Dirtco's Adventure Thread

[derpiful]

I didn't see this covered before (maybe I just missed it), but what are you plans suspension wise?

 

[Dirtco]

Holy shit I am late to this party! I stumble across this awesome adventure thread like a Colossal Colorado and it turns into an epic SAS project?! This is better than diagonally sliced bread.

Sub'd forever.

That's okay, I saved a seat for you! Grab a couple :beer: and some op2:

Good chooooice! IMO this is a much better option than the TG bushing style.

For sure! I've never been impressed with that TG steering kit, especially if you drive it on the street.

I didn't see this covered before (maybe I just missed it), but what are you plans suspension wise?

I actually ordered my front shocks today! I called Accutune Off-Road and they helped me setup my front coilovers, these guys really know their stuff!

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[SnowLizard]

Beautiful, can't wait to see you flex this thing out.

 

[thezentree]

I <3 this thread.

What are your plans for the rear suspension?

 

[Dropzone]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] curious if you have been using a Smittybilt winch the entire time or using it for mockup? I know you put your equipment through quite a bit of use.
Have you been using the Smittybilt the whole time? Curious because I had mine for a few years before I finally pulled off the shelf and installed it last year.
Like some stuff you hear mixed reviews on their products, some love or hate them.

As always your fab work is awesome

 

[Dirtco]

I <3 this thread.

What are your plans for the rear suspension?

Thanks man! For the time being not much, I ordered some 2.5" rear coil spacers that I can install with my OME 861's. It was the cheapest option and gives me a goal to shoot for on the front, it will also make the truck drivable as I tune the front suspension and work out any bugs. I'm hoping there is enough down travel left in my shocks that I can lower my limit straps 2" and run that setup for the time being.

Once I get the front suspension dialed in (and my bank account recovers ) I can really address the rear suspension. I will probably find a taller LC coil spring for the rear and upgrade the shocks to match the front. I would also like to address the rear link geometry and length, but we'll see...

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] curious if you have been using a Smittybilt winch the entire time or using it for mockup? I know you put your equipment through quite a bit of use.
Have you been using the Smittybilt the whole time? Curious because I had mine for a few years before I finally pulled off the shelf and installed it last year.
Like some stuff you hear mixed reviews on their products, some love or hate them.

As always your fab work is awesome

Yes, it's been on truck since I started building it. It's not pretty, nor the fastest but it's never let me down (knock on wood!). We both know there are better winches out there, but for the price I can't complain. I'm sure Smittybuilt has no where near the quality control Warn has, which is probably why they have such mixed reviews.

 

[thezentree]

Right on. I’m still newish to this 4Runner thing and I’ve been curious how people handle link geometry with the taller lifts. I came from the XJ world, so leaf springs made it a little easier.

 

[Roc Doc]

I actually ordered my front shocks today! I called Accutune Off-Road and they helped me setup my front coilovers, these guys really know their stuff!

I've known Ryan a long time and yes he does know his stuff. I've got Kings up front now, and OME in back and am not happy with the balance, (bought it that way). I may have Accutune build me a set of Fox shocks so I can get their valving. Kinda waiting for a final curb weight after I build my drawer/platform.

 

[CrawlerOnABudget]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] this build is pretty sweet! I'm new to the forum as a member but ive been a creeper guest for a while now lol. You're doing a similar setup to my plans. I had a couple questions for you: Why did you stay chain drive rear case and driver drop? Also what adapter did you get for the gear drive to chain drive case? I called marlin and they don't make it by itself anymore, only as part of the tacobox. Sweet build though for sure.

 

[BigBluePile]

So sweet!!!

Sent from my 2PZC5 using Tapatalk

 

[Dirtco]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] this build is pretty sweet! I'm new to the forum as a member but ive been a creeper guest for a while now lol. You're doing a similar setup to my plans. I had a couple questions for you: Why did you stay chain drive rear case and driver drop? Also what adapter did you get for the gear drive to chain drive case? I called marlin and they don't make it by itself anymore, only as part of the tacobox. Sweet build though for sure.

I stuck with driver side drop due to the exhaust and cat, I figured it would be easier to stay with the factory configuration (driver side drop) than cramming the diff and driveshaft in with the exhaust. I wanted to keep the cat intact in case I move some place with emissions or sell the rig. I’m only running a stock 2.28 reduction box with the automatic, so I feel the stock chain drive transfer case should hold up okay.

Also, when I ordered the Trail Gear three link kit it was set up for driver side drop. I didn’t realize at the time that i was going to have to reengineer every aspect of the kit, otherwise i would have put more thought into going driver side drop.

 

[Dirtco]

I haven’t been very good at posting updates on the SAS project, but in all honesty there’s not much to write about. I would say 80% of my time is spent moving stuff around and taking measurements, along with brain storming where things are going to go and how everything is going to fit at different suspension positions. On top of that it’s hard to get any good pictures due to it being stuck in the garage with the bad lighting and limited room, but I’ll do my best to get caught up.

So here is how the 4Runner sets as of right now: 24” frame height on 37x13.50 STT Pro’s @ 30psi, 4” of up travel on the front shocks. More to come...

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[Dirtco]

Front bumper

Old:

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New:

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[Dirtco]

Front coilover shocks, old and new!

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[Rockdawg84]

Looking great. Just curious if you had to relocate your AC condenser to shift the front bumper that far back? Excited to see you back out on the trail.

 

[Dirtco]

Looking great. Just curious if you had to relocate your AC condenser to shift the front bumper that far back? Excited to see you back out on the trail.

Thanks Sam! There was more than enough room, I just had to trim the grille for the winch.

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[Dropzone]

bumper looks awesome!
decided to give some round lights a try again?
I almost picked up a set of those Auxbeams. They aren't priced too bad. How do you like the beam pattern?

 

[Dirtco]

bumper looks awesome!
decided to give some round lights a try again?
I almost picked up a set of those Auxbeams. They aren't priced too bad. How do you like the beam pattern?

Thanks! Yeah, I wanted to change up the look a little. I bought the lights when I was fitting the RTT on the 4Runner, I was going to have a light bar in front of the tent but I decided I didn't like it up there, and the lights have been setting in my garage since then. They seemed pretty bright when I tested them but it's been over a year, the true test will be once I get the truck done. Here are the specs from their website:

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They should be pretty bright, especially since I have three of them. I also have my 40" single row light bar on the roof, so I should have plenty of light!

I loved my Rigid lights but I bought them close to eight years ago and the technology has changed a lot since then, I feel these lights are on par with my old lights. The new Rigid lights are sweet, but I couldn't justify the price. These Auxbeam lights have good reviews and the quality is pretty damn good for the price. I did add some 3M clear bra to the lens of the lights for some added protection and to keep them from possibly yellowing.

 

[Mr.Rick]

Looks killer Jeremiah, you never cease to impress. I thought the approach angle on your old bumper was good, but leave it to the 3rd gen wizard to find a way to improve approach angle and make it look badass. I love the Baja inspired front end.

A 24" frame height on a 37" tire is seriously impressive. I can't wait to see how this thing handles on a few of our different style trips coming up this year. Should be epic! The round lights up front look awesome, I'm sure there are going to be naysayers but I personally think you nailed the aesthetics of it.

 

[SnowLizard]

I'm sure there are going to be naysayers ....

you're right... "NAY"... now my shipping address is....

Seriously, can you make me one? looks amazing.