LawnDart's Build Thread

[Ike64]

Saw your rig on forged overlands Instagram, was this really done in New Mexico?


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[LawnDart]

Saw your rig on forged overlands Instagram, was this really done in New Mexico?


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Yep truck is still there. I fly back on Monday and we will continue to tune.

None of this is set and forget, we have to tune it now.

 

[FMain89]

Dude what is up with the hate on IG about the build? Sick set up, should just be happy your sharing the photos with us mere peasants....


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[wfo9]

It looks well balanced...

 

[LawnDart]

Dude what is up with the hate on IG about the build? Sick set up, should just be happy your sharing the photos with us mere peasants....


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One very vocal person, who should be spending his time focusing on his own deal, is saying crackpot stuff like I stole the idea, like LT is something just made up in the last 9 months.

Actually the reality is that in January I got contacted by a company, who is coming out with an LT kit. We tried to work a deal but in the end it wasn't really fair to me, as they wanted stuff like me to run their choice in tires, a full vehicle wrap with their logos, and me to do a video.

I wished them well, and decided if I was gonna do LT I'd just do it my way and eat the costs. So Marshal basically spec'd a kit based on what he would have done had he had the money. I reached out to TAV LLC in the early spring, and we were going to start things right after Moab in June...and then my dog died, and I didn't work for 3 months.

So we shelved things in May/June and when work picked up around Northwest Overland Rally, Walt and I agreed to go full bore into this and cemented plans over drinks at FJ Summit.

I won't dig into more IG drama, because it's dumb, and the people behind it really should focus on their own brand rather than spending their effort making themselves look bad in front of potential companies who might have otherwise looked to them as maybe brand ambassadors.

We built this truck without sponsorship, for no other reason than it could be done, and if it inspires other builds, then we succeeded. Just like builds from Bimrunner, lipek, Antman, etc etc inspired me.

 

[LawnDart]

It looks well balanced...

Walt has to lower the right front a tad to level the vehicle out.

We're going to see how the front settles but it's nice and level front to back so far.

 

[TPz_Fuchs]

Yowzah! That is sweet.

 

[mwray8909]

Oh my, I have the vapors!

What's the lift hight on it now? If that's even a measurable thing now lol. Wow that's incredible

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[Ray Dunakin]

Sometimes a "like" button just isn't enough. This is definitely one of those times!

 

[LawnDart]

What's the lift hight on it now? If that's even a measurable thing now lol. Wow that's incredible

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i have no idea how high it sits. I'll bring my laser distometer I use for focus pulling work on film sets to get an exact height.

Before the work it was 6'8.25" tall at the highest point, which was the very tip top of the rotopax mounts.

 

[ADK Explorer]

Something I have been curious about is how much clearance is gained underneath with these builds. I've read you guys out west concern yourselves more with picking the correct line rather than clearance. Here in the East we go through mud with rocks hiding within and have trees on either side of a single track so clearance is definitely an issue. I read about one member from Texas, sorry can't remember his handle, who said he had 14" under his rig which I thought was impressive. If you would be so kind to measure from your front skid and rear diff I would be interested in the gain. My stock pro has 9.5" under front skid and 10" under rear diff. Your rig is a work of art. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.

 

[LawnDart]

Something I have been curious about is how much clearance is gained underneath with these builds. I've read you guys out west concern yourselves more with picking the correct line rather than clearance. Here in the East we go through mud with rocks hiding within and have trees on either side of a single track so clearance is definitely an issue. I read about one member from Texas, sorry can't remember his handle, who said he had 14" under his rig which I thought was impressive. If you would be so kind to measure from your front skid and rear diff I would be interested in the gain. My stock pro has 9.5" under front skid and 10" under rear diff. Your rig is a work of art. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.

I can measure on monday when I fly back to ABQ. I'll be sure to bring my laser distometer to get exact measurements.

Ground clearance wasn't the goal of this upgrade. But rather widening it's stance, and being able to soak up terrain especially given the weight. Let me sleep on your main question and get back to you in the AM when I can mull it over more.

One thing I didn't consider is when I built this with a winch originally the truck was about 5K lbs, basically just a winch, roof rack, light bar, and sliders. So an 8000lb winch was sufficient. Given the truck is now at 6500lbs that's just not the ideal ratio. The rule of thumb is usually 1.5x times the vehicle weight.

So I'm going to upgrade my Warn Zeon 8S to the 10S Platinum. I've used the winch many a times on the trail, and it's help pull myself and other vehicles out of trouble. Long term it'll be worth it.

 

[ADK Explorer]

So I'm going to upgrade my Warn Zeon 8S to the 10S Platinum. I've used the winch many a times on the trail, and it's help pull myself and other vehicles out of trouble. Long term it'll be worth it.

Yes a winch is a necessity out here. I plan on getting a Budbuilt hidden winch mount and an Engo 9000s to start with. The clearance is just a curiosity. I appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[Doc_Fry]

When you decide to upgrade your winch keep me in mind. I woukd rather do a xeon with either some .mil discount (should check with warn). Or a used on in good condition. I too was eying the 10k but an 8k would most likely meet my needs if I stay the course. Which most likely will be die to finances.

 

[Doc_Fry]

You know...I don't know, but probably pretty well. We'll find out when I fly back. I don't know if Walt has an RTI, but he may have access to a fork lift.

Also I want to be very clear about something, we did a few unique things on this build but it was informed by Marshal's spec sheet, as him and I are good friends and he wanted to make a kit he spec'd happen on another rig if he wasn't able to do it.

This was following in the footsteps of other users, we just tweaked and pushed a few things further forward, but it's not like we're running around saying no one has ever done this before, we just moved things forward where we could. But there's so many other rigs here I deeply respect and got inspiration from.

