Ready to pull the trigger on 200 suspension upgrade

[DPA200]

X1 GT, we are a family of 6 and needed something robust enough for all of us.

We went back and forth on turtleback vs patriot, but the independent suspension, the rent system, and a few other small things really sold us on patriot.

Can’t wait!

-Chris

awesome! Im a little (or a lot) jealous. Definitely designed with the family in mind. I have 3 little ones so that appealed to me too. Every time I climb up my tepui ladder in bare feet cursing how much it hurts I think about that fancy Patriot staircase style ladder patriot designed. I also like that the patriot has a lower tent/annex good for peace of mind with little kids. Turtleback is nice too, also in Phoenix. I went to one of the open houses and they look nice. Only thing i don't love is the high center of gravity and kinda weird shaped cargo storage area. The X1GT is the best post pics for sure

 

[DPA200]

So Friday i went ahead and ordered the Tough Dog setup. I spoke in detail with Jason at Trail tailor about best configuration. I went with 41mm foam cell front, 45mm adjustable rear, 0-660lb light springs. How much I'll use the adjustable rear i don't know, but being that it wasn't a big price difference i thought it'd be good to have the option to adjust whether im towing or not at the very least. Front i went non adjustable as it sounds like people pretty much leave those set in the middle even if they have the adjustable version. Can't wait to get them, I'll post pics once i have. Thanks for all the input, and i can't say enough good things about how helpful Jason at Trail tailor was. Now i can move onto my rock slider search

 

[TonyP]

So Friday i went ahead and ordered the Tough Dog setup. I spoke in detail with Jason at Trail tailor about best configuration. I went with 41mm foam cell front, 45mm adjustable rear, 0-660lb light springs. How much I'll use the adjustable rear i don't know, but being that it wasn't a big price difference i thought it'd be good to have the option to adjust whether im towing or not at the very least. Front i went non adjustable as it sounds like people pretty much leave those set in the middle even if they have the adjustable version. Can't wait to get them, I'll post pics once i have. Thanks for all the input, and i can't say enough good things about how helpful Jason at Trail tailor was. Now i can move onto my rock slider search

He's got sliders too...

 

[DPA200]

He's got sliders too...

yeah, i asked him about those as well. Pretty reasonably priced, look similar to the Slee sliders. The only part I'm debating is if i should get the BudBuilt sliders since they are 100% bolt on (no drilling). Im not super mechanically inclined so not sure if ones with drilling would be too much for me. Did you install your sliders yourself? What was all involved? I got a quote for my shop to do it and it was too expensive due to the drilling.

 

[TexAZ]

when you are ready to install your sliders, just ask around the local club. Somebody there will be willing to help install them.
Typically only takes a couple hours.

offer beer.......and pizza.

 

[linuxgod]

yeah, i asked him about those as well. Pretty reasonably priced, look similar to the Slee sliders. The only part I'm debating is if i should get the BudBuilt sliders since they are 100% bolt on (no drilling). Im not super mechanically inclined so not sure if ones with drilling would be too much for me. Did you install your sliders yourself? What was all involved? I got a quote for my shop to do it and it was too expensive due to the drilling.

My White Knuckle sliders required drilling. It really doesn't take much mechanical skill, but you do need a good set of cobalt drill bits, a set of work gloves, and a lot of patience.

Install was:

• 6 bolts to remove the old running boards and they just pop off.
• You put the sliders into position and bolt them up with the bolts that go through the frame. One of the bolts goes between the frame and gas tank so you need to remove 3 bolts from the gas tank skid just to get access for your fingers.
• Mark the frame where you need to drill, then have at it.
• Start with a small drill bill, use lots of cutting oil to keep the bit cool, and once you drill your pilot hole step up one drill bit size and repeat over and over until the hole is correct.
• Once you have the right size holes you just screw in the self-tapping bolts

I did them myself in 3-4 hours in my driveway. Hardest part was lifting them into position by myself (I basically laid under them and lifted with my shoulder and leg, then put the bolts into place. Second hardest was drilling the holes, mainly because there's not a lot of clearance to get a drill directly under the frame. That said if you don't want to spend 2 hours drilling a dozen holes and you like the look of the bolt-on ones available by Bud Built I'd say go for it.

