Arrakis429 Build "Maude" 2016 Quicksand ACLB 6MT

I bought a 2016 Tacoma ACLB TRD Sport 6MT 4x4 a month a half ago, having owned several first generation Tacomas and stripped them down (frame swap, part out, etc) I was super impressed with this new model. It's not perfect - but I like the truck a whole bunch.

I got it with 285/70R17 Toyo Open Country M/T on stock suspension except for 1" blocks in the front. It rubs when I reverse and at certain points when I crank the wheel going forward. I'm gonna be working on that.

I traded my trusty and wonderful 1993 F250 7.5L V8 4x4 5 Spd in for "Maude", not regretting it yet.

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I've got a list of mods I plan on doing... First and foremost I have to find a shell for this thing so I can go camping!

 

Here she is after I drove from Spokane down to N. Bend to pick up a paint matched camper shell. Missed my chance in Portland a few weeks earlier - had to jump on this one even though the drive and price were less than ideal!

 

Of course, I had to get the bed stiffeners because I plan on putting a rack on the shell tracks to carry my Thule rocketbox, raft frames, oars, etc. Went with Cali-Raised and they went in no problem. I took the opportunity to run wiring for the dome light and third brake light on the shell when I did the bed stiffeners. Tapped into the brake light for the third brake light and ran a hot wire inside the frame to the engine compartment with an in-line fuse for the dome light so I can switch it on whenever.


Got the local steel shop to cut me some hollow steel flats to put across the bed so I can support a sleeping platform, found inspiration on one of the platform threads. Will eventually build storage (boxes, 2 drawers, but for now this is simple and modular). I also had to do something with the backseat area that would work for my dogs (I have three), but that was removable in case a friend needed a ride, found inspiration for that in one of the dog platform threads.


I didn't want to be limited by the shell rack so I picked up a Prinsu Access Rack. Putting that on is going to be my next major project. I also picked up some Noico sound deadening mats to pop up there when I drop the headliner.

 

Picked up some headlight bulbs (GE +130 H11, Hella H9) and put them in today. Also completed an order with WheelersOffroad for a shit ton of suspension stuff that should really move the bar up on this build.

The big stuff I got from wheelers is a 6112/5160 setup, I'm also waiting for the OME EL096 leafs to arrive, and picked up some lightly used SPC light racing UCA's locally. I was in need of an alignment anyway, might as well throw the stuff in when wheelers gets it back in stock (sometime in may) and go for the whole kit n kaboodle. Really excited to do this, and I'm hoping I can find a TW member around the Spokane area to wrench with me and drink some beers for the install - having done nothing but demo and removal on my first gens I think I'm going to have to learn to be a bit nicer with "Maude".

When I was driving back from N. Bend, I noticed on the highway that my drivers side headlight was shuttering especially over bumps. Checked it out when I got home - and beyond what you can see with these epoxied top tabs, the bottom 3rd tab is completely snapped. I'm in the process of working with a TW member to get myself a new drivers side headlamp

 

Got all my stuff in! Thanks Wheelers offroad! Here is what I was working with...:


Before I went camping and really noticed my back end starting to sag I finished my rough platform with base bars of rectangular steel:

It was an afternoon, one night of this, and the next day until noon:



Came out with this! This is after the Bilstein 6112's set 5/4 in the front w/ SPC UCA's. These are 285/70/R17's. Unfortunately they still rubbed after the lift. I put Bilstein 5160's in the back with OME Dakar Heavy Leaf springs and the Carrier Bearing spacer. I used wheelers poly bushings with their lube, and prior to install I sprayed the OME leafs down with a nice amount of PB blaster.

Got the CMC and trimmed some stuff. At the same time had the shop just go ahead and do the ECG's clamshell bushing for me:

 

Been a while since I updated the page. Some big changes coming soon! My year or so with the Bilsteins has been good, but I never did quite resolve my rubbing issue despite a CMC, the lift, trimming, and an alignment after the suspension work. Ultimately I resolved myself to purchasing a different set of rims and tires (which I may still do). But other stuff has priority and I started to purchase other stuff I was interested in. First and foremost was the OVTune, for a 6MT it addressed 95% of my issues with the speed and acceleration of the truck - I think the only other thing I could do to improve the driving experience is put in the clutch accumulator delete. I have been back and forth about that for a while and still haven't committed. I am enjoying the OVTune and I am currently on the 2.0 FOB premium and love it (especially with these gas prices).

Two days ago I installed RCI sliders, simple enough process, took a bit longer then I planned because I wire brushed and sprayed some areas that were showing surface rust
Yesterday I did an at home adjustment of my bilstein 6112's and replaced the 600# coils wit 650# coils. I did the no spring compressor method and it was easy enough. Don't know why I'd ever go back to a shop to adjust those things... Alignment on monday. I brought it up to 6/5 and my rubbing issue is resolved. In the mean time I was able to find the yakima connections for my tracks on my canopy and installed some bars. This will go a long way in helping my set up the ARB awning still on backorder with 4wp (yawn, 1 month, yawn).

Things in the works:
I got a rear ARB locker and install stuff from GrossoMotto I need to have installed - I'm not gonna DIY that one. Local place around here Hazard Fabbworx may do the install for me. I may DIY the compressor though which has been sitting around at my house for about two weeks.
Full RCI skids - may install this in the next day or so depending on how much schoolwork I get done.
ARB deluxe awning and "room". I have the "room" but I don't have the awning. Has been on backorder with 4wp as well as a windbreak for over a month. ::sigh::
Front seat spacers
SpartanX Hood cowl amber light
PelfreyBilt aluminum bumper. I bought this from 89Trekker months ago for a good price - my dad drove from PHX to San Diego to pick it up which was awesome of him. Right now it's in my parents garage in PHX and I need to get it powder coated and go pick it up or have them send it. I want to tie it in to my RCI skids So I hope it works out. In the mean time I am passively monitoring CL and other sales spots to pick up a winch.

I have a sneaking suspicion that even with the 650# spring, the sliders and full skids along with the bumper and winch will mean my tire rubbing problem will return. I think that this means bringing the bilsteins up to 6/6 with a strut spacer for taco lean and/or putting in a 700lb spring from wheelers. Honestly I'll cross that bridge when I get to it b/c at that point I may just be ready to put on different rims with different backspacing and skinnier tires.

 

What mounts are you using to connect your awning to your roof rack?

 

So that was actually confusing, I found this YouTube video that helped where the guy uses Yakima/etrailer slim shady awning clamps and drills through the supplied bracket/plate to affix to the clamps. I also used sks locks with it to keep it secure.

Here is the link. I did a ‘hang’ instead of a clamp above because to deploy the room correctly I needed to have the bars out of the way. 250 miles so far and no issues but would love to eventually do a prinsu rack and mount to the side. No drilling into the arb or Yakima crossbars Required though!
https://youtu.be/VA5-raXEOnw