I wouldn't recommend necessarily pulling a leaf on the pack since it will void whatever warranty you have on the front springs. I just did not want this rig too tall and I know how the 3" springs usually sit higher than even a 4" rear spring. I fully expect to lose 2-3" of lift height over the next few weeks when we add more weight to this rig.

I expect another 800lbs to be added to it.

Dual cases with HD Crossmember, full family roll cage, HD Sliders, winch, rear bumper/tire carrier, etc.

It looks tall now, but will settle a lot.

 

Awesome, hard to believe the 3" springs are taller than a 4''. Is that because of load variance? Looks great brotha, can't wait till I can build my 86'!

 

We got the duals installed last week, driveshafts built, and slapped a rear bumper on it to wheel the rest of the season. Just needs some sliders and a cage at this point, and some front bump stop extensions added.

 

Looking good Scotty!

 

Awesome!

 

Is it for sale now? Haha just kidding that thing looks beast!!

 

That would be up to him.

 

Last week we ended up getting a fire under our ass to knock out some cage work. We built a full one in Ben's rig, and then did the rear section in Hunter's. I'm not 100% ready to commit to extending the front of the cage into Hunter's rig just yet though. I hate how close the front cage is next to your head.

That and I ended up building the rear cage in mine to simply fit tight around the soft top. There is no chance of a hard top ever going on it again if the rear cage is in it. So, I may build a separate cage up front that is removable so I only need to run when its wheeling. We'll see how well the soft top seals this winter with the blowing snow, and then I will make a decision based on that.

We also got the sliders built, added bump stops up front, and added the side frame wraps for the rear bumper.

Then we wheeled it through Kelly Flats. Ran the Chutes with no issues too. The rig works extremely well, and I am very happy with the ride height now. Its fairly low, stable, and the front springs are about perfect.

















Some of the frame plating and steering box relocation to get the front axle further forward.





Some of Ben's cage too. If I add a front cage it will be pretty much a copy with the dash bar and everything.

 

One thing I have decided to ditch is the wheels. OMG are they stupid heavy. I literally have to bury my foot into the floor to get it moving. I don't know how all of you guys run steel wheels. These 15x10s are 37lbs/ea.

So, I decided that I going aluminum. 15x8s with 3.25" back spacing. It will save me around 17lbs per wheel/tire. Moving that unsprung weight sucks. I bet it sucks another 2-3mpg out of it.

Current wheel/tire weight is 99lbs. Based on Goodyear's 67lb weight, I have 32lb wheels. Ugh................

Bye, bye steelies.

 

Dang that looks good Scotty! I like design of that dash bar in the white runner. That tire wheel weight it crazy heavy. I could imagine the mileage and power pickin up when you swap for aluminum rims.

 

Scotty, ... you're getting 15x8 Alum. wheels.....that look the same as those steelies? Same design/color?

 

Just another excuse to see more pic of the rig. So post'em up when you get the 15x8's haha

 

So, this is what I came up with. I had these old school Eagle Alloys left over from Ben's rig. They were 3.25" backspacing and 15x8. So, I slapped them on.

I then drove down to Boulder to pick up my Miller 211 that was in for service. There is a noticeable difference between the two. Not a ton, but the difference between being floored and being 1/2 pedal.

Not sure if I am going to paint them, or try to polish them out, but they were free, much lighter than the steel wheels, and work.

 

It looks pretty good as it stands.

BTW... How is the ride/flex with that third leaf taken out?

 

Perfect IMO. The 3" springs are too stiff IMO. And, the rear still sits a little lower than the front. Even without the hard top on it.

I will try to get some wheeling pics up before the snow flies this year. Although, we are supposed to get our first real accumulation in the mountains tonight. Should melt off pretty quick though.

 

Very nice build, looks super clean Now I have a better idea of what my 4Runner is going to look like!

 

BTW, was everything delivered okay?

 

Yes sir it was. Now I'm just trying to find time outside of schoolwork to get it all built.

 

I like the way the rims look just the way they are Scotty. The look good on the runner, I'd run them on mine. I went with steels just because they were cheap.

 

Nothing here at 9000. Jus cold as hell and drizzle