Tag Archives: gravel

TEIN 4X4 Dampers

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Not necessarily new for us. We’ve actually made 4×4 Dampers in the past, but it was limited to one model and very limited vehicle applications.

Now we’re bringing them back, along with four different models, and hoping to offer them for a wider variety of 4×4 vehicles!

First up is our 4×4 SPORT dampers. These are loosely based on our Type GRAVEL dampers, which are a rebound damping only adjustable (16-way) with ADVANCE NEEDLE technology and ride height adjustable setup. However, this new 4×4 Sports damper setup will incorporate our new Hydraulic Bump Stop (H.B.S.) system, which to date is only applied to our FLEX A line of suspensions. Our proprietary ZT coatings are applied to threaded bodies to provide all-weather ease of adjustment for ride height. Of course, these will be EDFC systems compatible (EDFC II, EDFC ACTIVE, or EDFC ACTIVE PRO). So far, we are making applications for the Toyota Landcruiser and FJ Cruiser.

4X4 SPORT

 

Second is our 4×4 GRAVEL dampers. These are based on our HG setup, which is twin-tube structure with external reservoir, giving you separate compression and rebound damping adjustment (both 16-way) with ADVANCE NEEDLE technology and ride height adjustability. Because these have external reservoirs, we are able to invert the rear dampers for applications such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser, since the nitrogen charge is separated by a floating piston in the external reservoir. Ride height adjustment is smooth using our ZT coatings. Also EDFC systems compatible! Applications are Toyota Tundra, FJ Cruiser, and Landcruiser, as well as the Ford F150.

4X4 GRAVEL
Our third offering is our 4×4 PREMIUM model. This may be a bit more limited in vehicle applications. So far, this has been offered to the Middle East market for the Nissan Patrol/Safari and Mercedes G63 AMG. These are monotube structures with external reservoirs giving independent compression and rebound adjustment. As the name implies, it is a premium line with much more flashy finishing. The damper bodies are also coated with our proprietary ZT coating for superior all-weather performance. However, these also include anodized dust covers all the way to the external reservoir. Quite flashy!

Internally, the monotube structure benefits from our Temperature Control Valve (T.C.V.) technology, which regulates oil flow as temperature and viscosity changes, as well as our Hydraulic Bump Stop system. And yes, EDFC systems compatible for both compression and rebound adjustments.

4X4 PREMIUM

 

Lastly is our 4×4 RALLY model. Technically, these are a made-to-order setup. We’ve applied the rally models to race only vehicle applications. Developed directly from our experience in China Rally Raid (similar to Paris-Dakar rally, if that rings a bell), and taking the most out of our Group N rally program. Features include monotube construction, Temperature Control Valve, Hydraulic Bump Stop, Micro Speed Valve (M.S.V.) technology, High & Low Speed compression adjustment (3-way), and TEIN proprietary coatings. Built to endure some of the toughest racing conditions for 4×4’s. And of course, EDFC systems compatible!!!

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV rally SUV you see in our cover picture of this post is on an example of our 4X4 RALLY suspension, as a matter of fact!

Starting at around $20,000.00 (depending on application/use).

4X4 RALLY

So why the re-introduction to 4×4 suspension? Quite honestly there is a huge demand for truck and SUV suspension. While it seemed that sales of such vehicles dwindled off in the mid 2000’s, consumers are saying otherwise nowadays, and that leaves plenty to be desired from the aftermarket. We want to be a part of that trend, and this also helps us to grow our brand. Plus, we have the technology and our heritage in rally racing. We know we can offer a truly unique product for the 4×4 market!

Look forward to updates on our 4×4 suspension program for 2016 within the next few months!!!

Here’s a video of that TEIN sponsored Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV that we found on YouTube:

Quite interesting seeing a hybrid SUV being used for racing!!!

Jay Leno’s Garage with Special Guest Ryan Millen

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Ryan Millen, who is campaigning in his TEIN equipped Toyota RAV4 had a guest spot on Jay Leno’s Garage!

Leave it to Jay Leno to take you on a tour through Los Angeles! Looks like a lot of fun, especially taking a rally prepped front-wheel drive car with automatic transmission through the streets!

Ryan Millen comes from a family born in racing. His father is famed driver Rod Millen. The same Rod Millen that drove the Pikes Peak Toyota Celica up that mountain in record time.

rod-millen-celica-620

Ryan’s brother, Rhys Millen, has also made a name for himself as a drift, hill climb, and rally racer! He’s also a stunt driver for movies on the big screen!

turp_0507_05_o+d1_grand_prix_usa+rhys_millen_gto

Ryan’s uncle is Steve Millen. Yep, the same Steve Millen that drove the IMSA 300ZX most of you had on posters plastered on your wall.

millen_75

I guess it was inevitable for Ryan to start piloting some race cars of his own. Except Ryan chose off-road racing has his forte.

For 2015, Ryan started working with Toyota and took a new RAV4 and converted it for rally racing duties.

rav4-rally-suspension

Ryan stumbled upon a set of our Group N dampers, obtained through Global Rally Cross driver Stephan Verdier. We originally sponsored Mr. Verdier when he was campaigning his GDF Subaru. So, the suspension wasn’t necessarily a direct bolt on into the RAV4.

Ryan got a hold of us about servicing the dampers, which we thought to be an interesting use of our dampers in the first place. We figured if he was going to be putting these dampers through the same abuse as Mr. Verdier, we should give him some more support! So started our sponsorship with Mr. Millen!

mt-hood-rav4 Ryan Millen RAV4

He’s had great successes so far, clinching several spots atop the podium. That’s impressive, considering the RAV4 has the most minimal of modifications- fully caged, TEIN Group N suspension, minor brake upgrades, but no power adders (unless you count a loud exhaust as one).

