Build Atwalz 2013 TLC 200 Build Thread.

[Atwalz]

After looking at the pricing of material various joints. I end up ordering metal tech rear lower control arms. They will be installed on Friday.

 

[Markuson]

After looking at the pricing of material various joints. I end up ordering metal tech rear lower control arms. They will be installed on Friday.

I'm curious about rear control arm durability on the 200.

I have only recently added sliders and skids, and haven't yet ABUSED this Cruiser. Had a built 100 for 13 years, and never really worried about the rear control arms--maybe from ignorance. I wonder how many folks here have bent/damaged theirs?

Seems like a fairly inexpensive mod, so I'm curious about durability of the original.
If it's iffy...seems like an easy mod?

?? Anyone?

 

[Atwalz]

I know there is a thread that talks about bent arm. I will search it and link it here shortly.

Upgrade options for Rear Control Arms.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics
Metal Tech 4x4.
SPC
Total Chaos

 

[T4Runner]

I don't know about 200s but it was a weak spot on 4th gen 4Runner. It's definitely cheap insurance to upgrade it.

 

[Markuson]

I don't know about 200s but it was a weak spot on 4th gen 4Runner. It's definitely cheap insurance to upgrade it.

OK I'm convinced.
Think I'll add LCA's when I add rear bumper & heavier springs.

 

[Romer]

I bent the rear control arms on my 100. Drove ok after that and I replaced them as a pair a few weeks later at Slee's

 

[Atwalz]

Got Metal tech 4x4 trailing arms delivered. Before they were installed I took their measurements.

Johnny joint Width (2 3/8")

Johnny Joint bushing cup outside (2 1/2")

trailing arm tube (1 3/4"). Metal tech says its an 0.290" wall thickness.

Rear tube Joint OD (2 3/16")

ID rear joint tube (1 5/8")

 

[Atwalz]

Rear bushing bolt sleeve OD. (1")

Bolt Sleeve length (2 3/8")

Sleeve bolt hole ID (9/16")

Arm length about ~ 29"

After installing bushing rear joint with is ~ 2 3/8".

 

[Atwalz]

After installing them at stock height not much clearance left between adjusting nut and mounting bracket.

Front grease zerk is hidden up in front mounting bracket and rear is still accessible for service.

Passenger side installed. same clearance comment between adjusting nut and mounting bracket.

 

[Atwalz]

Trick to installing them is level vehicle on the floor. Remove and install one side at a time. Measure the same length before installing the new one. Grease the bushing prior to install don't apply too much grease, about two to three pumps first time to both joints. I will call metal tech tomorrow to see if they can send me smaller adjusting nut to address my clearance concern for up travel. I don't want to grind the body mount yet.

 

[Atwalz]

Brewing bends for bumper planning.

 

[Atwalz]

I fabricated rear bumper brackets today. Brackets are made of 1/4" A36 mild steel. Installed using rear tow point bolts and mix of rivet nuts and factory nuts on passenger side of outside frame. It will be a simple bumper without tire carrier or jerry can holder. I will incorporate parking lights. I could add those later if needed. This being DD so opening tail gate and dealing with swing arms can be hassle for Mrs. Stay tuned for more updates.

 

[9780LC]

You might want to consider trimming the ears off the mounting brackets of the rear lower control arms. I had some issues with my ICON rear control arms and had to trim them. I had more clearance prior to trimming than your picture shows now.

Before trim....arm was binding on the inside of the ear.

After trim....

After trim.....I've had no issues since.

 

[Rigger]

Interested in the bumper planning.

 

[Atwalz]

 

[Atwalz]

Pick formed steel today. I will be setting it with two swing arms. More cutting, welding and grinding this weekend.

 

[Atwalz]

 

[Atwalz]

 

[Atwalz]

Testing side wing layout.

 

[Rigger]

Looking great, Atwalz!