Build Update!
Truck re-work was rocky but 95% complete.
I just came back from a 2+ week trip and gave the new parts a real break-in. Here's a rundown on the installs:
- I got my new Jason Shell on and it's AWESOME! I love the windoors, it completely changes how I load the truck and access gear.
- I installed a complete new BA Mufflers exhaust system from Dirty Deeds Industries, headers back. It went on easy and got rid of my cat rattle as well as cleaned up a real messy patchwork of an exhaust. Sound is killer too!
- I re-mounted the tent/platform/awning set up and lowered the whole package an inch and a half (the HD Bars) and it's much simpler/cleaner and feels slightly less top-heavy (new rear suspension helps with that too)
- I worked with a Tacoma World wheeler: Skygear (a Total Wiring Guru) and completely re-wired the trucks accessories. We put in a sealed Bussman box cleaned up all the runs with new wire or sleeve as needed and added wiring to add the overhead switch-bank I was building. Then I added the overhead switches and a rear switch isolated aux panel for power in the bed, I put LED strips on all three cap windows with gas prop switches and fridge power, aux outlets and such.
- Then things got interesting... I took the truck down to a friends shop to drop in the new Front Suspension from Radflo, a built front diff from JT Differentials (4.56 with an ARB) as well as parts to re-gear the rear diff, and bolt on the two new Skid Row Skid Plates. I will spare you all the details but the truck ended up on the lift for a full week. Parts were packaged wrong but labeled right, others were not fully set up, and some removal of parts on my truck required a lot of persuading. All the parts manufacturers took good care of me and my friend was very cool about his lift being taken up for way too long and we got it all on. Directly followed by the new rear springs from Alcan with new custom rear resi-shocks from Radflo and new OEM shackles. End Results: re-gear is a huge step, power band is right back where it belongs on-road, speedo is just above actual speed now. Offroad it took a bit of getting used to as now low range is MUCH lower and it crawls like it should. Lockers, in the end I now have an ARB up front and a new Auburn Pro-Posi in the rear (in place of my TruTrac). The Auburn was flawless, I never felt it buck or catch and traction was constant and strong. The ARB adds another level to the truck, it is by far the best improvement to the truck offroad to date. New Suspension, the Radflo's soak up washboard like nothing I have ever felt. Wheel travel is greatly improved (I also re-built my Camburg UCA's and ditched the swaybar), this truck can flex now. The rear end is Outstanding! I had a friend wheel behind me on a very twisty trail and he said it was incredible, he has never seen a rear end on a truck like mine flex THAT much. The skids went on easy enough and are solid but despite my best efforts I really didn't *test" them, the truck just did too well
- I also dropped an airtank under the rear bed (stock spare location) to give my OBA system some capacity and it makes a substantial difference. I also plumbed a front and a rear air port and added a leveling switch with a twin needle gauge for my rear airbags.
- The Custom UHMW Fuel tank skidplate didn't happen, I am still working on it but I just ran out of time
Overall I LOVE what I've done to the truck. I was amazed at the improvement offroad and really happy with how all the new parts performed. The only major issues I had were with my airbags. I have been running Firestone bags for years but I've trashed several pairs. I have bush mechanic-ed them too many times to list and this trip was no exception. After some input from a friend with a very custom 2nd Gen Tundra with LT rear suspension I took a look at Slam Specialties airbags and I grabbed a set of the SS6 bags. I am going to drop them in with a tweak or two to the plates and see what they can do. I really have been debating ditching the bags all together but I can't find an alternative that give me the same options. I can adjust the height on the rear very easily to accommodate extra load or towing as well as level the back for the RTT in camp. When they work I LOVE the bags, but when they fail it is at the WORST TIME (why would something break any other time) and a huge pain.
I'm taking the truck fishing this weekend and will get some nice pose shots as well as some detail shots of all the new goodies. As a teaser here is a pic or two but we really took almost no pics of the truck, my wife was too busy with our 14 month old, and I was busy wheeling.
Also on this last trip we attended FJ Summit #9 (a Killer Event!) and took a drive up Poughkeepsie Gulch. So here is a video of The Wall. It had been raining a lot and the wall had a bad mud pot right in the middle of the second step. It caught all of us and slicked up tires so there were a lot of trucks winched up, I think I heard that of 40 some trucks that day less than 10 didn't need a winch. The spotter was keen to just winch the Tundra and be done... I wasn't having it. WARNING: My lovely camerawoman was holding that 14 month old and not using the best camera so it is not HQ footage and it shakes all over the place (I would just jump to 2:38). Enjoy!
[video]https://youtu.be/XBbpbdZMkBg[/video]
