Builds ROTW - Nay's 1995 FZJ80

[Nay]

Nay,
Nice write-up.
Who did you source your shock eye adapters from and which bilsteins did you go with? Part # techy.
I am going to go that route when I have to replace my monroe shocks soon.
Classic white rocks.

It's all prototype F.O.R. 3" kit. You want to look at the Bilstein 5100 series (or 6100/7100 if you really want to drop some coin) and do the measurements for your lift to pick the right shock. I recommend the 255/70 valving.

Bilstein has a ton of lifted application specific 5100's, but they don't list the specs, so either you go with one of the "standard" 5100's or call and talk to them. On a 3" lift the 10" travel standard 5100 in 255/70 valving should be an excellent choice. If you are less than 3", then it is time to do some measuring if you want an eye to eye application.

Nay

 

[KDan]

That is a nice rig. I wish my PO had been to Slee! You mentioned "the 33” TRXUS MT’s that quickly replaced the crappy BFG AT’s". I've always run BFG ATs or MTs and I'm thinking about switching to the TRXUS MTs. (Sorry gang, the Revos are too tame for me.)

I am wondering how the TRXUS MTs compare to the BFG MTs with regard to three things: a) offroad traction, b) Colorado winter sheet ice highway driving and c) tread life. I am pretty happy with siped BFG MTs on my pickup, but the Interco's are somewhat cheaper and IMO much better looking.

Dan

 

[Nay]

That is a nice rig. I wish my PO had been to Slee! You mentioned "the 33” TRXUS MT’s that quickly replaced the crappy BFG AT’s". I've always run BFG ATs or MTs and I'm thinking about switching to the TRXUS MTs. (Sorry gang, the Revos are too tame for me.)

I am wondering how the TRXUS MTs compare to the BFG MTs with regard to three things: a) offroad traction, b) Colorado winter sheet ice highway driving and c) tread life. I am pretty happy with siped BFG MTs on my pickup, but the Interco's are somewhat cheaper and IMO much better looking.

Dan

My opinion:

1) TRXUS is a far better Colorado offroad tire than the BFG MT and AT for all conditions we face. I think they are every bit as good a rock tire as MTRs.

2) Amazing - this is the reason to buy them. If snow driving matters to you like it does to me (High Country highway and the occasional forest road or deep snow venture) you'll never go back. Let me put it this way: when I first changed from BFG AT's to TRXUS on my first rig, we also had an AWD Subaru with Bridgestone AT's. My 8" lifted XJ with rear Detroit and AWD was so good with these tires I ended up putting snow tires on the Subaru so it could keep up. That thing was downright scary in the snow on BFG AT ko's.

3) BFG's will probably last longer, especially the AT's. That is their tradeoff for a compound that doesn't maximize traction.

 

[smittycrusher]

I am seriously considering the Trxus also. I have a 285 as a spare. Love the looks, have not used it (which is good). I needed a 33 inch spare so I bought this one knowing I would like to get these next....So now I am thinking a little taller and skinnier...Trxus MT 255/85. So.. how are the sidewalls. They seem to do everything I need. I like snow, it is a DD, I also like rocks, so just curious on your sidewall experiences.

Smit

 

[Nay]

I am seriously considering the Trxus also. I have a 285 as a spare. Love the looks, have not used it (which is good). I needed a 33 inch spare so I bought this one knowing I would like to get these next....So now I am thinking a little taller and skinnier...Trxus MT 255/85. So.. how are the sidewalls. They seem to do everything I need. I like snow, it is a DD, I also like rocks, so just curious on your sidewall experiences.

Smit

They've taken everything I have thrown at them in the rocks with no issues, and they are comfortable around town and handle well without needing excessive PSI.

 

[Slomo]

Ok, I am a bit of a wus so I have to ask. How is the road noise? I am leaning towards some BFG AT's for practicality but I really want a more agressive tire. C'mon I need an excuse.

 

[nakman]

Ok can we reel this in before in digresses into another Trixie discussion.. .

Nay nice rig man, and great story up top t'was most enjoyable. I like how you've tried to take a different approach to things, yours is definitely not build up like every other 80 out there. plus you back your mods up with some pretty sound reason which definitely kicks you up a notch.

I especially like your light vs. heavy approach. Enjoy your last 15 minutes or so..

 

[reffug]

Very nice rig....

Thanks for contributing......

Interesting to see different suspension systems other than OME. I am sure it has probably given everyone a little food for thought and that is always a good thing.

 

[gearguywb]

Great looking rig....looks very cool with the removal of the flares.

 

[Cruiser Jimmy]

Nay,
Good to see other suspension options outside OME.

Was this designed out on paper first or did you start with mockups?

 

[Nay]

Thanks, everybody. I've enjoyed having the ROTW


I will of course post progress on my intention to shorten the ole frame on each end and tube up some killer bumpers.

Oh, and the trxus are as quiet as BFG AT's (ping me back channel for other tire q's)

 

[Nay]

Nay,
Good to see other suspension options outside OME.

Was this designed out on paper first or did you start with mockups?

On paper. Once you have the "box" defined as I've described above your shock work is easy depending on the up/down travel you want and the kind of mounts you want. Then you go after spring materials and design and as I understand it the spring manufacturers use computer programs to design the coils.

They were amazingly close on the first set and these coils are designed to maintain spring rate within 2% over the full range of motion and life of the coil, which as I understand it is a very tight tolerance as spring rate can vary as much as 15-20% (as anybody with a rig that starts leaning on one corner can attest).

Nay

 

[Sackman]

Looks pretty agressive. Dont forget to post those driveway pics!

 

[Darwood]

I recommend the 255/70 valving.

Can I assume this is the valving that you are running?

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

Nay, truck looks great! Do you have some pics of your truck on 35s sitting level? Maybe a side view.

 

[Nay]

Can I assume this is the valving that you are running?

Yup. It's the firmer valving as opposed to 170/60.

 

[Nay]

Driveway action shots

 

[frankies off road]

I am glad the kit is working out for you Nay..

 

[Nay]

It's fantastic. I've been hauling 600 - 800 lbs of landscape rock all week with no issues.

That front swaybar is looking like it is going to keep gathering dust in the garage

Nay

 

[trevdawg]

Nicee rig Nay, have to say.

Like the wheelin' pictures