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L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:35 pm
by Super Exceeded
Ok with the "cat out of the bag" and it appear that there is a lot of interest in my little project, I may as well fill you all in on what's happening as it happens.
As mentioned I want to take it camping with you all on the Whipsaw weekend.
I have just spent the night with Jarred from Ellis Precision (They're doing the lift). As I am now going with 32.8 inch tires (I couldn't source the 35s I wanted) we feel that a 4 inch lift will be all that’s needed (yes I know, I will need to do a little cutting on the front wheel wells). The lift itself will be no issue as we came up with a great plan tonight. We hope to install it all on Saturday. The two things that may keep me from the trip will be the lengthening of the rear drive shaft (it needs to be 6 inches longer) and machining of the ball joint extensions.
If I can't get these done, I won't be able to make it.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 10:48 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
Just a thought: Most guys are putting snorkels on their machines but with your set up might I suggest full on SCUBA gear... 
I couldn't resist. I think this is a pretty cool project and am looking forward to the updates. How are you thinking of propelling both of your rear trucks?
Falco.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 11:05 pm
by Super Exceeded
FalcoColumbarius wrote:Just a thought: Most guys are putting snorkels on their machines but with your set up might I suggest full on SCUBA gear...
I couldn't resist.
I was hoping to get a snorkel but I was too late to get in on the group buy. I'll have to source one another way'
I think this is a pretty cool project and am looking forward to the updates. How are you thinking of propelling both of your rear trucks?
I will be powering both axles, but as I mentioned before I won't be doing it right away, and you'll have to wait to see how I do it.
Falco.[/color]
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 12:40 am
by jessef
If you plan to overland with it, why go up to a 33" tire ?
It will be a dog for power and raise fuel consumption compared to a 31".
Curious
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:16 am
by Super Exceeded
The 33 gives me a 15% greater distance per revelution, this will reduce just about everything at highway speeds, but yes I will lose a little (maybe a lot) torque at the bottom end. So I won't win any races off the line.
jfarsang wrote:If you plan to overland with it, why go up to a 33" tire ?
It will be a dog for power and raise fuel consumption compared to a 31".
Curious
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:45 am
by jessef
Do you have a 5-spd or auto ?
The 33's can work on a 5-spd due to gearing but fuel consumption on highway will be around 14L/100km.
The auto with 33's will be a touch worse at 14.5-15L/100km.
The 5-spd with 31's nets the best highway fuel economy at 12L/100km and the auto with 29.5"'s at 9-10L/100km
33's are great for looks but horrible for fuel economy and much harder on the engine up hills and front IFS components.
I've driven many versions
Will you keep the same colour scheme or paint it another colour ?
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:29 am
by Jensen
Going with wheels that big, are you putting in beefier drivetrain components? I know you mentioned your rear driveshaft, but what about your front end? Also, who's making your new driveshaft?
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:46 am
by FalcoColumbarius
I would be more concerned with the transmission. We have a member called Garyo and he installed a Skyline intercooler along with big wheels. I believe he has had to rebuild the tranny twice, the second time he beefed it up. Everything is about balance in the L300 and if you are going to be driving two axles I would thing you would need to eliminate any weak links in the drive chain. My two bits ~ I'm a painter, what do I know... smiles.
Falco.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:53 am
by Super Exceeded
Wow gotta love all of the opinions, The drive shaft is being extended and strengthened by Drive Line in Port Kells, Should be ready later today. As for tire size and all that other stuff, ya I know, but at the end of the day I wanted it up!!The original plan was for 35s and an 8-10 inch lift.. I'm going with a 16 inch whell and an offset which should widen the stance as well. Already had a movie guy take a picture of it. When I go to drive the second rear axle a whole lot will be changing in the running gear dept. Until then I'll run what my momma gave me.
As for colour I wanted to go white, but just about everyone that has seen the van likes the white and green muttling that in over the joint right now. I'm so confused as I don't like it at all.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 9:09 am
by FalcoColumbarius
She's your ship mate. Paint her the colours that best speak to you. Who cares what everyone else thinks.
Falco.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:38 pm
by Super Exceeded
Got the driveshaft lengthen today, so at present only one thing could keep me from whipsaw...(And its a biggie)
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 10:55 pm
by Meanman
Not too sure if you've ever offroaded a vehicle with a tag axle before.....if the tag isn't driven it is easy to get the forward driven axle suspended off the ground and then you lose traction. You'll need to have your hubs in sooner than most otherwise you'll experience "bridging" as the driven wheels leave the ground. Just my 2 cents......based on some shit luck.....don't ask.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 10:59 pm
by Meanman
Not too sure if you've ever offroaded a vehicle with a tag axle before.....if the tag isn't driven it is easy to get the forward driven axle suspended off the ground and then you lose traction. You'll need to have your hubs in sooner than most otherwise you'll experience "bridging" as the driven wheels leave the ground. Just my 2 cents......based on some shit luck.....don't ask.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 11:03 pm
by Super Exceeded
I know, will be locked up as soon as the dirt hit the front tires.
Meanman wrote:Not too sure if you've ever offroaded a vehicle with a tag axle before.....if the tag isn't driven it is easy to get the forward driven axle suspended off the ground and then you lose traction. You'll need to have your hubs in sooner than most otherwise you'll experience "bridging" as the driven wheels leave the ground. Just my 2 cents......based on some shit luck.....don't ask.
Re: L300 Stretch updates
Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 2:31 pm
by jessef
I'm assuming you're going to sas the front ?