Tacoma J-arm kit & swingset steering

Hey guys, my name is Cory.

I have been a fabricator for the last decade of my life. Recently “finishing” my first off-road truck build. Just kidding, it’s never really finished.

I am currently at the tail end of designing a swingset steering setup that I hope I am able to bring to market eventually. But anyways, back on topic.

Let’s face it. The direct bolt on long travel kits leave a bit to be desired across the board.

Packaging, well it sucks. With stock coil buckets and upper arms we are only able to fit so much.

The stock shock tower/UCA mounts are weak. There are stories all over of folks bending towers etc once they start getting pushed hard. What’s the fun of Longtravel if you can’t push it?

Bumping off of the LCA has never been an ideal method. With the motion ratio of the bump down low, you are engaging them 1/3 the way through the range of travel.

My idea is to begin the design phase of a J-arm kit. Much like what you see on the big boy trucks. This would allow for several things.

First, the factory coil tower is gone. It would now be a fully fabricated piece with significant strength gains.

Second, Big shocks. Instead of the normal 8” stroke. We would be looking at a 10” or maybe even a 12” stroke shock. This would allow for a dual rate spring setup on the coilover. This brings the ability to really fine tune your ride quality via dual springs. Next, the goal would be to fit as large of a bypass as possible. Ideally a 3.5” body.

Third, the bump stop would be located up high. This means you would be striking the bump pad with the UCA vs the LCA. Meaning you would only be striking the bump as necessary, not over every little hole you come across.

Fourth. The factory spindle is weak. You can gusset it all you want, but fact of the matter is, it’s still weak in comparison to a fabricated upright. This kit would utilize vertical uniballs in double shear fashion.

I would love to hear some input from some fellow enthusiasts to see if this venture is worth while. If it is, I would really love to see a kit ready for production by fall of this year. Let’s redefine what these trucks are capable of.

Here are some pictures of my build and some of the things I do. You can also follow along on IG @906taco & @subzero.fab

 

Been following you for a minute, and really excited about the steering upgrade.

Are you designing a solution that can be welded/installed on a "normal" truck frame, or would this require a fully tubular frame/rebuild?

 

The j arm would be designed around the factory frame.

 

Fuck it, let's go then.

 

Here for a good time not for a long time

 

Trash….better start over….lmao

honestly probably come up with the best geometry of any off the shelf kit…

 

One could only hope….

 

Here for the goods…

 

I’m in for a j arm kit.

 

Dude, this has to be one the best looking 3 gens I have ever laid eyes on. Beautiful build. Will definitely be giving you a follow on IG.

You probably are very aware of this, but you might think about also posting this thread / the same content to the long travel BS thread. I'm sure lots of guys on that thread would love to hear your idea.

 

its the best looking 3rd gen because its a 2nd gen underneath

 

Holy sheesh, didn't even notice that! That's so sick.

 

Thanks man! But yes, it is a 2008!

I did stick the link over on the BS thread as well! Hopefully we can pull enough interest to make this happen!

 

How do you plan on funding this experiment? Pre-orders are one way to go but could end up like RCLT taking years to deliver kits to upset customers

 

Its far from an "experiment". Nor am I asking for money up front, so funding isn't really a topic of discussion as it is irrelevant. But I do have the backing to make this happen if interest is shown. Ideally, I would like to see 10-15 on board.

 

If anyones cuirous what a 4x4 j-arm 2nd/3rd Gen kit looks like in general



https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/basik-built-taco.296798/page-49#post-21979937

 

Theres the quixotic setup available. I could see you making a solid setup for sure but a 12” shock is gnar

 

10” dual rate isn’t ideal - 12” is shortest with a really useable coil combination to not waste having a dual spring - wouldn’t make any sense with a big 3.5 secondary at all.