Lonestar decided this machine would be the perfect platform for showcasing its XTR-F suspension system, which is based on the XTR kit Lonestar has been successfully producing for more than four years. The highly adjustable kit is 6.5 inches wider per side and places the front A-arms 2 inches forward and rear arms 2 inches back in order to extend the vehicle's wheelbase. The added width allows for 15 inches of wheel travel and is extremely service-friendly thanks to greasible and rebuildable pivots on the chassis side and the use of high-performance Delrin bushings. The spindle side uses rebuildable uni-ball pivots to make the entire 4130-alloy kit virtually bulletproof. From a visual standpoint, the added width of the suspension combined with the shock towers give the SR1 machine a full-on trophy truck look. The XTR-F kit is mated to state-of-the-art Fox Racing Shox Position Sensitive 2.0 dual-rate shocks. By using shock towers, Lonestar was able to accommodate the extra-long shocks onto the car and set up the geometry for optimal performance. In theory, the suspension system's low 1.5:1 leverage ratio keeps the shocks from working as hard, which allows the use of lighter-weight springs, resulting in more fade-resistant shocks that require less regular maintenance.
"After testing this kit for the first time, it was a huge difference how much harder we could push the car through rougher terrain. Normally, we would have to tune the suspension to handle the bigger bumps but would sacrifice the smooth feeling over the smaller bumps. The ride is butter smooth and can handle the bigger hits without bottoming out," Frantz told us.
Finishing out the machine are a bevy of parts, each chosen for its strength and reliability. For starters, Trinity Racing's heavy-duty front spindles and Weller Racing's SR1 rear spindle kit are mated to OEM Rhino hubs up front and Weller hubs in the rear. All hubs use LSR studs and are mated to Hi-Per Technology's 14-inch Dakar wheels wrapped with Maxxis Cerros tires. An ITI sway bar keeps the machine on four wheels.
The Verdict
If race machines are judged by results, then the Lonestar SR1 Rhino is definitely a success. It took only three tries before scoring a Lucas Oils Off Road Racing Series win, and the machine continues to turn heads everywhere it goes. Lonestar's ability to constantly tweak and tune guarantees the SR1 will only get better with age. Visually, as you can see, it's a stunner, and it's rare to see something so innovative work so well across the board.