A quick update on my truck. It sat in the shop most of July with parts on back order. I had both knuckles completely rebuilt with all new bearings, seals, etc... I had bungs welded into the aftermarket exhaust to accept OEM O2 sensors. Idler pulley replaced, all fluids and belts replaced, and added spacers to the front to level it out. I need to add a winch which should get it close to perfect, but I ran out of time before the trip (it was up on a rack until about 48 hours prior to our departure). I ran it through emissions and updated the registration before I left, and rotated the tires and got a lifetime alignment from Firestone.
So with the truck back in tip-top mechanical condition, I need to shift focus to a couple of areas as time permits. I've still not filled the holes from the fender flare removal. For now I've taped them off so I don't accumulate rain water inside. The plan is to do color-matched liner around the fenders and on the Campteq top. I've enjoyed the aluminum look, but the plan has always been to do something a little more low key.
This trip was the most time I've spent in the vehicle with another person. My interior configuration is fine for two people, but I lose valuable space by keeping two of the 4 rear seats. This was a compromise I was willing to make originally. More and more I'm thinking this vehicle may not serve our family of 4 when camping, and I'm toying with the idea of making it a full-time 2-seater so I can optimize the space in the rear of the cabin. Not only do I lose actual cubic inches by keeping two seats, I also lose the ability to dedicate and optimize certain areas for storage and living space. My only complaint while camping during this trip was the fact that I was moving things around inside when we stopped/started. That takes time which goes against the main reasons I bought the top in the first place.
I'm going to mock up a few designs and keep scratching my head on this one.