Intro & my "Swiss Army" trailer build using '05 Tacoma bed

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I'm going to end up ordering wheel spacers, but may actually have to get a narrower axle because of this (I'd have to resell the one I just got locally). I'm going to order some CJ Dana 30 spring perches, which will address the spring centering pin size issue.

I picked up my 2" wheel spacers from JT's, and it looks like they'll work great. THIS BUILD THREAD mentions 1.5" spacers, but the Gambler wheels are defniitely different from my Ravine wheels in regards to fit. The Ravines require a 2" spacer, and will still need some very minor trimming on the back side of the wheel center cap (no big deal).

I also ordered some new Warrior "universal spring perches" from 4wd.com, but the centering hole is still too big for the CJ front springs, which have a 1/2"-diameter centering pin. I have to call them back today to get the right perch.

My axle will almost undoubtedly be too long. I'll order a shorter variation of the identical axle once I get further along in my build process. It's a learning, and what will probably be a $75 mistake once it's all said & done.

The biggest variable is the truck bed issue, and this puts project spending completely on hold until I get it resolved. The receipt states a 90-day warranty, and 30-day cash refund timeframe. I bought it 1/18, so I'm outside of the latter. However, I'll find out more once the manager gets back from vacation (next Monday, hopefully).

I talked with the salvage yard, and while I could hear disappointment in the manager's voice, he agreed to take back the cracked truck bed (as he should given the warranty, IMO). It's a relief on my part, but I'm still out ~$180 in fuel, and still need to make a 5-hour round-trip to return the truck bed.

So I'm back to the drawing board, and at this point, I may just build a bed from scratch. It won't halt progress on the trailer frame, which is pretty standard for these types of builds with a 41" frame width. I'll keep working on it as I'm trying to decide how I'll handle the bed.

Craig

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I guess that's good and bad news about the truck bed. Although building the bed may be more work, I don't think it would be a bad thing. It would still give the same functionality, and given your reputation, it shouldn't be anywhere near pushing your abilities. It would also give you the ability to design in some addition options that would have been harder working around the old bed design. But I'll try and not fill your head up with all of my stupid ideas.

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[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I guess that's good and bad news about the truck bed. Although building the bed may be more work, I don't think it would be a bad thing. It would still give the same functionality, and given your reputation, it shouldn't be anywhere near pushing your abilities. It would also give you the ability to design in some addition options that would have been harder working around the old bed design. But I'll try and not fill your head up with all of my stupid ideas.

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I've seen your trailer thread...idea sharing is all good. :sombrero: I'm with you. It may open up some opportunities, but will just take longer to build. At least I should have a flatbed-ready trailer for the summer, and can continue to work on a box set-up for it while I use the "base trailer".

Craig

 

[rjcj-8]

Craig,
just caught up with this thread.
You, Walt, and jscherb....
Are all the scrambler guys coming over here now.

 

[nfunlimited]

I used older YJ/Cherokee rims which worked. I have the ravines on my LJ and the hole does seem smaller, although I didnt test fit.

I have some 31" BFG all-terrains going on soon