Build 200 series Portal build

[XFACTR]

I’ve had a few people ask me for a build thread. I know I’m going to forget something, but this is what I have that I can remember:
Build list :
@dissentoffroad: front and rear bumpers/skids
@werewolf4x4: portals
@Radfloshocks: 2.5” Remote Reservoir extended travel adjustable coilovers and rear smoothies
@camburgracing: UCA’s
@DobinsonUSA: Rear Springs
@TKOfabrication: Rock Sliders
@nst_spec: 1.5” body lift
@j2hundy_outfitters: Seinke 555 LCA’s
@eatonperformance -Front and Rear E-Locker
@rcvperformace - CV’s.
@nittotire - 40x13.5x17 Trail Grappler MT’s
@superprosuspension - HD rear sway bar
@prinsuracks - roof rack
@gamiviti_racks - dash mount
@agency_6 - winch shackle
@rigidindustries - LED’s and 30” lightbar
@trail.tailor - LCA skids
@rotopax - Fuel Storage
@rhinousa - D-Ring Shackles
@garagealphaoffroad - Lexus Grille
@Iconalloys - Icon Vector 5
@timbren_industries - bump stops
@ARB4x4USA - Recovery gear
@Factor55 - Recovery gear
@auxbeam - Switch panel
@MORRflate - Tire inflation/deflation
@harborfreight - Apex Badlands 12k Winch
@garmin - Satellite In-reach
@powerstopbrakes Z36 - Brakes
@weathertech - Floor Mats
@midlandusa - MXT575 Radio
@snowboundcustoms - washer reservoir
@mojaboffroad - hydraulic jack
@srqfabrications - LCA Cam Tab Gussets
@wolfbox_official - g900 tri-pro dashcam
____________________________
Special thanks to @Dissentoffroad, @MTKID , @J2HundyOutfitters , @evolutionoffroad, @sococustoms, and @wind_chillin_taco for all of their help and expertise with this build.

 

[YellowJacket]

Here we go!! Bout time my man!
(I still haven't done any build threads, but I want to haha)

 

[ETXLX450F]

I’ve had a few people ask me for a build thread. I know I’m going to forget something, but this is what I have that I can remember:
Build list :
@dissentoffroad: front and rear bumpers/skids
@werewolf4x4: portals
@Radfloshocks: 2.5” Remote Reservoir extended travel adjustable coilovers and rear smoothies
@camburgracing: UCA’s
@DobinsonUSA: Rear Springs
@TKOfabrication: Rock Sliders
@nst_spec: 1.5” body lift
@j2hundy_outfitters: Seinke 555 LCA’s
@eatonperformance -Front and Rear E-Locker
@rcvperformace - CV’s.
@nittotire - 40x13.5x17 Trail Grappler MT’s
@superprosuspension - HD rear sway bar
@prinsuracks - roof rack
@gamiviti_racks - dash mount
@agency_6 - winch shackle
@rigidindustries - LED’s and 30” lightbar
@trail.tailor - LCA skids
@rotopax - Fuel Storage
@rhinousa - D-Ring Shackles
@garagealphaoffroad - Lexus Grille
@Iconalloys - Icon Vector 5
@timbren_industries - bump stops
@ARB4x4USA - Recovery gear
@Factor55 - Recovery gear
@auxbeam - Switch panel
@MORRflate - Tire inflation/deflation
@harborfreight - Apex Badlands 12k Winch
@garmin - Satellite In-reach
@powerstopbrakes Z36 - Brakes
@weathertech - Floor Mats
@midlandusa - MXT575 Radio
@snowboundcustoms - washer reservoir
@mojaboffroad - hydraulic jack
@srqfabrications - LCA Cam Tab Gussets
@wolfbox_official - g900 tri-pro dashcam
____________________________
Special thanks to @Dissentoffroad, @MTKID , @J2HundyOutfitters , @evolutionoffroad, @sococustoms, and @wind_chillin_taco for all of their help and expertise with this build.

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Phenomenal build!

Would you mind sharing why you went with the larger Werewolf setup instead of the 74 Weld kit?


Looking to order a set later this year and weighing pros and cons of both. Looks like the Werewolf kit is more robust but requires a larger tire.

