EatonKyleH's Build Thread
- Thread starter EatonKyleH
- Start date
Rockdawg84
New member
that is correct :biggrin1:
jkeith.w
Official Vendor
- I'll move the follow-up questions to the Dual Case Questions thread.
EatonKyleH
New member
Yup. It is designed so you could eliminate it or keep it. I chose to keep the trans mount also. I like that everything is supported at several points. There is only about a 1/4 inch clearance between the bottom of the rear case and my skid plate/belly pan and I've moved everything as high I can already. My skid mounts to the transmission mount cross member so I didn't really have anything to gain by moving/eliminating it. If you were fabbing crossmembers and lifting the drivetrain into the area created from a body lift or something.... plans like that... using this mount in that way could be helpful in all that though.
Thanks man appreciate it!
jkeith.w
Official Vendor
EatonKyleH
New member
This old hag is really becoming quite the Cougar!
She might be old...... but dammmmnnn girl..... you fancy!
Her new gear is here and wow its been awhile since I've drooled over something so badly.
I didn't open every little thing because its all neatly wrapped and I'm taking it all to work this weekend to install.
But I did snap a couple quick pictures of the meat and potatoes or it all!
These things are gigantic and heavvvyyy. They make my current coilovers feel they belong on a Prius or something.
Solo builds the top mount as part of the LT kit so you can use whatever 8inch travel coilover you want and their mount is beefy compared to the typical mount I've seen coilovers come with. When I was researching LT I spoke with Down South Motorsports and we talked coilovers for the Camburg and Total Chaos kits and they told me each of them used different specific coilovers which was kinda annoying because I had originally wanted to buy the LT kit first and wait to buy coilovers.... But I hadn't at the time decided what I wanted and didn't want to. So with the Solo mounts you aren't limited at all.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31634540746/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullcoilover"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/441/31634540746_254bc93585_b.jpg" width="1024" height="543" alt="fullcoilover"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
touch me
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31525567702/in/dateposted-public/" title="fitting"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/28/31525567702_3d70133e8f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="642" alt="fitting"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The feel of the dial excellent. Its solid, audible/tactile clicks.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31298941000/in/dateposted-public/" title="dial"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/31298941000_93a28a194c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="622" alt="dial"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
700 pound coils and custom valving for this fat... fat lady.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31556014091/in/dateposted-public/" title="coil"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/288/31556014091_d35b9d11fd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="coil"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Even her arms are beefier than my own....
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/30861494833/in/dateposted-public/" title="lower"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/463/30861494833_4a68c4461f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="lower"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
First thing I noticed.... Solo has made some changes to their control arms since they took their website pictures. Good changes. Mainly they added a bump stop strike pad! I was stoked to see that. As if I hadn't spent enough money already! Gotta get some fancy air bumps or something....
Also love that they have a entirely separate mounting tab in front for the limit straps so they are clear of the coils and you don't have to piggyback off the shock bolt.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31298906380/in/dateposted-public/" title="strikepad"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5564/31298906380_1ec39a7283_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="strikepad"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The new LBJs gonna be so happy to live here!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/30830195954/in/dateposted-public/" title="LBJ"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/707/30830195954_8f37cacf32_b.jpg" width="1024" height="678" alt="LBJ"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Bottom of the arm where the LBJ castle nut goes. Protected but accessible
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31556025581/in/dateposted-public/" title="bottomLBJ"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5605/31556025581_60f759e582_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="bottomLBJ"></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/131523454@N04/31556020461/in/dateposted-public/" title="bottomlower"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/725/31556020461_bbd3e9fdfd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="bottomlower"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Witness the thickness.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/30830178844/in/dateposted-public/" title="thick"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/488/30830178844_0867a28a00_b.jpg" width="586" height="1024" alt="thick"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
On the uppers it appears they changed their gusset design which is fine but I liked the larger gussets on the website pictures more.
Solo claims this kit cycles 14 inches of travel (an inch more than the other kits) because they "position the uniball cup differently" in the UCA and get more droop. We will see. Sounds good... I'll measure it and let ya'll know.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31298899130/in/dateposted-public/" title="upperarm"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/700/31298899130_d966de6830_b.jpg" width="1024" height="824" alt="upperarm"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Weldzzzz
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31555954441/in/dateposted-public/" title="upperwelds"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/401/31555954441_07aa237dbf_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="upperwelds"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
They included everything for install their website listed.... also included resi mounts which I wasn't expecting... cool bonus. I already bought the Toytec resi mounts and I can just return or sell them now.
Everything screams quality. That's all I can really say playing with it on the floor.
Install is going down this weekend.
I also have and will be installing at the same time.
