Given the increasing difficulty in finding rust-free pre-DEF FG's, I've been wondering if a prerunner-style FE might actually be enough for my needs anyway. Has anyone done this to an FE before? i.e. suspension lift, super singles, winch bumper...basically everything except 4x4. I've recently heard from an authoritative source that many (possibly most?) FEs actually come stock with a limited slip on the rear axle. If so, that would complete the package nicely. Anyway, just thought I'd open up this idea for discussion in hopes of getting feedback and/or reasons why this might not be a viable option.
Prerunner FE thoughts?
- Thread starter glennm01
- Start date
The Artisan
Adventurer
Look up Matt t he did his double cab. I am doing my 07 fe 140 this spring.
Superduty f350 axles 4.88 gearing, grizzly front locker, lsd rear, divorced transfer case custom alcan springs/custom 5160s or Stock springs and ORI with resevoirs 8" Stock does 70-75 comfortably. Keep it at 60-65 I get 14-16mpg.
Kevin
Superduty f350 axles 4.88 gearing, grizzly front locker, lsd rear, divorced transfer case custom alcan springs/custom 5160s or Stock springs and ORI with resevoirs 8" Stock does 70-75 comfortably. Keep it at 60-65 I get 14-16mpg.
Kevin
Maybe I'm a little unclear on what constitutes a "pre-runner," but I thought it meant basically a 2WD rig that's just set up reasonably well for off-pavement use. Obviously not as capable as a 4WD, but still able to hang reasonably well. Anyway, so I'm specifically talking about the prospect of setting up an FE like this -- i.e. *without* doing a 4x4 conversion. Just a lift, super singles, winch, LSD...that's pretty much it. Doable? Not doable or impractical for some reason?
The Artisan
Adventurer
So basically use stock suspension, raise it up on blocks, custom shocks and run 35s or 7s?
Kevin
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Here it is. It’s an FH not an FE. https://www.expeditionportal.com/fo...vel-ready-and-in-durango-co-9000-trade.85353/
PKDreamers
Adventurer
Most FE tippers have LSD in Aus.
Yes, something like that. Possibly lifting with springs or a combination of springs and blocks if necessary. I'm mainly interested in travel around the western US, and have been getting to plenty of remote places there for years in a pretty modest 2WD van. Seems like a 2WD Fuso properly equipped would be as capable if not a little more so, at least where the added size isn't an issue. All the space-saving and added payload benefits of a cab forward truck...just no 4x4, but with an LSD, winch, recovery boards, a shovel, and a little critical thinking along for the ride...seems like more than enough cool adventures could be had in something like this. But I don't see much of this sort of thing out there, which leads me to wonder if it's a bad idea for some reason that I'm not aware of.
The Artisan
Adventurer
Look at my buddies Matt T build. Although he did a 4x4 conv, he did use stock fuso springs with custom shocks. I do not believe fuso has an LSD but I could be wrong. In any case this would lift your fuso for larger tires.
Kevin
Kevin
Hello Glenn:
I don't have any advice on the mechanisms or components for setting up a "pre-runner" FE, but I think it could be an effective solution. We're on our 2nd FG based EarthCruiser and continue to be amazed at how well these trucks do in two wheel drive before we go into 4x4. If I was building something like you mention I'd include a powerful electric or engine-driven compressor to facilitate altering tire pressures. Once our tires are soft we find the Fuso does even better before we engage 4x4, but given the overall weight of an overland truck we like to keep the pressure high when running faster on pavement. Along those lines you might consider a good tire pressure monitoring system as well. We included a rear winch on our 2nd EarthCruiser. Opinions on winches vary greatly, so they obviously aren't everyone's choice. For us there is attractive security knowing we can move our truck forward or backward from a stuck position (we call those options "Recover and Advance" versus "Recover and Retreat"). I'm not sure I'd do two winches on a 2wd set up simply because keeping a 2wd truck as light as possible seems wise. Tire and wheel choice might be one of your most important considerations. Like winches, thoughts on tires and wheels vary greatly in the Fuso world. I'll simply say we were happy to have alloy 16" wheels on both of our EarthCruisers. Between the two trucks we've had three sets of 315/75/16 tires. Two sets of Toyo mud snows and one set of BF Goodrich All Terrains. We like the sidewall stiffness of the Toyos better and were happy to return to those on the second truck. It's fair to note that others are afraid of these alloy wheels so you ought do some research and make your own decision.
