ARB Safari Snorkel install

So I was debating for a while whether should I buy a snorkel or just pass on such mods because there are obviously more important mods to do first.

however, after a lot of research and a lot air filters plus a couple of water drops here and there along the airfilter ram I was convinced to put the snorkel on my list.

I looked everywhere trying to find a deal for the ARB safari snorkel, the only good deal I found was from OK4wd.com they had a special price on the 05-15 Tacoma plus you get a 5% off when you sign for there news letter.

the install was a little bit tricky, as we faced a couple of fitment issues that required us to drill bigger holes than what the instruction sheet said, its our mistake, as we did align the template correctly however, we drilled at an angle rather than drilling straight, and that when we faced fitment issues. the clips were causing trouble a little bit, but nothing major.

other than that everything else was straight forward.

The goods...



good thing that they put a warning there!




the last time I am going to see this part of my truck!




laying out the goods.





we might have went a little bit over with the masking tape.... but hey! better safe than sorry, protection is good.




Jeeps are always lurking around the Tacoma!





The outline after we took the template off




Making pilot holes for the hole saw.




Then comes the hole saw, the instruction calls for a 4-1/2" but we got away with 4-1/4".



first hole done




second hole is drilled. then we started with drilling a pilot hole for the rest of the points.





more holes




at this point we wanted to make everything sits flush, and it did! after many tries.



at this point we painted all the holes we made, I know my paint game is not that good, but at least its going to be covered!



making the outlines on the A pillar for the bracket, I was more stressed about drilling the A pillar than drilling the fender!





making pilot holes.




no comment here, we cleaned the holes well before the final install.




bracket goes on.



at this stage we tightened the nuts that go on the bolts through the holes, reinstalled the fender well, hooked the air ram back, its a good idea to use pressured air to clean the area from all the dust and the debris from the drilling and the filing.




the end result! the snorkel is well worth the money, it not only adds a protection measure for the engine and ease of mind when crossing water, but it looks beefy!






in the end, I am glad the I went with ARB Safari snorkel over the other options (which we dont have a lot for the Tacoma anyway).

I hope to update this thread soon with more pictures of the Tacoma in the woods and on the trails!

 

Are they still running the deal? I don't live too far from ok4wd. Looks good!

 

Nice, you didn't happen to go to Pearl Hardware did you??

 

hey, sadly no, I just checked there website and its back to the normal price. id wait a little bit or check in with them to see if they have a special going on

 

nope, I went to the one on sellwood, but I cruise through the pearl from time to time. you in portland?

 

Looks good!

 

thanks!!

 

Nice work

 

I didn't drill my pillar for my airflow. Just used 3M automotive mounting tape. Been solid for over a year now. Easy to change a fender, A pillar, not so much.

 

Thanks.... I feel much worse now!

 

Bit of a scary install but I'm loving mine! Did you use dielectric grease on your electrical connections?

 

Which connections? yes the install was intense! but it gets easier as you drill

 

Hmm, did you seal the parts of the snorkel/air filter with the sealant?

 

how did the hose connect to the air filter? Good fit? I'm doing this tomorrow.

 

I did mine the other week and the hose fit to the air box was great. Some modifications were required on the air box (i.e remove some tabs, so the hose would sit flush), but it was a great seal. I ended up not using any sealants, so far so good.

 

Looks like a great job. +1 on the 3M tape idea.

 

Did everyone repaint their holes after cutting?

Anyone have signs of rust for not doing it?

 

You gotta paint, it's bare metal exposed to the elements.

 

Gotcha. Okay.

 

yes...I went to auto zone and just bought some color match and painted. not that you can see it under the snorkel...but you don't want rust