-Solo Coil bucket double shear gussets
-Total Chaos Spindle gussets
-Total Chaos cam tab gussets
Solo has been incredible to work with. They dealt with King directly for me and picked the coilovers up from them (they said they are about a 45 minute drive from Kings factory). They communicated the valving specs and coil specs with King for me also... none of this Solo charged me for. Coilover cost was the same as if they were a generic "off the shelf" unit.
Also they communicate really well. King took a little over 3 weeks to build the coilovers and Solo called offering to ship the LT kit first or I could wait. I chose to wait because I need all of it for install and it reduced shipping cost but I appreciated the urgency "we didn't forget about you" kinda feeling.
Bobby and his team over there are great to talk to... Honestly I'm not super social on the phone (I feel awkward not being face to face) but these guys will talk to you for ages about business, their personal preferences having raced and personally owned over 20+ 1st gen tacomas and a few 4runners. Their long relationship with King and King's new building. Trends of the past/present. They opened shop in 1994 and it shows.
I often called during the day when I was at work and sometimes had to cut it short and felt kinda bad. But I really appreciated the wealth of knowledge they shared with me. Even before I had ordered they were always "ya call back anytime!" "If you think of anything else just call" I feel should I have a problem these guys will make it right and fast.
I'll update ya'll with alignment specs, pics, performance thoughts soon. I plan to wheel it Sunday so it shouldn't be long.
She might be old...... but dammmmnnn girl..... you fancy!
Her new gear is here and wow its been awhile since I've drooled over something so badly.
I didn't open every little thing because its all neatly wrapped and I'm taking it all to work this weekend to install.
But I did snap a couple quick pictures of the meat and potatoes or it all!
These things are gigantic and heavvvyyy. They make my current coilovers feel they belong on a Prius or something.
Solo builds the top mount as part of the LT kit so you can use whatever 8inch travel coilover you want and their mount is beefy compared to the typical mount I've seen coilovers come with. When I was researching LT I spoke with Down South Motorsports and we talked coilovers for the Camburg and Total Chaos kits and they told me each of them used different specific coilovers which was kinda annoying because I had originally wanted to buy the LT kit first and wait to buy coilovers.... But I hadn't at the time decided what I wanted and didn't want to. So with the Solo mounts you aren't limited at all.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31634540746/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullcoilover"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/441/31634540746_254bc93585_b.jpg" width="1024" height="543" alt="fullcoilover"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
touch me
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31525567702/in/dateposted-public/" title="fitting"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/28/31525567702_3d70133e8f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="642" alt="fitting"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The feel of the dial excellent. Its solid, audible/tactile clicks.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31298941000/in/dateposted-public/" title="dial"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/31298941000_93a28a194c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="622" alt="dial"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
700 pound coils and custom valving for this fat... fat lady.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31556014091/in/dateposted-public/" title="coil"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/288/31556014091_d35b9d11fd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="coil"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Even her arms are beefier than my own....
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/30861494833/in/dateposted-public/" title="lower"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/463/30861494833_4a68c4461f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="lower"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
First thing I noticed.... Solo has made some changes to their control arms since they took their website pictures. Good changes. Mainly they added a bump stop strike pad! I was stoked to see that. As if I hadn't spent enough money already! Gotta get some fancy air bumps or something....
Also love that they have a entirely separate mounting tab in front for the limit straps so they are clear of the coils and you don't have to piggyback off the shock bolt.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31298906380/in/dateposted-public/" title="strikepad"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5564/31298906380_1ec39a7283_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="strikepad"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The new LBJs gonna be so happy to live here!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/30830195954/in/dateposted-public/" title="LBJ"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/707/30830195954_8f37cacf32_b.jpg" width="1024" height="678" alt="LBJ"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Bottom of the arm where the LBJ castle nut goes. Protected but accessible
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31556025581/in/dateposted-public/" title="bottomLBJ"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5605/31556025581_60f759e582_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="bottomLBJ"></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/131523454@N04/31556020461/in/dateposted-public/" title="bottomlower"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/725/31556020461_bbd3e9fdfd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="bottomlower"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Witness the thickness.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/30830178844/in/dateposted-public/" title="thick"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/488/30830178844_0867a28a00_b.jpg" width="586" height="1024" alt="thick"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
On the uppers it appears they changed their gusset design which is fine but I liked the larger gussets on the website pictures more.
Solo claims this kit cycles 14 inches of travel (an inch more than the other kits) because they "position the uniball cup differently" in the UCA and get more droop. We will see. Sounds good... I'll measure it and let ya'll know.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31298899130/in/dateposted-public/" title="upperarm"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/700/31298899130_d966de6830_b.jpg" width="1024" height="824" alt="upperarm"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Weldzzzz
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/31555954441/in/dateposted-public/" title="upperwelds"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/401/31555954441_07aa237dbf_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="upperwelds"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
They included everything for install their website listed.... also included resi mounts which I wasn't expecting... cool bonus. I already bought the Toytec resi mounts and I can just return or sell them now.
