Phil's Adventure Tacoma
- Thread starter Streakerfreak
- Start date
Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
Update:
First I called Camburg to see what my options were. While I waited for them to call me back I checked with King about pricing for a 700lb spring. An option for me would be a similar route that heeltoe989 took with his Icons.
Camburg called back with a price on 650lb springs and their availability. Unfortunately, there is no 700lb spring for the Tacomas. After checking prices and availability with King and Camburg, I just decided to get the same ones again as they were the most affordable option and I would get them the fastest. The truck is my daily driver!
I plan to rebuild them at some point before summer. As long as I get another 2 years out of them I will be happy. When I finally get a winch I will rethink my front suspension.
This will be a long week with out a vehicle.
First I called Camburg to see what my options were. While I waited for them to call me back I checked with King about pricing for a 700lb spring. An option for me would be a similar route that heeltoe989 took with his Icons.
Camburg called back with a price on 650lb springs and their availability. Unfortunately, there is no 700lb spring for the Tacomas. After checking prices and availability with King and Camburg, I just decided to get the same ones again as they were the most affordable option and I would get them the fastest. The truck is my daily driver!
I plan to rebuild them at some point before summer. As long as I get another 2 years out of them I will be happy. When I finally get a winch I will rethink my front suspension.
This will be a long week with out a vehicle.
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Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
Springs are finally on.
Here is the old broken spring. Once I took them out I realized it had not actually rusted through. It appears as if the crack formed inside (hard to see in the pic)
The rust seen in the pic formed during the week and a half of exposure. Bare metal starts the oxidation process over night here.
While at the shop the truck went through another transformation. I went out today to get some pics of the new setup, but the sun was too bright. I will post some pics up tomorrow.
Here is the old broken spring. Once I took them out I realized it had not actually rusted through. It appears as if the crack formed inside (hard to see in the pic)
The rust seen in the pic formed during the week and a half of exposure. Bare metal starts the oxidation process over night here.
While at the shop the truck went through another transformation. I went out today to get some pics of the new setup, but the sun was too bright. I will post some pics up tomorrow.
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Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
Now that the coil is out I am going to give them a call again and see what they say. I just couldn't wait for the whole process of them checking out the broken coil.
mjmcdowell
Explorer
Broken spring
Phil, glad you got your suspension failure figured out, (mystery failures always make me nervous) and you are all fixed. Now to be a bit of the devils advocate, I first had a brand new 1977 FJ-40 (6,000$) and I changed out a few things to make the truck better Gabriel coil overs, whoa, not good, then KYB's they were better but they rusted out (the bbls. looked like exploding cigars) in 2 yrs. The longer boxed shackles, whoa again! they were chewing the hangers up and I had to remove some material so not to rub, brush bar, rusted fast the finish was not that good, from the factory. Now I know that was a while ago and God bless CAD design at least parts by and large fit these days. The finish tho in many cases will not last on such as brushguards and the like (I know this from my last truck) and tubular steps/nerfs they go to h@## in a hurry. My taillight guards also rusted up quick, (2 winters) I think that the aftermarket industry plays to a "fairer" climate not what you are experiencing now ( I have always lived in up state NY) I feel your weather pain. Stock vehicles fare very well off-road (use your head and driving skills) and good tires, and fare better for corrosion now but not after market parts. My present truck (2009 Ford ranger 4x4) I have not done anything aftermarket except K&N drop in air filter, HD head/ (yellow) fog lights, extended all breathers, Firestone discovery A/T tires, cl. II draw bar w/shackle plug, LEER cap w/Thule towers/crossbars and MOAB basket, "Easy Rider " gun rack in the cab and plenty of recovery gear. I have always gone into the bush alone so I have to depend on myself if I get into a jam.This has led me to keep it simple and keep stock most of the truck (I know my limits and my trucks limits from this past summers trips) I have tested to my liking and pushed it as far as I feel I would have to (even a little farther as sometimes S#$% happens) and have developed a great deal of trust in the manufactures engineering of a 4x4 truck for all seasons/consumers. Sometimes and I will include myself we tend to look at the "Kool" factor I think rather than the practical and workable. some of the stuff we hang off, on and underneath may stress the other components of the truck, steering? weight? drivetrain? short of a total rebuild $$$$$. This pretty much stock approach has worked well for the Ranger so far and has cost me less $$ to boot, long post..... some thoughts...... no offense to any one who may disagree with me, Oh! I found your Vermont Gr. Mtn. road late last fall and poked around not once but several trips, nice, I will go back next summer to test some gear/ideas for my summer adventure, thats another story, (see: "Looooong road trip" on this forum in the planned trips etc. section) if you want, stay safe, mjmcdowell
