Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[Dave Bennett]

It gets more updates than a Windows PC! :Mechanic:

Says the guy on like version 12.3 of the Zammobile

 

[Crom]

Time for a new bumper, ARB being handed off to a friend and All-Pro APEX aluminum going on...

Great way to cut weight! I wish I had the funds for the Aluminum Apex.

 

[2025 deleted member]

Dave I thought I remember you questioning ones decision to go aluminess, thinking the arb steel unit to be superior in a collision?

 

[Dave Bennett]

Dave I thought I remember you questioning ones decision to go aluminess, thinking the arb steel unit to be superior in a collision?

I still think steel is better in a collision overall. But the ARB weighs 175 lbs. As for Aluminess, I think they are lacking in the aesthetics dept. YMMV.

The APEX bumper is only 55 lbs, and nearly the same strength as steel, so the weight savings and the effect of that weight reduction on the drivetrain, and MPG impact, is significant.

Losing 100 lbs up front, in front of the tires, makes the truck handle better too.

 

[austintaco]

I did't realize the weight difference was that substantial. I thought I would never give up my ARB, but if AP makes an aluminum version for the 1st gen, I would grab one up for the savings in weight.

 

[brandonhedberg]

Would love to see a pic of the new APEX installed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Willman]

Bueller...Bueller...Buelller.....

Your Killing us Dave!

:costumed-smiley-007

 

[Dave Bennett]

Here's the deal: the APEX is on BUT... the truck is back at the Goose Gear skunkworks again for round two of the camper interior project (yes, there is more!) and while that is going on there is rumor of some LED stuff en route from Rigid.

Stay tuned, I will post it here when done gents.

 

[sumnrfam]

I still think steel is better in a collision overall. But the ARB weighs 175 lbs. As for Aluminess, I think they are lacking in the aesthetics dept. YMMV.

The APEX bumper is only 55 lbs, and nearly the same strength as steel, so the weight savings and the effect of that weight reduction on the drivetrain, and MPG impact, is significant.

Losing 100 lbs up front, in front of the tires, makes the truck handle better too.

Great choice Dave,, that thing is beautiful!! :wings::wings: Cant wait to see the next Goose gear update,,,:Wow1:,,,But hey,,I thought I remember you thinking about "another platform" :box: ??

 

[Dave Bennett]

There will be another platform at some point, but it will a smaller, faster "soft roader" of the AWD variety that will augment the Tacoma

 

[sumnrfam]

There will be another platform at some point, but it will a smaller, faster "soft roader" of the AWD variety that will augment the Tacoma

BOOOM!!!! Now yer talking  

 

[juicebox]

There will be another platform at some point, but it will a smaller, faster "soft roader" of the AWD variety that will augment the Tacoma

:smiley_drive:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Very close. More likely a Forester, Crosstrek or Outback. Need room for potential partners in crime, gear and bikes/kayaks

 

[BenMara]

mm i miss my Forester XT, traded it in on my Tacoma. I will get a Sti next....

 

[ddog45]

We love our cross trek we put 25,000 miles on it last year having fun and car camping. Sometimes a built 4x4 isn't the best tool for the job.