GottabeTRD's Build Thread

[GottaBeTRD]

geez you had spring break and you didn't event come wheeling with D4R. shame on you. it was a ton of fun

Yeah dude when I saw your pictures, of that I about cried haha. I volunteered myself to work all week so I didn't have time to do anything. Gotta try and get more money so I can get some of those bad ass coilovers and other goodies!

 

[smkd13]

Well hit me up sometime so you can see how they ride. Honestly I love them and yep thy is how work goes though. At least it was the first trip of the season and not the last

 

[Android_02]

in case you have never seen a the bilsteins before, here they are lol

Hey man those brackets you used to mount your billy 5125's are those the ones from toytec? Because I thought the toytec ones looked different with just like a bronze colored metal bracket with a bolt. Anyway how do you like those shocks in the rear? I read where a few people hated the adapter because it caused some clunking going over bumps.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

yeah man they have some weird brackets. These were ordered from toytec. They were clunking at first becase they are pretty hard to tighten in the OEM shock mount. I took it back to the shop and they tac welded the bracket to the shock mount then tightened everything down. Now they ride great!

 

[GottaBeTRD]

Hammer time!

So i'm gonna buy my toytec coilovers but I'm just kinda stuck. I wanted the BOSS ones but they are on back order for about 3 to 4 weeks. You guys think they're worth the wait or should i save some cash and get the original ones?

 

[smkd13]

Get the boss. They are worth the extra 50 just with the fact that Rey are a 5/8 shaft not half

 

[GottaBeTRD]

yeah i might do that. I just hope my LBJ will last a little longer haha. The front of my truck feels like it's absorbing the bumps a lot less every day.

These top plate spacers were fun for a little bit but now I'm getting kinda nervous haha

 

[smkd13]

Just LBJs now and wait for the coilovers.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

change of plans. advise is welcome but this is just me speaking my mind right now lol

I'm most likely gonna rock some SAW's now. I'm trying to decide between the 2.0 and the 2.5's. since this is my DD, I seriously don't wheel my rig that hard, I don't need any serious droop or flex.

A buddy of mine that wheels the crap out of his tacoma is trying to get me to buy some Icons which i really don't think i need seems in how i don't wheel it as crazy as him. Those things are pretty cool but ouch on the price! :whipping2

Anyway I've tried searching and it looks like the 2.5's are the way to go. Or should I save a couple hundred bucks and get the 2.0's?

 

[SCRunner12]

You really can't go wrong with either the 2.5's or the 2.0's. The only difference between the two is the shock body size, which correlates to the amount of abuse they can take before the shock starts to fade. The coils are both going to be 650 lb and valved the same. For your use I'd recommend the 2.0's since you won't be charging through the desert or subjecting them to abuse frequently. You would be able to save about $200 and can apply that towards UCA's which I would recommend.

In regards to Icon's, it all just depends on what color you like based on your wheeling experience/abilities. You will be fine with either a SAW or ICON coilover, but I would recommend getting an extended travel coilover. If you plan on getting UCA's at some point it will be worth it due to extra travel (I know you said you didn't need it, but why not if it's free) and resale. I'm not sure if the SAW 2.0's are available in extended travel.

Where do you plan on getting the coilovers from? DownSouth MotorSports is highly recommended and they can custom valve your coilovers to your vehicle, although I don't see SAW's on their site. Might be worth looking into. Also many other places will custom valve if you want that option as well.

 

[FJ4Runner]

Hey man those brackets you used to mount your billy 5125's are those the ones from toytec? Because I thought the toytec ones looked different with just like a bronze colored metal bracket with a bolt. Anyway how do you like those shocks in the rear? I read where a few people hated the adapter because it caused some clunking going over bumps.

those are def the right brackets. the clunk problem has to be the mount not being tightened down all the way. i was able to use an impact wrench on the bottom side of the bracket with the shock off (they weld a standard bolt in to the bracket, and a socket fits quite nice on it). then a breaker bar and impact socket on the top (which was a pain in the ass to get stable, but i got it tight without having to weld or do anything crazy). extremely quiet ride back there.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

You really can't go wrong with either the 2.5's or the 2.0's. The only difference between the two is the shock body size, which correlates to the amount of abuse they can take before the shock starts to fade. The coils are both going to be 650 lb and valved the same. For your use I'd recommend the 2.0's since you won't be charging through the desert or subjecting them to abuse frequently. You would be able to save about $200 and can apply that towards UCA's which I would recommend.

