Dirtco's Adventure Thread
- Thread starter Dirtco
- Start date
Dropzone
New member
After I got the transfer cases in I was able to measure for the rear driveshaft and have mine shortened. Mine was already retubed with heavy wall steel, so they went through it and then cut it down. With the driveshaft reinstalled it was time to take it for a short test drive!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43301640414/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_42f"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/43301640414_dabdbcb9ef_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="fullsizeoutput_42f"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Good God! That is one awesome looking and functional 3rd gen.
I love how you did the triple sticks with the auto.
Hoping when i do the duals w/ auto and RADesigns triples it comes out half as nice
Tyler James Inc
Senior Member
How do you feel about the FROR crossmember? Pretty annoying NVH levels?
Sean K.
New member
Couple of questions....
Skimmed the thread but didn't see answers. Forgive me if I'm asking something that's covered. If you'd rather just point to a post# where I can read, that's great too.
The thread says you were targeting 23" then 24" frame height on the 37's with 4" uptravel. Did you hit the 24" with 4" uptravel?
As for the frame restructuring up front....was the limiting factor that the axle was hitting the frame rail or was it the tower for the panhard/track bar? How much higher is the bottom of the new (looks like 2x3") frame than the bottom of the old frame?
From looking at mine, moving the axle forward 3-4" the bracketry for the A/C compressor and belt adjuster seems to be the uptravel limiter, not the frame.
Mine's pushed to the back burner now that the wife bought a new JLUR so I don't know when I'll get to it or be able to use your wisdom/experience, but honestly, I think I still like our 4Runner far more than the Jeep; well that...and you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting an Unlimited Wrangler, LOL.
Skimmed the thread but didn't see answers. Forgive me if I'm asking something that's covered. If you'd rather just point to a post# where I can read, that's great too.
The thread says you were targeting 23" then 24" frame height on the 37's with 4" uptravel. Did you hit the 24" with 4" uptravel?
As for the frame restructuring up front....was the limiting factor that the axle was hitting the frame rail or was it the tower for the panhard/track bar? How much higher is the bottom of the new (looks like 2x3") frame than the bottom of the old frame?
From looking at mine, moving the axle forward 3-4" the bracketry for the A/C compressor and belt adjuster seems to be the uptravel limiter, not the frame.
Mine's pushed to the back burner now that the wife bought a new JLUR so I don't know when I'll get to it or be able to use your wisdom/experience, but honestly, I think I still like our 4Runner far more than the Jeep; well that...and you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting an Unlimited Wrangler, LOL.
Dirtco
New member
Thanks Eric! There is still work to be done, but it is getting closer.
Yes, I wanted it easy to get to in case of an accident or emergency.
It needs some tweaking and additional work, but yes it was a huge step to take it for a drive!
Thank you! I have a Lincoln welder.
Thank you! Me too, I thought about building something else but I love too much about this truck to just start over. It’s going to take some work to get it all dialed in but it should be pretty reliable once it’s all done.
Thanks man!
It takes some work, but it sure is nice having all the shifters in one spot.
It’s not bad. There is more vibration between the FROR crossmember and the bolted motor mounts but I’ve driven much worse in other vehicles.
Dirtco
New member
Hope this helps!
crazydubman
New member
Man I have been off the forums for a while. This is the first I have seen of the changes you went through with the 4runner.
Really cool to see how well you packaged in all the front suspension components. Space definitely fills up fast.
I know you had talked about the 4WU setup but then ended up buying the Trail Gear. Were there other reasons other than cost? You mentioned about certain components that you would have to change regardless and you bought it as a pile of parts rather than a kit. During my research of the 4WU kit a few years back, it seemed like it was built around a 5" lift? Is that what you were finding as well? With the low belly height you were shooting for and what the 4WU kit was built around, did that help sway your decision as well?
Really cool to see how well you packaged in all the front suspension components. Space definitely fills up fast.
I know you had talked about the 4WU setup but then ended up buying the Trail Gear. Were there other reasons other than cost? You mentioned about certain components that you would have to change regardless and you bought it as a pile of parts rather than a kit. During my research of the 4WU kit a few years back, it seemed like it was built around a 5" lift? Is that what you were finding as well? With the low belly height you were shooting for and what the 4WU kit was built around, did that help sway your decision as well?
Sean K.
New member
Thanks a bunch. Really appreciate your taking the time to answer.
Looks great, btw.
Measured the wife's Jeep on the 37 PRRs in my avatar and it's a 16" belly. Too freaking short...at least I think. We'll see once I get it on the trail, but I'm thinking my Runner is 16" on 32" tires now (at the frame). Seems like a land barge.
