Long distance travel and added extra weight

[OldRigNewParts]

Hey guys, I'm preparing to travel the full length of the Trans American Trail this August-September in my 97 limited. I'm realizing that I've added a bunch of weight over the years with the front bumper, winch, sliders and full length rack—and I'll be adding a lot more with the addition of an RTT, 50L fridge, 11 gallon water tank, 5 gallon jerry can, and extra gear. In all, I've estimated that I'll be carrying about ~1,200lbs, including humans and a dog, during the trip. I know, all of this seems overkill, but I've been wanting to do this trip since I started building this thing and I want to camp as much as possible. I'm just trying to stay comfortable and well prepared.

My rig is currently in tip top mechanical shape, but I am running the original drivetrain that is currently sitting at 230,000 miles on the odometer. I've overhauled the suspension with a Toytec 3" Ultimate kit about 4 years ago, just replaced the LBJs again and will be adding new SPC upper control arms, Bilstein 5160 rears, replace all of my bushings, and install DuroBumps bump stops before the trip.

The idea of traveling long distances (5,500 miles) over various terrain and elevations with all of the added weight has raised a few concerns...

I'm trying to catch anything else that might wear out prematurely due to the added weight and constant use like this trip will be calling for. Anybody have any suggestions or advise?

 

[kolelt]

I think you’d be good. Many people run your set up and go cross country and more. You’d definitely have to consider the proper paths when off roading with a heavy vehicle and a top heavy one. Anyway you could go to local junkyard and weight your vehicle?

 

[RomanSchnobrich]

Just a heads up-- good choice with the 5160s for your rear. I've had mine for about six months now and they sure ride nicely across every terrain I've thrown their way. Not many folks seem to know about them yet, I struggled to find solid reviews so I make sure to share my thoughts whenever they're brought up. Sounds like a helluva trip, take your time and enjoy!

 

[OldRigNewParts]

Just a heads up-- good choice with the 5160s for your rear. I've had mine for about six months now and they sure ride nicely across every terrain I've thrown their way. Not many folks seem to know about them yet, I struggled to find solid reviews so I make sure to share my thoughts whenever they're brought up. Sounds like a helluva trip, take your time and enjoy!

Yeah, my 5100s in the rear were starting to feel funny and Wheelers had 5160s on sale. I also had a hard time finding solid reviews on them, only a few people complaining about leaks when they first came out. I'm sure Bilstein has fixed the issue though. I'm excited to see how they hold up on the TAT.

 

[MMK21]

I've never done what you're doing, but for me I'd want some extra parts. What about things like an extra CV axel or two, fluids, belts, brake pads, tire plug kit and maybe even an extra radiator incase of a puncture (might be overkill).

Also good luck and be sure to take pictures and keep us updated!

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

For the most part you won't be that remote until you get to CO, even then not too far off the beaten track. UT, NV will be remote, by then you should have worked out most bugs though. Be prepared for minor mishaps, carry a few light things, i.e. belts and maybe some extra fluids. By the time you get out west you'll have a better sense of how the vehicle is doing, then augment or replace as necessary. No reason to carry a bunch of spares all the way across the country when you can pick up locally when you need them. Just know your vehicle and keep an eye on things.

 

[3bears]

I too am planning a long trip with tons of weight, not an adventure like you , but kind of, moving from Oregon to Alaska.
I posted threads like you just did asking for advice and got tons, and people in route volunteering for me to stop by
You are covering most of the bases that came up.
The only thing I would add, is check your rear wheel seals ( by looking through the abs port). I did and saw oil where there should not be, so I just finished doing the rear wheel bearings and seals.

 

[Renegade_Medic]

Have you considered regearing? Supercharging?

I too have let my 4runner suffer from nearly unchecked obesity. I looked at regearing, but at the end of the day, there is no replacement for displacement; except boost. Regearing would cost roughly $2400 ordering the diffs from ECGS and doing the labor myself. Not bad, but a SC is not much more (I thought, now I'm closer to 4500 into it for proper fueling and timing control). I already had 4.30s, so regear would not help that much.
In the end I decided to improve my power: weight ratio. I'm glad I did, the 4runner handles long grades with ease, generally in OD with torque converter locked, so the trans stays nice and cool. I just got back from Moab last week, coming from S Texas. I frequently visit CO and before the supercharger it was stressful, constant hunting for gears and poor fuel economy. Now it sails right along. Loaded down I'm about 900 pounds over stock weight and on 33s.

Consider too, extra fuel cost for a SC as it will need premium fuel. Regearing would probably be a more cost effective solution, but I'm not sure the benefits are as profound. If you have 3.xx or even 4.10s regearing would probably help a lot.

Just some food for thought.