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Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald

Hey! Where'd the mountians go?!?!?
10 Year
Joined
Jan 27, 2011
Threads
124
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3,023
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Back in COMO
Hey guys, I’ve done a bunch of reading here and I think I’ve got a plan for my 100. I work from home, so the 100 sees mostly grocery runs during the week and trails about 2-3 times a month.

It is basically stock at the moment (running boards removed & recovery points added). I’m looking to increased trail worthiness (increased clearance mostly) without sacrificing too much comfort/handling/etc. I don't want to go too extreme as I've got an FJ55 that will be my main "wheeling" rig once it's complete (still a few years away).


Here's my plan:


  • Slee Step Sliders (like the tube sliders, but I think the kids will enjoy the steps)

  • 1.5 OME “Leveling Kit” (including the Slee Drop Diff) will not be using the OME torsion bars since I am keeping the stock bumpers.

  • 285/75/16 BFG A/T KO (currently buy 3 get 1 free at my local Toyota dealer)

Anyone see any issues with what I have in mind?


Thanks in advance for any advice,
 
I you're keeping the stock bumpers, no need for new springs, just add 30mm spacers in the rear and crank the t-bars to match, Shouldn't even need the diff drop kit. Other than that, looks like a good start!
 
From my reading, I assumed that the springs/shocks would improve offroad performance where as the spacers and cranked tbars would have the opposite effect.

Am I mistaken?
 
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Fitzgerald said:
From my reading, I assumed that the springs/shocks would improve offroad performance where as the spacers and cranked tbars would have the opposite effect.

Am I mistaken?
Click to expand...

Depends on what you (or the marketing folks) mean by "improve offroad performance"... :lol:

Aftermarket springs are taller because the either have a taller free height, or a stiffer rate, or both. Neither will "improve" offroad performance in and of themselves. Lifts only allow you to run larger tires, which "can" help offroad. Simple lifts on the 100 don't even improve wheel travel - none in front and only insignificantly in the rear. In fact, stock, soft springs can articulate better than underloaded stiff springs...
 
Hmmm... very interesting.

So maybe sliders, spacers, and new tires for now and the lift kit if I ever get bumpers. Sure would be nice to hold onto that extra 1k this time of year.

Will the increased distance with the spacers require longer shocks?

Thanks.
 
I've got the OME 1.5" setup my LC (OME t-bars plus the 865 springs and NitroCharger shocks) and Michelin A/T2 tires. I have added no bumpers or sliders yet as I mainly use my truck around town and for hunting on the weekends. I would NOT go back to stock. In fact, I replaced the OEM shocks first, and still wasn't happy with the stock feel. The OME kit totally transforms the truck both on-road, and off-road. It's all personal, but if you aren't wheeling the truck and don't need all the protection now, I would do the suspension first.
 
I would avoid OME shocks. I have had them one a few different vehicles, they ride like crap on road, very harsh. Offroad, they're only "okay".

Plenty of other, better shock options out there.
 
super90 said:
I've got the OME 1.5" setup my LC (OME t-bars plus the 865 springs and NitroCharger shocks) and Michelin A/T2 tires. I have added no bumpers or sliders yet as I mainly use my truck around town and for hunting on the weekends. I would NOT go back to stock. In fact, I replaced the OEM shocks first, and still wasn't happy with the stock feel. The OME kit totally transforms the truck both on-road, and off-road. It's all personal, but if you aren't wheeling the truck and don't need all the protection now, I would do the suspension first.
Click to expand...

"totally transform" is not only subjective, but highly dependent on the condition of the current suspension, as well as the preference of the driver...
 
re_guderian said:
"totally transform" is not only subjective, but highly dependent on the condition of the current suspension, as well as the preference of the driver...
Click to expand...

Since the resulting ride is completely different from the stock setup, it was indeed "totally transformed". OME T-bars, springs and shocks are not at all like stock parts, new or used. Whether the resulting setup is to one's liking or not, is another matter entirely. I happen to like it.
 
