What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

I ended up using a helicoil soldered to some wire and fishing it through. IMO another one of your long-handle plates would go a long way. Or just a third bolt welded to the square washer so you don't have to try to keep them together while you're blindly groping around in there.

Aside from that and some plastic wire brackets that weren't mentioned in the instructions, everything went pretty well. Passenger side is so easy compared to driver's.

 

I think that makes a lot of sense. And yes, the two sides are vastly different. The driver side takes me an hour and the passenger takes me 20 minutes haha.

 

Yeah I think I spent nearly an hour just on that one bolt. Also got the c-clamp on and then realized that I'd forgotten to re-install the box on the inside of the framerail, so had to take it all back off again. doof.

What does that box do, anyway? Does anybody know?

 

What are you asking for the Softopper?

 

It's a R-Pod 180, dry it's about 2900. Haven't done anything to the rear suspension, it seemed fine towing. You can definitely tell something is back there though. The engine was working HARD at 70, ECT or no ECT. It was windy as hell and the anti sway feature of the truck seemed to handle it just fine. Looking at the sag in the picture maybe I might want to stiffen up the rear end a little but it really felt fine driving.

 

Not much done on my 3rd Gen, but stack parts and wait for more to arrive this week.


However I did get on the wife’s 5th Gen 4runner, got to work on fitting the mommy wagon with a baby lift via Eibach’s pro-truck Series line. She’s pretty happy with the lift, so I’m stoked that she’ll stop bugging me about it, now I can get to work on my own truck.

 

An equalizer hitch is what you need not extra stiffness. Or maybe that is what you meant?

 

So far so good. Have had it on the highway for a few trips, no complaints.

 

The H7 HIDs had good output. I drove last night for the first time with them. Better than OEM halogens.

 

I actually got mine 2 weeks ago, love it!

 

I am not 100% sure I need anything really. What would that get me? I paid for the full towing package on the truck, I would hope it could tow something that is less than half the rating of the system.

 

I only mentioned it because you mentioned the sag.

Towing package and towing rating have nothing to do with it. Not as any offense, but please google equalizer and anti sway hitches. Acts as a spring to move the weight of the trailer forward on your vehicle. Right now all the weight is on your tongue/hitch and unweights the front and subsequently less steering control on your front. Yours isn't bad. But, I have seen some really cringe worthy towing where I know they have very little steering control.

Also, there are other considerations when loading your trailer. Having to adjust the equalizer, accounting for sway, etc.

Just an FYI. Take it or ignore it.

 

Are bed stiffeners a must with our composite beds when using a canopy?

I've been looking around for some, but holy hannah they are ridiculously pricey.

 

I wouldn't say that they are a must, but it surely won't hurt. I just picked some up from a member here who makes them. @At The Helm

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bedside-reinforcements-tie-downs-third-gen.487107/

 

Ah that makes more sense. At the dealer they were talking about a distribution hitch, they wanted way too much money for it. I didn't notice any handling problems and like I said it was REALLY windy. We'll just have to be mindful of where we distribute the weight inside the trailer so it doesn't all end up on the tongue. Thanks for the advice!

 

Dynomatted rear panel and added molle panel to carry pouches/gear.

 

Hey Katie, looks sharp! I am the one who got David to design that. Been out of town so haven't gotten it on yet, and waiting for one more piece of the puzzle, but atleast I know how it's going to look on my inferno. Very sharp. And thanks for the raptor style letters.

 

swapped out my Sumo Springs for the 3rd Gen specific ones.


(new on the left, old on the right)

 

I can’t wait to see your install. Yeah when we originally spoke about my design, I had mentioned to him about a special hood decal as well but he was swamped with work and the weather in Florida. Kind of forgot about it until he sent me a text saying he finally got around to it and to check it out. Thanks for asking for one as well and the design. It looks sharp and I’m extremely pleased with the outcome.

 

Still running the stock, 265/70 16, until they stop running. Then probably go 235/85 16.