Experienced Overlanders...Customs Suspension Parts Reliability?

[kanger]

Hello All,

I'm planning my overland build ('96 4Runner Limited 4x4) and wanted to get some input from the more experienced overlanders on the reliability of aftermarket parts. Specifically, I'm referring to the various suspension components like UCA, LCA, reservoired shocks/coilovers, spindles, control arms, panhard bars, as well as CV axles and steering components like custom tie rods. I know there are a lot of reputable companies out there that make these parts, but I'm unsure how they stack up against OEM in terms of longevity.

I see that the level of customization of y'all's vehicles range from conservative to outright "I'm f!$kin jealous of your rig". I'm trying to justify spending the loads of $$$ on these upgrades and longevity/reliability will be the biggest factor for me. So...anyone have issues with parts cracking/breaking? Shocks/coils wearing quickly? etc. (I understand this depends a lot on how hard you drive your vehicle...any input is appreciated). Thanks!

And since everyone loves photos...

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[/url]https://flic.kr/p/hRoSXRhttps://www.flickr.com/people/22443523@N08/[/IMG]

 

[4Rescue]

Well it's hardly "custom", but I've run old Man Emu suspensions on everything from XJ's to my Current 4Runner, to all the Cruisers I worked with and had in Australia and I consider them a reliability UPGRADE to the stock suspension. The Tacoma, unlike the ROW Hilux was built to tow, and ride comfortably. They don't have HD suspensions ike the Hilux and Expo kit can add weight quick. You can certainly have fun with a stock truck, but the suspension will likely wear out quicker and in my eyes a good HD suspension is a basic pre-requisite for an Expo/Off-road truck because it just lets the vehicle operate a little farther from it's load limits. Even loading a stock truck down with camping gear and just taking it on mild trails and rough roads can tax the factory suspension, or at the very least you're running at lot closer to maximum capacity.

Suspensions are one of those things that a LOT of companies do as it's often the first mod people do and the quality of products if you choose good reputable suppliers is every bit as high or higher then OEM stuff. EVERYTHING breaks, and the bigger you go the more stress you put on parts espescially if you're working off stock suspension pickup points etc. but the Tacoma market is FULL of quality products. Do your homework on what you want and who makes quality parts (be warry of the "shed engineered" Long-Travel kits that seem to cost less then half of what the well known kits do), do the reading and figure out all the ins-and outs of one choice -vs- another (things like what Ball-joints X company uses in it's UCA/LCA Long-Travel kits makes a big difference in service intervals) and then buy what you want. One caveat is that if you only do "half" the work, meaning you say "...well, I'm not going to upgrade X part now and just run the stock part till it wears out", if you're lifting the truck and adding bigger tires, that "wearing out" period is going to be shorter. it;s not the fault of the quality of the aftermarket part, it's the fact that you stressed it as a system by adding different parts it was never engineered to work with. You can't add lift springs and then hope the stock shocks will hold up to the added load and force to control from the springs. Stuff like that s what you need to be looking at.

That said: Different parts/modifications have different concerns. A custom aluminum mount for something engine related would be harder to have a replacement sourced then say having someone weld my steel leaf-springs would be. I will say if you're looking to add electrical gadgets, take the time to do it right/well because hacked up electrical systems causing shorts, draws and all out failures have stranded more rigs then any number of custom suspensions have.

Cheers

Dave

 

[ebg18t]

If I was going to be in central/South America I would have kept to off the shelf OME suspension and oem UCA to keep it simple & functional while running a popular sized tire.

There are trade-offs as you get parts outside the norm.

 

[Milo902]

I think it depends on how custom, and how/where the vehicle will be driven.

For example, a fancy replacement coilover (fox, icon, king, ect.) may not last as long as an OE or OME unit, but should get you a solid 50k miles between service intervals. If it does fail (leaking seals most likely) it won't leave you stranded, and will probably still ride OK until it can be replaced/repaired. If you're in an area where replacement/repair is difficult, they could be swapped back out with a used unit from a local parts truck (any 3rd gen 4runner or 1st gen taco).

On the other hand, if you're bombing down washboard roads, that OME coilover may overheat and fail before a larger body coilover even breaks a sweat.

If we are talking full long travel, aftermarket UCAs, LCAs, heim joint steering, coilover hoops, etc. then the biggest issue may be replacement parts. These have been around for a while and seem to be proving solid so reliability may not be a big concern, but they certainly require more attention and maintenance. If you are thinking of running a chaos or camburg kit, they use modified 1st gen Tundra axles. No reliability concerns there (stronger than 4Runner units I would guess) but once again the issue is replacement parts.

For the rear, replacement links may give you a bit more axle travel & articulation, but I believe they are mostly for increased strength over OEM units. If you bend/break one of those, it's pretty likely the OEM unit would be much worse off.