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Ugh....

I don't think I can justify $450 a shock at this point (2 kids and restoring the FJ55). I've run OME on my old 55 in the past, but that thing is about as far from the 100 as you can get comfort-wise, so no real comparison. ???

Let me ask it this way, will I notice a significant decrease in ride / handling, or will it be comparable to stock? Since I am naive of the awesomeness of high dollar shocks, will I be blissfully ignorant with OME?


At this point I'm thinking spacers & cranking my tbars, leaving all other suspension stock. Drive that for a while until figure out the rest. ???

It's frustrating on my end trying to figure this all out, so I appreciate the help, especially since you guys have done all then experimenting with different setups (your time and $$$).

Thanks again for the info.
 
super90 said:
Since the resulting ride is completely different from the stock setup, it was indeed "totally transformed". OME T-bars, springs and shocks are not at all like stock parts, new or used. Whether the resulting setup is to one's liking or not, is another matter entirely. I happen to like it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but again, "completely different" doesn't help a potential buyer decide. Define HOW it's different. I had OME on an unloaded truck. The ride was harsh. I felt every crack in the road. I have D range Terra Grapplers in 295. OME's on road allowed the truck to corner faster, but that's not why most people buy Cruisers. Off road, until you add weight, there is little practical advantage, unless your stock system is shot, in which case new OEM would "totally transform" the ride much cheaper...

:meh:
 
Yes, it is confusing, and the whole idea of suspension setup is subjective. What one guy likes, another one does not.

Best advice is find someone near you with the closest setup to what you want and try and drive his rig.

In my case, I talked with Christo's shop, told them what I had (stock with new OEM shocks, no bumpers or sliders and no desire to add them), what I didn't like about it (soft and mushy and didn't handle weight well) and what I did want in the next setup (firmer ride and ability to handle more weight on trips, on-road and off) and they steered me to a specific combination. Remember, all "OME" setups are not the same. Different spring and shock options are available within their product line.

Also, I don't see how adding more weight (sliders, bumpers, etc.) to an OEM setup would be desirable. It is not designed for that. If you don't like the ride now, you sure are not with those additions.

Oh, and yes, one can throw as much money at this issue as they want, but I don't think that ii ts helpful for people to submit those very high priced options in your case.

I gave full disclosure as to the OME setup I have and the tires I matched with it, I'm happy with the results on-road and off-road. However, again, my off-road usage is not the same as the next guy's.

Feel free to PM me if you want more details.

Best of luck.
 
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Fitzgerald said:
Here's my plan:

  • 285/75/16 BFG A/T KO (currently buy 3 get 1 free at my local Toyota dealer)

Anyone see any issues with what I have in mind?


Thanks in advance for any advice,
Click to expand...

I have had several sets of Goodrich ATs in the past, and think they are ok, just ok. If you want a great tire for the CO Springs winters, smooth and quiet the other three seasons, take a look at GY Duratrac in that same size. I have the Duratrac on my 80 series, and they are fantastic performers, but if you rock crawl, I am told the sidewalls are thin. Another great tire on the 100 series is the Nitto TG. I have the Nitto's on my 100 series right now, smooth quiet ride, great handling, excellent for this vehicle.
Yeah, hard to beat the 4 tires for the price of 3 deal, but you will be stuck with those tires for a while, so check out the others as well. HTH
 
FWIW, I did tube sliders and 285 BFGs and couldn't be happier. I didn't lift the rear, but I cranked the front up a little with the torsion bars. I think the stance is great, ride is still very comfy. I got the tires at Discount Tire and compared them, the Nittos, and the Duratracs side-by-side. I thought the duratracs and nittos were a little too aggressive for the amount of highway driving I do and I really wanted raised white lettering so I went with the BFGs. No regrets.

By the way, you mentioned a 3 for the price or 4 deal; what about your spare? I was at $1200 out the door for 5 and I sold my old tires on craigslist for $300.
 
super90 said:
Yes, it is confusing, and the whole idea of suspension setup is subjective. What one guy likes, another one does not.

