Marcgb91 mid-travel build & adventures

I’m kind of in the same boat. Current oem rack is holding up fine but looking to see how
To approach that next. Currently have a JDFAB LT kit up front. Long story short a LCA ball joint failed on a trip. Swapped to uniball and also discovered bent inner tierods. So swapped those out and did heim outers at the same time.

I’m digging the C4 rock runner rear bumper. I have the front with crossmember delete and love it. wanted the rear but my cuts are at my taillights like yours for my current bumper. I’m guessing your fabing up sides?

 

That went from an average repair to an expensive upgrade real quick haha! I'm sure everything is much nicer w/JD Fab LT front though!
I would eventually like to re-do the front bumper and shave the crossmember upfront to gain that angle as well but it'll do for now. As for the rear bumper corner pieces yes... If you look at the part (i can add a photo later)
It has the bracket & tube welded in one piece. I'll cut the plate at the bend along with the little reinforcement tube, add a taller plate & reweld and possibly add a little tube of angle support from the bottom as well, although i only have 1'' 3/4 DOM at home. it may be a little to big but we'll be working on it soon or within the next 2 weeks I'm hoping. It'll work but definitively not be used as a solid corner to take a hit or bounce off a tree. Those corner pieces are only held by 2x alignment studs w/nuts and 2x bolts up top of the corner bumper. There is also 2x support pieces that you'd need to drill into frame and bolt to the corner tube, but with our bedside height i doubt that'll work.

 

Sorry. Worded a little wrong. A EMF ball joint failed on the JDFAB kit while out on a trip. So just swapped everything to uniball. Just couldn’t trust the ball joints again personally. Haha. But cool thing was JD noticed the issue and were taking care of uniball replacements for people with the kit. Great people.

tell you what, I’ll purchase bumper, send you sides and you work magic. Haha. Kidding. I personally don’t weld or do fab work but thought about getting with local fabricators to come up with something. I really like the slim look of the rear and weight difference

 

Ohhh right that makes sense! I vaguely remember those comments on the JD thread, amazing people for sure.

Haha, i'll try to make it as easy to fix as possible, it's unfortunate that they didn't offer the straight single tube version but at that point there would be to many varriables lol.

I'll def. Post updates here when its done.

 

Hey @Marcgb91,

The trucks looks dialed! Reading through your tread from a few months back and its a great follow. From all the photos it looks like a great time and an awesome experience. With your current lighting set up how is everything working out for you? Is there any zones you feel like you need help in to gain more light? With the new bumper in the rear I see that there are cut out for some lights, do you plan on doing any chase light back there?

Best,
Bill

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

 

Hey Bill! Thanks for keeping up in the thread, it's been a blast but trying to balance the build pace now, things can get overwheling quick with needs and wants! Haha
The S8 has been performing great up here in all conditions, it surprises me the light output & width everytime i turn it on.

The Squadron sports are still doing well, although the "reverse kit S2" are damaged and getting humidity/condensation inside. I relocated them from the previous rear bumper to ditch lights for the time being.
They did get smashed often or dragged in a few cross ditches at time so it's been used and abused over time, one has a cooling fin broken off.
The main issues we run into here stems from the hardware. Stainless bolts into the aluminium housing eventually fuses/corrodes inside and its impossible to take them a part. Other than preventive measures to dab them in anti-seize every now and then... overall it's nice to see they still function after all that abuse, but it'll be time to upgrade or relocate at some point soon!

The rear bumpers has precuts for S1, i'll be looking at your S1 Sport or Pro, possibly as wide cornering for a lower chase light.

The OnX6 in spot configuration is still in the plans for the roof rack later on. With the rear prerunner tailgate/carrier in the plans, i'm thinking of perhaps mounting one of your RTL lights to fill the gap between the bumper and the lowest part of the tailgate.

 

Hey @Marcgb91,
Keep up the great work defiantly pace yourself on a build like this!

I'm happy to hear that the lighting set up is doing well for you! Shoot me a PM about the S2 I might be able to help you out. With future plans with lighting if you have any questions or would like to get a quote built out with a forum special feel free to reach out and I can help you out.