Phil, glad you got your suspension failure figured out, (mystery failures always make me nervous) and you are all fixed. Now to be a bit of the devils advocate, I first had a brand new 1977 FJ-40 (6,000$) and I changed out a few things to make the truck better Gabriel coil overs, whoa, not good, then KYB's they were better but they rusted out (the bbls. looked like exploding cigars) in 2 yrs. The longer boxed shackles, whoa again! they were chewing the hangers up and I had to remove some material so not to rub, brush bar, rusted fast the finish was not that good, from the factory. Now I know that was a while ago and God bless CAD design at least parts by and large fit these days. The finish tho in many cases will not last on such as brushguards and the like (I know this from my last truck) and tubular steps/nerfs they go to h@## in a hurry. My taillight guards also rusted up quick, (2 winters) I think that the aftermarket industry plays to a "fairer" climate not what you are experiencing now ( I have always lived in up state NY) I feel your weather pain. Stock vehicles fare very well off-road (use your head and driving skills) and good tires, and fare better for corrosion now but not after market parts. My present truck (2009 Ford ranger 4x4) I have not done anything aftermarket except K&N drop in air filter, HD head/ (yellow) fog lights, extended all breathers, Firestone discovery A/T tires, cl. II draw bar w/shackle plug, LEER cap w/Thule towers/crossbars and MOAB basket, "Easy Rider " gun rack in the cab and plenty of recovery gear. I have always gone into the bush alone so I have to depend on myself if I get into a jam.This has led me to keep it simple and keep stock most of the truck (I know my limits and my trucks limits from this past summers trips) I have tested to my liking and pushed it as far as I feel I would have to (even a little farther as sometimes S#$% happens) and have developed a great deal of trust in the manufactures engineering of a 4x4 truck for all seasons/consumers. Sometimes and I will include myself we tend to look at the "Kool" factor I think rather than the practical and workable. some of the stuff we hang off, on and underneath may stress the other components of the truck, steering? weight? drivetrain? short of a total rebuild $$$$$. This pretty much stock approach has worked well for the Ranger so far and has cost me less $$ to boot, long post..... some thoughts...... no offense to any one who may disagree with me, Oh! I found your Vermont Gr. Mtn. road late last fall and poked around not once but several trips, nice, I will go back next summer to test some gear/ideas for my summer adventure, thats another story, (see: "Looooong road trip" on this forum in the planned trips etc. section) if you want, stay safe, mjmcdowell
Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
Since I sold the RTT, I have been working on how to best utilize the platform. Jenn and I are 100% sold on a Autohome RTT and trailer, that's still far in the future as we want to pay entirely in cash. In the mean time, I wanted to start working on a set up that would be trailer friendly and still be utilitarian without a trailer.
This is what I came up with.
I loved the swing out tire carrier, but like all modifications there were a few downsides. Obviously, all that weight hanging off the rear end is not good for the truck and I don't care how strong the truck might be. Also, I will be going to a larger tire by May. I just did not want that weight hanging out back there 24/7.
This truck was built in Oregon, for the Oregon Backcountry. One of the problems in New England is our forests. IN GENERAL Oregon forests are made up of very large trees with a forest canopy that is high above. New England forests are made up of much smaller trees that are closer together with the forest canopy low. Long vehicles can be very difficult to maneuver. The tire carrier was a good two feet added onto the rear of the truck.
It WAS very tough to have someone else cut up Steve's (CBI) work, but Chris from Total Fabrication provided the skills necessary. It mostly involved cutting and utilizing parts from the old swing out.
The license plate is held on by the old license plate holder that has been cut up.
Cut from the old piece
To give the Jerry cans some protection, Chris added a bar to the rear.
Spots where the upper portion of the old tire carrier came out from.
As added support for the Expeditionware Can Holders, 90° angles were welded to the bottom.
This is what I came up with.
I loved the swing out tire carrier, but like all modifications there were a few downsides. Obviously, all that weight hanging off the rear end is not good for the truck and I don't care how strong the truck might be. Also, I will be going to a larger tire by May. I just did not want that weight hanging out back there 24/7.
This truck was built in Oregon, for the Oregon Backcountry. One of the problems in New England is our forests. IN GENERAL Oregon forests are made up of very large trees with a forest canopy that is high above. New England forests are made up of much smaller trees that are closer together with the forest canopy low. Long vehicles can be very difficult to maneuver. The tire carrier was a good two feet added onto the rear of the truck.