Dirtco
New member
You run out of room fast! I'm still trying to figure out how to fit bumpstops and limit straps too.
The main reason I went with the Trail Gear parts (in no way should they call it a kit) was the price and lead time. In order to use the 4WU kit you have to run a Diamond or Ruff Stuff axle housing. So in addition to the added price of the 4WU kit there was a big jump in price with those axle housings figured in. When I added it all up the 4WU kit with the parts needed to make it work would have added an additional 50% on top of what I spent. And, there would have been 2-3 months lead time on the kit and axle housing.
Dirtco
New member
With the first drive out of the way it was time to tackle some other stuff. First, I needed a front driveshaft. I was running out of time and money so I decided to make my own for the time being. A regular CV style driveline isn’t going to have enough droop for my suspension, and with the link suspension you don’t need a ton of slip. So I just lengthened the stock shaft.
Step one - Cut it apart
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43175583575/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43a"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1814/43175583575_28be114ba8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43a"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42273134960/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43c"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/42273134960_3a3ba8f739_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43c"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
The wall thickness is pretty much the same as exhaust tubing
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44081929971/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43d"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1779/44081929971_89535e019e_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43d"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8”></script>
I found a piece of heavy wall tubing at work that had the correct inside diameter for the driveshaft to fit inside. I made sure to keep the u-joints in phase and rolled it back and forth on the blocks of wood to make sure I got it true. The front driveshaft is only two inches shorter than the rear, so one day I’ll get a longer spline HD shaft that is balanced and I can also use in the rear of the truck (in case of a trail break).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44113406251/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_440"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/44113406251_b5f6f8e483_b.jpg" width="1024" height="831" alt="fullsizeoutput_440"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43206491095/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43e"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/43206491095_a1de74c93b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43e"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44113398001/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43f"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/44113398001_f1241dea2b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43f"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Step one - Cut it apart
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43175583575/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43a"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1814/43175583575_28be114ba8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43a"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42273134960/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43c"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/42273134960_3a3ba8f739_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43c"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
The wall thickness is pretty much the same as exhaust tubing
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44081929971/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43d"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1779/44081929971_89535e019e_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43d"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8”></script>
I found a piece of heavy wall tubing at work that had the correct inside diameter for the driveshaft to fit inside. I made sure to keep the u-joints in phase and rolled it back and forth on the blocks of wood to make sure I got it true. The front driveshaft is only two inches shorter than the rear, so one day I’ll get a longer spline HD shaft that is balanced and I can also use in the rear of the truck (in case of a trail break).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44113406251/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_440"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/44113406251_b5f6f8e483_b.jpg" width="1024" height="831" alt="fullsizeoutput_440"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43206491095/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43e"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/43206491095_a1de74c93b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43e"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44113398001/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_43f"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/44113398001_f1241dea2b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_43f"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Dirtco
New member
With the front driveshaft in place I could take it out and verify front 4wd was working properly. I went up behind my house and found a dirt pile that was at the end of a campsite.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43208958745/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_443"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1852/43208958745_643b3d9113_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_443"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43208924855/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_444"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1853/43208924855_3d696d6a26_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_444"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43208944715/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_445"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1856/43208944715_991ac64f53_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_445"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44116018941/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_441"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/44116018941_c6da69bd6b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_441"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43208958745/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_443"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1852/43208958745_643b3d9113_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_443"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43208924855/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_444"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1853/43208924855_3d696d6a26_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_444"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43208944715/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_445"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1856/43208944715_991ac64f53_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_445"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44116018941/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_441"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/44116018941_c6da69bd6b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_441"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Black798
New member
With the front driveshaft in place I could take it out and verify front 4wd was working properly. I went up behind my house and found a dirt pile that was at the end of a campsite.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43208924855/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_444"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1853/43208924855_3d696d6a26_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_444"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
This picture had me so confused. Ive seen this type of shot with your truck running ifs that when I saw all the sas components I had to think fo awhile.
After getting to drive it around some more how does the ride quality compare to the ifs?
thezentree
Senior Member
Dirtco
New member
And a couple more pictures on level ground
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43209226515/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_449"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1818/43209226515_25e6eb235e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="fullsizeoutput_449"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43209249005/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_448"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/43209249005_3ef1fdd123_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_448"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29178337957/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_447"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/29178337957_d7082133d4_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_447"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43209226515/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_449"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1818/43209226515_25e6eb235e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="fullsizeoutput_449"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43209249005/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_448"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/43209249005_3ef1fdd123_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_448"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29178337957/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_447"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/29178337957_d7082133d4_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_447"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Chuckles89
New member
Looks great!