 

[YellowJacket]

Phenomenal build!

Would you mind sharing why you went with the larger Werewolf setup instead of the 74 Weld kit?


Looking to order a set later this year and weighing pros and cons of both. Looks like the Werewolf kit is more robust but requires a larger tire.

While we wait for him to jump on, I’ll say one of the reasons is that WW was years ahead of 74 and even Portal Pros. But there’s more reasons I’ll let Jason dive into.

 

[ETXLX450F]

While we wait for him to jump on, I’ll say one of the reasons is that WW was years ahead of 74 and even Portal Pros. But there’s more reasons I’ll let Jason dive into.

Right on. I did reach out to them around 4-5 years ago but plans changed and I ended up getting a different vehicle. Was just curious what OP thoughts were since they spoke with their wallet.

Im not really chasing the biggest baddest setup. Just want 37"s and high clearance for the beach and trails, and to retain AHC until my kids are older.

My main concern would be lead times on parts if something broke and I needed to order a stub shaft from Ukraine.

 

[XFACTR]

Phenomenal build!

Would you mind sharing why you went with the larger Werewolf setup instead of the 74 Weld kit?


Looking to order a set later this year and weighing pros and cons of both. Looks like the Werewolf kit is more robust but requires a larger tire.

Thank you. Yes, from my research WW portals are more robust and have had far less issues. I wanted steel construction. Stronger and easier to fix in the field if necessary (easier to weld). They also have another 1.3” more clearance (5.1”) and they add more width (4.5” per side- stability for that height). I do recommend a high offset wheel no matter you go with). They also have deeper gearing (35% compared to 22% for 74). I knew I wanted to go 40’s, and that’s a much better ratio for that tire, but obviously you could just go 37’s or 38’s - BFG and Kanati make a 39” as well. One advantage with 74’s is that they have a pass through for the CV should you break one. I got RCV’s so I shouldn’t have to worry about it unless I’m just dumb with the front locker and a ton of throttle.
I’ve heard a few not so great stories about customer service with some other companies, so that steered me towards WW as well. I’ve only heard of one break with WW, and that was on an older model of portal. They replaced it for free. Also with 74 you have to go to a 6 lug wheel, so don’t plan on keeping your wheels.
If you want aluminum and a bit less height, personally I’d look at Portal Pros and talk with Tobin Gardner. He’s getting them installed on his 200 really soon. I think he’s keeping 37’s for a while, and might go 38’s later? I really appreciate PP’s authenticity and transparency as they’ve gone through their testing process.
Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[ETXLX450F]

Thank you. Yes, from my research WW portals are more robust and have had far less issues. I wanted steel construction. Stronger and easier to fix in the field if necessary (easier to weld). They also have another 1.3” more clearance (5.1”) and they add more width (4.5” per side- stability for that height). I do recommend a high offset wheel no matter you go with). They also have deeper gearing (35% compared to 22% for 74). I knew I wanted to go 40’s, and that’s a much better ratio for that tire, but obviously you could just go 37’s or 38’s - BFG and Kanati make a 39” as well. One advantage with 74’s is that they have a pass through for the CV should you break one. I got RCV’s so I shouldn’t have to worry about it unless I’m just dumb with the front locker and a ton of throttle.
I’ve heard a few not so great stories about customer service with some other companies, so that steered me towards WW as well. I’ve only heard of one break with WW, and that was on an older model of portal. They replaced it for free. Also with 74 you have to go to a 6 lug wheel, so don’t plan on keeping your wheels.
If you want aluminum and a bit less height, personally I’d look at Portal Pros and talk with Tobin Gardner. He’s getting them installed on his 200 really soon. I think he’s keeping 37’s for a while, and might go 38’s later? I really appreciate PP’s authenticity and transparency as they’ve gone through their testing process.
Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thank you for the breakdown on rationale XFACTR. It was extremely helpful and insightful.

I did try reaching out to 74 Weld a few times via email because I heard they offer military discounts but never got a reply.
They were also kind of rude when I asked a question about reaming their knuckles for a Toyosteering billet rack setup. Then when I asked when their own billet rack was going to be released they stopped replying.

Despite that, I was considering going with them since they are US based (parts availability), but Portal Pros sounds interesting. Watched a few of their videos and like their approach to serviceability and rigorous testing. Will definitely reach out to them to see where they are at with their 200 Series kit.


