Builds 2018 Premium 460 build (8 Viewers)

[Washingtontaco]

The shipping companies came though and all my suspension parts arrived last Thursday!

I went with Sonoran Steel full flex kit for the 5th gen Runner with KDSS. The GX are similar suspension wise just heavier.

I went with Sonoran Steel for a few reasons.

1st. One of two companies that would talk to my specific needs of spring rates and matched shock valving.
2nd. The unique rear axle pan hard/trac bar that they developed to allow full articulation of the rear axle without contact of the KDSS components.
3rd. Steve the owner helped me on my Taco suspension and with the purchase and suspension on my daughters third gen 4 Runner.

The front suspension is pretty standard Toyota with the exception of 700# constant load springs and Radflo resi shocks valved for this spring rate.

The rear suspension has the 850# OME constant load springs, Radflo remote resi shocks valved for the weight and 1" extended down travel that is afforded by the KDSS and the Pan Hard/trac bar. I also ordered the extended bump stops and lower links.

Working around the KDSS system was a learning experience but nothing I couldn't overcome.

 

[Washingtontaco]

 

[Washingtontaco]

I forgot to mention that I installed SPC UCAs they offer a wide range of adjustment not found in other UCAs and cost a little less. Unfortunately they are now made in China. It was a little close getting it out of the garage!!

 

[Washingtontaco]

Alignment, wheels and tires tomorrow!!

 

[Tex68w]

Which SCS wheels did you go with?

 

[r2m]

Wow! Look at all them shinny parts!!!
Seriously, looks real good. Is it the camera angle or does it have a little "stink bug" stance?
Those look like pretty big tires, what did you go with?

 

[Tex68w]

Looks like 285/70/17 Toyo RT's, one of my favorite tires.

 

[Washingtontaco]

Wow! Look at all them shinny parts!!!
Seriously, looks real good. Is it the camera angle or does it have a little "stink bug" stance?
Those look like pretty big tires, what did you go with?

Its a bit of stink bug right now. Still very little weight in the back. Once the drawer/platform goes in along with the equipment to be stored it'll settle right down. I intend to carry a constant 800 lbs.

Thanks! Really like how its coming together!

 

[Washingtontaco]

Looks like 285/70/17 Toyo RT's, one of my favorite tires.

285/75/17 aka 33.9 x 11.3 x 17

 

[r2m]

285/75/17 aka 33.9 x 11.3 x 17

Yep, same size as my BFG M/T KO2's. Love that size! I had a little rubbing on the inner fender wells but just trimmed that out and it's been fine since.

 

[Washingtontaco]

I do have to say I love the look! I’ll need to cut more plastic and probably adjust the front coil overs an additional 1/2” up.

 

[Washingtontaco]

A few small projects installed yesterday. Welded in the body mount chop plate, Rago shock shaft guards, Front Runner rack fairing, and trimmed up more plastic. Rocker panel plastic I’m sure will get a bit more trimming when the rock sliders finally arrive.

 

[r2m]

How's the noise now with the fairing?

 

[Washingtontaco]

How's the noise now with the fairing?

I haven’t driven on the freeway yet. Unfortunately didn’t get to measure noise levels with the wind fairing installed prior to tire installation. Guessing the tires will be cause of some noise level increase.

It helped immensely with reducing the amount of wind forced into the sunroof. So much so that it can be used to speeds up to 50 mph.

 

[Moose545]

KDSS stuff is exactly what I've been looking for, good stuff and nice job so far man!

 

[Washingtontaco]

KDSS stuff is exactly what I've been looking for, good stuff and nice job so far man!

Thanks

 

[Washingtontaco]

Drove the GX on the freeway today and recorded 70-71 db @ 70 mph. This is with the Front Runner fairing installed and new Toyo Open Country R/Ts. installed. Not to bad considering OEM configuration was 68-69 db @ 70 mph.

The new 34" tires made their presence known. The transmission down shifted more so than previously on climbs at freeway speeds with the cruise on.

 

[Washingtontaco]

I had an hour or so before work tonight and found I could fit my Safe Jack hydraulic bottle jack in the factory jack location. I also have a Last US Bag that I use for the Jack accessories that also fits in the same area.

 

[r2m]

Drove the GX on the freeway today and recorded 70-71 db @ 70 mph. This is with the Front Runner fairing installed and new Toyo Open Country R/Ts. installed. Not to bad considering OEM configuration was 68-69 db @ 70 mph.

The new 34" tires made there presence know. The transmission down shifted more so than previously on climbs at freeway speeds with the cruise on.

You may want to consider re-gearing. I re-geared when I added my front and rear lockers. Huge difference.
Your transmission won't be hunting and searching for gears on grades and long inclines.

 

[Mena661]

You may want to consider re-gearing. I re-geared when I added my front and rear lockers. Huge difference.
Your transmission won't be hunting and searching for gears on grades and long inclines.

What gears did you get? Thanks.