Question: Load on Suspension - Ghost Divide Expedition II (Reverse Way) Build - Sorta

[Plano26]

Hi Everyone,

I was fortunate to be selected to go on the Ghost Divide Expedition II (Reverse way). The expedition will take place after Overland Expo West (where as the Original group are coming prior to the Expo) and we will head back down to Southern New Mexico via the route the first GDE group came in on; over 5 days and 500 miles. I currently have a 14' Toyota 4Runner, Trail and in my preparations; I will be running the following and was inquiring if the load on the rack/truck will be ok for the stock suspension (I want to keep it stock for as long as possible)?

Eezi-Awn K9 1.6M (3/4 rack)
OZTent RV-5
Eezi-Awn K9 Double Jerry Can Holder (2 x 20 liter cans)
Shovel
Hi-Lift
5 lb. Propane

New Tires will be 265/70/17 (stock size) Cooper Discovery S/T MAXX or BFG KO2's - in "E" load

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[cjacob316]

The payload capacity is fairly high, it will start to sag at some point, but I doubt you will have more stuff than the 4runner could safely handle.

 

[TravelWest01]

Heavy Load on Stock Suspension

Here is a picture showing loaded 4 Runner on Stock suspension. Serious sagging, departure angle significantly impacted. This is why I put OME lift in with heavy duty springs.

 

[Antman]

If you want to keep the suspension stock just install a set of Airlift 1000 airbags and you can eliminate all the sag with a full load.

Only costs $100 too.

 

[Plano26]

Here is a picture showing loaded 4 Runner on Stock suspension. Serious sagging, departure angle significantly impacted. This is why I put OME lift in with heavy duty springs.

What weight do you think you had loaded on top? I was thinking the weight I would have is around 250-300lbs. Thanks for the pic's and info, greatly appreciated.

 

[TravelWest01]

It was some camping gear and firewood, so about 100 pounds on top. The tire gate and spare on the back are about another 150 pounds, so it was loaded up. Still, the stock suspension will sag if you have fuel, RTT and camping gear. Airbags are one option, but from what I see most people avoid them for off-road use. If they tear they're done for.

 

[Plano26]

It was some camping gear and firewood, so about 100 pounds on top. The tire gate and spare on the back are about another 150 pounds, so it was loaded up. Still, the stock suspension will sag if you have fuel, RTT and camping gear. Airbags are one option, but from what I see most people avoid them for off-road use. If they tear they're done for.

Ya, that's what I was afraid of; them tearing. The trails are supposed to be long and rough over the 5 days. hmm..bite the bullet and get the OME I was thinking about getting might be the path. Got some thinking to do. Thanks again.

 

[smallfry]

Have fun on that trip.