Kya
Adventurer
The time had come for a bigger back seat in our truck. We set out looking for a 4 door pickup that could carry the family and a bed long enough for our FWC Eagle. After sitting in the back seats of all the 4 door trucks, both new and used and old, we decided that the 04-06 Tundras were the most comfortable. Then the search was on. Using the internet, I found one in Washington state that had what we were looking for and more, an 06 doublecab limited with 60,000 miles. We debated flying out from Colorado to pick it up but the dealer assured us that shipping is quick and easy, "We do it all the time." We took a leap of faith and bought the truck over the phone from Colorado and agreed to have it shipped to us. A few weeks went by and nothing. For a while my wife and I were scared that the truck didn't really exist........like a ghost. The name stuck and we have been calling it the Ghost Truck ever since. Fortunately, three and a half weeks later, the truck finally arrived. We went from spooked to stoked!
First thing we did was upgrade the suspension: Camburg UCA, Icon coilovers, Icon rear shocks, and the steering bushing kit. This gave the truck a sweet smooth ride and about an inch or two of lift.
Next, was to move the camper from the Dakota into the Tundra.
I was only able to work on the switch during the week after work (weekends this time of year are reserved for slaying deep powder)...
I think the fit is perfect: camper is raised 4 inches to clear the cab and sides of the bed. I used a combination of the traditional 4 turnbuckles, and three bolts that go through the camper, through the platform using a 4x4, and through the bed. A 3/4 inch thick by 3 foot steel plate is used under the truck bed to connect the two front bolts together and hopefully distribute the force. All of the other bolts and eyebolts us the same 3/4 inch thick steel plates (in the shape of an X) under the truck bed to help reinforce each hole. This setup worked great for the Dakota and there was never any movement by the camper even on the rockiest, bumpiest Colorado mountain passes.
I ordered some sliders from Stubbs and skid plates from Skid Row. The sliders are ready to be welded on, but I haven't made it to Conifer so Andrew can help me with that installation. The skid plates are on their way, and I think that's something I can do on my own.
When I'm in Conifer, I hope Andrew can help me make some brackets to mount this rear bumper. It was originally built for a Tacoma and came with the camper when we bought it. The bumper has been sitting in the garage for a few years now, didn't need it for the Dodge.
The plan is to install some Firestone airbags to help carry the heavier load of the camper. Maybe next week, I can start on the airbags. I hope to update the thread with pics and adventure trips as we get more miles under the truck. Our Spring Break is coming up in April and I'm sure we'll spend the week doing something fun.
First thing we did was upgrade the suspension: Camburg UCA, Icon coilovers, Icon rear shocks, and the steering bushing kit. This gave the truck a sweet smooth ride and about an inch or two of lift.
Next, was to move the camper from the Dakota into the Tundra.
I was only able to work on the switch during the week after work (weekends this time of year are reserved for slaying deep powder)...
I think the fit is perfect: camper is raised 4 inches to clear the cab and sides of the bed. I used a combination of the traditional 4 turnbuckles, and three bolts that go through the camper, through the platform using a 4x4, and through the bed. A 3/4 inch thick by 3 foot steel plate is used under the truck bed to connect the two front bolts together and hopefully distribute the force. All of the other bolts and eyebolts us the same 3/4 inch thick steel plates (in the shape of an X) under the truck bed to help reinforce each hole. This setup worked great for the Dakota and there was never any movement by the camper even on the rockiest, bumpiest Colorado mountain passes.
I ordered some sliders from Stubbs and skid plates from Skid Row. The sliders are ready to be welded on, but I haven't made it to Conifer so Andrew can help me with that installation. The skid plates are on their way, and I think that's something I can do on my own.
When I'm in Conifer, I hope Andrew can help me make some brackets to mount this rear bumper. It was originally built for a Tacoma and came with the camper when we bought it. The bumper has been sitting in the garage for a few years now, didn't need it for the Dodge.
The plan is to install some Firestone airbags to help carry the heavier load of the camper. Maybe next week, I can start on the airbags. I hope to update the thread with pics and adventure trips as we get more miles under the truck. Our Spring Break is coming up in April and I'm sure we'll spend the week doing something fun.
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