My 2009 Trail Edition Overland build
- Thread starter chmura
- Start date
boyfester
New member
Just curious. I switched out my suspension from stock to Billsteins 5100 but kept the stock springs and UCA. Is there a benefit with the aftermarket UCA?
theoutbackdream
New member
Man, I love your rig and the progress it's had. Just wondering, where do you go in the Sierra's? Looks like an amazing place to go.
unevolved
Member
Aftermarket upper control arms increase caster (by design) which is reduced when the vehicle is lifted. Too little caster, and the steering loses its self-centering tendencies, i.e. feels floaty.
boyfester
New member
Small update to my build.
Purchased a new Autohome Medium Extreme roof top tent. Also purchased a 81 quart Alu-Box storage case and hard mounted it to my roof rack.
Went on a few trips with the setup.
I'm really digging your setup by moving the RTT forward. Have you had any problems with the RTT flexing without being attached up front? I've been wanting to rent a RTT from offthegridrentals to try it out first but also wanted to be able to carry some spare gas cans. This definitely looks like a great plan since I don't have a rear bumper to carry fuel.
Do you leave the RTT up there full-time or remove so the truck can stay in the garage?
Marc
chmura
New member
No flexing at all. If you think about it these RTT's are made to be ontop of two small skinny cross bars. My RTT is on a flat surface no issues at all with it forward. Best of both worlds, I have a hardshell RTT up there and gained a lot of storage space as well by moving it forward.
Why spend $1,000+ on a roof rack just to support a RTT when you really do not need to spend any money on a roof rack and just use two cross bars. This was my justification as I wanted to get some of that storage space back.
Last edited:
chmura
New member
I have ICON extended travel front coilovers. There is a bit more droop to these 'extended travel' coil overs from Icon so I purchased aftermarket UCA for that reason.
If you go with normal coilovers from Icon or OME springs, etc. I have seen people running with stock UCA with no issues at all.
BMeister
Member
While this may be true with the RTT, aren't stock roof racks only rated to 150 or so lbs max?
chmura
New member
Stock roof rails can support a RTT no problem. The issue is the stock cross bars cannot support a RTT. You need to purchase Yamika or Thule cross bars that attach to the OEM rails. No expedition rack is needed.
SAR_Runner
New member
I noticed that you posted over on Dawg4Runner's build about rear coils. have you changed them out yet and what did you decide on? I have the Toytec HD Superflex and they feel too soft when loaded now that I have a rear bumper with a swing out. I installed air lift bags that go in the coils but dont want to keep running them at full psi when towing our trailer.
we have a 19ft travel trailer that towed awesome when we went on our trip but that was without the rear bumper. now it feels soft when towing and I notice the nose wants to come up. I dont have a RTT or a fridge but with 3 kiddos and the trailer it feels squishy.
Thanks in advance!
we have a 19ft travel trailer that towed awesome when we went on our trip but that was without the rear bumper. now it feels soft when towing and I notice the nose wants to come up. I dont have a RTT or a fridge but with 3 kiddos and the trailer it feels squishy.
Thanks in advance!
chmura
New member
I noticed that you posted over on Dawg4Runner's build about rear coils. have you changed them out yet and what did you decide on? I have the Toytec HD Superflex and they feel too soft when loaded now that I have a rear bumper with a swing out. I installed air lift bags that go in the coils but dont want to keep running them at full psi when towing our trailer.
we have a 19ft travel trailer that towed awesome when we went on our trip but that was without the rear bumper. now it feels soft when towing and I notice the nose wants to come up. I dont have a RTT or a fridge but with 3 kiddos and the trailer it feels squishy.
Thanks in advance!
Sorry for the late response.
No I have not changed them out yet. Once I get a rear bumper with dual swing out I will change them. Most likely I will go with OME heavy or Icon Overland springs.
I am having a hard time locating a person to build me a custom rear bumper for my 4runner.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
For your rear bumper are you wanting something that isn't currently on the market or are the few companies that makes them for our trucks busy or something?
I would check out Metaltech or Dobinson rear springs. Dual rate and lots of good reviews.
chmura
New member
I originally had an appointment with [MENTION=64712]CBI OffRoad Fab[/MENTION] to build me a custom rear bumper with dual swing out for my 4runner, similar to the looks of their 5th gen product. When appointment time came they notified me and said they were just to busy at the time. They make amazing work and I was a bit bummed about this! I think a 5th gen looking bumper for the 4th gen would look awesome.
I feel like CBI needs to redo/update their rear bumper for the 4th gen. They would hit more sales if they do!
Last edited:
chmura
New member
I feel like the current 4th gen bumper that CBI offers has lots of fitment issues. Seems like CBI spent more time making the 5th gen bumper flow and sorting out the bugs better with the 5th gen. Just a more thought out piece than the 4th gen.
If CBI came out with a better/updated design on their 4th gen rear bumper I would purchase it.
Last edited:
unevolved
Member
I've seen some rumors on here and Instagram that Demello is kicking around the idea of a 4th gen rear bumper. If they made a low-profile rear bumper that's as awesome looking as their front bumpers, I feel like they'd have a hot seller on their hands.
chmura
New member
oljedi11950
New member
Great build ! How's the boy ?
