What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

What console cover is that… I like it?

Can you share a link for it? Thanks

 

i noticed that i needed these when my bed side bent inwards under load while i was doing alot of oak firewood loading and unloading. After a load my tailgate didnt latch correctly- it was rubbing a bit on the right side. It had bent in a bit. Installing these pretty much eliminates bending in of the bed sides when you use tie downs and really crank em down. It certainly wont do anything but help your bed. But, if you dont use your truck like a truck, and the bed is pristine, you prolly dont need em. I definitely recommend them if you ever haul lumber/heavy loads etc

 

Just my every 5000 miles oil change. Mobil 1 synth and OEM filter.

 

Edit...you xan probably get away with a shorter extender than the 18" depending on your bike carrier. I chose mibe based on cargo I plan to load there. 14" wouldve worked for mine I think.


It's a bit sloppy, sometimes drags when leaving a parking lot. I bought some u-bolt devices that supposedly help tighten it all up. I put a link over in the towing section.

As far as weight, I jumped my 215lb self onto the end of the fully loaded system and nothing snapped.

I do notice the truck handles worse at freeway speeds though. You can feel it in the steering.

I overbuilt the frame on the hitch extender because I was using scrap steel from work. If I were to do it again, I'd buy some 1/8" angle instead.

Fully loaded, I don't think I'm at max tongue weight. I will weigh b4 I hit the road though.

 

got my 5° rci rock sliders installed today, they are very stout and well built!

 

I bought this

$25 3M Clear Paint Surface Protection Bulk Film Roll 6-by-84"es

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VFYCZE?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
and this

$9 Gomake Vehicle Vinyl Wrap Tool Kit Window Tinting Tool Include 4" Felt Squeegee, Retractable 9mm Utility Knife and Blades, Zippy Vinyl Cutter and Mini Go Corner Squeegee for Car Wrapping

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GFGFY2L?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

A spray bottle with water and baby shampoo it took about 15 minutes to do it myself. Plenty of videos on YouTube on how to apply it.

 

Worked on my harness from the SPOD to my roof. Terminated it at the SPOD end, loomed it, tested it and installed the KC wire hider. I’ll cut the other end of the harness to length, run it thru the wire hider once the VHB cures and terminate it in a 6pin deutsch one of these days, but I forgot to order the crimp tool from Amazon. I’ve wired it to 3 switches on the SPOD which will control the light bar, side light pods and chase lights. Now just anxiously awaiting my roof rack to come in..

 

Is your amp running all the speakers? Can you add a sub?

 

Even if you bridged the 2 rear channels it wouldn't be enough power for a sub. You'd be better off adding a kicker hideaway sub and using the Sony amp for your door speakers. If you want my advice, ditch the factory radio for something better. That's my next step.

 

Why these and not just a bulb replacement?

 

They are brighter and better and why not be a decent upgrade too.

 

Is your theft deterrent clamp in the photos just a spare?
It is completely useless there as the tailgate pivot pulls out (not lifts up) from that side. Hopefully you have another on the proper (passenger) side to prevent lifting it up from there.

Nothing wrong with having a spare, but didn't want you to think your tailgate is safe with just the one on the driver side...

 

Anyone use those swingCase boxes on their truck? Just curious about your peoples experiences. I have a tonneau so it wouldn’t be for security just a catch all for knicknacks

 

I got the tailgate oem lock, should I put a clamp on mine still anyway?

 

i don’t know what you’re talking about chief. I don’t have a clamp on my drivers side. You’re looking at a stock tailgate.
I do however, have a steel hose clamp on my passenger side with a special bolt on it, and i use common sense and don’t ever leave my tailgate unlocked. You’re right, a clamp on a driver’s side would be pretty stupid, and it is also impossible to clamp the driver’s side as it has a factory steel hoop over that end

 

I did, both the OEM lock and the Sabellco lock. Peace of mind I guess.

 

That's funny.
The photos must be a reversed image. Definitely come across showing it as the driver side.

Been so long ago since I modified mine I didn't remember the "hoop" you mention.
Yep, keeping it locked is the first line of defense. So sad that we have to worry about this crap. Thieves suck

 

I went the Sabellco route as well. I liked having it be key accessible for my convenience.

And your photo shows it as the pax side, unlike @DustyMcTaco photos. These computer things can be tricky sometimes.

 

tell me about that tailgate gap seal thing you have in your picture- that looks like something i need

 

I don't know all the techniques thieves use, but apparently they can access the handle lock by way of a panel screwed on the tailgate inside face (if there isn't a shell or tonneau covering the bed). So the handle being locked just slows them down a bit.
The non-standard hose clamp slows them down even more. Which is always a good thing.
The Sabellco lock is the best I've seen so far for stopping them cold. Some guys are able to pick the round multi-pin keyhole, but not many.