Family War Wagon Build

[gblakley]

Stock torsion vs. OME torsion bars

I also got my sliders in from Cruisin Offroad. Being a cheap ass, I did not want to pay to get sliders shipped, so after some research I stumbled across Cruisin Offroad. They are located in Chilliwack, BC just across the border, and Jason was willing to meet me in Sumas on the US side of the border to hand them off to me.

A month after order and they were ready for pick up. I was able to take advantage of the stellar Canadian exchange rate and didn't have to pay shipping, and had them in hand for $675!

 

[gblakley]

I was really impressed with Jason's work and highly recommend looking at his stuff, especially if you are located in the Northwest and don't want to pay shipping . He told me that he is starting to work on a rear bumper for the 100 series that I am excited to see. Check him out:
Cruisin Off Road - Your source for quality expedition gear

Finished product with Sliders and lift!

 

[aljogav]

How do you find the ride after the lift? I recently installed in OME torsion bars as I prepare to install a front bumper and winch. The ride suddenly got really stiff. I was told the OME bars were designed to carry the lift of front bumper & winch, hence the stiff ride. Sometimes I miss the nice plush ride...

 

[gblakley]

@aljogav it is quite stiff, definitely not plush like stock. I do plan to do bumpers, so hopefully that will help it out when I get them.

I am on a road trip right now, and with 4 of us and the back loaded up with gear/Christmas presents the ride is much better.

From my understanding, it is the OME shocks that are making it rough, I have heard good things about the Ironman foam shocks, and would probably have gone that route if I had to do it again.

Now I have an excuse to get bumpers sooner to smooth it out.....

 

[gblakley]

We took a 4000+ mile road trip from Bellingham to Albuquerque and back. Went through 5 National Parks (Canyonlands, Arches, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, and Death Valley), and 1 National Monument (El Morro).

Didn't do any camping unfortunately, as we don't have winter camping setup for the kids. We did however do tons of exploring in the Cruiser,which performed PHENOMENAL for a 17 year old vehicle! I even got 16 mpg on one tank!

I got the Pfran interior kit for Xmas that I will probably throw in today. Super pumped for that one!