Sunnier Finally Got 4x4!! Need Help Building It:

So... yours is still stock except you replaced the TRD with Old Man Emu (oops! OEM not OME) original Toyota replacement parts in front?

I know I need to do something with my suspension so I can keep the 285 75 R16 tire size on there now (which I like), but get rid of the spacer. I just read I can fit up to 35's in back without doing anything other than stock-?

I don't need 35's ("yet" ), but it makes me think, along with your report that your same year TRD leaf springs are holding up well, that I'll focus on making sure the front is safe.

The leafs tho- I do plan to move my bedrack (85#) and RTT (200#) over, and probably leave 'em on the truck-- and add off-road equipment and camping stuff when I go out-- so 350# all the time, and up 500# on dirt trips. So... I'm thinking that will tax the stock leafs...

I like stock. FWIW, I've taken a certain pride in driving around SoCal with a bunch of 4x4's, me with aired down stock Michelins on a stock TRD 2WD.

 

Long travel, even just for the front end, will quickly cost more than you paid for the truck. Even just for the arms, coilovers and fiberglass you'll hit $5k unless you find used stuff in good shape. Upper arms and Icon coilovers (or equivalent) will be just under $2k new.

 

For grins, I’ve looked at the Hellwig helper leaf springs that are progressive where the spring doesn’t affect ride when unloaded. When loaded like you say 350# all the time it kicks in and has dampers for sound control. It looks very cost effective and you can shop their site for it. I’m carrying maybe 100# extra in the back. Not one to carry unneccessary stuff. Don’t feel its neccessary in my application.

Just hauled a few 1200-1500 loads in bed and only bumped once on the stops. All OEM. No mods or helper springs.

The front end was all rebuilt with OEM stock Toy except the nee Billy 5100 at 1 notch up from stock.

The 285/75/r16 (running this size for years) have a very slight rub on inside frame only when at a tight turn. The new alignment was done with new cam bolts (not OEM) and they barely rub now. No spacers ever. This 4 Wheel place did a great job. The tires are more straight up vertical and less toed than before. She drives better than new now.

Those side nobbies tires may react differently on your truck than my Michelin Defenders.

 

Grease your prop shaft and adjust your LSBP Valve. Go over to the ‘What Have You Done 1st Gen Thread’ and check out what everyone has done.

 

How much fun is this gonna be. Look forward to your build

 

I've said this before but that's the color I REALLY wanted. Black was second choice.

 

Congrats on the truck @Sunnier Gen1’s are a good platform for off-roading. So many options. Picking what brands to go with is a lot like asking motor oil opinions. They are all really close in quality at the highest level but people swear by one or the other. Hahaha
Here is some food for thought.
For tires I have Toyo RT’s and like them. Kind of a cross between an A/T and M/T but they are heavy.
Suspension up front I would get 2.5” coilovers, also UCA’s to start with. In the rear get leafs and some smooth body 2.5’s or bypasses. Pick a reputable brand.
I have White Knuckle sliders and couldn’t be happier with them or the service I received.
Another great source for Gen1 info and parts is Keith from @dirtydeeds He’s local and built his own badass Gen1 prerunner.
Have fun with the truck and see you on the trail.

 

First and foremost... your first MOD should be painting it inferno since it's your favorite color lol. Since this isn't your DD, what's your plan for the truck. Rock crawler, high speed stuff, overlander with a bed rack and tent? Tell us this before buying a suspension setup.

 

High speed rock crawling overlander

 

That’s what I did! Lol

 

Can’t wait to see the new LT in action!!

 

There ya go!

 

yep.
Do that and never look back..

 

Here you go @Sunnier:

 

Yeah @Sunnier what they said! Come over we can chat and come up w a plan..

 

Ooohhhhhh linked!

 

Link your shit Sunnier!!!

 

Hey @joonbug any progress on the issue??

 

Nope. I only have weekends to work on the truck. Going wheeling on Saturday so hopefully I’ll get a chance to work on it on Sunday.

 

I don’t think @Sunnier knows what she’s gotten herself into!!

 

link it.. don't think it..

 

Let me know if there is anything you need I do have extra LCA’s I can bring to Mojave if you are worried

 

Sweet!

Wish my rig was a dedicated trail runner... one day....

I’m running Icon 2.5s Extended Travel with TC Uppers. No complaints there!

If you’re going to run that much weight in the rear, an add a Leaf ain’t going to help too much (from experience)... I was running ICONs AAL for about 1.5 years. It’s a great cheap way to get a little more but if you’re going to dive in, go with some Deavers.

I recently installed the Overland Expedition Pack Tested and offered through Eric over @ArchiveGarage. They are money!!! They’re specifically built to allow 2” in the rear with 500lbs in the bed. I also went with Eric’s U-Bolt flip. Great products, perfect fit and fairly easy install.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Go chat with @papasmurf he will lead you down the path to success

 

thanks for jumping in here...

 

Thanks, Guys! I'm excited to learn from both of you.

Bruce, I just PM'd you; I'm finally nearing the end of my work week. Jimmy, I just saw in your wheels ad you're in SanJacinto-- further north than I realized. Probably it does make sense to figure out some easy wheeling, so I can make a day of it. I'll watch for updates about your truck's "hip and joint" recovery, and maybe I can tag along if you do light dirt to test the repairs.

Thanks, Tin! I like hearing this. I guess I'll admit, I take a perverse pride in driving a 2WD places others engage 4x4. I don't know if doing it is making me dtive better, but I know it makes me really think about tire and vehicle placement-- gotta plan a few steps ahead. I like the challenge of it.

My plan is to continue in 2WD as much as possible, and continue to learn, but with the 4x4 as a get-unstuck backup. I also hope that other SoCal guys that said they'll come out knowing I'll be driving in 2WD, won't be discouraged by my "new mod" and will come on out with us on our big SoCal meet-and-play dirt adventures.

 

I have 2wd

 

The best sand vehicle I’ve ever seen perform on that media was a 2wd Volkswagon Beetle. Floaty wide rears with pizza cutters up front. Effortless for the little engine.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/firstgentrd4x4-2006-dc-offroad-overland-build.33469/

Hi, Riley: thanks very much for answering up in here, and tagging me to your thread. Your truck is well-turned out and takes you to some beautiful places!!

ArchiveGarage sounds great; I'm checking it out! Someone also pointed me to Allan and Orbit Eyes. Do you know (noob question), would Eric's U-bolt flip get used where Orbit-Eyes would be-? Or am I messed up, trying to compare completely different approaches to suspension?

http://www.alcanspring.com/orbit-eye.htm