Kramerica's Black Beauty

Ok, so I figure it's about time to create my own build page. Being as I've been building it for over a year already.

Where it started... March 2015



I bought my 2012 DC-TRD-OR. I thought this would make me happy, and I didn't think I would ever need to build it beyond its stock setup.

In the beginning, I only added a few personal touches to make her mine...

My front plate, toolbox and some stickers.


And some King seat cover to keep the upholstery in good condition.

Then I added some extra lighting front and back.


and a fire extinguisher just in case!

Long about April and I upgraded to some KO2s
That pace lasted a little over a year.

Then, in August 2016 things started getting serious!


With CBI's MOAB 2.0 front bumper, Sliders with kickout, and Smittybuilt X20 10K winch!


To Be Continued...

 

In June 2016, I saw this truck near the Ocoee River. It has front/rear IronCross bumpers and sliders. That got me to thinking my truck needed more...


So after shopping around for much of the summer I found CBI and decided to get the MOAB 2.0, a winch from Amazon, and their sliders with the kickout.

I hemmed and hawed for a couple of weeks over whether to get aluminum or steel bumper. I finally decided to go with steel for the strength.





Once installed the handling went to shit and for a time I regretted the decision to get a steel bumper. (I would eventually get over the handling issue) The extra weight on the front really affected the ride handling when turning or stopping.

Having regretted the weight of the steel, I also added Aluminum IFS, Trans, and Xfer case skids to keep the underside protected. I also added some Bed bars, all from Motown Offroad.


Then I got a deal on a FabFour bumper from another TW member.

I fixed the handling issue by installing some Sumo springs in the front coils, and I replaced the factory rear bump stops with Sumos in the back.


Sometime around September, I joined the RTT family




Come along to about November, after having made one trip to AOP. Having bent the hell out of my xfer case skid, I decided I needed MORE....

in the form of a 2-3" lift. After much discussion on the TN forum, the guys convinced to buy my lift piecemeal on BlackFriday vs. buy a kit from someone. Hoping to save a few bucks and get a better lift. I researched sellers and prices for a couple weeks before hand. Put it all in a spreadsheet and on Nov 25th, I ordered all the parts to achieve 2-3" lift.

I bought ICON 2.5 Ext Front Coilovers with 700# springs (these really fixed the handling issue!) and LR UCA's for the front. In the back opted to go with FOX 2.0 Ext remote Res. shocks, Dakar full leaf pack, a U-bolt flip kit, and a top plate that let me keep the Sumos as my bump stops/overload springs. I tend to drive around with a lot of weight in the back of the truck, and I don't much care for the look of the Bro lean...

Along came December and I started the installation...



To Be Continued some more...

 

I also managed to pickup a second set of tires in the form of 255 KM2's. I don't much care for the MT's for daily driving, but they are pretty good OffRoad!

Nearly done with major upgrades...


After waiting ever so patiently for the Snorkel GB from hell I finally received my AirFlow Snorkel from DownUnder...

Long about now my Dad thought I had lost my mind...

Getting that sixth bolt was damn near impossible
It was a BITCH to install, but it's on there and it aint coming off!!!




On my first trip to LBL, I tore a hole in my passenger side outer boot.


It was quite the learning experience swapping the axle out.



Another cosmetic upgrade, installed a blacked out grill with a little horny action...


There are of course a number of smaller upgrades I've made that haven't been put in here yet. As I think of them I'll try to edit them in.

I'd like to say most of the major build stuff is done, but as most of you know things are never really finished... I have several projects just waiting for the time, and a few more taking shape in the back of my mind!

 

Reserved, Just in case...

 

Also Reserved just in case...

 

Some pics of 4Wheeling adventures...
Adventure Offroad Park, S Pittsburg, Tn AOP



Land Between the Lakes, Tn/Ky LBL 17'







Some more LBL...


Interlake Rec area, In







Red River Gorge, Ky

 

Don't think I'm going to make this trip to RRG its a bit too far for me to do a day trip, and I have plans to help John work on his truck on Sunday. 5 hours each way, plus the time change! If it were only a few hours closer...

 

Sub

 

More info on that roof top tent please.....

 

​

 

Diaries of the C Team.

 

Taking a swim in Kentucky Lake

https://youtu.be/OdVhrxh8Z60

 

In the heat of mid-afternoon, John decided we need to swap our leafpacks. His Allpro Expeditions for my Dakars.


John got quite a bit more down travel, and I got an extra 3/4" of lift.

In typical C team fashion, it was dark by the time we finished...

 

You win on that swap

 

How are those Sumo Springs working out? May switch to those when I chsnge springs in the rear.

 

Another TW victim. HA!

 

Mine is from Front Runner only model they sell. It's a pretty good tent. Very lite weight for an RTT. I think empty is like 88lbs. I do wish the floor was a bit stronger due to my weight, need an aluminum sheet on the inside surface to protect the honeycomb structure. I might add that myself later. Opened the interior is 48x96, so it sleeps one real comfortablely. Two will rub elbows, but otherwise be okay. I did replace the cheap foam mattress with a 3" air mattress. Deflated the mattress, double sleeping bag, two blankets and two body pillows fit inside when closed. Overall it's one of the best camping accessories I've purchased.

 

Yes, TW and @ramonortiz55 have cost me a lot of money!! If not for that, I'd be rich man...