Red Clay Rally, The Rovers are Coming

[ArmyRover]

I didn't feel the narrower tire was giving enough foot print for the LR3 so I decided to give wider a try. I can stuff the tire fully with minor trimming.

Spring spacers on the OME HD springs can be done but I feel reliability of the CVs would be questionable when you are driving 1500 highway miles there and back to wheel.

I have both EAS and a coil truck they both have benefits and drawbacks

 

[Troy A]

@ArmyRover this was bloody fantastic. I think the Brits would say "good go, old chap!" Enjoyed the story immensely. Nice work.


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[ArmyRover]

Thanks for the kind words

 

[Ruper]

Well a while back I put out a statement to be interested in joining in the fun at the next Red Clay Rally.
So at that time I was unemployed for the first time in my life. It was to say the least troubling. I now have landed a sweetheart of a job that was right in the wheelhouse of my talents and experience.

Now I have started to upgrade the 2005 LR3, Air Susp.
Installed a rhino lift kit (2.5"), Invested in tires (32") 275/18 65 and a snorkel kit (had to go el cheapo on that).
Built a roof rack out of 1" x 1/4" thick sq. tubing, 52" light bar, came off my Scout II, LED side light pods 2ea side, Rear light pods, switches wiring and cussing invested in the wiring.

Will I make it for the next Rally, not sure but it sure has been fun planning.

Next up: Chassis and Diff armor, Fuel tank skid pan, rock sliders, full size spare, 5th rim and some way to carry it, legitimate jack(s) for the extra height I've added.
Check and diagnose the under carriage, there is a slight whining noise that has developed. Could be Tranny fluid level as I couldn't level the vehicle properly when I did the 105K service in the driveway back home.
Most likely will need the full service and filter change again, just cause it was so much fun the first time just before the Rally, whichever year I make it.

Once I get closer, after some practice trails of varying level, I will start seriously looking to fill a team.
Still need to plan:
Winch install, winch bumper decisions, ARB? Comms: CB or Shortwave plus install
Possibly a poly bushing upgrade (and whatever gets stirred up to fix from that.
A frequently visited door to hang my To Do List on, bathroom sounds about right.
May possibly need new front half shaft or both, I heard a ratcheting when I was driving Carolina Beach this past weekend, she did good on some rather loose sand I thought, no air down, just pay the fees and went at it.

Hmmm. Maybe 2021 would be a more realistic date.

 

[morrisdl]

Go for it! Admittedly I have not done RCR, but I have ridden many of the same trails.

I would suggest: Sliders, Winch (Not harbor freight), 33" or 34" tires, and Lucky 2" strut spacers are best, GAP IIDTool.

Poly front bushings seem fine. Too many people with rear poly have snapped control arms for my comfort level.

Good luck!!

 

[ArmyRover]

Well a while back I put out a statement to be interested in joining in the fun at the next Red Clay Rally.
So at that time I was unemployed for the first time in my life. It was to say the least troubling. I now have landed a sweetheart of a job that was right in the wheelhouse of my talents and experience.

Now I have started to upgrade the 2005 LR3, Air Susp.
Installed a rhino lift kit (2.5"), Invested in tires (32") 275/18 65 and a snorkel kit (had to go el cheapo on that).
Built a roof rack out of 1" x 1/4" thick sq. tubing, 52" light bar, came off my Scout II, LED side light pods 2ea side, Rear light pods, switches wiring and cussing invested in the wiring.

Will I make it for the next Rally, not sure but it sure has been fun planning.

Next up: Chassis and Diff armor, Fuel tank skid pan, rock sliders, full size spare, 5th rim and some way to carry it, legitimate jack(s) for the extra height I've added.
Check and diagnose the under carriage, there is a slight whining noise that has developed. Could be Tranny fluid level as I couldn't level the vehicle properly when I did the 105K service in the driveway back home.
Most likely will need the full service and filter change again, just cause it was so much fun the first time just before the Rally, whichever year I make it.

Once I get closer, after some practice trails of varying level, I will start seriously looking to fill a team.
Still need to plan:
Winch install, winch bumper decisions, ARB? Comms: CB or Shortwave plus install
Possibly a poly bushing upgrade (and whatever gets stirred up to fix from that.
A frequently visited door to hang my To Do List on, bathroom sounds about right.
May possibly need new front half shaft or both, I heard a ratcheting when I was driving Carolina Beach this past weekend, she did good on some rather loose sand I thought, no air down, just pay the fees and went at it.

Hmmm. Maybe 2021 would be a more realistic date.

View attachment 10177

Keep plugging away. You will never be fully ready, but when you’re sorta comfortable with the idea give it a go.

 

[Ruper]

Got cha, thanks for the inspiration

 

[ArmyRover]

No worries, I didn't think my truck was ready but it did fantastic. The LR3/4 are formidable off road, they can take what we dish out

 

[jwest]

Spring spacers on the OME HD springs can be done but I feel reliability of the CVs would be questionable when you are driving 1500 highway miles there and back to wheel.

Agreed. I think the perfect largest size tire for the lr3/4 plus of course normal trimming would be 275/75-18 on an 8" rim with only enough offset to clear the A arm at full extension.

 

[ArmyRover]

I think the 12.5" wide makes a noticable difference in traction and stability.