Best,
Bill

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

 

April 2024

Finally got out to shakedown all the recent additions over the winter; I must say it's been a blast to head back out there! Nervous at first as i was pretty rusty and out of the old "pack up and go to trails" routine. Not being sure how things would feel like or if something else would then fail. Have to say, the truck handles better than it's ever did. What feels featherlight in the rear with the new C4 bumper (vs Coastal Offroad), frame reinforcement and no rtt gear.
Aired down to 15psi, normal speeds on FSR (30-60km/hr) the truck behaved well over ruts and pot holes, a few good hits of the full travel in the front but nothing to be alarmed about. The front end felt tight, letting go of the wheel, the truck kept tracking straight over bumps and holes in the road, the rear end felt planted, ramping up speeds at time (80-120km/hr) everything feels incredibly sound and stable. Over washboards, the truck doesn't feel like its hoping around sideways as it used to do w/stock everything. I know many mentioned the frame flex is huge but I would've never thought it to have this effect once plated/reinforced. Well worth the extra work and time.

We took the trucks through a few varied trails mixing up the fast pace, to slow & technical crawling.

I still have to fab the rear corner pieces but gives you and idea of clearance i suppose when the rear end is up in the air.

 

Finding some old technical spots through the forest, narrow passages at times!

One of my favorite trail with a fun flex shot. I remember an older photo from that exact spot w/older step up and its nice to see the build growing as the year goes by.

2022 vs 2024

Now stuffing the 35s up front...

Cue in "i'm this close to lose my shit". Eventual plans are to say good by to the inner fenders and get my hands on the JD Fab inner fender kit.

Quick pit stop while friends ahead are going down a steep bank.

Photo will not do justice to the incline on this one, as the dash came up with the "add engine oil" light.

For the time being, incredibly satisfied with how it all handles; with the gas prices skyrocketing higher, it's hard to go out and relax, and enjoy it as much as i used to years ago...But it's time for some regular upkeep and planning forward for what's to come.

Sent out the Baja Designs S2 for warranty work; should hear back in a few weeks to see what kind of magic they can come up with!

 

Finally tracking down some clunking noises, both Lower BJ had a decent amount of play in them. Ended up getting new arms for simplicity and faster repair job...until I noticed that the shop who did my 2x alignments last year messed up the JDFab LCA pivot kit hardware...
Initial was done May 16 2023 right after having the LCA Pivot kit completed w/new LCA arms and everything freshly greased...Second alignment was done October 2023, after upgrading to the JD Fab. stock width billet heim tie rods.
I could not get the rear bolt out due to the shop using air tools for whatever reason...resulting in the shank bolt & washer to "cross thread" and the front 28mm (1-1/8") bolt had threads missing as well!


After a little bit of confrontation, they manage to agree to cover the cost of new hardware and a new alignment...Huge thanks to Overland Outfitters to scramble out of their way and get me replacement hardware within 2 weeks!

In the meantime, Baja Designs warranty dept. shipped back the S2 lights with updated internals, bezels and housing! Couldn't be happier with the outcome, overall took a few weeks and customer service was great start to finish!

Forward a week or so, Prinsu Quick release awning mounts are NOT compatible w/23zero Peregrine 180* awning. Ended up returning and putting money back into a set of Baja Designs S1 amber wide corner to complete the rear bumper chase lights.

 

Fast forward to yesterday and recent week...Sawzall the LCA, threw in new replacement arms, greased everything, and got it in for alignment as soon as i could. Previous specs were roughly 5* caster, 0 Camber/Toe....
For whatever reason they couldn't get to 5* again but close to...
Buddy coming back from test drive mentioned it drove really well and tracked nicely; although the Pre-collision sensor came on. Which followed by sometimes they pop up after alignments and go away...Figured it was the sensor being dirty, but drove right to Toyota dealership to have it scanned....
200$ later and no conclusion other than "how deep do you want to investigate this..." there was many codes and uncertainties of where to begin diag. followed by "truck is heavily modified"...OK Tire mentioned they always relearn the steering angle sensor after each alignment, and due to the fact i asked for "out of spec / oem numbers" it could've been why it tripped the sensors...Although all my previous alignment were out of "oem spec"

Spent all morning trying to self diagnose with no luck.
C1336 - Zero Point Calibration of Deceleration Sensor Undone" comes up, cleared but comes back the moment i lurch forward or reverse.
- Cleaned radar/cruise control sensor + disconnected etc...
- disconnected negative battery terminal for a while.
- inspected cables/plugs under dash/steering wheel area.
- inspected under trim pieces of steering wheel for signs or possible clock spring issues? Everything seemed fine.
- Found 2x sensors, 1x under each headlight next to the radiator w/yellow clips but i figure those would be airbag/crash sensors...
- Attempted the 2nd gen paperclip trick, nothing worked.
- Traced a few wires, nothing obvious showing up...

