FlyAngler's Trailhunter | 35" KO3s, ARB Zenith Bumper, Lighting, etc.

[FlyAngler]

Have you noticed your turning radius has changed. Like bigger radius

No, not that I've noticed. What are you thinking?

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[Vidman]

I saw a post one one of the forums that someone had lifted their 4gen and said their turning radius had increased because of the lift.. just wondering if you had experienced the same

 

[FlyAngler]

October 2025 Updates...
1. RCI Rear Shock Mount Skids ordered (on sale) Will update with pics when complete.
2. Jack mount in bed using OEM rail ($29.99 mounts from Amazon) Pic below.
3. Working on installing ARB rear diff breather kit. Will update with pics when complete. Had to get creative with locating the valve/filter.
4. Installed Victory 4x4 Center Console Molle panels (on sale).
5. Working on wiring GMRS hard mount radio in cab. Will update with pics when complete.
6. Addressed tire rubbing issues. See below for details and pics.

I had a lot of tire rubbing on a recent trip up to Maine where I aired down to drive part of the Golden Road on my way to fish the West Branch of the Penobscot. I got some help from Lewis Off Road again to figure out exactly where it was occurring and address it. Three changes: Removed rear mud flaps, re-routed wiring in driver side front wheel well over the frame and removed shield, and trimmed a small amount from the back side of the front wheel wells at about a 45 degree angle. No more rubbing, even when aired down to 20psi. (I had removed the front mud flaps and crush pads back when I first had the new tires put on - see original post above.)


Here's the jack mounted. Ignore the oar, snow scraper, rope and blue sling.

Here's the wiring routed over the frame.

And finally, here is the minor trimming.

 

[1_nutted_wonder]

How hard is it the reach the clutch on your winch with this bumper? Or is it even accessible at all?

I use my 2024 Trailhunter as a daily driver, but since I work from home that generally means running around town. I also use it for traveling and recreating. I like to fly fish (surprise!) and my goal has been/is to outfit the truck for excursions to remote locations that get a lot less fishing pressure and perhaps harbor some monster fish (along with some tranquility, of course). I bought my Trailhunter in October 2024. I mostly have the mods professionally done.

Color: Underground

Bed: Long

Tires: ~35" BFG KO3 LT285/75R18 (pads and flaps removed)

Lift: Westcott Designs Preload Collar (Front); Airlift 5000 (Rear)

Lighting: Rigid SR-L Reverse Lights, NACHO Quatro Spot 4in. x2, NACHO Quatro Flood 4in. x2

Bed Cover/Rack: BAK Revolver X4TS w/ Elevate Rack w/ side bars

ARB Zenith Winch Bumper (front) w/ Warn VR EVO 10-S

Other:
River Quiver 4-Banger (fly rod vault)
Flycraft Stealth 2.0 raft w/ 4x Riversmith Swiftcast rod holders
Airstream Basecamp 20X

As of early August 2025, I'm currently looking into suspension changes because it just doesn't drive the same with that heavy bumper and winch I added last week. Just when I thought I just about finished! I've reached out to Dobinsons as well as my local 4x4 shop for advice.

Update 9/3/2025
I had the Dobinson 822 coils installed on the front on Aug 25. Also had the needle bearing replaced with an ECGS bearing since the front end was apart for the coil replacement (saved on labor costs). I had to keep my Westcott preload collar lift to end up approximately level (prior to the usual expected settling of about 0.25 - 0.5" in the first thousand miles or so). I've added a picture below of how it sat after installation. Also added a pic of the OEM and Dobinson coils side by side. The Dobinson 822 coil is about an inch shorter than the OEM. I do think my front end now sits a tiny bit lower than previously because I am now getting occasional rubbing that I didn't get with the OEM springs and Westcott collar. Not concerned at this time. I've hit that 1,000 mile mark with the new springs and will see how it goes. New pics are at the bottom. The new springs definitely solved the loss of stability issue I noticed after adding the bumper and winch.

Shout out to Lewis Off Road in Derry, NH who installed the front bumper, winch, and NACHO Quatro lights for me. I highly recommend them. Blake took good care of the truck, answered all my questions, and kept me updated with pictures throughout the process. He does good work and stands behind it. He also took care of the new front coils and needle bearing.

 

[FlyAngler]

How hard is it the reach the clutch on your winch with this bumper? Or is it even accessible at all?

It is a little tight for my hands with the lights I have installed. But I can reach it.

In addition, I can fit my hand easily between the lights and (relocated) winch control. On this winch (Warn VR Evo 10-S), there is a rubber cover over the port for the wired remote. But I'll likely use the wireless since that is more convenient. Good to have wired as a back though.

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