forgot that you're running a 1/2" BL. I'm guessing this is where you gained the extra tire clearance.
Nice! It looks like were running the same amount of lift now. As I've said before, I haven't noticed any increased wear on my components but common sense tells me its their....and I won't know until they fail.
Finally, keep us updated on your MPG decrease. I know these tires aren't much in the fuel economy department but shouldn't be as bad as others given their lighter weight.
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Thanks Crimson. My ATM's drove me insane. Way too loud for an AT tire with that tread (even Duratrac's are quieter), and wet traction was terrible. Even being in 4wd all the time, I had issues slipping and sliding on wet pavement. It was to the point that I didn't feel safe with them. I had 32k miles on mine, still have 50% or better tread. Hated to buy new tires, but the way it drove on those ATM's, it was gonna either put me in the ditch or another rig.
I was really concerned about the body mount chop. From what I've read, it'll be fine on road, but may rub off road when flexing. Living in the city, I don't have much of an opportunity to flex until I head back home on the weekends.
Like you said, I didn't want to really lift the body off the frame, but didn't want to hack up my fenders either. The 1/2" body lift was perfect, did exactly as I hoped.
I've got the understanding parts will wear faster, and I accept that. As you said, whether it will be a noticeable decrease in life is still debatable, but the difference is there.
MPG is going to be the big factor. I'm hoping to stay at 15 or better, but we'll see. According to the lie-o-meter and a little city driving, it looks promising. It'll be another week at least before my first full tank with the new tires. I'll post up once I get a chance to do some actual calculations.
I was really concerned about the body mount chop. From what I've read, it'll be fine on road, but may rub off road when flexing. Living in the city, I don't have much of an opportunity to flex until I head back home on the weekends.
Like you said, I didn't want to really lift the body off the frame, but didn't want to hack up my fenders either. The 1/2" body lift was perfect, did exactly as I hoped.
I've got the understanding parts will wear faster, and I accept that. As you said, whether it will be a noticeable decrease in life is still debatable, but the difference is there.
MPG is going to be the big factor. I'm hoping to stay at 15 or better, but we'll see. According to the lie-o-meter and a little city driving, it looks promising. It'll be another week at least before my first full tank with the new tires. I'll post up once I get a chance to do some actual calculations.
Perfect.
I have done the FJ springs install. How much more difficult would you say this set up would be to install? I know it is a loaded question so don't think too much into it.
I am gonna wait until the XREAS is shot (just a matter of time because I know the leaks is inevitable) My plan is to collect the pieces so I have everything when the time comes.
Thanks so much for the help!!!
martini
New member
I'm doing the same thing, watching for deals and collecting pieces for when it's time to replace XREAS (it will happen, just when). Here's the best price I've seen on Light Racing UCAs (ARK_SWAMP_RIDER took advantage of this deal too it looks like, from a post over on the FJ forums): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/109061-light-racing-uca-group-buy-375-ends-02-26-12-a.html
