Cincinnati Area Thread (Tri-State, Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana)

Oddly, it's the steering side of things that gets me uncomfortable... not sure why that out weights the suspension / body side of things for me. Maybe because it can get super expensive and requires a lot of fabrication that I am uncomfortable doing myself. So... 35's are sounding more and more of the appropriate choice for my use. I am extremely guilty of the "little bit better" trap... which ends up slowly costing a lot of money!

With that said, I am more of a crawler, and I'd consider myself very conservative on the skinny pedal. I like to climb or navigate narrow/complicated obstacles. So even on my 33's, I've take on some body damage. It comes with the territory.

I already have the parts to gusset the spindles, coil buckets and cam tabs. After I finish the next phase of the rear suspension, I am moving to the front of the truck to increase strength... once finished, it will be new (or newish) wheels and tires time.

Anyone interested in a set of 5 OEM Gen2 TRD wheels with a set of 285/75R16 Nitto Trial Grappler M/T's?

 

Steering is definetly one of the biggest problems, and theres not a cheap option out there. The JD slide rack is great because you can continue to use an oem rack and finding replacements are cheap and abundent. The tundra racks are super beefy but they need a skilled fabricator to install and a replacement is costly and could take some time to get. Both are great options, but if your a true crawler youll be wishing for a hydraulic assist option. Thats why i went full hydro.

Most spindle gussets are pretty stout, but the total chaos non sway bar dont hold up. I picked up a set of camburg spindles since ive bent my gusseted spindles.

When i first put 37s on i hated it. The steering was heavy, the truck didnt want to hold a gear and it rubbed like crazy. It took me several months to work out most of the quirks and learn how to drive the truck. I dont daily my truck, but i did drive it to most trails. Now its turning into a trailer queen and will be getting a cage.

 

@CGoss Thanks for poking your head in and giving some info!

Damn... I ended up buying the TCS spindle gussets back when I was debating on keeping the ability to reinstall the front sway... not really a concern any more. Then I have the Dirt King upper arm double shear kit, and the Marlin Crawler Cam Tab reinforcement kit (which is a bunch a small parts to prep and weld and I'm honestly not looking forward to that one).

My truck is much less than a daily... I might drive 15 minutes into the office once a week. And up until 2 weeks ago I had another car... but decided to sell it because the used car market is so damn hot! And I was rarely driving it either!

 

Here was the daily:

 

Nice, alot better than mine.

 

I've also pulled off the camping gear since it way to f-ing hot to camp any time soon...

 

At least you still have your daily...

Here's my "hog"

 

Yeah but it sucks when its 120 degrees. But atleast they get us to the parts store or hardware store when the truck is on jackstands.

 

Like right now:

 

Will we see this monster at Rush? Deeds and I would be happy to talk to you about 35s, and half the time the guys with yotas on 40s from around here show up randomly.

 

I’ll look at the calendar for the Rush trip… hadn’t made plans to go yet. I’m chomping at the bit to shake down the truck.
With that said, I still have a decent amount to do to strengthen the front… and with the recent event (almost cutting my finger off), things are going to move a little slow.

 

Second time ol girl has been backed into. This time the person left no information. You guys that have gotten bumpers did you order them online or from someone locally?

Also I hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

 

Hey locals. Just wanted to let you know I have a set of 3rd gen TRD OR shocks and springs for sale. Just posted everything in the FS section but I'd prefer not to ship. PM if interested. Thanks!

 

Time for a steel bumper!

Victory4x4 is semi local so you don't have to pay shipping(in lower Michigan)

 

Done . Ordered a Body Armor bumper. It's not a full on bumper but it replaced all the damaged stuff. I think with the pro grill it looks fantastic. I put it on Saturday.

 

Looks Fantastic!!!

 

It's gonna be a good day

 

How much added weight will that be?

 

Around 50Lb, Victory 4x4 aluminum strike bumper. Winch comes later(waiting on a decent deal on a warn 10s)

Front springs are already rated for the additional weight

 

Tacofort?