In regards to Icon's, it all just depends on what color you like based on your wheeling experience/abilities. You will be fine with either a SAW or ICON coilover, but I would recommend getting an extended travel coilover. If you plan on getting UCA's at some point it will be worth it due to extra travel (I know you said you didn't need it, but why not if it's free) and resale. I'm not sure if the SAW 2.0's are available in extended travel.

Where do you plan on getting the coilovers from? DownSouth MotorSports is highly recommended and they can custom valve your coilovers to your vehicle, although I don't see SAW's on their site. Might be worth looking into. Also many other places will custom valve if you want that option as well.

thanks man. yeah I'm trying to decide. I eventually want to make this my trail rig but in the long run it's still be DD and will be for at least another year. I'm not sure where im gonna buy the coilovers. the only place i saw that sells them was wheelersoff road. They are selling the 2.5's for about $955

So you would recommend UCA's with getting coilovers? I basically want to make everything more reliable again. These top plate spacers kinda scare me. I afraid my LBJ's are just gonna pop any time now. My CV's are both torn (already ordered new ones) I'm pretty sure my struts are going down hill now too. It's a mess down there haha.

those are def the right brackets. the clunk problem has to be the mount not being tightened down all the way. i was able to use an impact wrench on the bottom side of the bracket with the shock off (they weld a standard bolt in to the bracket, and a socket fits quite nice on it). then a breaker bar and impact socket on the top (which was a pain in the ass to get stable, but i got it tight without having to weld or do anything crazy). extremely quiet ride back there.

How on earth did you get a breaker bar up in there? My passenger side just went loose i guess the guy didn't weld that one. I reached up there with my fingers and was able to unscrew that nut no problem. I tightened it with a crescent wrench but I don't think that will last.

 

[SCRunner12]

thanks man. yeah I'm trying to decide. I eventually want to make this my trail rig but in the long run it's still be DD and will be for at least another year. I'm not sure where im gonna buy the coilovers. the only place i saw that sells them was wheelersoff road. They are selling the 2.5's for about $955

So you would recommend UCA's with getting coilovers? I basically want to make everything more reliable again. These top plate spacers kinda scare me. I afraid my LBJ's are just gonna pop any time now. My CV's are both torn (already ordered new ones) I'm pretty sure my struts are going down hill now too. It's a mess down there haha.

My next big purchase will probably be UCA's. I can't stand the lack of caster and how it drives. Plus they will allow more droop and clearance between the tire and UCA. It's not necessary, but you seem like you're not happy with the current ride and floating feeling since lifting and UCA's will help correct that.

 

[NateMob]

Robert did an awesome job breaking down the pros and cons of 2.0 vs 2.5 coilovers. It sounds like you would be fine with a 2.0 setup, however, i wheel the shit out of my 2.5" bodied, extended travel Icons, the ride and flex i get offroad is incredible and the on-road feel is awesome as well. You dont see too many Icons or SAWs on here, both are top notch brands but i think the cost is a lot for most to stomach when Toytec sells much cheaper setups.

If you are thinking of upgrading to a UCA, i really like my LR arms, they have a sealed oversized balljoint that is replaceable and wont ever squeak like a spherical joint will on most aftermarket UCA. Light Racing arms are also the ONLY aftermarket UCA that is adjustable to dial in how you want your truck to drive and meet alignment specs. All others just have a set amount built into the arm. Any questions let me know, your truck is really coming along great!

 

[zacattack20]

Just for your information sway-a-way's customer service sucks. I had ordered their coilovers from wheelers off road and I waited for close to two months for them to deliver because they kept saying they were waiting on parts. Wheelers off road tried to contact them and I tried contacting them but would never return calls. When we would get a hold of someone they would say that they had the parts in and would be shipping that week. That never happened. Finally wheelers told me that they would send me the icons for no extra price for me.

 

[smkd13]

Btw check out eshocks.com apparently they have a close working relationship with SAW.

