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 the expo (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 over 5 days and 500 miles. I currently have a 14' Toyota 4Runner, Trail version and in my preparations; I will be running the following and was inquiring if the load on the rack 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 and see everyone at the Expo West!

Thanks

Mitch

 

[AxleIke]

I can't answer your question directly, I apologize, but one option for keeping it stock would be air bags. It would allow you to level the truck with the load, and then run stock when you are not adventuring. Just a thought.

 

[Mrknowitall]

So here's what you've got, w. some #s (don't be so lazy)

47#; Eezi-Awn K9 1.6M (3/4 rack)
48#; OZTent RV-5
95#; Eezi-Awn K9 Double Jerry Can Holder (2 x 20 liter cans)
5#; Shovel
30#; Hi-Lift
10#; 5 lb. Propane
---------------------
235#!!!!!

As for weight carrying for the suspension, that isn't much. You'll definitely feel it swingin around up there, though.
Of course, there's all the other stuff, you'll bring... Like food, beer, ice, a friend... it'll all ad up. European wisdom seems to be to keep the loaded vehicle with 1/2 its payload unused. That's not happening here.
You might see if Your favorite par shop has a OME 2895E spring set in stock- higher spring rate than stock, but 3/4" shorter than the lift springs. Compared to all that other nice stuff, they're pretty cheap.

 

[Plano26]

Thanks for the input everyone, ya, I might have to bite the bullet and look at a lift...but unfortunately that won't happen for quite awhile. Plans might have to change.

Again, I appreciate the help.

 

[ExploreNorthernBC]

A small lift can make a massive change in offroad ability... just saying. I was stunned at how much 2.5 inches in the front and 1.5 inches in the back improved my '13 Tacoma.