Simple yet Satisfying DCLB

My truck's not even close to the level of many on here, but I've done enough so far that I think it's worth keeping track of and sharing ideas. I will try to post links or give write-ups on anything I do. I am slow to update, but stay tuned.

I loved the RTT setup, but there were some things a really missed about my old camper shell. Found a used camper shell for $40, and how it looks now:


Suspension and wheels:
OME 887 coils w/ shocks
Daker leaf springs (added isolators to stop squeak) w/ shocks
Light Racing upper control arms
Removed the sway bar
U-bolt flip
Super Bumps
255/ 80/ 17 Cooper ST max

Protection:
ARB front bumper for a 2005-2011 Tacoma modified to fit my 2014
Alpro bolt on sliders
Pelfreybuilt full skids
BAMF lower control arm skids bought used
Trail Toys UHMW gas tank skid
SOS rear high clearance bumper

Recovery:
Super Winch bought used
4' high lift jack
Straps and shackles behind the seat
Folding shovel, old hatchet, and what not.

Misc:
KB Voodoo tailgate cap
Mismatch color camper-shell (sold)
Tepui roof top tent on home made rack (sold)
Camper shell again
Deleted the hood skewp
"Yellow wire mod"
Exhaust reroute
Re-tubed rear drive-shaft after damage (went from 16ga to 14ga)
SmittyBuilt air compressor behind the seat

Camping at my 1st TW meet in Gore, VA


A one more camping pic. I went solo on a whim.


Here's some "wheeling" shots from my 1st TW meet. This is before my new suspension, etc...




Installing the skids. They will never look that nice again. Yes, I painted them orange.

Test fitting the sliders before painting them.


A couple crappy pics of the exhaust re-route. A friend and I welded it up with parts from an old truck. Very homemade looking, but it is solid. And check out the freshly re-tubed drive-shaft. I've since cut off the exhaust hump on the missing skid and patched it and reinstalled it.




And a couple pictures of the truck paying me back.


I will update later on.

 

FTMFW

 

Nice going so far!

 

Got the gas tank skid installed a few days ago.

SMKYTXN created them to provide good protection without adding a lot of weight. It's a great new product that I would recomend looking into: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/group-buys/365312-trail-toys-uhmw-gas-tank-skid.html
I may have gone a little overkill on skids and sliders, but I have a super long wheelbase.

 

I did the yellow wire mod. The best write up I could find was post 2 in this thread:http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/257444-4lo-trac-abs-kill-switch-why-why-not.html
It had a pretty good explanation of the benefits. I decided to add a switch to mine just because.

 

Great looking build here.

Any issues with the skid? You're the first long bed to post a picture.

 

Great looking truck so far man!

 

You working off Morris Field on the new hangars?

 

No issues at all. It's covered in mud now from Rausch Creek this weekend. After I clean it up, we'll see if it got used. Either way, the peace of mind is great.

edit: spelling

 

Thanks guys.

 

That's me. I think I saw you going to the National Gaurd a month or so ago. Good looking truck you have.

 

That's me, all day every day. I always wonder who is on here when I see a local truck. Truck looks good man. If you see me out, wave me down.

 

After last weekend's trip, the truck has developed an irritating low pitched grown/ rattle. It turned out that the skid is bent a little, and exhaust cross over pipe is hitting it. Also, the tail pipe tip took a hit and moves up and down easily. Sounds like an exhaust re-route is in my future.

Also, the roof top tent is showing up today.

 

Lookin sweet!

 

Thanks!
The replacement tent came in, and I got the rack finished up for now. I've go some things I'd like to add, but it's time to use it first. The paint is drying tonight, and it'll go on its shake down camping trip this weekend. Camping pics to follow.

 

The Tepui tent worked great! Spent 2 nights at the lake. Here's a few pictures from the weekend:

 

Also updated the first post a little.

 

Almost forgot to post a more up close picture of the rack. I was going to up load more of the actual fab work, but the pictures are uploading slow for some reason.

 

Went out with some of the guys in WV.

 

Looks like a great trip! For a second there I could have sworn you were in Arkansas. Very similar scenery.