Long Travel BS Thread

Potentially, not 100% sure if that was the origin of the issue. I moved the battery roughly 5 years ago and never had an issue before this.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...assembly-with-4-88s-front-tube-bumper.845717/

 

My money is on thermal runaway. Either charging system issues or maybe even vibration.

 

I’ve had my battery similarly mounted on the inside frame rail for about 3 years too. No issues so far, but I’ve always had this concern

 

Well, did a quick inspection of the wires and didn't see anything of concern. Picked up another battery and threw it in. The truck started right up.

Measured voltage at the battery and at the fuse box, only a .05 drop in voltage in that distance which I think is reasonable considering the length of wire.

To be fair, the previous battery lasted 5+ years of abuse. Can't say I'd expect a battery to last much longer but I would like the reassurance that my truck won't burn down when the battery goes again.

 

I'm honestly not that surprised I've seen a few optimas go critical now. They strike me as a brand that looks the way they do to sell because nothing else is special about them. But every one of them that's blown up hasn't been that old when I've seen them

 

I'd throw in a stand-alone 12v Battery Gauge if you don't already have one or not already monitoring with an APP and Bluetooth Dongle. Are you running an alternator voltage booster diode?

 

I have an Ultra Gage to monitor temps & voltage.

 

i would definitely add a plate on the front side for good measure....

 

Someone caught me in Ocotillo near Shell reef this weekend. I’m the second one in this vid.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB7aWJsSejy/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

I have a closed loop system separate from the ECM. The Trans Temp gauge turns on the trans cooler fan at my programmed temperature setting, the gauge face will also turn red when the programmed high temp setting has been reached..its a poor man's Motec


I also have this battery gauge that is imported from some dude in South Africa. Works well but ill be adding a digital one for actual volt reading on the starting battery when I relocate everything to inside the cab in the next few weeks

 

Leafs max out right as shocks max out. Not a bad amount of droop for leaf springs

 

Any tips on making a nice mig weld on a tube joint? Some are nice and flat and others are tall. Using my 181 dual voltage on 110v with .30 wire. Using the cursive e pattern. Voltage and wire speed turned up high

 

What's your shock shaft amount at ride height?

 

If I was to guess it would have to be like 10". It definitely favors up travel.

 

I’m going to get chastised for this. But the first issue is 110v. Get that baby on 220. Next, I prefer small wire. .023. It’s way slower going but the results in my experience speak for themselves.

 

Changing the wire gauge will be much easier than putting a 220v outlet in the garage

 

Give it a shot. I think you will find it runs way smoother with little to no spatter. But remember. Slow. Watch the puddle.

 

Should I still have heat and wire speed cranked up?

 

You will need to play around. So much boils down to the machine. Make yourself some testers with scrap tube and sit down for the day and practice.

I personally never have liked .030 wire for anything 3/16 and under unless it’s for industrial purpose. At that point it’s just saving time. But you will under penetrate (with .023) if you don’t take your time with it. Some really good videos on YouTube that can guide you on setup.