LawnDart's Build Thread

[LawnDart]

Maybe I missed it but are you going with LT for the rear suspension as well?

I've been meaning to check out TAV. They are only about an hour away from me.

Walt is a genuinely talented and nice human, and we'd talked since a bit before Rock Therapy (he was there a week before in Moab but I missed him).
[MENTION=49845]marshall[/MENTION] had a lot of input on the project as well, based on what he's learned.

Basically the plan is (and i'm sure we'll add stuff along the way):

Fronts-
2x King Coilover 2.5s
2x King Bypasses 2.5
ARB 4.88 Airlocker
Total Chaos Long Travel Kit

Rears:
2x King 2.5 Rear Shocks
Nitro 4.88 re-gear for my E-locker
Custom made springs to be able to carry all the additional weight of my CBI bumper/fridge/drawers.

New axels, spindle gussets, shock tower gussets, brake lines, links, etc etc etc.

Good lord...

Walt was straight up in saying, "Coilovers are all you need, no need for bypasses."

"Yeah but what if we DID bypasses?" - Me.

"OHMYGODITDBESOCOOLDOIT!" - Walt

 

[marshal]

 

[jrob]

I would also like to make a note here that CB radios suck. They suck. They super suck.


I built the rig for me, not to impress other people, but the fact that people dug it that much is a cool side effect.

Basically, if you crash, don't be a dick about it.

Just catching up on your build and travels.
Excellent stuff! Your truck is super clean and you seem to really get out there and use it, which is awesome.
I absolutely agree about using these things to their potential. I too built mine for me, but I get compliments on it everywhere I go, and it is a nice feeling.

I was curious about the CB comment. Why do they suck?
I have honestly never used one, never had the need, and I just picked one up recently. Is it the signal/range/transmission quality that sucks?

Nice report on the FJS, glad you enjoyed the San Juans.
Personally I avoid Ouray like the plague during events like FJS but I am one of those spoiled locals that gets to play there all the time. Going up into that country for me has always been about solitude, but I understand that some like the group and community aspect which I'm not knocking. I can see crashing the event for the vendors and stuff in town, but there are more trails and offshoots in that area than a lot of people realize I think. It would be really easy to crash the town/social part of the event, but avoid the group trail runs.

Anyways, again nice work, and definitely looking forward to this custom long travel business!

 

[LawnDart]

I was curious about the CB comment. Why do they suck?
I have honestly never used one, never had the need, and I just picked one up recently. Is it the signal/range/transmission quality that sucks?

Range, transmission quality, the fact that the radios for vehicle mounting look like something out of the 80's and are built like crap.

It's amazing how the signals can get blocked by the canyons whereas HAM just has no problem.

 

[element82]

Looking great.

 

[hamburglar210]

Awesome thread, really really inspiring.

Would you be able to send me a pic or two of the air compressor and how it's installed/wired? I've had mine sitting in my apartment for awhile unsure of how exactly I want to proceed.

 

[Bourbonator]

Range, transmission quality, the fact that the radios for vehicle mounting look like something out of the 80's and are built like crap.

It's amazing how the signals can get blocked by the canyons whereas HAM just has no problem.

The tradeoffs of using a radio that requires a license vs one that doesn't.

 

[LawnDart]

The tradeoffs of using a radio that requires a license vs one that doesn't.

You mean one that costs 15 dollars to get a license for that has one of the most lenient testing requirements you'll ever see? Yes, huge trade offs for people who can pass a pretty low bar.

 

[jrandom]

The tradeoffs of using a radio that requires a license vs one that doesn't.

Understood. Should note that getting a Tech license is a piece of cake.

 

[barryhiram]

As requested [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION]

 

[LawnDart]

Kinda considering doing the NITTO Ridgeline Grapplers on the next phase of this build.

 

[gm350reratliff]

They seem like good tires although I would like to see some reviews on them first.

My next set may end up being the Exo Grapplers in a 285/75/17 size. These look way better in person.

 

[Spaulding Metals]

Just read through your build. Really nice as I am sure you here all the time. Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[LawnDart]

Just read through your build. Really nice as I am sure you here all the time. Thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks!

 

[LawnDart]

 

[LawnDart]

Welp, decided on rims. The factory TRD rims are NOT suitable for 35's, and I didn't want to do fake beadlocks, so we're doing real beadlocks on this build.

Someone stop me!

 

[shrub1]

Have you decided on tires yet?

 

[Trail-AMMO]

Welp, decided on rims. The factory TRD rims are NOT suitable for 35's, and I didn't want to do fake beadlocks, so we're doing real beadlocks on this build.

Someone stop me!

What makes you say that? The width? Ever consider converting the TRD's over to a real beadlock?

A good machine shop could do it, I've seen it done on factory 80 Series wheels.

What flavor BL are you considering?

I could see your rig with some Hutchinson's.... Aluminum dual beadlock.... Drool.... But I don't think they make them for 5th gen bolt pattern. Although I see FJ Cruiser listed...

Hutchinson Industries - Wheels

Rock Monster Wheels - Products

-A

 

[2nd Chance]

Someone stop me!

Why on God's Green Earth would we stop you, your thread is inspirational and way to much fun to watch.

arty:

 

[LawnDart]

7" is just too thin a width for 35/12.50R17, I mean it's doable but it's not great for the tire. And we'd need spacers for sure due to the backspacing issue.

I'm going to go with the Ridgeline's in the E-Load Rating.

As for beadlocks, it'll be Hutchinson Rock Monsters, and yes they'll fit. I also considered Method 105s and Trail Ready but I like the no bullshit look of the Rock Monsters. And because I lack self control.

Have you decided on tires yet?

What makes you say that? The width?

What flavor BL are you considering?

I could see your rig with some Hutchinson's.... Aluminum dual beadlock.... Drool.... But I don't think they make them for 5th gen bolt pattern. Although I see FJ Cruiser listed...

Hutchinson Industries - Wheels

Rock Monster Wheels - Products

-A