It's on.....NEW Slee Off-road rear bumper

[ShottsUZJ100]

hey shotz not to be a stickler or a winer but i use my lx for a daily driver and use the back all the time is it a pain to swing out the tire each time??? this is one of the sticky points for me i know its a stupid one but just asking if you use the back alot?

Doesn't matter to me. It's the price one pays for off-road performance. (Just like less power with 35's but they make a HUGE difference.) Gotta do it!

 

[Greg B]

As for suspension? Christo had the hydro shocks in the Lexus, so it was guess as to which springs are best for the 100. I had 100 springs in there with 20mm spacers. The 863 springs from the 80 ended up being perfect and without needing any spacers. The 863 allows for:

The same lift height as before (3-inches)
More controlled ride on and off the dirt
The springs are stiffer and the ride is even improved from before which amazed me!

Schotts,
Did you previously have the 866's on with 20mm spacers before the bumper? You mentioned you had 100 springs in before the bumper and I'm assuming you're talking about OME 866's. Do you think the 863's would be to stiff without the additional weight you're now carrying with the bumper, hi-lift, and spare tire? I'm thinking of starting with the 863's right off, but I'm not sure if that will be overkill considering it will be a while before I add the rear bumper. Any thoughts?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Schotts,
Did you previously have the 866's on with 20mm spacers before the bumper? You mentioned you had 100 springs in before the bumper and I'm assuming you're talking about OME 866's. Do you think the 863's would be to stiff without the additional weight you're now carrying with the bumper, hi-lift, and spare tire? I'm thinking of starting with the 863's right off, but I'm not sure if that will be overkill considering it will be a while before I add the rear bumper. Any thoughts?

Nope, I had OME 865. They were a softer spring. When I went up to 35's I added 2 10mm packers and all was well.

With the bumper I needed the spring rate of the 866 or 863 (spring rate is the same). Since the 863 was about in inch taller I took them, and they worked great without any packers. I hear it's always better to have as much spring as possible and less spacers (if possible)(???).

The ride is now a bit stiffer though still VERY NICE. I'd guess without the rear bumper it'd be a little jiggly, but if you're adding it for sure I'd slap the 863's on.

 

[montocr]

863s

I run the 863s in back now with the only added weight being some really heavy custom drawers. It is a little on the stiff side, but I plan to add a rear bumper and sliders. Perhaps 860s would do nicely if you need the extra height but not firmness.

 

[Greg B]

Thank you for the info and the advice! Exactly what I was looking for. One more question, did you use the 863 or 863J. The OME guide shows the 863 at 2 inch and 863J at 3 inch. I'm assuming you used the 863J, but I just want to be sure.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

NO TO THE J-spring. That'll boost you WAY up. About 4-inches total. Since you can't get the front more than 2.75-inches up it'll look real funny. 863 standard is what you want.

 

[Greg B]

Thanks for the info!

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Lift measurments sure can vary from rig to rig and spring to spring.

I have 863 springs on both the 100 and the 80.

On the 100 I got about 3.25" rear lift
On the 80 (no accessories) I got right on 4" rear lift tough I have trim packs in the rear too.
Most my buddies with 80's and full loads get 4" with 863J springs.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

LATEST UPDATE since adding the bumper:

After running 3 trails, I thought I'd share the following regarding drive/ride quality:

For you 100 off-roaders, the 100 is better balanced with the addition of the rear bumper.

Before, for those equipped with a front ARB bumper and/or winch, the 100 seemed to luv to dive in the front and lift those rear wheels BIG TIME when going downhill or during severe flexing (see avatar to the left). Some of this was guessed to be the added weight of the V8 and the longer front extention (??) plus the bumper/winch.

Now. with a similar weight out back (to the front ARB/winch) the truck is much more settled in the tough stuff. You now stay more level and if anything you lift the front tire a bit.

Overall, this is a big improvement to the vehicle off-road. It's more settled and that results in a safer and less "dramatic" ride off-road.

If you've built up the front......build up the rear!

 

[bamachem]

Nice pics.

I'm building a bumper for my 4runner based off that design.

The only real difference is that I'm planning on having the spare to the passenger side instead of centered. Now that you've had time to get used to it, do you think centered is the way to go?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Nice pics.

I'm building a bumper for my 4runner based off that design.

The only real difference is that I'm planning on having the spare to the passenger side instead of centered. Now that you've had time to get used to it, do you think centered is the way to go?

For me? Center all the way. The rear pillars already create blind spots. Putting the tire to one side makes for one HUGE blind spot. In the middle I still can see to the corners (the more dangerous spots). I can see enough of people behind me too.
I think looks-wise the center works too. Blocking one tail light looks weird. (My opinion )

 

[hoser]

I prefer the center mount too but a couple of advantages of a side mount:

-less overhang when you open the carrier when a car is parked behind you
-more space for jerry cans or a ladder

 

[bamachem]

good points.

i'm going w/ an aux tank underneath and between the frame rails where the spare used to reside, so jerry can's aren't a big deal, and a ladder isn't in the picture.

i'm still thinking that i may center it instead of the way i have it shown here:

 

[alaskacruiser]

Christo did make some minor changes on the actual production model (like mine). You see it as he will sell it (well...I painted mine). It's rock solid. I've already pulled out a Tahoe with it (using the receiver hitch gizmo I bought).

Hey Shotts- what is this "receiver hitch gizmo"?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Hey Shotts- what is this "receiver hitch gizmo"?

I'm a nit wit on this stuff. It's the shackle? It slides into the receiver and you can hook a strap to it.
Here's a shot of it:
http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/621135/1/26325903/Large

 

[e9999]

I'm a nit wit on this stuff. It's the shackle? It slides into the receiver and you can hook a strap to it.
Here's a shot of it:
http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/621135/1/26325903/Large

you "snagged" them with a metal cable??? hopefully that was a winch on the stuck rig, right?

 

[sleeoffroad]

OK, just fyi, that is not a designed recover point. That is what those two big old D Ring tabs are for.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

OK, just fyi, that is not a designed recover point. That is what those two big old D Ring tabs are for.

Gotcha. Won't do it any more.

The D90 winched to my receiver.
I used a strap to free the Tahoe. (No pic)

 

[Tinkerer]

good points.

i'm going w/ an aux tank underneath and between the frame rails where the spare used to reside, so jerry can's aren't a big deal, and a ladder isn't in the picture.

i'm still thinking that i may center it instead of the way i have it shown here:

You forgot the retractable rear-facing anti-tailgater spikes and oil spray nozzles. And where's the mounting bracket for the "Keep Back 200ft!" warning sign?

 

[skypig]

weight difference between Slee & Kaymar rear bumper

I am considering adding a rear bumper and feel that Slee and Kaymar are the two most likely candidates . . . does one weigh less than the other and by how much?