adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
A few months ago, we received the word that Fox wanted us to test out some new shocks specifically made for the 80 series Toyota Landcruiser. These new shocks are designed just for our rig and assess the 80 series weight and top heavy side roll. Sorry for not posting up sooner, but i just got around to posting this on the portal.
I can't show you photos because Fox told me im not allowed at this time. They've been working great on each trip. Not a single problem in thousands of miles. The first trip out was 1058 miles through Nevada. A couple hundred of that was dirt and some of it was very remote/rugged. The sway and body roll was reduced significantly over the standard shocks we were running. On the highway i took corners faster than i ever do to test. The 80 stayed flat and more controlled than ever before. On washboard roads and rough highways we felt hardly a thing. Granted we were aired down, but it was plush like never before. The shocks seemed soft, but more controlled if thats a correct definition. Because our truck is so heavy with a trailer and aux tank the rears are going back for some adjustments and then we'll be back out again to test. Im looking forward to the results.
For now here's a photo.. wish i could show you the close up of the shocks but i can't just yet.
For those wondering what we were running previously for comparison sake. They were ProComp ES4000's. Nothing impressive, but basically long lasting standard grade off road shocks. Comparable to the OME nitros. They were stiff as a board and faded quickly.
Right now there's No firm release date but they're saying within the next month or two. I've been in touch with Fox and i will let everyone know on a firm date and a pricepoint as soon as i know.
The shocks themselves will be Mono tubes first and the resi shocks after SEMA. Our test units are running reservoir's. Hence the reason why i cannot post any photos of them.
Another shot from Nevada.
Re-valving them for a little more rebound since we run an aux fuel tank, heavy drawer system, fridge in the 80, dual spares and of course pull the trailer.
And yes, those jackstands look tiny.. but they are indeed 6,000lbs stands. The butt of the 80 is just that big
Here's one photo i can share...
The OME damper removed and the soon to be released Fox Shox prototype damper for the 80 series installed. I can already feel a difference in the steering. We've been beating it up on each trip as well. So far it's faired well and seems to tighten up those occasional bump steer situations. Make a nice compliment to the rest of the Fox brushed aluminum shafts on the truck.
So we just got back from Coyote Flats and the shocks worked really well once again. The truck almost floats over what it needs to while staying controlled.
Next up the SoCal Teardrop Krawler 459 will receive a set of prototype shocks that we'll test. They're in the manufacturing process as we speak and should be to us any day. The idea behind this will be that they will be a trailer option to future buyers that demand more out of their trailers.
That's about it for now, i'll keep you guys posted as i learn/test more and get the trailer shocks installed.
I can't show you photos because Fox told me im not allowed at this time. They've been working great on each trip. Not a single problem in thousands of miles. The first trip out was 1058 miles through Nevada. A couple hundred of that was dirt and some of it was very remote/rugged. The sway and body roll was reduced significantly over the standard shocks we were running. On the highway i took corners faster than i ever do to test. The 80 stayed flat and more controlled than ever before. On washboard roads and rough highways we felt hardly a thing. Granted we were aired down, but it was plush like never before. The shocks seemed soft, but more controlled if thats a correct definition. Because our truck is so heavy with a trailer and aux tank the rears are going back for some adjustments and then we'll be back out again to test. Im looking forward to the results.
For now here's a photo.. wish i could show you the close up of the shocks but i can't just yet.
For those wondering what we were running previously for comparison sake. They were ProComp ES4000's. Nothing impressive, but basically long lasting standard grade off road shocks. Comparable to the OME nitros. They were stiff as a board and faded quickly.
Right now there's No firm release date but they're saying within the next month or two. I've been in touch with Fox and i will let everyone know on a firm date and a pricepoint as soon as i know.
The shocks themselves will be Mono tubes first and the resi shocks after SEMA. Our test units are running reservoir's. Hence the reason why i cannot post any photos of them.
Another shot from Nevada.
Re-valving them for a little more rebound since we run an aux fuel tank, heavy drawer system, fridge in the 80, dual spares and of course pull the trailer.
And yes, those jackstands look tiny.. but they are indeed 6,000lbs stands. The butt of the 80 is just that big
Here's one photo i can share...
The OME damper removed and the soon to be released Fox Shox prototype damper for the 80 series installed. I can already feel a difference in the steering. We've been beating it up on each trip as well. So far it's faired well and seems to tighten up those occasional bump steer situations. Make a nice compliment to the rest of the Fox brushed aluminum shafts on the truck.
So we just got back from Coyote Flats and the shocks worked really well once again. The truck almost floats over what it needs to while staying controlled.
Next up the SoCal Teardrop Krawler 459 will receive a set of prototype shocks that we'll test. They're in the manufacturing process as we speak and should be to us any day. The idea behind this will be that they will be a trailer option to future buyers that demand more out of their trailers.
That's about it for now, i'll keep you guys posted as i learn/test more and get the trailer shocks installed.