While a 2wd Fuso-based overland truck would have delivered us to 85% of the campsites we've encountered over 4 years, we'd definitely have had to sharpen our recovery skills. These are large trucks and once stuck you'll have your work cut out for you!
Howard
I don't have any advice on the mechanisms or components for setting up a "pre-runner" FE, but I think it could be an effective solution. We're on our 2nd FG based EarthCruiser and continue to be amazed at how well these trucks do in two wheel drive before we go into 4x4. If I was building something like you mention I'd include a powerful electric or engine-driven compressor to facilitate altering tire pressures. Once our tires are soft we find the Fuso does even better before we engage 4x4, but given the overall weight of an overland truck we like to keep the pressure high when running faster on pavement. Along those lines you might consider a good tire pressure monitoring system as well. We included a rear winch on our 2nd EarthCruiser. Opinions on winches vary greatly, so they obviously aren't everyone's choice. For us there is attractive security knowing we can move our truck forward or backward from a stuck position (we call those options "Recover and Advance" versus "Recover and Retreat"). I'm not sure I'd do two winches on a 2wd set up simply because keeping a 2wd truck as light as possible seems wise. Tire and wheel choice might be one of your most important considerations. Like winches, thoughts on tires and wheels vary greatly in the Fuso world. I'll simply say we were happy to have alloy 16" wheels on both of our EarthCruisers. Between the two trucks we've had three sets of 315/75/16 tires. Two sets of Toyo mud snows and one set of BF Goodrich All Terrains. We like the sidewall stiffness of the Toyos better and were happy to return to those on the second truck. It's fair to note that others are afraid of these alloy wheels so you ought do some research and make your own decision.
While a 2wd Fuso-based overland truck would have delivered us to 85% of the campsites we've encountered over 4 years, we'd definitely have had to sharpen our recovery skills. These are large trucks and once stuck you'll have your work cut out for you!
Howard
Thanks for all the great insight, Howard. Yes, there would inevitably be the occasional campsite that I'd be unable to reach, but I'm okay with that. When I've encountered such situations in my lifted 2wd van, I've always found that there's something else nearby that is both accessible and equally beautiful. As long as I can get well beyond all the standard RVs, I'm good.
So I guess my only real unknown at this point is how or even if an effective and safe suspension lift could be done on an FE. I assume this would be necessary to make room for upgraded wheels and tires, particularly in front, but I have yet to see a lifted FE anywhere. And I'm reluctant to be a trailblazer with this sort of thing. Does anyone know how to best achieve an FG-like lift on an FE? Some combination of springs and spacers I presume, but any specifics would be most appreciated.
So I guess my only real unknown at this point is how or even if an effective and safe suspension lift could be done on an FE. I assume this would be necessary to make room for upgraded wheels and tires, particularly in front, but I have yet to see a lifted FE anywhere. And I'm reluctant to be a trailblazer with this sort of thing. Does anyone know how to best achieve an FG-like lift on an FE? Some combination of springs and spacers I presume, but any specifics would be most appreciated.
Hello Glenn:
If I was looking for advice on altering the suspension and ride height of a Fuso FE in the United States, I'd contact Lance at EarthCruiser in Bend, Oregon. That crew has developed several suspension modifications for the Fuso FG platform and could have thoughts and/or products relevant for an FE.
Howard
If I was looking for advice on altering the suspension and ride height of a Fuso FE in the United States, I'd contact Lance at EarthCruiser in Bend, Oregon. That crew has developed several suspension modifications for the Fuso FG platform and could have thoughts and/or products relevant for an FE.
Howard