soonenough
Explorer
Nice :drool: What didn't you like about the OME struts?
Gitout Expedition Build - 2013 Toyota Tacoma DC TRD
- Thread starter montypower
- Start date
montypower
Adventure Time!
They rode fine overall. Compression dampening was good. Extension dampening was poor. It was harsh when suspension extended. I think that the shock needed better valving to match the 886 springs. Great inexpensive setup overall and solid durability.
Peter,
I know that when we talked it sounded like the shocks were topping out, or reaching maximum extension and made a terrible noise when doing so. Do you think this had anything to do with you not running a front swaybar?
My thought is that there was nothing to limit the shocks from maximum extension. I'm considering ditching my front swaybar soon and am looking to learn as much as possible from similar setups.
Mike
I know that when we talked it sounded like the shocks were topping out, or reaching maximum extension and made a terrible noise when doing so. Do you think this had anything to do with you not running a front swaybar?
My thought is that there was nothing to limit the shocks from maximum extension. I'm considering ditching my front swaybar soon and am looking to learn as much as possible from similar setups.
Mike
montypower
Adventure Time!
Hey Mike!
Shocks are the extension limiter for all these generation IFS Toyota trucks. There is only a bump stop for compression. The swaybar has nothing to do with this issue. The only time the sway bar may assist in dampening the shock extension is when only one wheel extends not both. Otherwise, the swaybar will have no effect on/off if both sides compress/extend at the same time. Adding a front limit strap could help with the harsh extension, somewhat. But the bigger factor is getting a properly valved shock matched to the spring that will properly dampen the extension/compression and eliminate the harshness. I'll get some good testing on the Icon setup this weekend. So far the on road ride quality is noticeably better.
montypower
Adventure Time!
Put some 3M ClearBra on the canopy today. This stuff is incredible for protecting paint. My truck still looks like new after running through many NW trails (ie trees, brush, branches).
jeverich
Luddite
Hat Point, about 4 miles in.. Just past Sleepy Ridge.
Just did 5 days out there - got back on the 17th. Beautiful!
montypower
Adventure Time!
Great pictures jeverich! Such an incredible area. I'd like to get back there next year... It's a huge area to explore.
montypower
Adventure Time!
Another 3 day trip! 8 nights in the AirTop so far...
montypower
Adventure Time!
Noonday Trip Report: http://gitout.com/content.php?305-Oregon-Noonday-Trail-Expedition-July-19-21-2013
montypower
Adventure Time!
Did some Suburban Camping this weekend helping with Relay for Life.
montypower
Adventure Time!
Gas mileage is back up to 19mpg on the road (mixed 17-18mpg). The secret... It now rolls with around 1,000lbs in the truck bed with a GVW near 6,000lbs with a tent, rack and awnings on the roof. Ok, that stuff normally kills the gas mileage. My average dropped to about 16mpg from just adding the tent. My previous best mileage before adding the canopy/tent with an empty truck bed was 21mpg on the road (18-19mpg mixed).
In the user manual Toyota recommends running the truck on 91 octane. Previously, I was running 87 octane. I figured why not try the higher octane. Over the past 5-6 tanks my mileage has consistently been 1.5-2mpg better than with the 87 octane (same Chevron gas station). Another bonus... the truck runs smoother, pulls hills on the hwy in 5th gear better and doesn't buck when running at 40-45 in 5th gear @ 1,000 rpm. You other guys with the 4.0L v6 may want to test for a few tanks and see if you get similar results.
In the user manual Toyota recommends running the truck on 91 octane. Previously, I was running 87 octane. I figured why not try the higher octane. Over the past 5-6 tanks my mileage has consistently been 1.5-2mpg better than with the 87 octane (same Chevron gas station). Another bonus... the truck runs smoother, pulls hills on the hwy in 5th gear better and doesn't buck when running at 40-45 in 5th gear @ 1,000 rpm. You other guys with the 4.0L v6 may want to test for a few tanks and see if you get similar results.
Plannerman
Wandering Explorer
Interesting to hear that you're getting better gas mileage with the higher octane. I'm intrigued and going to try this. Thanks for reporting.
montypower
Adventure Time!
I decided against the dual odyssey battery setup. There were a number of reasons... The Odyssey 1400 would get run down after 12hrs with the ARB Fridge. I want the fridge to be able to run 24-48hrs without killing the battery. The added wiring complexity and possibility of causing warranty issues if the charging system failed. The cost of doing the dual battery system (additional battery, wiring, battery management, battery holder).
Group 31 was the biggest, highest reserve capacity battery I could find that could fit. Originally, I was looking at the Odyssey 31M-PC2150 (over $400). Specs: Reserve Capacity 205 min, CCA 1150. Then I found the Sears Diehard (exact same specs and size - manufactured at the same plant as Odyssey) for $255. It was in stock at Sears (vs shipping the Odyssey) and they would replace it (no prorate) within the first 3yrs. Here's how it looks...
Cam-Shaft (Cameron) wired up the battery & accessory block. Finally, the wiring is cleaned up.
Battery fits in the factory location (barely). Used the factory tie down but had to replace one J hook due to the increased battery height.
Here is my backup/dual battery solution. It's more universal and simple. It has a nice accessory charging outlet and handy for helping people with dead batteries.
Schumacher's PSJ-2212 ProSeries Jump Starter/Portable Power Unit has 2200 peak amps, 330 cranking amps and 275 cold cranking amps. This is a power source for all 12 Volt DC accessories that are equipped with a 12 Volt accessory plug.
Group 31 was the biggest, highest reserve capacity battery I could find that could fit. Originally, I was looking at the Odyssey 31M-PC2150 (over $400). Specs: Reserve Capacity 205 min, CCA 1150. Then I found the Sears Diehard (exact same specs and size - manufactured at the same plant as Odyssey) for $255. It was in stock at Sears (vs shipping the Odyssey) and they would replace it (no prorate) within the first 3yrs. Here's how it looks...
Cam-Shaft (Cameron) wired up the battery & accessory block. Finally, the wiring is cleaned up.
Battery fits in the factory location (barely). Used the factory tie down but had to replace one J hook due to the increased battery height.
Here is my backup/dual battery solution. It's more universal and simple. It has a nice accessory charging outlet and handy for helping people with dead batteries.
Schumacher's PSJ-2212 ProSeries Jump Starter/Portable Power Unit has 2200 peak amps, 330 cranking amps and 275 cold cranking amps. This is a power source for all 12 Volt DC accessories that are equipped with a 12 Volt accessory plug.
montypower
Adventure Time!
New battery is working out much better. No issues starting. It has run over 24hrs several times without starting. This past week ran continuously and only drove the truck 10 min per day.
Did an MPG run to Roseburg. Chevron 92 - 60mph - no ac - fully loaded (over 6,000lbs) - 350mi hwy + 20mi city = 370miles total (still had 5 gallons remaining - 1 gallon before gas light comes on). New record! 21.86mpg. Who says having a built rig = horrible mpg?
Did an MPG run to Roseburg. Chevron 92 - 60mph - no ac - fully loaded (over 6,000lbs) - 350mi hwy + 20mi city = 370miles total (still had 5 gallons remaining - 1 gallon before gas light comes on). New record! 21.86mpg. Who says having a built rig = horrible mpg?