Dirtco
New member
With the truck drivable it was time to go on my annual wheeling trip. Every year I map out a route that usually covers a couple hundred miles of dirt, with as little pavement as possible. It always feels like a mad dash to get the truck ready to go before a big trip, but this year was especially daunting considering all the work I had done. Nonetheless I left my house on a Thursday morning to meet up with Kyle ( [MENTION=94888]EatonKyleH[/MENTION] ), Nick ( [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION] ), and Rick ( [MENTION=121121]Mr.Rick[/MENTION] ) with his 5th Gen 4Runner (Feel free to post up pictures if you want to).
The drive over to Alma was a bit interesting considering I had not had a chance to dial in the suspension. Once there we all got caught up on life and our latest modifications, then headed up Mosquito Pass. Unfortunately the road to the London Mill has been closed, so we drove on past and continued up the pass.
Here is a picture of the Mill a few years back, where certain somebody decided to lawn dart his stock FJ cruiser!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29327597517/in/dateposted-public/" title="1184871_10151654524916715_219564174_n"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/29327597517_9420a9747d_b.jpg" width="960" height="540" alt="1184871_10151654524916715_219564174_n"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The dual transfer cases were awesome, I was able to drive up the hardest section in just two wheel drive low. But, obviously not everything is going to work perfect first trip out after completing such a large project. The rear suspension seemed a lot softer than the front (both coil spring rate and the valving of the rear shocks), I’m running the OME861’s with the stock Land Cruiser black “Tokico” shocks which is very basic compared to the front. I’ve had those rear springs under the truck for years and years of hard wheeling. I used to have a lot of downward rake toward the front, now the front sets taller than the rear which is transferring more weight to the rear suspension.
We continued on and finally made it to the summit. I managed to snap a couple pictures before we headed back down into Leadville (I was horrible about taking pictures this trip, I was just too busy checking stuff on the truck and getting used to how it was handling).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29347866077/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_44f"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/29347866077_bd78240ecb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="695" alt="fullsizeoutput_44f"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29347619807/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_44b"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1863/29347619807_0c6e8fedf0_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_44b"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
The drive over to Alma was a bit interesting considering I had not had a chance to dial in the suspension. Once there we all got caught up on life and our latest modifications, then headed up Mosquito Pass. Unfortunately the road to the London Mill has been closed, so we drove on past and continued up the pass.
Here is a picture of the Mill a few years back, where certain somebody decided to lawn dart his stock FJ cruiser!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29327597517/in/dateposted-public/" title="1184871_10151654524916715_219564174_n"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/29327597517_9420a9747d_b.jpg" width="960" height="540" alt="1184871_10151654524916715_219564174_n"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The dual transfer cases were awesome, I was able to drive up the hardest section in just two wheel drive low. But, obviously not everything is going to work perfect first trip out after completing such a large project. The rear suspension seemed a lot softer than the front (both coil spring rate and the valving of the rear shocks), I’m running the OME861’s with the stock Land Cruiser black “Tokico” shocks which is very basic compared to the front. I’ve had those rear springs under the truck for years and years of hard wheeling. I used to have a lot of downward rake toward the front, now the front sets taller than the rear which is transferring more weight to the rear suspension.
We continued on and finally made it to the summit. I managed to snap a couple pictures before we headed back down into Leadville (I was horrible about taking pictures this trip, I was just too busy checking stuff on the truck and getting used to how it was handling).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29347866077/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_44f"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/29347866077_bd78240ecb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="695" alt="fullsizeoutput_44f"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29347619807/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_44b"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1863/29347619807_0c6e8fedf0_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_44b"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
Last edited:
Dirtco
New member
From Leadville we continued on towards Buena Vista and caught the beginning of the 4 Mile trail network. This is a super fun area, unlike Mosquito Pass the roads are pretty smooth and there are rolling hills and twisty washes to drive through. We continued on for probably twenty miles or so, taking in the views of area around us and the occasional glimpse of the Collegiate Peaks mountain range. Just as the sun was going down Nick found us a great spot to camp for the night, there was no fire bans in effect so we got a good campfire started and waited for Aaron ( [MENTION=63986]Volcom[/MENTION] ) to meet us in his daily driver Sequoia (his 1st Gen 4Runner was down for repairs).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44282448871/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_439"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/44282448871_eb4cd3cac8_b.jpg" width="976" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_439"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/44282448871/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_439"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/44282448871_eb4cd3cac8_b.jpg" width="976" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_439"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>
