Long Travel information.

Yep

 

nice. now given that Ill be hitting turns at high speeds, I probably wouldnt want the 3.5" of lift right? Lower center of gravity=better balance and turning ability?

 

^ definitely, the lower the better

 

thanks boss... where were u 5 months ago haha....

 

nice. thanks. Ill probably skip the spindles now then, and Just go for some coilovers preloaded at 2.5.

 

I have a couple questions. If I get the Engage LT kit can I stay with a 16 inch rim? It keeps the stock spindles right, so are they going to be strong enough?

 

Mike, since your truck is almost finished (again), do you have any interest in buying me a LT system and installing it on my truck?

 

But, Christmas is coming!

 

Thank you - I read your comprehensive outline on LT(Long-Travel) systems. I have 2006 Tacoma Quad Cab 4x4 which I intend to convert, both front and rear, to LT. I have done a substantial amount of research which included visiting Camburg, Total Chaos, and also DMZ to look at the installs. I want to visit Engage, but have not as yet. Unfortunately, I have neither been able to ride in a Tacoma which has the front LT system, nor even had the opportunity to speak to an owner of a Tacoma which has on of the various LT systems installed. This is keeping me from finalizing my plans.

After speaking with numerous sales people and installers about the front LT system, it is remarkable for the diverse opinions individuals have on these systems and components. I will list them below as applying to my 2006 4x4 Tacoma, and perhaps you can comment on them. Perhaps, there are others owners of LT systems in TacomaWorld that would comment from personal experience:

Camburg uses 1.25" Uniballs which articulate more than 1" Uniballs allowing for a stated 14" of useable travel. The lower A-arms use Uniballs as opposed to bushings with zirks. One can also upgrade to Heim attachments on the upper A-arms. What I have heard is that the 14" useable travel is exaggerated because the wheel will impact the fender-well before the 14"" of travel is used up on compression. As an aside, I have been told that stated travel numbers tend to be suspect since it is a primary sales metric in customer decisions. Furthermore, I have been told that, due to the lack of bushings on the lower A-arms, much more road and mechanical noise is heard by the driver, and more vibration transferred through the steering. I have been this is particularly annoying when using front by-pass shocks since the valve clicking is prominantly heard in the cab with this arrangement. On the flip side, the Uniball and Heim components would appear to be stronger and more reliable over a longer service life. Notwithstanding, Uniballs apparently do wear, primarily due to exposure to grit, but do not require lubrication and would likely last longer than the bushings.

Total Chaos offers a system similar to Camburg, but with 1" uniballs yielding a stated 13" of travel for a 4x4 Tacoma. TC has chosen bushings with zirks on the lower and upper A-arm with Heims as an option on the upper A-arms. Here I have been told that this system produces less road noise and vibration - another said that the bushings make squishy sounds, and it seems less tight. Comments have been made that the TC system, due to the bushings, present alignment issues, conversely the Camburg system does not. Everyone obviously feels strongly about their products, but there are differences and trade-offs. I am looking to learn those differences and trade-offs so the project's expectations are realized and there are no surprises.

Another issue which seems somewhat controversial concerns shock manufacturers. I have been using King (PreRunner line) for some time, and although their performance is excellent, I've not been so happy with other aspects. The rods are showing some oxidation (live near the ocean), the seals show slight weepage, and the hose connection to the shock body is not the best design. I have been told Fox uses the same quality race seals on all their units, unlike King which uses different seals for the racing line and the PreRunner shock lines. I have been told that Fox uses Stainless Steel rods (not confirmed) as opposed to a heavy plated rods as King does. The hose connection is superior on the Fox. I also understand Fox uses Eibachs springs which, I am told, are superior to in-house/proprietary coil springs. I would be interested to learn from others what their experiences and thoughts are on these units. I anticipate using, per side, on the LT front one 2.5" coilover (8" stroke) with a 600 lb spring, and one 2.5" by-pass shock (8" stroke).

Clearly, the rear on the Tacoma needs more work than the front suspension system. I am considering a DMZ built 16-17" LT rear system using 18" bypass shocks and bumpstops. DMZ fabricates an intelligently designed perimeter frame for mounting the LT shocks through the rear bed which infringes minimally on the bed area allowing for an estimated 85-90% usage of the payload area on a short bed. Usage of the bed for payload is essential, since I do quite a bit of remote camping. I still need to look into the Engage system which, I gather from your LT outline, allows full use of the bed.

Has anyone had actual problem with motor mounts cracking on the 2006 Tacoma 4x4s?

Finally, does anyone know of an improved brake system/solution for the front and rear of the 05+ Tacomas that would be compatable with the LT system, particularly the front brakes. With all do respect to Toyota, the front brakes are less than confidence inspiring. That is irrespective of he ABS system which I will be rewiring with an on/off switch.

Any comments regarding off-road lighting: HID vs. halogen, Hella vs. PIAA vs. etc.??? That would be welcome also.

Any and all constructive comments from the Tacoma fraternity would be greatly appreciated and in as much detail as you care to write.

Thank you,

Single6

 

I heard mjp2 was in the process of doing a write up for the rear too... Apparently he's gonna explain some of the different systems out there like the cantilever, spring under, and some versions of a caged rear

 

you have never seen the cantilever lt, i can post a link from ct, cool but would rather have a bed cage and i think it would be easier to tune the shocks.



wooot 3000 posts bitches lol

 

I don't know what I've seen. I've seen a few different setups, some with caged rears, others with shocks mounted under the bed, some with most of the bed there but shocks sticking out of the corners, just not sure what is what and what the benefits/disadvantages are with each.

 

Here is the thread about the cantilever build.

http://customtacos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134731

 

Yea I've seen that setup, my question is where exactly do the shocks go with that system? And also, what system runs the trailing arms and allows for the use of coilovers in the rear (sometimes secondary shocks are sued too)

 

you don't use coilovers with that system, just bypass shocks like you would with a bed cage, they mount with the length of the bed.so the cantilever attached the axle just turns like a clock until it hits bumps.

 

i want you to know that this thread has officially sold me on getting a LT system, now the only question i have is which one to get? it will be driven often on the road, and i just got an allpro front bumper, would i have to remove that?