Gitout Expedition Build - 2013 Toyota Tacoma DC TRD

Plannerman · Jan 6, 2013

Very interested to see how this turns out

Sent via fat thumb

v8turbo · Jan 8, 2013

More......

montypower · Jan 9, 2013

WARN XEON 10-S Winch & Allpro APEX bumer w/ PIAA Lights Installed (still need to finish wiring tho)

xjaugie · Jan 11, 2013

Front bumper looks Great. Very Clean look.

Warn Industries · Jan 11, 2013

Really like this build. Saw the pics on Facebook; good stuff.

- Andy

montypower · Jan 11, 2013

Warn Industries said:
Really like this build. Saw the pics on Facebook; good stuff.

- Andy

Thanks Andy! It was cool that you shared pics on the Warn page too! Need to get out on the trail with you one of these days...

hbmurphy · Jan 11, 2013

montypower said:
Factory spindle is weak. Gusset = Inexpensive. Towing & replacement spindle = spendy. It may never be an issue but I'd rather be too strong than weak.

montypower said:
I've only heard issues with guys who are running the trucks hard. Lifted, heavy tires and more difficult trails. Probably won't be an issue for the majority.

I've known a number of folks with bent spindles and you are right, most were damaged when wheeling hard. I have two sets of spindles. One set for winter (no spindles) so I can use chains without using spacers, and one for going places that may be tough

. OP is right that it takes alot to whack one... only problem is that can happen! lol I was out with one guy on a snow run (ironic) - nothing too crazy, and he slid in the snow and bent it after whacking a large rock. Another guy blew two by running at speed down a road and came up on a blind 20" ditch - the spindles were the fuse that blew. IMO he was lucky he didn't have spindle gussets 'cause he would have ripped the rack out of the truck.

I have had the pleasure to work a little bit with the Long Beach Racers and they won the SCORE Stock Mini Championship with spindles that were not gusseted. If you can run Baja on stock ones, maybe they are strong enough! lol

montypower said:
Started "Project Plastic Wrap" last week. I'm wrapping the entire truck with 3m clear bra. Purchased a 50ft roll of 60" film. My brother is giving me a hand which has been awesome. This is my first time working with clear bra and there's a bit of a learning curve. I think it looks decent so far; half of it is completed! The concept is to protect the paint from tree pinstriping and keep the truck looking new longer. I don't want to be worried about driving the truck on densely forested trails.

I planned on doing that, the roll is still in my garage. I now have great pin striping.

My neighbor that hails from Central America comes over occasionally and looks at the truck. The comment he gives me most often: "I love your truck. I love all the light scratches. It screams, this truck is a man's truck and loves to get used." lol

montypower · Jan 13, 2013

Finished "Project Plastic Wrap" yesterday. My brother helped with the install; 2 people are required when working with large sections of film. I purchased a bulk roll of it 5 x 50ft 3M Ventureshield "clear bra". This was perfect size for covering large areas like the entire hood and roof. The entire truck has been wrapped. Project took about 4 days and 15-20hrs. This was our first time working with clear bra and after getting the install figured out it took 1-2hrs per body panel to install (depending on complexity).

upcountry · Jan 16, 2013

Definitely intersted to see how that film holds up!

upcountry · Jan 16, 2013

What OME spring did you end up going with? 885?

Also, are you running wheel spacers on the TRD wheels?

upcountry · Jan 16, 2013

BTW....

That Isuzu was an awesome setup. Unique indeed.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...u-Pickup-ARB-Expedition-Vehicle-Oregon-10-000

I remember some of those videos you posted wheeling in Oregon. I give you credit and all those on this site who have questioned any choices (spindle gussets for example) should take note that you have actually wheeled your truck and have some great video as evidence.

Thanks for posting the thread. And thanks for putting together the videos of the Isuzu - hopefully we'll see some video footage of the Tacoma as well!

Cheers.

montypower · Jan 16, 2013

upcountry said:
What OME spring did you end up going with? 885?

Also, are you running wheel spacers on the TRD wheels?

OME 886. No wheel spacers (don't like them).

montypower · Jan 16, 2013

upcountry said:
Thanks for posting the thread. And thanks for putting together the videos of the Isuzu - hopefully we'll see some video footage of the Tacoma as well!

Thanks! Yes, there are some big trip plans coming with the Taco. Moab this year. Alaska next year. And plenty of other trips in Oregon, Washington... Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope to see you on on the trails.

montypower · Jan 16, 2013

Taco work day... Installed OME 886 Springs, Nitro Charger Sport Shocks, AP Spindle Gusset, AP Upper A-arms, APEX Bed Rack. Lift height is perfect (for me). It has 3.25" of down travel at ride height. Not sure about the actual lift amount... It's somewhere in the 2-3" range. On road ride comfort seems good. Sway bar is slightly touching the spring seat (may need to look at options to re-position). Tires barely clear the spindle gusset (like 1/4" or so). Huge thanks to Brad for his help!