Everything screams quality. That's all I can really say playing with it on the floor.
Install is going down this weekend.
I also have and will be installing at the same time.
-Solo Coil bucket double shear gussets
-Total Chaos Spindle gussets
-Total Chaos cam tab gussets
Solo has been incredible to work with. They dealt with King directly for me and picked the coilovers up from them (they said they are about a 45 minute drive from Kings factory). They communicated the valving specs and coil specs with King for me also... none of this Solo charged me for. Coilover cost was the same as if they were a generic "off the shelf" unit.
Also they communicate really well. King took a little over 3 weeks to build the coilovers and Solo called offering to ship the LT kit first or I could wait. I chose to wait because I need all of it for install and it reduced shipping cost but I appreciated the urgency "we didn't forget about you" kinda feeling.
Bobby and his team over there are great to talk to... Honestly I'm not super social on the phone (I feel awkward not being face to face) but these guys will talk to you for ages about business, their personal preferences having raced and personally owned over 20+ 1st gen tacomas and a few 4runners. Their long relationship with King and King's new building. Trends of the past/present. They opened shop in 1994 and it shows.
I often called during the day when I was at work and sometimes had to cut it short and felt kinda bad. But I really appreciated the wealth of knowledge they shared with me. Even before I had ordered they were always "ya call back anytime!" "If you think of anything else just call" I feel should I have a problem these guys will make it right and fast.
I'll update ya'll with alignment specs, pics, performance thoughts soon. I plan to wheel it Sunday so it shouldn't be long.
crazydubman
New member
So come on man..... Its Tuesday and the kit was supposed to be installed over the weekend. Am I the only one that is waiting to see what you think of the kit and install with non glass fenders?
EatonKyleH
New member
lol. Well it's installed. Everything went together as it should. fit is great.
BUT!!
The coils I got are wayyyy too much for me. I have the adjustment collars backed ALL THE WAY OFF (ZERO preload) and I could probably still run over a 5 gallon bucket standing up in the middle of the truck without touching it. Also with the adjustment collar all the way up I can't position the resi hose downward because it touches it.
I've let it sit on the ground and driven it a couple times and it ain't going down. It rides great but I've got the resi only temporarily mounted since I can't position the hose down without lifting it even higher. So I'm not really getting hard on it yet.
So I called Solo and sent a couple pictures and alignment specs and they are sending me some different rate coils from King to swap out. For free and no hassle. Once I get the coils swapped out I should be able to get the ride height down/position and install the resi and get to beating on it.
Last edited:
crazydubman
New member
So was it the length of coil or the spring rate? I heard that 700 lb springs would be preferred with a winch and plate bumper. I'm torn on whether I want to look into 700's for the front of my or stick with the 650's.
Sounds like you might need a shorter spring to allow the hose swivel to let you angle it down?
How would the wheel alignment specs be affected by the coilover height if it were even on both sides?
EatonKyleH
New member
They seem to think its the spring rate. The coils are definitely long (18 inches) but if I could set just the smallest bit preload I could move the collar down and the resi hose into place.
If it doesn't get me where I want to be I'll be looking into going shorter in the spring but right now just going to dial back the rate. They normally build the coilovers with that length of spring and it works so I'm hoping its just too stiff.
They just wanted to make sure the alignment was ok and that I'd driven it to confirm it wasn't toed in causing the suspension to load and that sorta thing.
EatonKyleH
New member
OHHH and [MENTION=34852]crazydubman[/MENTION]
speaking of thread updates....
Where are those sick new wheels and 35s....
speaking of thread updates....
Where are those sick new wheels and 35s....
crazydubman
New member
ok gotcha. I would have thought a 14" spring would be sufficient for an 8" coilover??? Hopefully they get it figured out for you. When you test drove it around the block did it feel to stiff?
crazydubman
New member
Updating it now. I'm at the mercy of Photobucket....
op2:
Dezert4Runner
Senior Member
:spy:
EatonKyleH
New member
Haha soon! New coils came in this afternoon so I stayed after work and swapped them out and got resis mounted and truck aligned again. Just got home it's 10pm so pictures ain't happening tonight. I'm terrible about taking pictures in the middle of working on it.
But good news is the softer coils solved my issues. Pictures soon... real soon.
For what its worth. I drove approx 150 miles on the 700 pound coils I had. The truck rode ok with them but even with the compression adjusters dialed all the way to the softest setting it was still a tad too stiff for my liking.
