UTAH (and Surrounding Areas) BS Thread

or just use the proper parts.

 

Yea, read about that. Can't fix stupid, No one really knows the full story. I am sure I can find all sorts of tacoma failures due to user interaction. The video of the terrible 3rd gen recovery and ripping out the rear axle comes to mind.

For me, the gladiator seems like it would be a fun truck. Could be a mistake, but it could be a decent vehicle/ trail rig. I am aware that this could be a complete waste of money on my part. The same things could be said about the 2nd gen tacomas when they came out in 2005.

Also, it isn't for everyone. I would like to see what FCI projects the gladiator sales to be. Is it only 70,000 - 90,000 units year? I know it won't be anywhere near tacoma sales nor is it meant to be. Thats what interests me. It will be a unique ' Jeep truck' that not a lot of people purchase. Also, they aren't as expensive as the internet seems to believe. Many dealerships are offering 7-10% off invoice pricing. You could get a base rubicon edition for around $43K (Front+rear lockers, 4:1 crawl ratio, Dana 44 wide axles, 4:10 gears, + the ability to run 35's with zero lift/ cutting).

 

I was tempted when AEV offered the Brute kit and the Hemi V8 swap kit.

 

LOL! This is not what I had in mind. Below is more like it.

 

I'm excited to see what you do with it. Being that this is tacomaworld I'm guessing it wont be part of your build thread? If that's the case, you'll have to post pics on the Utah BS site or at least give some links to a build page, if you have one.

 

Since you seem to be fairly familiar with suspensions, I need you look at mine. Need some input/advice on the rear set up.

 

Me too. I will probably still have the build thread and get flamed by other members by having a jeep build on here . Things will get rolling once I clean up the taco. I contemplated the decision last weekend down in moab, but I have come to terms with the idea of selling the taco.
I still want to do a wheelin trip with local TW members. My offshore work schedule will be busy over the next couple of months. If I can't sell the taco by May, it will be on hold till the fall when I get back (I will be gone from June-August).

 

I'm not your guy for that kinda stuff. Just 3 link it and call it a day

 

I think you could pull it off. You have Tacoma street cred.

What type of work takes you offshore?

I feel like I'm getting the brush off.

 

No, I honestly am not a suspension guy in any sense. I would gladly look at it if you swung by and maybe give you some thoughts, but I'm not anything close to an expert.

 

Rear suspension is all about angles and distance.

 

No worries. I'm still looking for an "expert" to give me some opinions. Nothing major.

My rear end seems to be starting to sag and I have a 1" drop from the front of the bed to the back. I assume b/c of my bumper set up, but no one else seems to complain of the same issue. I'm thinking I'll just go to the U402 Stage III leaf pack and see what happens. I'm curious how the travel is affected by the setup i have, if that makes sense. I do have limit straps, though.

Considering the Hammer Hangers as well.

 

Says the guy with the least articulated race car in history

 

That amount of weight could def flex your stock hangers some but you'd lose maybe a quarter inch. I think you just need a stiffer spring pack. I know I rock Dakar heavies that are rated for +600lbs constant at ride height, and they seem to be ideal at about the 250-300lbs mark and start to sag after that.

 

All sorts of stuff. I am man with many hats. Part of the year I design stuff for research vessels and then get sent to ship yards to make sure my designs get built/ installed correctly (project manager stuff). The other part of my job involves offshore survey work (tracking ROV's, Scientific sensor deployment, Multi-beam, data processing and GIS stuff).

 

Sounds like a cool gig. I assume you're a private contractor/consultant?

 

So... drove about 170 miles from beaver up to the main valley...and pulled 20.3 mpg. While allegedly driving 5 over the entire time.

Yeah. That's amazing gas mileage in a 3rd gen...with ovtune. I'll take it!

 

You're lucky. I don't come close to that.

 

When I leave for work in the morning the roads are pretty clear. My record is 27.8 MPG from Dimple Dell to Fashion Place Mall. On the way home its like 12 with the stop and go traffic

 

Yeah. I was expecting a little bit better mileage after the tune but totallyw as not expecting 20. Pleasant surprise that's for sure.

that's amazing. I think I hit 25 at one point when it was clear and weather was good. gotta love traffic though.