Also they have the wider selection of COs

 

[FJ4Runner]

It is a lot easier when the spring is out because you can use that hole to get fingers in to guide the socket to the top of the nut. the breaker bar i used was only about a foot long, i was able to slip the handle over all of the lines that are in the way, the socket end goes over the spring stay (closest accessible open side of the stay) then bring it to the socket i placed on top of the nut by hand. once the handle is on the socket, using the impact driver to turn the entire shock bracket put absolutely no pressure on the breaker bar. i was able to hold that with no problems. the only thing to keep in mind is the end positioning of the bracket. you have to make sure it is tight, but perpendicular to the vehicle, to allow the shock to move up and down properly.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

My next big purchase will probably be UCA's. I can't stand the lack of caster and how it drives. Plus they will allow more droop and clearance between the tire and UCA. It's not necessary, but you seem like you're not happy with the current ride and floating feeling since lifting and UCA's will help correct that.

So thats what makes it float! I remember the alignment guy telling me he couldn't get it perfect but he got it to be driveable. I might have to find me some myself. gosh they're expensive!

Robert did an awesome job breaking down the pros and cons of 2.0 vs 2.5 coilovers. It sounds like you would be fine with a 2.0 setup, however, i wheel the shit out of my 2.5" bodied, extended travel Icons, the ride and flex i get offroad is incredible and the on-road feel is awesome as well. You dont see too many Icons or SAWs on here, both are top notch brands but i think the cost is a lot for most to stomach when Toytec sells much cheaper setups.

If you are thinking of upgrading to a UCA, i really like my LR arms, they have a sealed oversized balljoint that is replaceable and wont ever squeak like a spherical joint will on most aftermarket UCA. Light Racing arms are also the ONLY aftermarket UCA that is adjustable to dial in how you want your truck to drive and meet alignment specs. All others just have a set amount built into the arm. Any questions let me know, your truck is really coming along great!

thanks for this info. where is that break down you mentioned, did i miss it? I think you almost have sold me on getting the Icons and possibly some UCA's. it's too bad i already spent my tax return lol

Just for your information sway-a-way's customer service sucks. I had ordered their coilovers from wheelers off road and I waited for close to two months for them to deliver because they kept saying they were waiting on parts. Wheelers off road tried to contact them and I tried contacting them but would never return calls. When we would get a hold of someone they would say that they had the parts in and would be shipping that week. That never happened. Finally wheelers told me that they would send me the icons for no extra price for me.

this right here may have made me want to go with the Icons. I did some research and the customer service for Sway-A-Way seems to be pretty bad. Thanks for the heads up!

Btw check out eshocks.com apparently they have a close working relationship with SAW.


Also they have the wider selection of COs

thanks man, I'll look them up. I'm trying to budget but then again I'm gonna be back to full time "where the beer flows like wine" woot woot!

It is a lot easier when the spring is out because you can use that hole to get fingers in to guide the socket to the top of the nut. the breaker bar i used was only about a foot long, i was able to slip the handle over all of the lines that are in the way, the socket end goes over the spring stay (closest accessible open side of the stay) then bring it to the socket i placed on top of the nut by hand. once the handle is on the socket, using the impact driver to turn the entire shock bracket put absolutely no pressure on the breaker bar. i was able to hold that with no problems. the only thing to keep in mind is the end positioning of the bracket. you have to make sure it is tight, but perpendicular to the vehicle, to allow the shock to move up and down properly.

thanks man, i'll have to give this a try. I need to buy a breaker bar for one. right now I'm using a broken metal table leg and yeah it gets the job done but it's a little long and sharp on the ends

 

[GottaBeTRD]

oh man! :bounce: So I see this deal from wheelers for the Icon extended travel CO plus Chamburg UCA's for $1500... a little more than I wanted to spend but.... mayybe...

 

[smkd13]

oh man! :bounce: So I see this deal from wheelers for the Icon extended travel CO plus Chamburg UCA's for $1500... a little more than I wanted to spend but.... mayybe...

You might consider getting Light Racing as they use a Ball joint instead of a uniball. Salt and uniball a don't play nice together. But I bet they could work out a deal do you. Just wanted to put that out there