I also have all my tires (2 ply sidewall duratracs) at 29 psi for the winter. It should have been mushy with the tires like that alone. I was kinda worried that my adjustable dampening would be pretty much useless because I would have just left it dialed at the lowest setting all the time and wish it would go softer.
I now have the truck on 600 pound 18 inch King coils and I drove it 35 miles tonight. Immediately its a huge difference. Ride height is better (yet stilll higher than I ultimately want but I'll live with it... I'm just not used to having my truck sit level). With minimal preload (adjustment collar just snug on the spring before installed).
I went to drive it still on the softest setting and over dips it was super cushy.
I immediately wanted to set it stiffer. Soooo click click click and now its feeling exactly how I want about just over halfway through the adjustable range (more toward the stiffer). I'm sure if my tires were at summer pressures I'd be running about mid way though my adjustment range. Which I'm stoked about because I'll actually be able to go softer for the trail and firmer for towing.
anyway some quick thoughts. Really sorry for no pictures yet!
-------
I've got some things that need to happen quickly to make it look how I want. Right now it is still on my 3.5 BS 16x8 wheels. So an already deep/wide wheel. So ya.... It's kindaaa wide.
It sits level with the rear..... If you've seen my truck before I always ran a lot of rake. Like I had 1.5-2 inches of lift in front before and a lot more in the rear with 861s. Its hard for my stinkbug loving self.... Its growing on me. With my front fenders cut up higher it definitely looks kinda higher in the front.
My 33s look so stupid and small now. I hate it...
growing pains.
----
So my old Boss coilovers, LR UCAs and stuff are already claimed. Once those are gone I'll be plopping on some 4.5 BS SCS F5s in the front and either the same with spacers or 3.5 BS F5s in the rear.
And some 315/75R16 tires... probably Cooper STT PROs
then I'll finally want to regear.... and lock the front... and get a snorkel.... and get 37s..... and wish I'd have just left this damn thing stock.
But good news is the softer coils solved my issues. Pictures soon... real soon.
For what its worth. I drove approx 150 miles on the 700 pound coils I had. The truck rode ok with them but even with the compression adjusters dialed all the way to the softest setting it was still a tad too stiff for my liking.
I also have all my tires (2 ply sidewall duratracs) at 29 psi for the winter. It should have been mushy with the tires like that alone. I was kinda worried that my adjustable dampening would be pretty much useless because I would have just left it dialed at the lowest setting all the time and wish it would go softer.
I now have the truck on 600 pound 18 inch King coils and I drove it 35 miles tonight. Immediately its a huge difference. Ride height is better (yet stilll higher than I ultimately want but I'll live with it... I'm just not used to having my truck sit level). With minimal preload (adjustment collar just snug on the spring before installed).
I went to drive it still on the softest setting and over dips it was super cushy.
I immediately wanted to set it stiffer. Soooo click click click and now its feeling exactly how I want about just over halfway through the adjustable range (more toward the stiffer). I'm sure if my tires were at summer pressures I'd be running about mid way though my adjustment range. Which I'm stoked about because I'll actually be able to go softer for the trail and firmer for towing.
anyway some quick thoughts. Really sorry for no pictures yet!
-------
I've got some things that need to happen quickly to make it look how I want. Right now it is still on my 3.5 BS 16x8 wheels. So an already deep/wide wheel. So ya.... It's kindaaa wide.
It sits level with the rear..... If you've seen my truck before I always ran a lot of rake. Like I had 1.5-2 inches of lift in front before and a lot more in the rear with 861s. Its hard for my stinkbug loving self.... Its growing on me. With my front fenders cut up higher it definitely looks kinda higher in the front.
My 33s look so stupid and small now. I hate it...
growing pains.
----
So my old Boss coilovers, LR UCAs and stuff are already claimed. Once those are gone I'll be plopping on some 4.5 BS SCS F5s in the front and either the same with spacers or 3.5 BS F5s in the rear.
And some 315/75R16 tires... probably Cooper STT PROs
then I'll finally want to regear.... and lock the front... and get a snorkel.... and get 37s..... and wish I'd have just left this damn thing stock.
owyheerat
New member
35's....
Kyle,
Thanks for the update. I'm glad the new coils worked and you are happy with the ride.
I've been eyeing that exact tire and the Mastercraft Courser MXT in the same size. I will be interested to hear your thoughts on the Cooper STT Pro. They sure get good review.
That last sentence made me laugh out load...only because I have had the same thought on occasion.
Durwin
Kyle,
Thanks for the update. I'm glad the new coils worked and you are happy with the ride.
I've been eyeing that exact tire and the Mastercraft Courser MXT in the same size. I will be interested to hear your thoughts on the Cooper STT Pro. They sure get good review.
That last sentence made me laugh out load...only because I have had the same thought on occasion.
Durwin
