cbechtold's Long Travel IFS Crawler Tacoma Build and BS Thread

I have measurements and models done for the slider to match this setup. Just need gather materials and time to build

 

I have these on my batteries. They're compact. The downside is they are not readily available at stores so I carry a few spares.
After I had 3 breakers fail I decided to switch to fuses.
https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/16/72/Fuse_Blocks/Terminal_Fuse_Blocks

I have one on the starter battery. The only thing not stock on the truck that runs off the starter battery is the winch.

Everything else electrical that I've added myself is powered off the camper batteries which has a double fuse terminal block at 50amps each.

One of those fuse terminals is wired to a fused-relay box under the hood for ham radio, 2nd gas tank, interior lights for my overhead console, HID's and something else that I can't think of now.

The 2nd one goes to anything inside the camper...roof fan that doesn't exist yet (the wiring is there), shower water pump, onboard water pump, cpap machine, camper lights, fridge, onboard air, battery meter, diesel heater, 12v electric blanket.

I forgot the exact number but it I turn everything on at the same time it's like 60amps.

 

Imma gonna need this for the resurrection of Frankenstein.

 

I might have you build another one after I see how you build yours.

 

Its very fitting that this Frankenstein steering assembly would go on the OG Frankenstein

Just sayin… Material is cheaper if bought in bulk

 

Text me later on how much material would be and the total cost. I'll think about it.

 

Not to hijack, but how are you all with batteries in the bed and over current protection handling the 400+amps an 8000lb winch pulls at full pull?

I see they make 12v 500amp fuse holders, but curious before I start buying stuff.

Again not to hijack lol

 

I don't fuse the winch power line, it has a rotary on/off switch at the battery so it just isn't live all the time.

 

Im talking fusing by the battery as it's in my bed. The winch is hooked up to a bus bar under the hood.

 

For reference, this was the thread that I got the idea from for my current setup. Not exactly the same, but you see the similarities.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aaronarfs-2012-dcsb-build.213614/page-78#post-11713623

The wire I'm running is rated for 700amps at 20ft, which is more than enough for my M8000. I ended up not running an inline fuse because at the time I was piecing together all the parts for this no one makes an inline fuse that can handle 500 amps and oversized 4/0 gauge wire. Could have been I didn't look hard enough, but I'm definitely asking a lot for fuse and fuse holder. My winch isn't on a cut off switch either because I ran in-cab controls and I'd like to be able to use the winch whenever I need it. I've used the winch quite a few times, most recently getting turtled on Turkey Claw and I've got no issue pulling myself or others or any issues voltage drop with the battery location.

Link to the 4/0 gauge cable I'm running as well.

https://www.knukonceptz.com/mobile-...lossus-fleks-black-40-gauge-powerground-wire/

 

I have 2/0 cable and the copper is about as thick as a sharpie. That 4/0 is fat!

My winch takes some setting up.
I’d like to make it faster just because when you’re stuck or whatever less task loading is better. Keep it simple.

 

Yeah, each cable is a little over 7/8 of inch thicc. Made routing 2 of them a huge pain

Depending on the winch you have, there should be a "how to" on wiring up a winch power switch and momentary switch to control the winch. Makes using the winch super easy especially since all you have to is hook up and go.

 

I have the supplies on order to relocate with a 500a fuse at the battery this week. Will have a lot of winching in the next couple weeks I can let you know if it works or sucks.

 

I'd also be interested to hear your findings on this. Would be pretty easy for me to add one in if all goes well for you.

 

Well after an eventfully day with the Tacoma, I decided to work on the 2 current projects for the truck.

Started off with getting the steering links primed and painted. Going to let them sit for a few days before I pull them apart to throw anti-seize on the threads of the heims.


PXL_20230426_014630717.PORTRAIT by Cory Bechtold, on Flickr

While waiting for primer and paint to dry, I got back to work on the new wiring setup. I had some sense talked into me and here we are with a Switch Pros unit. Super neat kit. Pretty excited to try it out. I have a few more things to knock out before I look into ordering another battery, but once I knock out all the steering upgrades I should be able to finish this up shortly afterwards.


PXL_20230426_031840234 by Cory Bechtold, on Flickr

 

Not to be super unhelpful, but Switch-Pro will not warranty any SP systems that are mounted horizontal. Obviously you have far less water/dirt intrusion there rather than in the engine bay, but just a heads up. I love mine, I'm actually ordering a second for my WRX. The digital control aspect is just so convenient, as well as the 2 bonus trigger wires.

 

Garmin has a Powerswitch.
Found out about it when I picked up their Overlander navigation thingy.
Doesn't require running any wires into the cab.
Works with Bluetooth from any device and you can run 3 or 4 of them and each run 6 things.

 

I was reading into that last night actually. I'll figure out how to move it around so it's properly oriented. Probably just build a small bracket or use some angle iron to mount it.

That's neat. I like Garmin products, so I guess that's something to look into of I ever were to build another rig.

 

Yep, that's what I did on my powertray, worked just fine. Just figured I'd give you a heads up!

 

Well I'm hopeful that the injectors were the correct fix for the truck. Engine sounds like it's running smoother than before. For now, I'll just monitor everything and see if anything else happens.


PXL_20230430_181003108 by Cory Bechtold, on Flickr

Got a decent amount of work done on small projects as well. Most notably, I made a bracket for the Switch Pros head unit.


PXL_20230501_005057873 by Cory Bechtold, on Flickr

Now I'm kicking myself because I've decided to relocate my charcoal canister from the driver side of the engine bay to the passenger side where the ABS control unit once lived. I might have to move a few things around to make it fit, but it is what it is. My plan is to make a power tray there and keep everything as neat and clean as possible. As much as I love the idea of having everything inside the truck at all times, running wires that close to the exhaust is something I don't want to do, as well as getting a few 4 gauge cables through the firewall or floor boards isn't that appealing.