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What did you do with your truck this week? (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter BMThiker
- Start date
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NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
My wife's truck
NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
I use a 4L65E stage 2 from Monster. http://www.monstertransmission.com/4L60E4L65E-Transmission-Heavy-Duty-2WD_p_5073.html#.VOsvXfnF-ZA
They will set up the shift firmness ettc to your specs.
I prefer this trans over the 4L80E mainly because of all the issues I have read about regarding how difficult it can be to get the 4L80E shift pattern to sync up with the motor. I also prefer the split case as it is a 2WD/4WD rather than the 80 T-case which is AWD. I also like using twin sticks with the split case which gives you 2WD Low.
I do not know what engine you are using Rick but, a 5.3L Vortec/4L65E/split case and stock 80 axle gears with 35s drops the final drive ratio between a stock Silverado 1500 and a 3500 towing package. The 62 I did last was running 2600 RPM at 80 MPH, same ratio
You can also put a Marlin 4.0 gear set in the split case with some machine work. I go straight to George at Valley Hybrids for my T-cases. Hands down the best choice for gear boxes in the country as far as I am concerned.
Feel free to ring me up Rick
They will set up the shift firmness ettc to your specs.
I prefer this trans over the 4L80E mainly because of all the issues I have read about regarding how difficult it can be to get the 4L80E shift pattern to sync up with the motor. I also prefer the split case as it is a 2WD/4WD rather than the 80 T-case which is AWD. I also like using twin sticks with the split case which gives you 2WD Low.
I do not know what engine you are using Rick but, a 5.3L Vortec/4L65E/split case and stock 80 axle gears with 35s drops the final drive ratio between a stock Silverado 1500 and a 3500 towing package. The 62 I did last was running 2600 RPM at 80 MPH, same ratio
You can also put a Marlin 4.0 gear set in the split case with some machine work. I go straight to George at Valley Hybrids for my T-cases. Hands down the best choice for gear boxes in the country as far as I am concerned.
Feel free to ring me up Rick
- Thread starter
- #2,845
Thanks Stan, still saving $$$ and love hearing your experience. I know Georg and will see him in a few weeks. We do have the 5.3L Vortec currently.
NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
Let me know when you are ready to start putting it all together Rick. I know all about the saving money part, so many people think that once you have the motor, trans, T-case and adapter you are there, add another $4K or so and then you are there.
I am putting together parts for Heather's truck now, instead of saving money I am buying the parts as I go. I will not be starting her swap until I have all the parts in house.
Do not skimp on cooling or fuel supply. There are a lot of little details along the way. Give me a call and I'll give you a little insight on the harness and ECU, you want to be ahead on this.
I am putting together parts for Heather's truck now, instead of saving money I am buying the parts as I go. I will not be starting her swap until I have all the parts in house.
Do not skimp on cooling or fuel supply. There are a lot of little details along the way. Give me a call and I'll give you a little insight on the harness and ECU, you want to be ahead on this.
- Thread starter
- #2,847
We already did the EFI 350 swap, see sig link. Got the wiring/ECU and everything in between done and she runs great. Just looking to upgrade the trans & tcase because we're still running stock (TF727) trans and a newer Jeep (NP305) tcase. I like that the Monsters have their own controller, so we don't have to reflash our existing ECU.
.
- Thread starter
- #2,852
Got some new springs to install this weekend. http://metaltech4x4.com/p-783-icon-fj-cruiser4runner-overland-3-lift-springs.aspx
![IMG_3363[1].webp](https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_3363-1-webp.1037413/ "IMG_3363[1].webp")
jfz80
Cruisin’
Finished my budget 40 build this am...... And yes I am running bigger tires on the front 
Broke the back instead of the bank lol
Broke the back instead of the bank lol
jfz80
Cruisin’
Hell went ahead and threw some paint on the old girl. Careful @ClemsonCruiser my shade tree rattle can restos are catching up To yours 
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that's pretty sweet
Sorted out my drawer system.
- Thread starter
- #2,858
@jynx Well, sorta...I called LT and asked him if I should get the Metal Tech medium or heavy dual rate springs and he recommended the ICON overland series since I carry most all of my tools/spares in the cargo area and have the steel fenders/bumper plus trailering the m416. These were just a little more than the custom Eibach/MT springs. I'll know how they ride this weekend.
Also, I don't technically have the long travel rear shocks - although they are longer than the OME & OEM byat least an inch about 2 inches. Mine were an earlier gen (2.0) and the long travel Icons are now labeled VS.
I'm going to take measurements before and after to see where everything winds up. I'm guessing I'll end up with a little more rake, but I can level it out by adjusting the front coilovers.
Also, I don't technically have the long travel rear shocks - although they are longer than the OME & OEM by
I'm going to take measurements before and after to see where everything winds up. I'm guessing I'll end up with a little more rake, but I can level it out by adjusting the front coilovers.
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- Thread starter
- #2,859
So, the install went smooth. Took me just over an hour and I only needed assistance once: to get the 2nd spring in place I needed ballast wearing a size 13 boot to step on the hub so I could squeeze the spring into place. 
Thanks @71-CRUISER
I had forgotten that I put 1" spacers on top of the OMEs once I got my trailer. It helped get the tongue and hitch lined up better at the time.
Measured each wheel before:
Driver side - 17" - top of rim to top of fender
Pass side - 17.25 - top of rim to top of fender
Can you say "Cruiser lean"?
With new springs - ICON Vechicle Dynamics Overland 3" dual rate springs
Driver side - 17.5" - top of rim to top of fender
Pass side - 17.75" - top of rim to top of fender
Net gain of precisely 1/2" on both sides, which is about what I was hoping for - nothing drastic and I won't have to readjust the front coilovers. There is just the slightest amount of rake, but it will hopefully ride flat when I'm loaded for bear and hauling the trailer.
While I had it on jack stands I let the axle drop completely under its own weight. . . and measured the shock eyelet to shock mount distance. I don't think the ICON VS shocks have that much more length, but I was curious to see the difference anyway. These shocks are about 2" longer in travel than the stock Toyota shocks.
Thanks @71-CRUISERI had forgotten that I put 1" spacers on top of the OMEs once I got my trailer. It helped get the tongue and hitch lined up better at the time.
Measured each wheel before:
Driver side - 17" - top of rim to top of fender
Pass side - 17.25 - top of rim to top of fender
Can you say "Cruiser lean"?
With new springs - ICON Vechicle Dynamics Overland 3" dual rate springs
Driver side - 17.5" - top of rim to top of fender
Pass side - 17.75" - top of rim to top of fender
Net gain of precisely 1/2" on both sides, which is about what I was hoping for - nothing drastic and I won't have to readjust the front coilovers. There is just the slightest amount of rake, but it will hopefully ride flat when I'm loaded for bear and hauling the trailer.
While I had it on jack stands I let the axle drop completely under its own weight. . . and measured the shock eyelet to shock mount distance. I don't think the ICON VS shocks have that much more length, but I was curious to see the difference anyway. These shocks are about 2" longer in travel than the stock Toyota shocks.
- Thread starter
- #2,860
So far the ride quality is great, firm but not jarring and smooth through corners. I remember when I first install the OME lift, it was like driving a go kart, but it did soften up after a few months. I'll have an offroad assessment in a couple weeks when we get back from the Round Up.
