What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Hey @BraskaTaco,

The new front bumper looks fantastic! I really like how the hoop complements the overall design. Adding LP6 lights to the center section would be an excellent choice, giving you a top-notch lighting setup. Whenever you're ready to upgrade the lighting whether for the front or rear just shoot me a PM, and I’ll be happy to help fine-tune the perfect package for you.

Best,
Bill

Bill Sonevongxay | Forum Sales & Support 
Email: Bill@bajadesigns.com Phone: (760)560-2252

 

they mount the same place these crappy ones do

$41 NORTHYUN Tacoma Front Tow Hook Mounting Bracket with 3/4” D Ring Shackle Demon Hook Brackets Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2009-2023

Amazon.com: Tacoma Front Tow Hook Mounting Bracket with 3/4” D Ring Shackle Demon Hook Brackets Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2009-2023 : Automotive

the bolts on yours are good for a recovery on a driveway going downhill

 

Can you say "Sketchy"!

 

I do I do.

Here is what I got, I would go with darker color if I had to re-order, because even this material reflects brightly when the sun hits it just right and that reflection is then reflected in the windshield.

https://www.shearcomfort.com/

 

How do you like that material? I ordered swatches and one of them was that material. I’m partial to the carpet look

 

I see a big difference between the two: the cheap ones connect only to the bottom of the non-structural cross member, and the ones @ljerr2 used go up higher with through bolts and may indeed connect to the frame.

That said, I don't own either product and can't verify exactly how they connect, but think we should give the OP some room for making a rational decision.

 

the ARB uses 5 bolts and cost less than the OP's and is really the only upgrade to the OEM but to each his own

 

3 bolts per side?

 

Just 2 bolts per side. They are an improvement over demon shackles, probably a slight improvement over the OEM off-road hook since the bolts are in 2 different planes, plus they give you shackle options. I understand they are not ARB-level by any means. I never liked the approach angle that seems to be affected with the ARB point, even if it's just aesthetics, but I understand it's not even close to comparing apples to apples with the ARB "true" recovery point and the NYTOP "recovery point" (maybe better classified as an enhanced tow point). I also like having a "point" on both sides of the truck, although a bridle is still recommended. I still view it as an upgrade over stock and allows soft shackles for downward driveway pulls. Or hopefully, sufficient strength for the potential ditch pull/snow pull that would be more likely something I will face. No mud bogging or heavy recovery operations are in my future with this truck.

 

Took the DIY Wedge on the maiden voyage all through West Idaho last week. Stopped by 13 state parks and did a touch of wheelin. Overall the setup did well and only have to smooth a few things out. Temporary Electrical setup worked like a charm and only burned 1, 4aH dewalt battery over 5 days.

 

I need to know a little more about the dewalt battery power setup. Do you have a write up or link?

 

Holy low mileage Batman!

 

I like it. It's smoother so if it got dirty I felt like it would be easier to clean, but really I just liked the look better just my preference. Reminded me of the leather seats in the benz.

I bet the carpet fabric would reflect much less sun.

 

When I roll over 130k, you'll be approaching 34k on the odometer.

That's if you maintain your same insane lightening pace, but I thinks you'll be slowing down in your older age so I'm guessing you'll hit 30k by 2030.

I bet it still looks and smells new. Lol.

 

Lake Mead scenic overlook. Reminds me of National Lampoons Vacation.

 

I-11 is scheduled to be finished from where it currently ends just south of that point southbound to avoid the 95/Kingman nasty-surface exchanges. Will take a couple of years, but will make it easier for PHX people to get to that scenic overlook.

 

Not sure if I need to do a write up on it honestly. Pretty simple temp fix. This is the adapter for the battery.

$20 Vibit 20V to 12V Step-Down Converter for Dewalt Battery, DC Power Adapter, Voltage Reducer Transformer 180W Buck Converter Regulator for Golf Cart RC Car Truck Light & DIY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3VF8Z8H?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Basically treat that as you would a normal battery. I ran an inline fuse from the down coverter to the bluesea panel on the positive side. The down converter takes the 20V down to 12V and limits the amps so you don't blow through anything. Connect anything you are wanting to power and and ground back to complete the loop.

I powered the 3 strip bed LEDs and my Maxxfan with no issues. I plan on adding more things to power when I get a dual battery setup in the back. That will have a DCDC charger, inverter, and solar controller all working together so both my aux battery and starter battery are topped off constantly by either the solar and/or the alternator.

Highly reccommend wiring a switch to choose to push or pull air using the maxxair fan also. I can give more info on that if someone wants that.

 

Went with velvet for the Camry and it’s hard to remove dog hair and will probably fade faster. Have the carpet look in both my Tacoma and 17 year old Corolla. I scotch guard them and lay them out a few days to settle before an install. If your a patch guy, the carpet is easier to attach Velcro to also.

 

I joined the 35s crew yesterday, ha. First ever set of BFG's too.

 

What kind of impact to mpgs did you see after installing? I've built the cap portion for mine, going to build the tent this winter.