Let me start by saying that I have been wheeling only for a few years. There are a lot of folks on here that have quite a bit of bush time on the 100 series. I am living in Ontario Canada and have access to areas that are off the beaten path and consist of Canadian shield topography, lots of mud and water and trails that are typically tight and overgrown. Let's just say it is a good back up to have a winch or a buddy and a tow strap. I also spend time in Botswana every year as we have a place there with family - the bush is everywhere. We have access to lots o sand in the Okavango delta, lots of water and of course, there are more animals than people. We usually get out for a 4-6 day camping trip in the bush there every year ( driving my wife's fj55 bukkie)
Between Driving there and driving our 100 series here, I have learned quite a bit of what our truck (100 series ) can and cannot do. First, we are limited by departure angles, especially in the back. My question to the forum is on what rear bumper to use, the slee, Arb or metal tech. We still tow a boat so it must still have that built in. Next, 33's seem small once you've been on trails that have a lot of clearance challenges, frame twisters and mud holes with soft bottoms. I've read through most of the 35 related info - thanks shotts and others for explaining. I think the payoffs to increasing to 35's is better than staying with 33's. I will be looking to unload these tires by spring and
I've to a m/t. I also like the ability to adapt the n74l shock to the rear other cruiser with some all swap of hardware - again, thanks shotts and just verifying with slee. I think the added rear articulation will allow this top heavy beast to stay better planted off camber. Which brings me to my next point- while this truck is capable, it is heavy (sometimes good) and can get scary when wheels start popping in the air. Steady hands needed.
So for all this, I've come to the conclusion that other tires will help a lot here, A rear bumper will balance out the nose heavy truck and add more clearance and rear long travel shocks and modded bump stops will help keep wheels on the ground.
I know this may be common sense to many, but I needed to experience first hand he lessons vs. reading it on a forum.
Anyone else use a long travel shock? Comments? Advice? Likes?
Between Driving there and driving our 100 series here, I have learned quite a bit of what our truck (100 series ) can and cannot do. First, we are limited by departure angles, especially in the back. My question to the forum is on what rear bumper to use, the slee, Arb or metal tech. We still tow a boat so it must still have that built in. Next, 33's seem small once you've been on trails that have a lot of clearance challenges, frame twisters and mud holes with soft bottoms. I've read through most of the 35 related info - thanks shotts and others for explaining. I think the payoffs to increasing to 35's is better than staying with 33's. I will be looking to unload these tires by spring and
I've to a m/t. I also like the ability to adapt the n74l shock to the rear other cruiser with some all swap of hardware - again, thanks shotts and just verifying with slee. I think the added rear articulation will allow this top heavy beast to stay better planted off camber. Which brings me to my next point- while this truck is capable, it is heavy (sometimes good) and can get scary when wheels start popping in the air. Steady hands needed.
So for all this, I've come to the conclusion that other tires will help a lot here, A rear bumper will balance out the nose heavy truck and add more clearance and rear long travel shocks and modded bump stops will help keep wheels on the ground.
I know this may be common sense to many, but I needed to experience first hand he lessons vs. reading it on a forum.
Anyone else use a long travel shock? Comments? Advice? Likes?
the rear is where we can get more room, the front is a bit of a pain. Thank you for the correction on the bior bumper - my mistake. I was thinking sliders.
