Marlin Crawler's New Rock Crawling Long Travel IFS Suspension System (#RCLT)

I think I'm the only one commenting who has actually ordered it. Or at least the only one admitting it...

 

This is too bad. I always thought these guys were top notch. I was waiting for their Gen 3 bumper to hit the market. Got on the mailing list, but never heard back.

 

You will....In about 3 or 4 years from now.

 

I also got on the list for their bumper emails for the last generation Pickup bumper. Again, no updates. From their website:

We are very close to resuming production of our Front Rock Crawling Tube Bumpers for 1989-95 Pickup & 1990-95 4Runner Front Bumper and would like to start gathering a list of interested customers! An ETA for production is within 30 days.
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Uh huh... 30 days? I wonder how long it would take to get one of their rear tube bumpers if I ordered it now. They claim they are available.

I am surprised though, they now claim they are including the air locker conversion bearing kit with their 8" rear 4cylinder ARB locker builder package. I guess they did listen to my complaint. Too bad I can't get my $100 back for those bearings I had to buy seperately.

 

I'd PM mods - I wanted to not be pessimistic in this thread, but I have been concerned that this was going to be the outcome. Keeping an eye on the company for years and then seeing this thread begin already shot some red flags.

 

It really is sad, because our communities are super loyal and are built-in PR reps. But the scorned masses on the internet can and will be vocal, rightly so it seems in this case.
I don't know if a system like SCS wheels has in place would work for a fab shop, but they don't take orders and deposits. They post a date when certain models are available and a realistic shipping date. You either get your shit together and order that night or you wait until the next models are in stock.
People complain, but they can't say they are out of pocket with ungodly lead times or false promises.
This system also takes a good bit of operating capital which doesn't seem to be available in this situation.

 

just in time for the 4th gen Tacoma to roll out with completely different suspension setup.

This has been discussed heavily, especially after the pelfreybilt fiasco. I think a few shops tried doing something like that, where you would just do a deposit and then pay in full once the bumper/armor was completely done but seems like it didn't work out in the long run. Unlike wheels, bumpers tend to be very specific in their build like powdercoating vs. bare, grille hoop, full hoops, or no hoops, hybrid or not, different Toyota models, different generations, yada yada. For SCS, the same wheel spec and color works for old Toyota Tacomas, 4runners, Tundras, allll the way to 2021 vehicles. A lot easier to keep product moving when your demographic is a lot larger and varied for one item. If the dude with the 1990 4runner doesn't buy a set of SCS wheels, the guy with a new 2021 Tacoma will. Can't say the same when it comes to bumpers, rock sliders, skid plates, or suspension. I know you were just using a quick example, but that's basically what it seems to come down to when it comes to fabrication work.

 

This is what I did for the SCS wheels. Set a reminder and ordered it as soon as what I wanted was available. I used to have a CBI rear bumper and they took 1/2 when I ordered it and 1/2 when it shipped (which I think is fair for built-to-order stuff like that). It took 14 weeks to get the bumper from CBI but I wasn't out of pocket for the entire amount. Radflo charged me when the RCLT shocks shipped. RCV charged me right away for the RCLT axles and they'll arrive on Thursday (12 weeks). I paid for RCLT on 2/15 and don't even have an estimate of when it will ship. They're not sharing any specifics on the delays they've run into. Is it production, materials, labor, an problem with the setup/capability? At this point I can't go a different direction because of the shocks, axles, and steering rack that I already have. That's why I'd really like to connect with other people who have actually ordered the kit.

 

a quick post search for the keyword RCLT shows 3 public posts of people waiting on the marlin crawler kit. Ranging from GXs to 4runners. I'd be tempted to PM them on there and just throwing the question out there if they have heard anything from their kit. One guy posted he was already swapping in the steering rack for the kit but didn't specify if he has the kit in hand or not.

https://www.instagram.com/p/COfyO9mHhwk/

 

Good call, I didn't think to search ID. Appreciate the info.

 

They're not taking on any work either.

Was just directed to this thread as I just left from stopping by

 

And, just now by email: "We are actually going to be sending out an email update very shortly this week! Please keep an eye out for that email."

 

Well, I'm glad they're not taking on new work while there's a backlog.

Cool, thanks for the info. Looking forward to an update.

 

Wonder if that rack has more throw than the tundra racks???

 

I'm in the same boat. I've asked repeatedly for the install instructions and I cant even get those. They have said that the first batch will ship soon, but I am on the "bottom" of the list and I ordered 2/19. When I ask for updates they say to "check the website". I am trying to be patient but, like you, I have all these parts that have arrived and I a locked into this.

 

Jeez, have they checked the website? Because if they did they'd know that there aren't any updates there. I finished placing my order literally 5 min after it went live, because I wanted to be towards the front of the line, and I'm in the "middle" of the line. They've been working on the install instructions for a good minute.

 

Your non-TW buyer wouldn't know how backed up this is. Pretty sure they're still taking orders online because it allowed me to place the kit into cart. Didn't try to go further but until they start shipping the first batch probably shouldn't take more on.

 

Might be hard to pay for the first kit if they don't sell the next kit, materials costs are way up these days

 

Then they should be out of business. This is exactly why the Pelfrey’s and RST went to shit. It’s a Ponzi scheme at that point. A business should have enough credit or cash to cover material costs. Companies that want big cash upfront should give you some second thoughts.

 

Current word is that the 2nd batch will start shipping out around July. The website itself gives no indication of estimated ship times.