Pongo, my 2016 TRDOR, it's life stages, and travels

It the Old Man Emu CS047R leaf pack with the Old Man Emu

$81 D29XL Leaf Spring

D29XL leaf.

A couple shots with the new VTX Rogues, and Cooper STT PROs in 305/70r16s

 

Looks badass!!

 

How did you get a softtopper to fit under the bed rack. i wanted a soft topper but it wont support a roof tent, so i was thinking of getting a bed rack and covering it with some kind of tarp or canvas to have the bed enclosed.

 

Thanks very much!

The rack over the softopper was from AllPro Off Road.

I've considered making panels that could be removed to better enlose the stuff in the bed.

a cool, but expensive option is from Can-Back:

https://www.can-back.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI69-CyfOE2QIVCgaGCh3kFghuEAAYASAAEgLUwfD_BwE

 

Awesome build thread! Your trips look like a lot of fun and the pics are awesome. Keep 'em coming!

 

Great build! I know there’s tons of threads on this but I thought the all-pro rack didn’t fit over a softopper, is this just a standard 19” rack?

 

Thanks! They were(probably still are)making them taller by request.

 

Really nice build... I thought I was moving quickly with upgrades but you had a lift kit day 2 haha.

 

Sub'd

 

Great build!!! Looking forward to more of your trip pics.

 

I've installed a few different items recently including:

Dobinsons Super Heavy Rear Leafs
Expeditions Essentials TPAM
Expedition Essentials Bedside Compressor Mount
CBI Off Road High Clearance Dual Swingout Rear Bumper


I'll have some pics after this weekend with the installed above components, but for now I'm just going to share a little about
the Dobinsons Rear Leaf Springs Part# L59-112-R Super Heavy Load (for 800lbs)


I previously had Old Man Emu CS047R's with the

$81 D29XL Leaf Spring

D29XL extra leafs. In the pics, you'll noticed the leaf spring liners I added to get rid of the OME
squeak/creak that some of the springs tend to make.

When I compared the leaf packs, I was cautiously optimistic about how they were going to handle the weight this truck carries when loaded
down. The OME's had done great, and rode well for 74k miles, but arch was pretty much flat when fully loaded.

There is an obvious leaf pack thickness difference(see photo), with the Dobinsons being the thinner pack.



I had measured the static ride height prior and post leaf springs replacement.

On right rear I gained 1" and on left rear I gained 1.5" over the OME heavies(rated 660lb). The ride is great!
If you're not carrying a lot of weight, I don't think these are for you, but if you've got a steel bumper with swingout,
big spare hanging off the back, bed slide, bed rack, fridge, tent....etc and are looking to get some of the ride height back,
these may be the deal for you.

***Disclaimer*** I have not tested these off road yet, but will be this weekend, and can give feedback on that as well***

 

What are the price of the Dobinsons? I'd like some more info on them as compared to the Level 3 Deaver Expeditions like I have. The curve definitely looks better than the OME and the Deavers which both those packs tend to get their lift out of more leafs than an arch. Will these also be able to be used in the 2nd gen and if not are there ones for a 2nd gen?

 

I've been running the Dobinsons Super Heavy Leaf packs for a month now, and have gotten to wheel them 3 separate trips.
I'm super pleased with them. The ride has been excellent, and I'm not longer riding "Carolina squat" when loaded.









Starting to get prepared for our next big trip west. This year, we're heading across
the country to Northeast Nevada for a couple weeks.

 

Insane looking build, keep it up.

 

OP.....I can only imagine the fun and enjoyment you have experienced during the last three years!

 

I've been a doing some prepping for our next trip West(less than a week from now). Some has been maintenance related, and some has been
additions of new goodies. On the maintenance side, I've got 80k miles as of yesterday, so it is time.
I decided to change trans fluid about 2 weeks ago(old fluid on the right, new fluid on the left in the process of 12 quart exchange):


The inner CV's weren't leaking, but both side inners had a pretty substantial groove cut.
I didn't want to be 2000 miles from home rebuilding axles, so I went ahead, and replaced both side inners with new Toyota OEM.



I had been thinking about changing up tires, and decided to go with something a little different. I went with Toyo Open Country AT2 Xtreme's in
305/70r17(34x12.50). Pictured compared to 285/70r17 General Grabber X3:


I immediately had rubbing issues. I ordered a set of Icon tubular uppers with delta joints, prior to performing any trimming.


Until this point I've been running original equipment UCAs, and I've had a ton of PM's on how it clears the 28570r17s and 305/70r16s. Here is
a pic showing before and after the UCA install.

I didn't gain any clearance at rest, but did gain droop and drivability.

I'm planning on being around the Northeast Nevada (Elko area) / Northwest Utah / Southwest Idaho area for 2weeks, say hello if you see us out your direction.

 

Do you by any chance remember what it cost for 4.88s front and rear total ? I haven't found a need yet but it will probably come to that in the future..
Your group has some very nice rides. They are inspirations to many.

 

If you go on ECGS you can build one out like you are going to order and get pricing that way

 

Thank you Sir!

 

One of my favorite 3rd gen builds! I had a question about what kind of antenna mount your using on the front hoop of your CBI bumper. I have the same setup and trying to find a mount to no avail. Already running my CB antenna on the rear so would like to put my GMRS antenna on the front. Thanks for the help! @dorton