I certainly see no reason an OME setup would be more reliable than another replacement coilover for Central/South America duty. Good quality dampers are worth every penny to me, but as always YMMV.

 

[Milo902]

Also,

Nice looking 3rd gen! Is that on stock suspension now? They make a great platform to build on, and with a few suspension tweaks are really fun in the dirt.

 

[Scott Brady]

I would keep it as stock as possible, and only change the springs and shocks as needed to address load (rate). I also like the slight increase in ground clearance and then fit a +1 or +2 on the tire size. A 4Runner is ideal for adventure travel, usually only requiring a spring rate change due to the too-soft stock configuration.

 

[kanger]

Thanks for the replies all. I know it was a pretty subjective question, but def got a lot of good feedback. My travels will stay in the USA...with possible runs to Canada (I want to do main USA to Alaska). Looks like there isn't much issues to be concerned with upgrading to all those parts I mentioned.

Also,

Nice looking 3rd gen! Is that on stock suspension now? They make a great platform to build on, and with a few suspension tweaks are really fun in the dirt.

Thanks! I'm actually running OME coils with cheapo Rough Country shocks/struts. I was trying to decide if I should go all out with a mid/long travel kit with aftermarket LCA/UCA, etc. What it really comes down to is $$$ at this point...

 

[Scott Brady]

Thanks! I'm actually running OME coils with cheapo Rough Country shocks/struts. I was trying to decide if I should go all out with a mid/long travel kit with aftermarket LCA/UCA, etc. What it really comes down to is $$$ at this point...

Skip that stuff and spend the money on your next trip. Your truck is awesome as-is.

 

[goodtimes]

X2 on keeping it as stock as possible.

A combination of circumstances (non-stock parts & a language barrier were the biggest ones) caused me a lot of headaches a few years ago in Mexico. While I was ultimately able to limp home - it made for a long & comically bad ride for the next 15 days. The one failed component that I couldn't replace (it was an aftermarket part) caused several other parts to fail along the way back home. If the OEM part would have fit, I wouldn't have had much trouble at all. Pointing & grunting at a drawing is effective if we're dealing with OEM parts. Not so much when you're trying to describe technical details that make the OEM parts incompatible.

 

[mike2100]

X2 on keeping it as stock as possible.

A combination of circumstances (non-stock parts & a language barrier were the biggest ones) caused me a lot of headaches a few years ago in Mexico. While I was ultimately able to limp home - it made for a long & comically bad ride for the next 15 days. The one failed component that I couldn't replace (it was an aftermarket part) caused several other parts to fail along the way back home. If the OEM part would have fit, I wouldn't have had much trouble at all. Pointing & grunting at a drawing is effective if we're dealing with OEM parts. Not so much when you're trying to describe technical details that make the OEM parts incompatible.

Now I'm curious, what part was it?
Is it reasonable to carry spares of parts that commonly fail? What parts DO commonly fail on Toyota trucks? I'd hate to find out the hard way.
The only thing I can think of is uniball joints and possibly CV axles. I think I could find room/weight capacity to carry those spares.

 

[MCObray]

I have a 3rd Gen 4Runner as well. I'm keeping it as stock as possible, with maybe OME coils and shocks down the road. The upgraded 99 Coils coupled with the 265/75/16s will get me where I need to go.

I focused way too much on future modifications on my previous XJ and T4R; instead of enjoying what I have and where I can go with it RIGHT NOW. I'm take that approach now, and after finishing up some major maintenance, it's right where it needs to be in my books.

Nice 4Runner you have!

 

[BurbanAZ]

I agree with most on staying as stock as possible for the most part. Toyota has great eom parts so reliability isn't an issue. I did just order some chaos UCAs and have 5100 shocks but the issue of finding replacement parts will definitely be an issue in the middle of nowhere so that is definitely something to keep in mind. For me though I feel the advantage in strength over stock is worth the risk of not being able to find parts if I need to, but that comes down to a personal opinion and personal experience I think.

I always try to have a good kit of replacement parts on hand especially on long trips or far trips. Don't forget the tools to replace those parts also if they need a specialized tool.

 

[toyotech]

If you don't need the lift. Or bigger tires. Stay stock. Better mpg and less wear and tear on overall parts

If you need lift and bigger tires. Means you will use them and suspension parts are wear and tear. Heavy use, will have to expect faster wear.


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[kanger]

Yeah, staying as close to stock seems to make the most sense as most of you have mentioned. I think I'm getting too "starstruck" by all the bling'd out rigs I see on here. Very good advice, btw, those who've said to save the $$$ and spend on trips. I'm happy with my mild OME lift setup and it should suit my needs. Thanks everyone.