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FWC Ranger II + 98 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 rear suspension question


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#1 toyopet.stout

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Posted 03 March 2019 - 10:47 PM

We have built our "dream" overland setup last summer  to go to Canada (06 dodge ram 5.9 diesel, 6sp, 4x4, 77 alaskan camper 8" CO) only to realize that my wife isn't comfortable handling 10000lb rig , managing manual transmission, so we decided to try out the smallest  "real" camper setup we could think of - 4x4 Tacoma + FWC camper. Found early 90s Ranger II and 98 Tacoma 4x4. Question: Tacoma currently has dorman 929-401 rear leafs. Do you guys think it would be enough to do AAL + new shocks in the back for a test/trial on regular dirt roads? 

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#2 cwdtmmrs

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Posted 04 March 2019 - 06:41 AM

The short answer is yes. The real answer is why? It has been 10 years, but I only paid $100ea for my OME springs from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers. It is more work to do the AAL's and not worth the savings. The new springs will come with all new bushings as well. My opinion.

 

That Ranger II looks very nice! Love the built in Tail lights. Looks more finished. I am a bit biased though. A must is to swap the stock tail lights for LED's from Bargman. Direct swap. You will need the special trailer harness adapter to mate to the 4 pin.


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#3 CaptRussia253

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 03:08 AM

I would do OME MD leaf springs with Firestone airbags and daystar cradles.


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2013 Nissan Frontier CC 4X4

OME HD front coils/shocks. OME/Dakar HD rear with Firestone airbags/cradles.

2017 FWC Swift Shell

Custom things and stuff.


#4 cwdtmmrs

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 03:11 AM

I don't think air bags are needed on a 1998


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#5 CaptRussia253

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 05:30 AM

What's the weight of the camper?
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2013 Nissan Frontier CC 4X4

OME HD front coils/shocks. OME/Dakar HD rear with Firestone airbags/cradles.

2017 FWC Swift Shell

Custom things and stuff.


#6 cwdtmmrs

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 08:02 AM

My loaded 1995 Ranger II weighs under 1,000lbs, wet with all my gear. I originally had installed OME heavy duty 2" lift springs with air bags. I removed the air bags and the extra leaf in the springs. It sits and rides perfect now. The older Toyotas don't need as much help as the new Tacomas do.

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Edited by cwdtmmrs, 05 March 2019 - 08:03 AM.

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#7 ntsqd

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 02:05 PM

Not a fan of AAL's at all. They eventually break the springs if you can get them to move.

 

Was it me I'd seriously consider doing the GM 63's swap. Commonly done by rock crawlers, but as I found out on my old '84 Xcab yota they carry weight extremely well. Unfortunately that is a whole lot more fabrication than most want to do.

 

The OME's are a reasonable middle ground.


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Where does that road go?

#8 toyopet.stout

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 05:58 PM

Guys, thanks for all your input. I appreciate it so much. The real question is, what's the minimum safe way to do it. I want to test the setup, see if it's big enough for us, if it isn't the next option is Toyota Tundra + larger FWC. 


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#9 cwdtmmrs

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 06:04 PM

I gave you the minimum safe, easiest, and cheapest way. OME springs. Cost you $200-$300 and a 1/2 day to install. Don't reinvent the wheel.


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#10 toyopet.stout

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Posted 05 March 2019 - 06:57 PM

I gave you the minimum safe, easiest, and cheapest way. OME springs. Cost you $200-$300 and a 1/2 day to install. Don't reinvent the wheel.

Thanks! 


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