Another Update:
Over the weekend I started thinking about the KOH Rulebook and the Trifecta Build. I concluded that the race organizers wisely designed the 4600 rules to balance two things:
1) Retaining the look/feel on OEM rules, allowing vehicles to cater to the majority of "Every Man's" vehicle owners out there and allowing sponsors to showcase their products in the "World's Toughest Off-Road Race"
While also:
2) Permitting an "anything goes" mentality for the critical, most prone-to-failure portions of the drive train to give 4600 class rigs a fighting chance to actually survive the race.
With this in mind, I concluded that participants (me included) better take advantage of any and all permissions in the rule book in order to have the best chance of survival for their sponsors and themselves.
So, for the Trifecta Build, this means we cannot cut corners on critical drive-train and performance areas of the build just to try and save a few bucks.
Therefore, here is my latest build plan after a weekend of research:
Vehicle: '06-09 Toyota 4Runner v8 Sport
Front:
- Front IFS Long Travel Kit (3.5" to keep Track Width 7" from Stock)
- Currie F9 IFS Front Differential (4.88s or 5.29s and ARB Locker)
- RCV Ultimate IFS CV Axles
- Front Fabricated/Gusseted Spindles, Steering/Clevis, and Shock Hoop, and other Gusset/Bracing upgrades
- Front 10-14" King Dual Rate Coilovers with RR
- HD Steering (Custom or Modified Tundra Rack)
- HD Driveshaft
Rear:
- Aftermarket Housing, Toyota 9.5" Diff, 4.88s or 5.29s, ARB, Chromoly Shafts
- Rear HD 4-Link Kit (Aftermarket HD links or Custom 4-link with factory fuel tank out of the way)
- Rear Long Travel Progressive Rate Heavy Coil Springs
- Rear 10-14" King Shocks with RR
Drivetrain:
- Stock Toyota 4.7L V8
- Stock Automatic Transmission
- Atlas II Transfer Case
- HD Driveshafts (F/R)
Other:
- 35x12.50r17 Tires (must be tall - as close to a true 35 as possible)
- 17" Beadlock wheels
- Front Aluminum Bumper (Pelfreybilt or Addicted Offroad)
- Rear Aluminum Bumper (4x4 Labs or Other)
- HD Sliders and possibly Boat Side protection below door sills
- Warn Winch, Full Length Skidplates, Upgraded Bump Stops, Brake Lines, etc.
- Spare Tire, Aluminum Fuel Cell, & Battery in the Cargo Area
- Fiberglass Fenders (4.5" Bulge)
- Roll Cage, Harnesses, Suspension Seats and other Safety Stuff Required
- LED Lights (F/R), Spare Parts, and other Race Stuff Required
Honestly, I simply cannot afford the build above. But both KOH EMC and the Toyota "Every Man" Enthusiast across the world deserves to see it happen.
So, I'm ramping up my efforts and proactively reaching out to key sponsors and spreading the word. I'm also going to get on Instagram soon to amp up promotion more and possibly do other forum threads. I believe if someone has a great idea and is passionate enough and committed enough to work hard to see it to fruition, others will rally around it and help make it happen, together.
If anyone has any connections with potential sponsors or other "outside the box" ideas to help ensure this happens, I'm all ears!
49 Weeks To Go!
