Run to the Hills! - Jason's Completely Stalled Colorado GTFO Build

Right on! Thanks, Chris.

I know the area you’re referring to, and I think I might hit up my good friend @TMFF to see if he could cut some overlap plates for me to bridge across that area. I’ll have the bed off and the tank pulled to do the rear shock relocation after all of this, so everything should be mostly accessible for welding. I’m not necessarily planning to consistently beat the shit out of the truck, but I want to not be worried in situations that do push the envelope. I’m all about being a little overbuilt.

 

Is this pinch point you are referring to at the gas tank crossmember?

 

I'll have to crawl under my truck and see. Its about where the cab and bed meet. The plates don't go all the way to where the fram is properly boxed IIRC from when I installed them. I just remember seeing it and thinking, shit, this isnt well thought out.

Its not a big deal for me or %99 of tacoma drivers but if oyu are going run some crazy rear linked suspension or run a race truck, it could be a fail point I'm not an expert just a thought I had...

 

I had the same thought, and I figured the cost of raw materials vs the box kit is comparable so I was thinking about making my own plates with my buddies plasma. Would need to weld the gas tank cross member back in though.

 

Just weld plates on the outside of the frame. This kit overlaps about %50 / %50 between the boxed front and C channel rear but welds on the outer side of the frame:

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/1995...cement-plates-by-trail-gear-120166-1-kit.html

 

BTW, just remembered, you have to remove your rear brake valve and if you want to bolt it back on, look it over and consider drilling and taping the holes into the frame plates before you weld it on? I didnt care, I just welded the vavle to the frame but its something to consider.

 

Good point!

I’m planning on deleting the LSPV and integrating an adjustable proportioning valve either at the rear location or maybe up by the MC in the engine bay.

 

I'm trying to avoid plates outside the frame currently. I want to see if I can sneak a 2.0 air bump can on the outside one day and I'll need as much clearance as possible.

 

Brett I believe has the TG Box kit. Has photos of it in his thread.

That said the reason TG didn't have the boxing kit go all the way to the end is because of the bumper mount points. You just need to be able to get a socket in there if you fully box it. Just don't drop the nut, or run some small piece of thin wall tubing to the holes.

 

I was refering to the other end. I'll have to re-look but I don't remember it going all the way to the boxed section, stopping short. I believe @cynicalrider is correct, it stops at the gas tank cross member.

 

oh yes, it does not go the full length.

 

Ironically, right about here is about where it stops:

 

The tubing doesn't reach the outside ends of the frame. I personally don't think it's a big deal but the plate on the outside of the frame tieing the tube in looks better and is likely stronger.

The plates fit well. I would have liked them to extend to the original part of the frame that is boxed but then the xmember needs to be cut and welded back in. That would easily allow you to raise your gas tank a bit depending on how you position it.

I just used some self tapping screws for my bpv.

 

You'll want to weld the whole plate in on the channel part of the frame when you box it in. Not welding the whole plate in will allow water to get between the plate and frame causing rust to form. Remember you have an opening on the rear of the frame where your rear bumper bolts to which allows enough air into the area to dry out any water that can get in there. So weld it completely. If you choose not to and just stitch weld it then I recommend you paint the shit out of the sections not welded to protect those seams. Good luck bud.

 

@jubei With these plates I just stitched welded the out side and welded the whole circle inside. In-between the stitch welds I sealed with silicone to keep moisture out from between the plates. Peace

 

Ray! Long time no see, bud. I hope you and the fam are doing awesome.

Thanks as always for the tips. It’s appreciated.

 

Yeah everything is well. Just watching the clock of winter to pass by. Hopefully things pick up soon. Big congrats on the new gig.

 

Thanks, man!

Glad to hear things are good.