Toyota Long Travel
#122
The Downey slip yoke axels were discontinued a few years back when Downey made their own LT kit and moved away from the Rancho hybrid. A lot of that had to do with Rancho discontinuing their kit. The slip yokes are listed in the old catalogs but its copyrighted stuff so I dare not post it here. What Downey went to with the new kit was a modified Porshe CV. It was capable of a much greater angle than the stock CV without the vibration problems of the slip yoke. But at $700 a set the Porshe cv can't compete with the Toyota T-100 CV axel priced at $100 a set.
#124
Yeah, he could get a bit more..... but if he wanted to use the T-100 CVs he would have to limit the travel to about 12" so what would be the point? If one was happy with just 2wd configuration the next issue would be non-factory Ball Joints and Tie Rod ends. Also, the bushings on the Rancho UCA were not very good. I did all sorts of configurations and testing on the Rancho concept and just can't justify the added cost and extra complication for an inch or two more travel. It not just about impressive travel numbers.
Last edited by BlazeN8; Sep 23, 2009 at 10:47 AM.
#128
Ok then instead of $200 for an upper control arm you will have a $1,100 UCA like the other guys. Plus the Blazeland method allows use off the shelf items. If something breaks just get another core UCA for about $25 and your back on the road. Haven't we gone over this before?
#129
Thanks for reminding me, I need to do that. Maybe someone has all ready brought it up and I just need to chime in like I did here at yotatech!
Last edited by BlazeN8; Sep 24, 2009 at 04:29 PM.
#130
It is not necessary to run fiberglass fenders. If you use moderate sized tires with a deep backspace and 15x7 or 15x8 rim the track width isn't crazy wide. Look at the pictures on my website on the perfomance page (take a look and refresh your browser) No fiberglass fenders! The white truck has 35" tall tires-(315/75/R16) (16x8 rim w/ 4" backspace) It also has a 2" body lift. I had to hammer the firewall seam flat, just like you do with fiberglass! A 33x10.50 BFG tire on a 15x7 rim w/ 4.5" backspace is the largest tire that will fit without a body lift or firewall seam flattening. If you think it through and make minor mods the possibilities are wide open. Also laws vary from place to place, so do some research for your area.
#133
As far as pictures here are a few of Roberts truck at the Rubicon this past August. Also comming soon, Pismo event photos from this past weekend. Keep an eye out for pictures and information on Yotatech and Ultimate Yota, there were a bunch of people with cameras!
Last edited by BlazeN8; Oct 25, 2010 at 07:07 PM.
#135
I personally have not gone this route but a couple of customers shared some ideas they had in mind. One customer said he was building a hydraulic bump stop on his engine cage to catch the UCA extension bracket (directly over the upper ball joint) He said he would send photos, but as of yet I have not seen them. The factory droop stops are decent but some extra reinforcement at the frame bracket is a good idea for severe applications. I welded a 1/4" x 1" flat bar from the bottom of the droop bracket to the upper part of the rear bump stop. If I remember I will post a photo. As far as limiting straps, that could be some added extra strength too. It would require some careful planning, but sure why not!
#136
Yeah, that is a downfall of LT for trail use, it gets wider! It isn't so bad to be wide in the desert or sand but when trying to squeeze between trees or rocks it is a hindrance. Things can be narrowed a bit by rim and tire combination. I don't remember what size rim or backspace he said he had? I think the tire is a 33x12.50R15.
#137
Well, I got to see Nate's kit in action this weekend at Pismo. It looked really good out in the sand. He jumped it a bunch of times, and flew through the whoops. He also brought out an extra kit so we could get a close up look. It's really beefy. My first impression of what I saw online was a lot of extra leverage on the upper arms. After seeing the extensions in person, I could tell it wouldn't be a problem. Nate's kit is well thought out and constructed very nicely. It should be a perfect fit for someone on a budget who wants extra travel and a wider stance. I'll be saving my money for one down the road. Like most everyone else, I'd love a TC kit on my 4Runner, but I can't justify spending more than my truck is worth just for front suspension.
#139






