Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice

@wi_taco has definitely been missed and absolutely is a stand up guy. Like everyone else said if you ever need a hand with those mods, say the word.

@rubbersidedown I'm going to have to paint my Taco blue if things keep going the way they are lol I was looking at Backwoods for the swing out rear bumpers. Still not completely sold on their full hooped front bumpers but only because they seem tailored for predator style lights.

 

On another note I finally finished putting those front brackets on the RCI sliders. I could not for the life of me get my arm past the brake lines and into the frame on the driver's side so I opted to just stick with only two bolts on that bracket. I drilled two holes on the bottom of the frame and got an additional bolt added on each side. We're at 6-7 on the driver's side and all 8 on the passenger side. Ended up drilling out the sheared bolt and got a long enough replacement bolt to get a nut on the other side to keep it snug. Buying the replacement hardware came in handy. I have plenty more if anyone else decides to get RCI.

 

I already found rust on mine where the FedEx drivers jostled the box

I think they had the same issue with the prep being inconsistent. You warned me though.

When it gets bad enough I'll be swinging by to both accelerate your process and impede it at the same time

 

A true friend indeed

 

How do you plan to finish them?

 

Yeah, that front driver's side plate was a bugger. I don't have big manly forearms, but I remember they were still scraped up after fighting with the brake line and getting into the frame. Not looking forward to doing that again anytime soon. I'll have to do as much refinishing and rust repair as I can with them on the truck.

 

In hindsight, I would never get powdercoated sliders again. It seems like the rust works its way under the powdercoat and spreads. Mine were really bad last year when @OldSchlPunk sandblasted them for me.

It's actually pretty easy. Although, I really wouldn't want to attempt it on a trail.

 

My bumper offers the most clearance/departure gain of any bumper available for these trucks and quality is unmatched. If you have any questions shoot me a message!

 

Having the driver side out to install the ECGS bushing it’s not hard if you have the tools. Mainly a socket for the axle nut and a pry bar.
While I don’t anticipate having to change one on the trail I know it is a weak point if one is wheeling hard.

 

Here is how I got the nuts on my front bolts started https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rci-sliders-installed.614523/#post-20882819

Once started I used a long breaker bar with socket on the nut to hold while tightening.

 

my forearm is/was just skinny enough to get my fingers to the forward most hole. I opted to put the bolt inside the frame as I didn’t have enough purchase to hold the nut while starting it. Once in I was able use side pressure with a wrench to hold it while getting the outside plate on.

 

Got any pics from farther out that show the whole bumper?

 

The mobtowns sliders made it easy(ier) by having both inner bolts welded to a bar.

 

My BAMF sliders are the same.

 

Finally working on clean up from Arkansas. Jesus what a mess. Disassembly of the door panel just to clean… it will take years and more effort than I am willing to give to erase it completely

 

Wow, you're taking the panels apart.
Here's an (smart-ass) idea to keep your door panels clean.

https://www.4xinnovations.com/2005-2023-Tacoma-FRONT-Tube-Door-Set_p_93.html

Not sure about the interior.

We can discuss it at Tigerton.

 

Challenge accepted!



I had to ditch the tool bag I had the jumper cables in and move the adjustable tie down points to the bed rails but it all fits. Thanks for the idea!

 

Ouch!

 

I have thought about making something like that... but, yah. The interior... My seat is getting pretty worn, so maybe time to take it all out and bedline the inside...

 

Those welds are beautiful.