I did a flex on a ramp in Hawaii with my TC LT in my FJ. But didnt get a reading as right as I was getting pretty high up on the ramp she started to totter quite a bit. Very lucky she didnt roll. All said you gain more travel than flex and the way that it will now soak up bumps and jokts while on the trail will make it more comfortable, inspiring confidence, and enjoyable on most any obstacle. Not to mention driving down forest roads or fire cuts at a higher speed is loads of fun. You will stay much more level on moguls. Even street driving is improved alot.

My acutal picture for my profile is with the tc lt suspension pretty maxed out while on some very uneven moguls. I liked the fact that she would stay level with all four tires on the ground instead of getting all up in the air.

Dud you end up removing your rear sway bar as well since the front sway bar wont connect with the tc. Also did you gusset the front spindles your now weak points? Looks good, you eill enjoy it. Just be patient and make sure you get the kinds worked out. Make sure you keep everything lubed, keep the limiting strap hooked up and have aome extra parts if you decide to do a panamerican tour or even baja. Keep it up, and plans on adding bump stop shocks or waiting to see how she feels but fore venturing there?

 

[gm350reratliff]

One very vocal person, who should be spending his time focusing on his own deal, is saying crackpot stuff like I stole the idea, like LT is something just made up in the last 9 months.

Actually the reality is that in January I got contacted by a company, who is coming out with an LT kit. We tried to work a deal but in the end it wasn't really fair to me, as they wanted stuff like me to run their choice in tires, a full vehicle wrap with their logos, and me to do a video.

I wished them well, and decided if I was gonna do LT I'd just do it my way and eat the costs. So Marshal basically spec'd a kit based on what he would have done had he had the money. I reached out to TAV LLC in the early spring, and we were going to start things right after Moab in June...and then my dog died, and I didn't work for 3 months.

So we shelved things in May/June and when work picked up around Northwest Overland Rally, Walt and I agreed to go full bore into this and cemented plans over drinks at FJ Summit.

I won't dig into more IG drama, because it's dumb, and the people behind it really should focus on their own brand rather than spending their effort making themselves look bad in front of potential companies who might have otherwise looked to them as maybe brand ambassadors.

We built this truck without sponsorship, for no other reason than it could be done, and if it inspires other builds, then we succeeded. Just like builds from Bimrunner, lipek, Antman, etc etc inspired me.

First off, it looks great. I'm hoping to get to see it in person next week but my schedule is filling up and I'd like to at least make a little progress on a bumper I'm building for my 4th gen. I'm sure it'll handle and ride great with the Kings.

Both my wife and I follow you on IG but I've pretty much abandoned social media. I just don't have time for the BS and drama that takes place. There's always some A-hole who thinks they know it all and won't move on. It's true that Kings, LT, 35's, gears, yeah it's all been done before but I'd still definitely consider your 4runner one of a kind. Above that, it's your build, and a very impressive one at that. It definitely gives me some ideas on what level I'd like to take my 5th gen (and 4th gen) to.

 

[Overland Empire]

This is it right here. Just imagine it in black with a little Overland Empire elephant in the corner :wave:

SO well done. Jealous. Great work to you and Walt. Can't wait to see it in person!

 

[Jhalko]

One very vocal person, who should be spending his time focusing on his own deal, is saying crackpot stuff like I stole the idea, like LT is something just made up in the last 9 months.

Actually the reality is that in January I got contacted by a company, who is coming out with an LT kit. We tried to work a deal but in the end it wasn't really fair to me, as they wanted stuff like me to run their choice in tires, a full vehicle wrap with their logos, and me to do a video.

I wished them well, and decided if I was gonna do LT I'd just do it my way and eat the costs. So Marshal basically spec'd a kit based on what he would have done had he had the money. I reached out to TAV LLC in the early spring, and we were going to start things right after Moab in June...and then my dog died, and I didn't work for 3 months.

So we shelved things in May/June and when work picked up around Northwest Overland Rally, Walt and I agreed to go full bore into this and cemented plans over drinks at FJ Summit.

I won't dig into more IG drama, because it's dumb, and the people behind it really should focus on their own brand rather than spending their effort making themselves look bad in front of potential companies who might have otherwise looked to them as maybe brand ambassadors.

We built this truck without sponsorship, for no other reason than it could be done, and if it inspires other builds, then we succeeded. Just like builds from Bimrunner, lipek, Antman, etc etc inspired me.

Enjoy YOUR truck and do what you will with it, I'm pretty torqued off to hear people are acting like that, ridiculous.

:lalala:

 

[MTN4RNR]

You have definitely embraced the "do it once, do it right" theory on this upgrade. Big props to you and Walt, can't wait to see this thing moving...fast...on dirt...preferably air-born :thumb3:

Good news is that next time we wheel together, I can spot your driveshaft clearance from my driver's seat

 

[4Running303]

When you decide to upgrade your winch keep me in mind. I woukd rather do a xeon with either some .mil discount (should check with warn). Or a used on in good condition. I too was eying the 10k but an 8k would most likely meet my needs if I stay the course. Which most likely will be die to finances.

Hey [MENTION=117975]Doc_Fry[/MENTION], not to hijack, but when I was considering winches I was looking at the Xeon series as well, and the 9.5ti. I ended up going with their lower line series, VR10000s. So far I like it...its got the pulling power, the control box can be mounted where you want it, since it was installed Warn came out with a universal wireless controller for all their 5-pin winches (I haven't gotten it yet), and it was less costly but with still a good reputation and synthetic line.

Might be worth considering.