ESME - 98 REBUILD

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Ordered a Factor 55 Flatlink Expert from @RDC76 (Rich is the MUD-- Factor 55 guy) to use with my ComeUp 12.5rs

If you haven't used the Factor 55 accessories, I highly recommend trying them out.

J

 

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Finished up the front bumper.

Had some time this morning after building a rack so started on the dual fuel BBQ pit (propane/charcoal).

J

 

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Well guys the R&D extended travel aka TOUR FLEX springs set up has arrived.

SPRINGS- 75mm lift are made with XK5 German spring steel, fronts- 17mm and rears- 19mm wire diameter.

Fronts are 545-535mm with a rate of 180-270LB/"
Rears are 555-545mm with a rate of 180-320LB/"

SHOCKS- are a 45mm (1.77") bore FOAM CELL TWIN TUBE design with a 70mm (2.75") casings and 9 stage adjustable to boot as a standard option with this kit. This means 800% adjustability on all four corners and per corner, not to mention an adjustable steering stabilizer.

STEERING STABILIZER- has a 35mm (1.38") bore and adjustable as well. Tune your steering to your liking and your needs in seconds.

CASTER CORRECTION- TD offers 2-6 degree correction in bushing and plate designs options.


I will be installing the rear setup in my 100 to get some install measurements, real life use with comments and pics of course and then I will be needing a 80 owner (I have a growing list already, but no serious takers yet...) to come to the shop for the install, take measurements, spend an extra day with me for misc trail runs and then a full report and pics as well.

**NOTE** For the guys that have to have/want a reservoir adjustable shock (I'm assured by TD this is not necessary, but to each their own...), no worries... as of today I am a KING shock distributor as well and I can get you fixed up with your desired wants.

Also, once I like what the end result is.... turnaround time should be 2 weeks on full kits delivered to the customer. Even less once I have the stock order received. Most all that know me or have worked with me on their custom orders know that I am 110% about communications (good, bad or indifferent) You will always know what I know about OUR orders.

ToughDog is not a newcomer to this market. Over 32 years of on hand engineering, design and usage from the owner and over 100 years combined of the same credentials from his management/design staff.

More to come.

Thanks all,

Jason

(NOTE** THE KIT SHOWN IS FOR AN 80 SERIES--components are different...) But will be available for the 100s.

REAR 100 spring comparison Left is a 100- 300kg+ vs Right is a new TOUR FLEX

 

[ukaviator]

Looks beefy! Interested to hear your thoughts before and after on the 100 series

 

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A few people have asked to see the welded out version of the front bumper... (it is just sitting on the frame, no bolts or adjustments made)

Bumper (no winch, no LED bar = 92#)

Here ya go!

J

 

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Odyssey 3 bank 40amp charger arrived today.

J

 

[winegamd]

Do the tough dog springs stay seating under full flex on the rear?

 

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Do the tough dog springs stay seating under full flex on the rear?

That is the way they are designed.

J

 

[winegamd]

And I am guessing that these are a true progressive coil and not a dual rate like the similar extended travel icon and slinky rear coils? Also, do the shocks have an extended length like the OME L's and the Icons? Do you know the compressed and extended lengths?

 

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And I am guessing that these are a true progressive coil and not a dual rate like the similar extended travel icon and slinky rear coils? Also, do the shocks have an extended length like the OME L's and the Icons? Do you know the compressed and extended lengths?

The TourFlex spring is a dual rate not a progressive. Soft rate on the coil pictured is 180 and a firm rate of 320.

A progressive spring will have 3 or more variable coil pitches and be offered with a rate break out, as say 320, 305, 240, 215, 160 or simply VARIABLE.... A 3 coil spring will have 5 rates due to each transition coil needing to be rated as well. Progressive springs are notorious for having different installed heights and loosing upwards of 30-40% of their lift capacity in a very short time. They are extremely hard to design and manufacture properly. Hence the main reason for their bad reputation. You will notice only two pitches on the TourFlex, one for the soft rate and one for the firm rate with only one transition coil.

The adjustable shocks above were matched by TD for these springs. Mount to Mount is 19.25" and 28.5". A 50mm bore, remote reservoir, externally adjusted shock will be released in the next few months (looking like Jan/Feb)

Also, I'm a King dealer as well and can custom make whatever is wanted/needed.

 

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Looking at building my own drawers again... I ordered a few of these slip tube connectors to use with aluminum tube.

I'll see how strong they are and if they are up for the challenge.

J

 

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Caught up on orders again so I'll try to finish the bumpers and get them prepped and painted.

Then to build the 31 battery trays and dual battery controller.

Then TourFlex spring and Tough Dog install.

J

 

[krice118]

Looking forward to your review and install on the Tough Dog!

 

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Looking forward to your review and install on the Tough Dog!

Same here! I will get to test the TourFlex Heavies and the standard heavies in the next few weeks and then I should have the Medium/Light TourFlex in hand to try as well, all 75mm (3" on a 80 platform = a little shorter on the 100)

The Medium/Light springs are going to be in the 240-260/155-160# range per King. Those will be too light for my personal rig, but will eventually be offered to all.

Also, it looks like I will have 3 to 5 shock offerings in the near future as well. 3 from Tough Dog (41mm foam cell, 45mm foam cell adjustable and a 50mm remote adjustable) and 2 from King (smoothies and remote adjustable)

I also finalized all my paperwork with my Sea freight broker/forwarder. Will make the prices much more attractive too!

J

 

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Finally got the bumpers and sliders ready for prime and paint.

Tough Dog suspension will go on next week.

I'm waiting on the final numbers for the first round of the heavy Tour Flex springs (75mm) and about to order my small stocking order for regular suspension options.

My TT RTT-EXT sample is finished and shipped along with a 270 awning and annex.

 

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Bumpers are in textured epoxy and sealer.... I'll finish them this weekend.

J

 

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@spressomon @TrekboxX

Here is a couple pics of the first material.

Let me know if you want a piece to touch and feel. It is pretty firm, but still pliable. Approx. -1/4" thick.

Jason

 

[spressomon]

Appears to be identical to Seadek. FWIW I could easily scuff the Seadek material by rubbing my finger nail across it ... hard to imagine it holds up to its intended purpose of boat flooring material

 

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When I get back in the house (painting bumpers this morning) I'll scratch it a few times and let you know. This is called Ocean grip I think.

J

 

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@spressomon this isn't any better...

From left to right.

10--- 20---30---40---50 fingernail scratches....

J