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

@SLCYota

 

Marlin Crawler RCLT Standard Kit (+1 RC +2 LT), I SO WANT THIS!

 

Pretty cool concept. I wonder why no one else has made something like this, cost for production maybe?

I don't know what the price is but I assume it will compete with SAS and if it does, I'd still rather do an SAS.

 

Depends on the axles. Gucci or not makes a big difference.

 

if you buy this kit and don't use RCV axles you're going to have bad time. the stock axles with extended shafts can't even flex enough for this kit I don't believe.

 

I was referring to the solid axle swap in the quoted post. What you say is true as well.

 

Because it's a huge engineering effort to make something like this that a) works and b) is safe enough to sell. Additionally it has to be a 'bolt on' product (not a knock against it) in order to sell enough volume to make it worth while.

SAS is great, but it's a huge fab project to do right, and a death-trap if done wrong. This will get very close to SAS performance in a form factor accessible to a lot more people.

 

Well said that and to me it'd be pretty cool to see IFS getting just as or close to as flexy as SAS and really do well.

 

Disappointed the MarRack wont work with a stock width truck. I'm already on 37s with a stock length UCA and a Cab mount relocate/tub job. I'd love a little help in the steering department. Not sure I'm willing to drop another 10 to step up to 40s and a MarRack.

Stock width, Upgraded steering rack and a LCA with better clearance would be the perfect setup in my mind for those looking to get the most out of a stock width truck. No LT shocks, no $2500 CVs. Just bulletproofed and improved parts that can bolt in and work with what you already have. An UCA and LCA combo that pushed the wheel forward an inch but retained the width would be even better. You could make an extremely reliable trail rider that way, which I think is what the Tacoma is best suited for.

Edit: after reading a 3rd time it sounds like that might be similar to the (1) Marlin Crawler RCLT Standard Kit (+1 RC).

 

Read yet again, starting to understand...I think

On the RC kits the (+1 and +2) move the knuckle forward 1 to 2 inches but do not increase the track width, correct?

Is there a picture of these installed on anything? I'm pretty sure I could clear 38s or even 39.5s with the RC+2 kit, although tire to frame clearance would be a problem.

It mentions using a standard LT shock. Are you referring to the extended travel shocks that fit with stock length control arms? Such as these Kings http://www.filthymotorsports.com/King_OEM_Tacoma_Shocks_p/king-25001-119.htm

Definitely interested in how this turns out. I'm wrapping up my crawl box install and this could be the next big upgrade.

 

From what I understand, the basic kit is still a +2" Long Travel kit requiring extended axles and LT coilovers. the +1" refers to pushing the hub forward 1".

I'm in the same boat as you, I would like to push the hub forward an inch or two and install the Marack, but keep the stock width control arms and CV's. I'm guessing the current set up they are proposing will end up in the $15 000 + arena (Canadian Doll hairs) which I would much prefer a SAS in that range.

 

I'm hoping you're wrong but you very well may be right.

Then again, it sounds like you hope you're wrong too.

If this is the case there will still be a market available for people looking to increase the strength of their steering without going to a +2 or more front end.
For the trail rider type truck I just don't see the cost/benefit there.
***EDIT***
Reading yet again, pretty sure you're right. That's disappointing.

 

We are just speculating on price though, maybe it will come in at $5k USD

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm almost certain I am understanding what he said in post #3 "Standard Kit: +1 RC (pushing the hub forward), +2 LT (regular long travel)" Which will include UCA's, LCA's and that's pretty well it. Options would be the Marack and spindle gussets. Still need to source your own extended axles and LT coilovers. Without the Marack, this option will probably be close in price to any current LT kit. The HD kit is where things get more interesting but will likely be prohibitively expensive.

 

I believe you are correct. I was reading the description of features as individual kits.

 

That said though, because you've already clearanced/tubbed for 37's, with just the standard kit you could probably fit 40's without any more cutting. Plus the +2LT will get the tire off the frame at lock. I rub my frame at lock with just 35's currently.

 

I could but I dont think it would be worth the cost. I'm running 4.88 gears and while I'm a little over geared for the highway I believe 40s would be too big a jump, so Id have to regear again. I'm running extended travel Kings which I'd have to sell to get LT Kings. Another $2200 for RCVs plus the kit itself. I run surplus HMMWV tires and I'm about to order 16.5" dual beadlocks. Tires in that size are hard to come by. Interco makes a Radial Irok 39.5 13.52 16.5 but theyre almost $550/each. So all in with the kit I'm guessing 12-15k in the front end, just to winch a little less and bend a few less tie rods. For me the cost/benefit just isnt there. If it was a a OEM length upper and lower control arm that let me reuse most of what I have I'd be interested, but for me, it just can't be justified. FWIW I think a lot of people probably feel similarly.

This actually makes me even more pleased with my current setup. I have nowhere NEAR that much money invested (Tub/relocate, Chinese UCAs, King Shocks w/remotes, Wheelers bumps, surplus 37s on 3.5BS wheels) and Ive been on 37s for a few years now with no real issues. I think that might be the best cost/benefit if people are willing to cut up their trucks.

If money were no issue I'd duplicate Big Mikes truck in a heartbeat. But it is and I just can't justify it.

 

Your set up is what got me itching for 37s and running something similar . I just put a new wheel set up on my truck and kept my spacers so I have an effective 3" BS which would probably keep those 40s off the frame at lock.

I am really interested in the 2.75" kit because I am curious and this seems like a happy medium for pushing the axle forward and getting great flex. I too think the cost will be up there and that is a little bit of a turn off. From what I've seen most SAS trucks are pushing the axle CL forward 4"+ and having a DCLB I want to keep my WB as short as possible. Also this kit may have a little better road manners than a SAS.

Glad you chimed in great insight and thoughts to go back and reread some stuff and contemplate!

 

I'm with you all the way. Money is a big limiter for me as well. The only thing I really want from this setup is the marack and to push the front end forward an inch or 2. I can't afford the rest of it. I really want to get on 40's due to the insane wheelbase of the dclb. Will probably end up with a similar setup to you though with 37's and tubbing, keeping everything else as it sits now. I haven't regeared yet though, and thought 4.88's might be the best balance for me with the potential for 40s. I am auto though, so 4.88 + 40's shouldn't be too terrible?

 

You'll be around 1900 rpm at 70 on the hwy. with 40s and 4.88s. I am in the same dilema with the dclb and seem to have a similar build thought process. I am tempted to get the 3rd gen manual trans rear and regear and run 5.29s. But haven't decided 100% on that route yet. With this kit 40s is definitely in the cards for me I think.

 

I'm on 35s with 4.88s and feel that's about perfect with an auto. 40s ....um no ....go higher.