 

[TexAZ]

If you do the sliders after the lift there is more room to work.
If you use a motorcycle jack or transmission adaptor for a floor jack, it is much easier.

 

[linuxgod]

If you do the sliders after the lift there is more room to work.
If you use a motorcycle jack or transmission adaptor for a floor jack, it is much easier.

You're correct. It was fine with the smaller bits but the larger ones were just a tad too long. I just jacked the frame up a couple inches to gain the clearance I needed. Wheels never left the ground.

 

[mark71]

If you do the sliders after the lift there is more room to work.
If you use a motorcycle jack or transmission adaptor for a floor jack, it is much easier.

Key point, IMO, especially for the heavier Bud Built sliders (Slee's were already pretty heavy).

 

[TonyP]

Just bench that thing one handed like a dude.

 

[mark71]

Just bench that thing one handed like a dude.

I would have, but my dress kept getting in the way.

 

[M1911]

. That said if you don't want to spend 2 hours drilling a dozen holes and you like the look of the bolt-on ones available by Bud Built I'd say go for it.

Budbuilt sliders don’t require drilling, but don’t assume that as a result it is an easy install. It took my mechanic more than 8 hours to get them installed. I think it can be done in significantly less time if you are familiar with the install, but I got one of the first sets and at that time the instructions were rudimentary. Perhaps someone who got a set more recently can comment about the current state of the instructions.

 

[SQRRRL]

Install of TT sliders can be done by anyone. If I can do it , so can you. Drill one hole on each side. Not a dig deal. Maybe a fellow Mudder can help you.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

yeah, i asked him about those as well. Pretty reasonably priced, look similar to the Slee sliders. The only part I'm debating is if i should get the BudBuilt sliders since they are 100% bolt on (no drilling). Im not super mechanically inclined so not sure if ones with drilling would be too much for me. Did you install your sliders yourself? What was all involved? I got a quote for my shop to do it and it was too expensive due to the drilling.

Since you'll be at my old duty station soon, the drive over to BudBuilt is only a few hours. Chip (Bud's son) can install those things pretty quick.

 

[DPA200]

Install of TT sliders can be done by anyone. If I can do it , so can you. Drill one hole on each side. Not a dig deal. Maybe a fellow Mudder can help you.

Since you'll be at my old duty station soon, the drive over to BudBuilt is only a few hours. Chip (Bud's son) can install those things pretty quick.

where is BudBuilt located? I’m in Phoenix

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

where is BudBuilt located? I’m in Phoenix

Oh I’m sorry, I confused you with someone else I was just talking to. BudBuilt is in North Carolina.

Sooo.... maybe not that close after all.

 

[ytaebnairb]

Pulled the trigger on the BP51s and will post some pre and post installation pictures. Looking forward to not riding in my 200 series and feeling like I am atop of a kicking horse! More to come!

 

[DPA200]

Ooooooh look what was waiting for me when i got home today! these boxes have some serious weight to them feels tough

 

[ytaebnairb]

Here are the Before and After Pics... (Slightly different backdrops! )

So far the ride is MUCH better than stock. I can tell a big difference on the offroad ride for sure. Big Thanks to RubiTrux in Boone, NC for an excellent install experience.

-Brian

 

[JohnJB]

Here are the Before and After Pics... (Slightly different backdrops! )

So far the ride is MUCH better than stock. I can tell a big difference on the offroad ride for sure. Big Thanks to RubiTrux in Boone, NC for an excellent install experience.

Ran up to the Jeep guys in Boone to get a Toyota suspension installed, interesting! Obviously, they can turn a wrench and throw a weld or two, but didn't expect to read that. Any particular reason you went up there, prior experience with them?

Looks great!!