T-Rex and Mini-leaf pack - first impressions

[GiesJ]

My first impressions of the T-Rex suspension system with the Mini-leaf pack are beyond anything I could have imagined. Kent took excellent care of me answering many, many questions. My shocks are valved for more of an off road application. It is incredible. Washboard that would be shaking everything in the truck is smooth. I have an excellent place to test outside of town and have been on regularly all of this fall – I actually thought the road was bladed or something because things were so smooth.

Granted, the larger objects are still felt upon the initial incident, but immediately after the occurrence the truck is solid again. I don’t know if that makes sense but that’s the best I can describe – the sway, the bounce, the shake just dies. I have so much more control and can run much higher speeds. Having said that, I do not need to run faster to feel a smoother ride.

I’m very impressed. Here are some pics of my truck and I will try to answer any questions:

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the remote res' are sexy...



By the way, I’m hard on gear. Check out my old Rancho 9000 – that’s shock oil all over the base from a rock dent. I am excited to see how the new system does in my environment:

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http://www.t-rexengineering.com



and



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=79066

 

[GiesJ]

One more picture:

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[Heavy Metal]

I agree. I installed T-Rex and mini-pack Thursday and left immediately for the deer lease. I stayed thru Sunday and really put this stuff to the test. I did't set the trip meter, but I burned more than 1/2 tank of fuel from the time I got there until the time I left. The only thing I'd like to add is that the handling is amazing. It corners as though on rails at stupid speeds even on the roughest of corners. The only problem I have now is i can't seem to wipe this ****-eatin' grin off my face.



Bryan

 

[dsherman]

GiesJ

Did you have the shocks valved HD or Medium duty?

I have medium duty should of got HD. I can bottom out my truck on dips and pot holes that are about 8".

 

[jrandol]

Dang, your truck looks really nice!! We will definetely have to showcase that thing at the ATS day in Feb. Can you meet us down in Fort Collins on Saturday? (See the Regional Club Forum Section for more info)

 

[Ted Constantine]

has any one tried running t-rex shocks and towers with other springs. I am very happy with my d25 and would prefer to keep them and am considering upgrading the shocks and towers.

 

[GiesJ]

Thanks for the compliments - and heavymetal is right, the amount of control offroad is borderline dangerous. On a road that normally was a painful 15-25 mph is now a smooth 60, in total control. Kent had a long talk about driving technique with me and I understand why now!



Dsherman - I am not sure if they are valved "medium" or "heavy" but Kent set them up for majority off road application. I'll double check with him next time we talk.



Jrandol - I'll reply to your thread about saturday.



Ted - call or email Kent about your D25s - he'll point you in the right direction.



I'm going to try to get some more pictures of the rear and the truck as a whole today.

Jason



Before T - RexOo.



After

 

[Cooker]

Ted,

Are you thinking of doing just the front and not the rear? I don't think you will get too many beneifts by just doing one end, but maybe I am wrong????



I wouldn't think the springs are all that much from T-Rex, why not just opt for those and sell your D25's? Noboby has complained the truck has rode too rough after the T-Rex Install

 

[Ted Constantine]

cooker i don't really know what i am planning. I would likely put in there shocks, towers, and the rear packs. My qyuestion is about the front springs. The set up I have now gives me perfect ride height and quality with the DOR bumper. It would, I assume have a minimal effect on the over all cost between selling the d25 and keeping them. I have springs that work well why switchwhat is special about the t-rex springs??

Ted

 

[GiesJ]

A couple more pictures:

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and

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[jrandol]

Remind me to salute that truck when i see it on the highway. jason, that things looks awesome!! Oo.

 

[Heavy Metal]

Ted,

You can keep your springs. Just let Kent know what you've got. He tailors each individual system based on your truck, what type of driving you do, and what you expect. I spent several hours on the phone with Kent trying to determine my set-up. He said that for those that primarily drive highway, he utilizes the stock springs in certain instances. Mine is set up very aggressively for off-road use so it doesn't ride as softly on the highway as a less aggressively valved truck would, but it is still worlds better than stock and is smoother than many passenger cars. Expansion joints are gone but large bumps are still a little firm much like a sports car. The handling that is so impressive off road also shows up somewhat on the highway. Steering is very responsive and body roll is all but gone. The difference is immediatly noticable. I have a DSS, borgeson shaft, and newly (and completely) rebuilt front end and even thoough each of these things made a significant difference in the steering, they seem like drops in the bucket compared to the diffence this suspension makes. It's the diference between having a tight, slop-free steering wheel and the truck actually responding precisely to every movement. I sold a well preserved (and paid for) 1999 30th anniversary Trans Am WS6 just before ordering T-rex and this truck feels alot like that car. I realize that due to higher weight and center of gravity that it's limits are quite a bit lower, but the feel of the ride and handling of the truck is remarkably similar to that car. I am way more than impressed. As far as T-Rex springs are concerned, I think they have different rates to offer, are progressive and designed to work with each individual application, but Kent can tell you for sure. What I can say with certainty is you will not be disappointed with T-Rex suspension. Just make sure you accurately and honestly communicate to Kent what you are trying to acheive.



Bryan

 

[caryain]

Bryan,



I am very interested in the T-Rex system. Would you be interested in giving me a "demo ride" in your truck some time if I can get down your way? I think I can work out a trip to one of our pump stations in Clute some time in the future if you would be willing to give the demo ride to help convince me (and the wife) to kick out the $$$$. BTW, the wife will NOT be with me but she will believe almost everything I tell her. :-laf





Chip

 

[Heavy Metal]

Chip,

I'd be more than happy to show off... ummm I mean give a demo ride. I work in Houston frequently. PM'd ya.



Bryan

 

[Doubleclutch]

caryain - My wife loves the ride! She never complained before, but now she's remarking about ride quality... Bring your wife on the test ride!

Greg