AzogSS' Build.

Like the new photo!

 

Great looking truck.

I just purchased the Thule Xsporter rack and was wondering about how far down I can set the front post with my short bed? Did you have to modify the truck bed in any way to make room for the front towers when they are in the "lower" positions?

Thanks

Hal

 

Rather than modifying the bed, i Used a metal cutting skil saw blade to cut off about 2.5" off the bottom of the posts to have them sit lower. I pushed the posts down and level as far as I could and cut new notches in them with a dremel tool with cutting wheel. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the info. I will be carrying a OC-2 canoe which is over 20 feet long and a few 14' SUP boards on the racks on a regular basis. Going to use a combination of the Thule racks in the back and the stock roof rack up front. Probably will need to cut a new notch in the towers to match the hight of the stock rack up front. Also want to be able to lower the rack below the cab when not lugging anything around. I will post picks as soon as the modifications are compete.

 

That is exactly what I did. I keep one rack on and put my kayak feet on the factory rack so I can keep my tool box in the bed, works out well.

 

Dude your truck looks clean, I just picked up some FJ TRD rims as weel and am getting them powder coated but I'm having trouble with the tire size. Did you put the 285/75/16s after or before the lift? I'm trying to stay stock suspension wise.

 

I was torn on whether or not to put a new bumper on my 4x4. Your build has inspired mine. Thanks

 

I went with 265/75/16 and put them on before the lift. I've kept the 266's on as I travel with the truck a good bit and wanted to keep the mileage, ride and acceleration closer to stock.

 

First of all, nice job on your build. Truck looks awesome. I'm considering going with the same lift OME with AAL with TSB. My Tacoma came with the 4 leaf pack and I am considering the AAL instead of Dakar spring. How is the drive with your AAL set up? The load on your rear probably varies based on your set up, (Tool box, canoe rack etc). Basically are you satisfied with the AAL?

 

Thanks! The AAL and TSB rides great. I like the way it sits now but I believe as soon as it starts to sag I am going with the Dakar springs. The AAL works fine for the loads I've had and the things I've towed. Looks like everyone has been happy with the Dakars I don't think you can go wrong either way it just comes down to how much you are willing to spend at first. Hope this helps some.

 

Good to know about the AAL. As fare as the Dakar spring, most people seem to like them. I guess if the money is there, go with the Dakar spring.

 

I know the 265/75 is a little heavier than stock , did it effect your trucks mpg or performance? I have essentially the same lift and wanted to go with 285's but I drive over 250 miles per day. So I think I'll go with a 265 instead.

 

My buddy works at a tire shop and ordered me 10 ply ATs (didn't ask him to). They are heavy and I took a hit of 3mpg but I like the tires. May look into a 255 85/16 when these are done.

 

Hey Azogg, Can you tell me about that Thule rack. Did it take any mods to put it on? Does it still go up and down or does the wheel well mess that feature up? thanks

 

Bolts directly up to the factory rails. I cut off about 3" of all the poles to allow it to go all the way down so I don't cut into the bed or wheel wells. I put a metal blade on my skill saw to do it.

 

I want a ARB now....

I def want the FX-R retros. That light output is crazy good...



Stalking ya

 

Do IT!

NEW Pics up!

 

Love the light bar! I am trying to come up with a way to mount LED lights to replace my fogs...

 

Yeah I've been scratching my head trying to do the same... ARB doesn't make it easy with the way the fogs mount. I've thought about modding several 5 watt LEDs into the fog light housing but don't want to have a "HID fog light effect" where it just blinds everyone.

 

Exactly, thinking a lot of duck tape and zip ties