OverlaNERD's Home away from home

So.... Awesome....


Those 35s almost look small with all of that room in the rear fender! Perfect build man, good work!

How do you like the 4.88s now that you've run them for a bit? Still pick them over 4.56 if you could do it again?

 

Thanks! Yeah, the fenders are big. Actually, the inner well is smaller than stock, but the opening is larger. Also, my rear is sitting way too high right now. It should come down 1-1/2" after the shackle reflip.

4.88's feel too low for a 6-speed. RPM's are really high (2700 @ 65mph) with the lower manual trans OD gears. However, I've only done light trails with the 35's and 4.88's. My tune may change after the first wheeling trip next month.

Around town they are awesome. Uphill freeway onramps used to be an issue between 3rd and 4th gear. Not an issue at all now. Stop and go traffic is way more doable since I can go slower in 2nd gear. There's a pretty big gap between 1st and 2nd.

The most significant benefit is that I don't have to feather the clutch to flex on those bitch-ass parking blocks at the mall.

 

Sounds like you need one of these


Any other reasons you're switching back to regular shackles?

 

What makes you think I don't already have one

Switching back for a few reasons:

1. Ride comfort.
2. To gain back some up travel. You basically trade down travel for up travel with a shackle flip. At the shock (haven't measured at the wheel) I have 12" of shock travel and 11" of spring travel. The bump spacers are limiting up travel about 1", so it's actually less right now. After the reflip, @Bentrodder and I (mostly him since I can't weld) will re-clock the lower shock mounts to eliminate the bump spacers. We'll leave about 1/2" to 1" of cushion in the shock on the compression side. The shocks should top out right at the end of the spring travel on the extension side. I'm not too worried since it only goes to full extension at slow speeds. I've accounted for compression of the Wheelers Super Bumps.
3. Spring will not be as inverted on compression.
4. To drop dat azz. I don't want to break down my custom Alcan springs to lower the rear. They are fine with the weight and will ride even better with the reflip.

 

Do you have plans for roof rack crossbars using the L-track on your roof?

Wondering if fabricating something like what AT does on their Habitat is the way to go, or if anyone sells something that would work as well.

 

I do. Still trying to figure it out. Currently have stud- mount and female 3/8" thread L-track fittings in the garage. Not sure if I'm going to put some rise on it, for an upside down canoe, or put it at the L-Track level and get Thule or Yakima canoe mounts. I probably won't use it for wheeling though due to obvious clearance issues. It will be fine either way for winter since it's either snow or desert with no overhead clearance issues.

I'll mostly use it to transport bamboo stakes and 1/2" pvc pipe to my house from Home Depot for Pinterest projects...

 

@OutbackHack Saw yours on Monday. Looking good! It keeps getting better. You're overhang is (2) stacked 1-1/2" by 1" tubes that run the full length of the camper. Really solid.

 

@Overlanerd When my girlfriend and I am back in the bay area, could we meet up sometime at your convenience to check out your setup? We can bring you fancy beer or wine to help convince you to share 30-60 min of your time.

 

Of course! I just replied to your quote on Expo. Easier to catch me on TW though...

 

Fantastic build.

 

Thank you!

 

Some upgrades in the last few weeks:

@Pelfreybilt gas tank skid. Got it a few months ago and finally installed it.



Mounted some crap port side. Temporary until my old rear swingout is modified and installed.



I think the mount is also @Pelfreybilt. Bought it from @jberry813 months ago.

Got some UCA's from @tacomgee since he got all fancy with long travel. The Dirtkings interfered with the 35's. Didn't want to run spacers.

Also Kings.



Worked great on the Slickrock trail a few weekends ago.



Total poser shot, but I actually ran the trail.

And this happened.



3 steps forward + 1 step back = 2 steps forward. Or the samba. Can't remember from that class my wife dragged me to years ago.

Also, action shots from Slickrock by @stroM-. Awesome video. Go to www.alteregoadventure.com and git some swag!

 

Is that your second mangled drive shaft?

I see one thing missing on your truck.

 

I didn't see it mentioned but do see that there are small decals on the lower corner from the manufacturer. Exactly the company that I thought was involved with this. Only heard good things about Tradesman.

 

I just noticed that as well. The cat is out of the bag, I guess. I haven't seen an update in @Iggy 's thread about progress with Tradesman rounding up some contractors to do the sewing and such to finish up the sourcing of the non-metal work, so I'll still hold off on contacting them.

 

This is 100% correct. Still working on details with them.

 

Oops. Yeah, what @Iggy said. I've told people via PM or DM on ig, plus many people have seen it at meets or camping. Or in the mall parking lot.

They're not ready for wide release. Soon.

 

Guess I didn't need to debadge mine then. (although technically that was so I could paint it)

 

Question regarding the 6 speed and 35's....I read a little about how you regeared but is a regear necessary with the 6 speed on 315's? I have read about the autos getting really hot but wasn't sure if the manuals had the same gearing/issues. Not too many folks have manuals so I'm hoping to get some insight. Incredible custom camper on that thing too...very nicely done.

 

Thank you!

Yeah, gearing is not necessary for the street. It is nice for stop and go traffic though. Totally driveable with 35's and the 6-speed. No problem for fire roads. For technical sections off-road, I think it's necessary. You can only feather the clutch so much. 4.88's are a little low for my preference. I'm not sure that I would have noticed a significant difference between them and 4.56's at Slickrock a few weeks ago. RPM's would be a lot lower on the freeway though. For mountain driving under 65 mph, the 4.88's are awesome.

My truck will get heavier. +/- 500 lbs. I'm adding my old swingout and interior cabinets. The 4.88's will probably be more appreciated then.