Austin Area TW Chapter (all gens welcome, even T4Rs; heck, just make it a Toyota and we're good)

I'd advise talking to Marie with @HeadStrong Off-Road if you're trying to decide on which way to go. She's incredibly knowledgeable, and won't try to up-sell you. They're preferred vendors here on TW for a reason. Though - if you're wanting to see the lift options in person...we meet up once a month at Cars & Coffee, and its a good way to see 20-40 different setups at once. This month's meet is at a difference place, since C&C is cancelled...but its coming up on Sunday the 11'th at Cabela's down in Buda.

And if you're looking for somebody to do the labor - there's a reason why everybody here recommends @Texoma . Stellar work. He's also a good resource to bounce lift ideas off of, if you're looking for somebody local.

[ Edit ] This is coming from the guy in the desert with the ice cream.

 

The only person id let work on my truck is @Texoma

Stand up guy that will do a quality job and treat you right

 

You here in ATX? If you are I’ll add you to the list.

 

That was damn good ice cream too

 

Ya I remember you.. thanks for the reply and the references. I tried the C&C thing last time but apparently that Parking lot they chose was too small and they shut it down early.
Feb 11th... I'm marking the calendar to make it down... My notion of a lift is completely related to that dang Black Gap road in which I drug my ass on... and with all my gear the rear was sagging... That Land Cruiser buddy of mine and I are doing Arkansas in a few months so I wanted to make an upgrade before that...

I'll look into those two you recommend and come out to Buda to check rigs and BS live... that was my intent for at C&C but man it was apparently a madhouse.

 

@Texoma for the lift install

And as others have said you need to make it to Cabelas on the 11th.

Lots of different lefts to check out form basic budget friendly to hight end lifts will be there for you to drool over.

And we have

By the way, Welcome to the group

 

I am... I live in Avery Ranch.

 

Ya It apparently that crew I met a the Marisol Mine at Big Bend was a damn enthusiastic crew and knew more about Tacos than I. I love this truck but the soft rear end is the only annoying thing for me.

 

Putting it politely - the last C&C was a shit show. First time at the new place, run by new staff...that didn't really have the full realization of what they were getting themselves into. They did what they could...but they were woefully unprepared. They're supposed to be moving venues again (hopefully in March), so we're making due in the interim.

As far as Black Gap - completely understand how that goes! I was dragging through there in places as well. Definitely a good inspiration for a lift...especially when you're following a pretty hefty Land Cruiser. His rig's pretty beefy and sits up high, hahaha!

The 3'rd Gens seem to be pretty soft in the rear, at least @Tynan 's and his Off-Road. I know he was looking at the Dakar packs & super bumps just to stiffen the rear up some. Can't say I disagree...watching him baja down PINS...yeaaaaah, he was hitting bump stops. Makes it doubly bad after its loaded with gear.

Hit up the two I listed above & figure out a budget you want to be at. They'll shoot you straight. Though...now will start the vicious cycle of "Well, I just want this one mod to do X". Pretty soon, its "Just one more mod, and I swear I'm done!"

 

I've already put several thousand into this rig since purchase. Ya these things are like an AR just bolt stuff right on... Mobtown Sliders, Front Runner Rack, Light Bar (like a newb), and a Bed Cover... I took it to northern new mexico this winter and had fun skiing and almost getting stuck in the snow near Red River NM... Was damn happy the Taco saved my ass and scare the crap outta my wife. All in all I'm happy with this rig... fun to drive.

 

So are we rolling the dice and going to check this place out or nay?

 

Thanks for telling me!

I wish gotta pay off that credit card debt and pay my taxes this year

 

Haha I forgot about that thing! I work from home Friday if you wanna meet for lunch or something around Bucees

 

Haha I had the exact same issue dragging ass on Black Gap. I am ordering a new rear bumper soon. Should get me some clearance.

 

Threw out the old cassette player and dropped in this sweet Android headunit in the 4runner. Definitely my favourite upgrade yet. Now I can carry my favourite tunes and podcasts without having to use my phone. Best part of all I can run Google Maps and even save maps offline.

 

Nailed it.

Also nailed it!

Hey I remember! I took the 360 shot in the middle of our impromptu circular line up

I’ve been once with @theteleguy and it was lots of fun. Totally worth the trip with minimal chance of damage. You just got to watch out for those damned jumping trees

 

I'm starting to think that these jumping tree stories are like my grandfather's fishing stories were you know. They come out far to often to really exist!

 

What happens on the trail, stays on the trail. And on my truck as damage lol!

Let’s roll out to Bastrop and see if we can catch the fabled tree in action

 

whens bastrop? after c&c?