Best advice is find someone near you with the closest setup to what you want and try and drive his rig.

In my case, I talked with Christo's shop, told them what I had (stock with new OEM shocks, no bumpers or sliders and no desire to add them), what I didn't like about it (soft and mushy and didn't handle weight well) and what I did want in the next setup (firmer ride and ability to handle more weight on trips, on-road and off) and they steered me to a specific combination. Remember, all "OME" setups are not the same. Different spring and shock options are available within their product line.

Also, I don't see how adding more weight (sliders, bumpers, etc.) to an OEM setup would be desirable. It is not designed for that. If you don't like the ride now, you sure are not with those additions.

Oh, and yes, one can throw as much money at this issue as they want, but I don't think that ii ts helpful for people to submit those very high priced options in your case.

I gave full disclosure as to the OME setup I have and the tires I matched with it, I'm happy with the results on-road and off-road. However, again, my off-road usage is not the same as the next guy's.

Feel free to PM me if you want more details.

Best of luck.
Click to expand...

This is good info as to what the OP can expect. There are other options for weight capacity that don't affect the ride when unloaded. I run Airlift air bags that can be inflated when loaded or pulling a trailer, and deflated for more comfortable ride when unloaded. However, if the OP is close to Slee, he'll come out of there with the whole nine yards... :lol: I would anyway... :grinpimp:
 
lrowe_csp said:
I have had several sets of Goodrich ATs in the past, and think they are ok, just ok. If you want a great tire for the CO Springs winters, smooth and quiet the other three seasons, take a look at GY Duratrac in that same size. I have the Duratrac on my 80 series, and they are fantastic performers, but if you rock crawl, I am told the sidewalls are thin. Another great tire on the 100 series is the Nitto TG. I have the Nitto's on my 100 series right now, smooth quiet ride, great handling, excellent for this vehicle.
Yeah, hard to beat the 4 tires for the price of 3 deal, but you will be stuck with those tires for a while, so check out the others as well. HTH
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've read good things about those two tires as well. Should probably investigate a bit more.

JS114 said:
FWIW, I did tube sliders and 285 BFGs and couldn't be happier. I didn't lift the rear, but I cranked the front up a little with the torsion bars. I think the stance is great, ride is still very comfy. I got the tires at Discount Tire and compared them, the Nittos, and the Duratracs side-by-side. I thought the duratracs and nittos were a little too aggressive for the amount of highway driving I do and I really wanted raised white lettering so I went with the BFGs. No regrets.

By the way, you mentioned a 3 for the price or 4 deal; what about your spare? I was at $1200 out the door for 5 and I sold my old tires on craigslist for $300.
Click to expand...

Yeah, buy the time you add up all of the other fees from the dealership (along with the initial higher cost of the tire) I would be saving some, but not a good a deal as it sounds, and as you pointed out, I'd be without the correct sized spare.

Which BFG A/T's did you go with. When I see them on the various sites, there are 3 versions of the same tire, each about $20-30 more than the other (I think due to load / speed rating).

Also, at 200+ apiece how did you get 5 installed and out the door for 1200? Was there a sale, did you haggle, or is the just an estimation of total cost?


Thanks again guys.
 
Fitzgerald said:


Also, at 200+ apiece how did you get 5 installed and out the door for 1200? Was there a sale, did you haggle, or is the just an estimation of total cost?
Click to expand...

Never mind, my bad. I played with their "total pricing" and it does work out to right about $1200 with 5. Works out to be a better deal that the 4 for 3 deal at Toyota (even though the Toyota had the higher rated tire).

Thanks.
 
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I went with LT285/75R16D1. Discount Tire also includes lifetime rotation, balance, and flat repair. And yes, I haggled quite a bit, then left and they called me the next day and miraculously "got approval from the regional manager" to get me out the door for $1200. Don't forget, no tire disposal fee if you dispose yourself. There's always someone on Craigslist who will buy a used tire or four.
 
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