TheCochese's Project Con Queso

Did you get all 3 dkids? That t case skid is beefy. I've never seen that rear edge gusset plate design. Great protection for accidental rollback in rocks.

 

Yes. I was going to get just the front, but it didn’t make much sense if I was going to go wheeling next year without it. That PTO payout paid for it all, thankfully.

 

Well good job on lubricating the economy while you were lubricated.

 

This is going to be a long ass two months.

 

Normally for Christmas when I’m asked for a list I say stuff like woodworking tools or supplies. Since I’m not sure where my future lies in that I may look at off-roading gear. Small things, like good gloves, things that might be useful if I go out on my own.

 

Headlamp for your head

Extra headlight bulbs for truck

 

Done and done, but good ideas. I should ask for a decent LED torch that can stow away.

 

Work gave me a good high end headband light. Pelican iicr. Never thought I’d ever use it but after entering many subterranean corridors, several stories below street level, I’ve seen the Light & come to believe.

Makes it easier to see the Punks around back too.

 

I have been giving some consideration to ordering a front bumper during the Black Friday sales. However I have held off to this point fearing that I would also need to upgrade at least the front springs at the same time to offset the weight, even with the winch to come at some future point.

It would be nice to go ahead and order it for when it is done, though, because just that alone would provide recovery points at the front that I don't have. I could add the winch and proper springs later.

 

Welp.

 

Ordered the SSO Slimline bumper while it was 20% off. Not quite as good as the sale from SOS for 25% off, but I liked the form of the SSO and even with shipping it was only about $100 more. Plus, there's a great thread on the install process that gives me some comfort. I went with no winch cutouts because it was apparent I could reach the winch with the hood open.

So while everything is getting made and I'm paying it off, I'm also researching other things. I've settled on the Smittybilt x20 with synthetic line, but I'm not sure I will purchase that before I install the bumper. I'm worried about losing height with the combination on the stock springs. Will need to look at options there, be it spacers to get the height back, stiffer springs, or a mild lift. Not really sure I want or need a lift, TBH.

I also ordered the bumper with a light cutout, so I will need to fill that. The Heise SL2014 (20.25") light is supposed to fit, but I'm also looking at cheaper alternatives. I should not need night lighting like that too often. With aux lights comes the need to wire it up, and I'm looking at an aux fuse panel and factory-looking switches to make everything look tidy. I don't want a half-assed build, and that means wires haphazardly strewn about, even hidden.

Truck goes to the body shop to fix the uhh...damage from a couple weeks ago. Also need to schedule the fuel pump recall. Going to look at possibly installing the tank straps around that time for a future skid.

 

Bull bar? Black powder coat?

 

Yes, no. Will get it done locally or paint. Haven't decided yet.

 

So this whole rabbit hole is what I spent a few weeks noodling on myself. After bumper, winch, light bar, and suspension adjustments it just seems like such a giant mod.

I then migrated to SDHQ hidden mount but that’s not without complexity either.

I think the product I really want is a hidden hitch mount which would replace the crash bar and place the hitch receiver directly behind the front license plate so it’s 100% stealth. Haven’t seen that on the market yet, just the mobtown one which is higher.

 

Interesting idea, and it seems that if you are just mounting for towing it would be fairly straightforward.

 

Truck is in the shop fixing the...incident. Should get it back mid next week.

Project appears to have a name.

 

I miss my truck.

 

Your truck misses you, too.