XLR8R

Yep - I took some pics last week, but my Vaio won't recognize the Memory Stick unless I format it first, which of course I don't want to do with several dozen pics of the truck's mods on it. Later this week I'll get after the IT stuff and have pics and info on all that's been done over the last 6 weeks...

p.s. did I mention how much I enjoy 7th gear?

D.Wiggs

THAT better be a tire joke!!!!!

BCB

how in the H#$% did you get 37's to fit with NO lift?

XLR8R

You've got huge rollers on Optimus... you know what I'm talkin' about

Since the 37s lower my effective gear ratio by 16%, 1st gear is now usable, and I really can't use 6th unless I'm on the interstate.

I traded my 5-spd with a "hay gear" for a true 6-spd!

Besides, I've still got 4LO.....

XLR8R

I measured all dimensions at full lock, taking into account full articulation, and decided I could squeeze them in. The aftermarket alloys have deeper backspacing, I have 2" leveling spacers in the front coil to match the ride height of the rear airbags, and I performed some minor surgery on the corners of the front plastic fenderwells, and massaged the lower rear corner of the front fenders.

I measured intending on 12.5" BFGs, but decided on the high-capacity Toyos, which were only available in 13.5"... when they showed up at the door (94# each!) I swallowed pretty hard.

Of course, when I dropped the front axle for the coil spacers, I fabricated a Stainless Steel Steering Shaft Stabilizer that incorporates a 2" drop mount for the sway bar. Since I had everything apart, I welded a 2" drop mount for the track bar as well. I considered lengthening the lower control arms a half-inch or so, but kept the stock length, because I like the more responsive steering that the reduced caster gives me.

I upgraded all the shocks at the same time, so a lot of changes were made at once - can't say for sure how much of a difference each part made, but I sure do like the net result... I fell in love with my truck all over again!

D.Wiggs

That's what I THOUGHT you were talking about!! I know what you mean, you really do have a highway overdrive! And yes, 1st gear is usable, and great in traffic. I was in 4LO once with the trailer and I was going up this steep hill that I normall go up halfway in 2nd and then shift into 3rd when in 4HI, but was going up at 2000 RPM in 6th!! I can't imagine what it would have been like with the stock 3.73s!!

I can't wait to see what the 42s will be like!!

D.Wiggs

That's easy if you have a 4x4. You just can't go beyond 11" wide unless you want to do some modifications.

I am going to 42x12s with a 4" front lift and 2" rear (2" overall lift since the front sits 2" lower)

53 willys

XLR8R-I want to see pic's too Please!!!

BLUESTEEL 17

Finally a pic for everyone.....

XLR8R

AAARGH!

This is so frustrating... I'm holding the Memory Stick with the pics right now, but when I put it in my Vaio's card reader it won't recognize it; wants me to format it - which I can't do w/o losing the pics on it (real Catch-22)

I'll have this IT resolved in few days!

bkrukow

Sweet looking setup. Ya should stop buy http://www.toyhaulermagazine.com/ and post some pics of it.