Quote for a new sensor was roughly 1K $ and new cruise/radar sensor roughly 700$+tax. Which sucks because I've never ever had those issues come up in the past even with the lift. Factory grill and sensor etc.
Browsed around on forum threads here but nothing more that i can think of at the time.

I don't feel like throwing a bunch of money to replace random sensors in hope one will work or hopeless amount of money for shop labor either...Maybe replace both wheel bearings & ABS wheel speed sensors? Then again, that would've tripped the ABS light. I only have the Stability Control light on along w/Pre-collision malfunction...no cruise control and no tilt/angle meter as well.

If anyone has gone through those issues or could lead me in the right direction for a fix, please let me know!

 

On a more positive note, had the chance to experience the northern lights for the first time ever last night and try out my new RTT. 23zero Walkabout 56. Amazing time although short lived and back to driving the truck around with Christmas tree on the dash.

 

May 2024
Create, plan & organized a Fundraiser - Toyota Tailgate & Trail event in partnership with Yota Tune & Comox Valley Toyota. A charity event local to Comox Valley & surrounding Vancouver Island to all offroad enthusiasts, raising 1,645$ for YANA Foundation.
Outcome was great considering being the 1st Event. Loaded the dealership area with 40-50 rigs, few local vendors / sponsors, pancake breakfast and food followed by an afternoon of trails. Positive atmosphere from newcomers to experienced wheelers coming together for the simplicity of having fun sharing the same passion. People shared experiences, driving skills and left with smiles and extra knowledge. Hoping to have it returned next Spring!

 

June - July - August - September 2024

A little mix of solo camping, maintenance, work, BCOR & Whipsaw revisited!

BCOR 2024 was slightly different this year, pushing further along with Yota Tune, enjoyed the networking and having over a dozen of vehicles tuned over the weekend. A dry, hot dusty mess for location although hoping to get cooler weather as we left right after and hit Whipsaw.

 

Whipsaw 2024

A smaller crew this year but just as fun, finally found the proper trail to start vs. last year (missed a good 1/3rd), leading the same crew provided to be a smooth sailing, although we all tempted more challenging obstacles providing a few tense moments pushing our skillset and trust in each other.

Thankfully we didn't run into any wildfires during the trail.

August long weekend
Headed up island to some infamous beaches, greated by some curious wildlife, more northern lights and amazing weather!

September

Meet & greet w/Matthew and Stacey from Toyota World Runners! Absolute gems and insane seeing the size of the Chinook, what a wild journey.

Cool & crips morning wheeling as Fall is creeping in.

Last few bits of camping before the late fall / winter overhaul begins!

Greeted once more with some northern lights!

 

October 2024

Time for a color change. Removed the wrap and started to prep paint a little earlier than planned due to incoming rain season. I must say, the quicksand was missed for a brief time!

Early snow dump up in the alpine this year, but my Baja Designs fog lights finally gave out taking in water after 4 years. Might have to reach out again for warranty work.

 

Late November 2024
Wrap has begun, paint corrected, glue residue 98% removed and a small window in the forecast with no torrential downpours. Prep time aside, def. getting much quicker to disassembling & wrapping.
Chose to switch it up to a "Midnight Purple" and i believe it absolutely came out nice! It's darker in person although pops nicely in daylight.

First evening ~5.5hrs with a small break, 2x bedsides and 2x rear doors complete.

Saturday was a full 10-12hr day focusing on the front end, roof & tailgate. Headlights, grille, mirrors, door handles all came a part amongst a few other things.

Sunday was a quick 4~ hrs finalizing the pillars and rocker panels.

End product:

 

Feel Free to reach out to me directly at brahianh@bajadesigns.com. I can get you dialed with your warranty.

Best,

Brahian Herrera | Forum Sales & Support
Email: brahianh@bajadesigns.com | Phone: (760) 560-2252

 

The first wrap lasted you around two years, the blue wrap was only on for about one year. Was it in that bad of shape or were you just ready for a color change?

 

Just ready for a color change honestly. The blue wrap was still in great shape! Peeled off easily with minimal glue residue as well.

I peeled off the roof though and that was a pain. Maybe 3-4yrs on, not much maintenance or cleaning with continuously exposed to elements and sunbaked. Had to take the rubber wheel to get most of it off.