Appreciate you taking the time to share some wisdom! Helped a lot!

 

[XFACTR]

Thank you for the breakdown on rationale XFACTR. It was extremely helpful and insightful.

I did try reaching out to 74 Weld a few times via email because I heard they offer military discounts but never got a reply.
They were also kind of rude when I asked a question about reaming their knuckles for a Toyosteering billet rack setup. Then when I asked when their own billet rack was going to be released they stopped replying.

Despite that, I was considering going with them since they are US based (parts availability), but Portal Pros sounds interesting. Watched a few of their videos and like their approach to serviceability and rigorous testing. Will definitely reach out to them to see where they are at with their 200 Series kit.


Appreciate you taking the time to share some wisdom! Helped a lot!

That’s where is be looking first. That said WW are still the most robust. It takes 2 weeks for extra parts though.

 

[TeCKis300]

One of the differentiators in my mind between Werewolf and 74weld is daily drivability and usability. To some, any portal probably takes it beyond a daily. 74welds are arguably more in the realm of an aggressive daily, where in my mind, Werewolf's aggressive dimensions puts it into a purpose built rig.

I'm battling 74welds in my own mind if it's taking it too far.

One thing I can't get any information on is whether portals are good for Baja style high-speed desert running. Makes me think it's not with all the added unsprung weight.

 

[nwfl4runner]

One of the differentiators in my mind between Werewolf and 74weld is daily drivability and usability. To some, any portal probably takes it beyond a daily. 74welds are arguably more in the realm of an aggressive daily, where in my mind, Werewolf's aggressive dimensions puts it into a purpose built rig.

I'm battling 74welds in my own mind if it's taking it too far.

One thing I can't get any information on is whether portals are good for Baja style high-speed desert running. Makes me think it's not with all the added unsprung weight.

I’d hate to be hitting whoops with the lift of portals and short a-arms. Center mount is a whole different world.

 

[TeCKis300]

I’d hate to be hitting whoops with the lift of portals and short a-arms. Center mount is a whole different world.

Well said.

 

[Boston Mangler]

I'm battling 74welds in my own mind if it's taking it too far.

Your family Offroads with you right?

SoCal terrain has lots of large hidden rocks that, in the event you hit one, it could case airbag deployment to all 4 passengers possible causing injuries, and divorce attorneys and hospital bills are expensive

Not only would portals make your truck safer for the family due to less risk of an airbag deploying hidden rock collision, they are also cheaper than divorce attorneys that would come with rock and airbag event.

So it’s basically a costs savings AND a safety increasing modification.

Follow me for more financial justification advice

 

[Boston Mangler]

Delete

 

[TeCKis300]

Your family Offroads with you right?

SoCal terrain has lots of large hidden rocks that, in the event you hit one, it could case airbag deployment to all 4 passengers possible causing injuries, and divorce attorneys and hospital bills are expensive

Not only would portals make your truck safer for the family due to less risk of an airbag deploying hidden rock collision, they are also cheaper than divorce attorneys that would come with rock and airbag event.

So it’s basically a costs savings AND a safety increasing modification.

Follow me for more financial justification advice

I'm just getting distracted by shiny baubles.

 

[XFACTR]

One of the differentiators in my mind between Werewolf and 74weld is daily drivability and usability. To some, any portal probably takes it beyond a daily. 74welds are arguably more in the realm of an aggressive daily, where in my mind, Werewolf's aggressive dimensions puts it into a purpose built rig.

I'm battling 74welds in my own mind if it's taking it too far.

One thing I can't get any information on is whether portals are good for Baja style high-speed desert running. Makes me think it's not with all the added unsprung weight.

I used my WW portal rig as a daily for almost a year. We even took several long trips: Colorado to California, and up from Tucson etc. It did just fine, but it’s just kinda impractical to be driving a rig on portals and 40’s all over like that. Could you daily it? Sure. Is it wise? From a fuel, tire, and wear proposition, I don’t think so. At least not if you’re including big trips.
Regarding Baja racing: The majority of Pro 4 racers run them. To me, this is the one place 74 might have an advantage over WW. The aluminum is lighter weight.