It WAS very tough to have someone else cut up Steve's (CBI) work, but Chris from Total Fabrication provided the skills necessary. It mostly involved cutting and utilizing parts from the old swing out.
The license plate is held on by the old license plate holder that has been cut up.
Cut from the old piece
To give the Jerry cans some protection, Chris added a bar to the rear.
Spots where the upper portion of the old tire carrier came out from.
As added support for the Expeditionware Can Holders, 90° angles were welded to the bottom.
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Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
I thought the platform would best be utilized to hold the tire. After A LOT of searching, I settled on the Baja Rack Spare Tire Mount.
We just mounted it a bit differently since its made for racks
Even though the tire and wheel weighs less then the RTT did, it is more centralized on the platform. So Chris added a brace to the underside.
I picked up some grab handles to help me get onto the platform easier.
The ammo cans now hold my Gas Super Syphon and gloves.
The platform also makes refueling a snap.
Center of gravity is still low and my visibility is not that much worse then it was before.
My Hi-Lift mounted in place with the Hi-Lift Bumper Mount.
Cost= Thankfully, not that much since it mostly involved cutting.
We just mounted it a bit differently since its made for racks
Even though the tire and wheel weighs less then the RTT did, it is more centralized on the platform. So Chris added a brace to the underside.
I picked up some grab handles to help me get onto the platform easier.
The ammo cans now hold my Gas Super Syphon and gloves.
The platform also makes refueling a snap.
Center of gravity is still low and my visibility is not that much worse then it was before.
My Hi-Lift mounted in place with the Hi-Lift Bumper Mount.
Cost= Thankfully, not that much since it mostly involved cutting.
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daverami
Explorer
Hi Phil,
I really like the platform you have. Great work on the rear bumper too. Your platform really makes me want to ditch my canopy. I do like it though because I keep my tools and stuff in there, and I use it a lot to carry junk to the dump, which I do a lot, because I am constantly working on my rental properties. Plus, it makes it convenient to carry my canoe. Also, I'm thinking of one of these, post #4, http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=550501&posted=1#post550501.I guess a tool box would do for tools and such though. If I got rid of the canopy, I'd have to get a rack for the canoe, and I don't want to do that at this time. What I really like is where you have your spare now. Since I went to 285's, it won't fit in the stock position, and besides, I don't want it there anymore. It's in the bed strapped down, and that's kind of a lousy place too. Decisions decisions
I've been thinking about what I want to do with my stock rear bumper, and I have decided against a tire carrier for basically the same reasons you took yours off. Just have to decide if I want a replacement for the stock, like the AllPro, or a wrap-a-round like yours. Life would be easy if those were the only type of decisions I had to make!
Take care,
Dave
I really like the platform you have. Great work on the rear bumper too. Your platform really makes me want to ditch my canopy. I do like it though because I keep my tools and stuff in there, and I use it a lot to carry junk to the dump, which I do a lot, because I am constantly working on my rental properties. Plus, it makes it convenient to carry my canoe. Also, I'm thinking of one of these, post #4, http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=550501&posted=1#post550501.I guess a tool box would do for tools and such though. If I got rid of the canopy, I'd have to get a rack for the canoe, and I don't want to do that at this time. What I really like is where you have your spare now. Since I went to 285's, it won't fit in the stock position, and besides, I don't want it there anymore. It's in the bed strapped down, and that's kind of a lousy place too. Decisions decisions
I've been thinking about what I want to do with my stock rear bumper, and I have decided against a tire carrier for basically the same reasons you took yours off. Just have to decide if I want a replacement for the stock, like the AllPro, or a wrap-a-round like yours. Life would be easy if those were the only type of decisions I had to make!
Take care,
Dave
Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
Yes, your at the point I was at last summer. The best thing to do is just sit down and wieght out the pros/cons of each set up. Then decide for yourself what cons you can deal with or which pros out weight the cons of that set up.
Have you thought of a trailer for the canoe? That is what Jenn and I will do in several years once we can afford kayaks again.
Check out CBI again. They have a new bumper similar to the All-Pro one. Bottom of page http://cbioffroadfab.com/v-web/gallery/album06
If you go with All-Pro don't have them powdercoat it. It is far better to find a decent place in Oregon or paint it yourself. The armor I had powdercoated in Springfield, OR has held up incredibly well.
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