We hope this only means more rally racing for Ryan Millen for 2016, and we hope you be his suspension supplier for the New Year!

Some of the photos, and this awesome in-car footage of the RAV-4 through bustedwallet.com:

We Like 4×4’s, Too!

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If you follow our TEIN Facebook page, then you probably have already seen some photos of what looks to be some off-road vehicles. You were probably wondering what this had to do with TEIN, a company synonymous with lowering Hondas, or drifting, or Time Attack, or basically anything other than 4×4’s.

For the most part, you’re right. But, if you think about it, it’s not a far cry from TEIN’s start in the suspension business. Founded by a couple of rally competitors, TEIN knew there would be a demand for the perfect suspension for road conditions considered to be less than ideal for a daily commute (but for some reason perfect for racing). Considering the pounding that rally cars take, a properly built rally suspension can make a world of difference in performance.

Our Group N Dampers were developed directly through involvement in domestic and international rally (FIA PWRC, ERC, Rally America).

Gr. N Gravel Dampers

Gr N. Gravel (Custom)

Gr N. with F.R.S. (Fast Rebound System) Tarmac

Gr N. FRS Tarmac (Custom)

I guess it would be a natural progression for us to venture into the 4×4 suspension market, which is surprisingly very strong, especially overseas.

The pics that we shared are related to our involvement in the China Cross-Country Raid rally (think Paris-Dakar rally as a comparison).

Here’s a pic of one of the 4×4 developments we created for a customer.

CCR 3 (Custom)

Another 4×4 set

CCR 7 (Custom)

However, some setups are a bit more gnarly, requiring something more unique. Like this double damper setup.

CCR 4 (Custom)

Being that this type of racing was relatively new to us, we had engineers fly out to China to do testing with the teams and help them develop the suspension.

CCR 5 (Custom)

CCR 6 (Custom)

Other than this Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero, we also built suspension for a VW Tuareg

CCR 1 (Custom)

CCR 2 (Custom)

I also know that we’re putting our EDFC Active Pro to the test with a few of these 4×4’s. Talk about having the ultimate advantage- fully active suspension under some of the harshest conditions!

Although a new experience for us, the demands are still relatively the same, just with varying degrees of complexity. So, 4×4 suspension is definitely within the realm of possibilities for us. However, I must make mention that we do not manufacture leaf springs or torsion springs. Through our Specialized Damper Service and our involvement in motorsports, TEIN always looks to bring our very own technological advancements in getting the best out of every racing environment.

TEchnical INnovation- that’s what we’re all about!

 

*If you’re looking for suspension for your 4×4, let us know if we can help! We obviously love the opportunity to help our customers in obtaining their ideal suspension.

Give us a call at 562-861-9161!

Rally xD Makes an Appearance on Car and Driver!

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Yes, yes. Another post about one of the best built FWD race cars. NO, AGAIN, THAT IS NOT AN OXYMORON. FWD race cars can be pretty damn fast.

You gotta hand it to these guys- this year’s Rally America competition Scion xD is quite amazing. As I stated in my previous post, it may look very similar to the previous cars, aesthetically speaking. But, when you get to the finer details of this car, that is when MINDS GET BLOWN.

By the time you’ve read this, the Rally xD will have already completed its maiden voyage at Sno*Drift in Michigan and 100AW in Missouri. Results which you can find on

http://www.rally-america.com/

Again, aesthetically, it isn’t a far cry from how it’s looked in previous seasons. Love the new Baja Designs lights fitted into the bumper!

I’m not sure if Andrew Comrie-Picard’s legs got longer over the off-season, but that seat is pushed back pretty far… You can see where the B-Pillar is  in reference to the seat, just at the bottom right of the pic.

Looks like driver and co-driver have extra security sitting right inside of the B-Pillar section. That, in conjunction with the fabricated safety cage makes for an extra safe section of the car to be seated in.

Catalytic converter mounted as far rearward as allowed.

How blinding?!

Check out Car and Driver’s article on the Rally xD online

http://blog.caranddriver.com/scion-shows-off-latest-xd-rally-car-for-rally-america/

For starters, they continue to use quality products from quality aftermarket manufacturers. We’re quite flattered to be considered one of those manufacturers!

Sponsors this year are (in no specific order)

Sparco

TEIN

RAYS Wheels

GReddy

Motul

Brembo

Baja Designs

TRD

Exedy

KAAZ

RÄZO

and of course Scion Racing!

I’m sure I missed a few key sponsors, unintentionally. Please forgive me. I’m just really glad that TEIN can be a part of a great team. We feel they’ve helped to represent us very well!

Anyway, keep track of these guys on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@RallyxD).

You can also track their progress during this year’s Rally America series at the following link

http://www.rally-america.com/

Tradin paint and fiberglass plus Big Air

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Rd. 2 of the Global Rallycross took place this past weekend at the Old Mill Adventure Park in Snoqualmie, WA (also home of the DirtFish rally school). The 2 day event is broken into two style of races. The first, held on Friday is SuperRally. Basically one on one battles with a bracket system finishing with an overall winner. In SuperRally, Stephan finished 3 overall but had an awesome battle with Dave Mirra in one of the rounds. Check out the video.

In case your wondering, Stephan went on to win a third and deciding race against Dave to advance.

In the Saturday RallyCross, Stephan qualified first and finished the AWD final in 4th due to a punctured tire. You can see the recap below.

The mixture of surfaces including wet tarmac, mud and gravel make for exciting racing where all competitors have a chance to take home a win. You can watch a rebroadcast of all the action on ESPN. Check you local listing for exact time and dates or check, www.global-rallycross.com

Image courtesy of Mr. Sean McDonough.