Building out the new truck

Hardwired my inverter and some USBs this weekend. Still have not put on the Deavers yet...maybe this week.

 

Do you have pictures of how you did this? Looks like a really nice DIY project.

I really like your build so far, good taste with your choice of mods. Are you planning on purchasing rock sliders with or without kickouts? I've been going back and forth on the idea of kickouts but might be a bit overkill for my future expeditions since I'll only be doing very light rock climbing while off roading.

 

Sliders are at the top of my list. I think I have settled on the trail gear weld on ones. I think the kickouts are probably a little overkill for the amount and type of wheeling I do.

The inverter was pretty simple. I have 1000w one under the seat. I bought a cheap 100w one for $25 to get those nice 110 volt plug trim pieces. I just hardwired some cords from the back of the new trim plugs straight into the into the inverter under my seat. I could post some more pictures later if that helps. The usb unit was from expeditions west.

 

Deavers are finally on. What a difference! My truck drives like a dream. Defiantly needed the brake line extension. I still have to add the ABPV bracket.

TG sliders will be here on Tuesday. I have to teach myself how to weld by then! Or find someone that can do it.

I also got a used engel fridge on ebay for a steal two weeks ago. It was a little banged up when I got it, but Engel shipped me the replacement parts for it. I'll try and post some pictures soon.

 

Got some wheelin in the this afternoon.

I managed to fully stuff the 255s with the new springs. My fender wells and flares did not like this at all, so much so I had to reverse down a trail.

I found a couple spots that need trimming, which will help a bit. It was those stock fender flares that started to get hung up first.

Wondering what else I can do to get some more clearance inside the wheel well.

 

ups just stopped by

 

looking for some FJ wheels in the NE. Thinking about stripping them down and powder coating them matte grey.

If anyone has some 16s laying around let me know!

 

you have a shop in brooklyn abunch?

 

I have a wood shop. Do I know you?

 

do you have any pics of inside? or more pics of this mod?

 

Got a Tepui Kukenam RTT from craigslist today. $750, but practically new!

 

I had the truck out this weekend, RTT, 5 people in the cab, coolers gear, etc and the deavers did not do so well. Lots of rubbing and a couple bottom outs on a trail in NJ.

I don't think I want to replace the springs, b/c they ride so well when I am not loaded up. I think I need to do some more trimming.

Also considering adding some timbrens or maybe a firestone air bag? any one have these? pros cons?

 

Way to much rubbing in the rear wheel wells this weekend.

Tonight after work I loaded 1400lbs of sand bags in my bed. I threw a ramp under one side of the truck and crawled up till I heard crunching. I narrowed the issue down to one small area on the rear fender flare towards the front of the truck. Easy cutting with a dremel.

I order timbrens for the rear tonight. Once they are in I will cut out the problem areas. I think I can throw them on this weekend with some pictures of the progress.

In the meantime here is a quickie from this weekend.

 

Timbrens are in. Driver side one was a pain in the butt..Timbren if you read this I will give you about 10 ways to improve you product design, both for this model and overall. The first one being DON'T SHORT ME ON HARDWARE WHEN YOU CHARGE $200 FOR SOME RUBBER AND METAL PLATES.

Anyway, did a couple flex test tonight in my shop. I loaded my bed with 1200lbs all at the tailgate and climbed some ramps. No rubbing at all. I did some precautionary trimming where things hung up before. I also flexed the front and still no rub issues.

 

Raining like crazy here, so I did a couple more flex test to make sure I have no more rubbing. Managed to pick up right rear wheel by a couple inches.

I am ready for some dirt!

 

new rear bumper

 

I'm ready for some new wheels but I cannot make up my mind.

I was set on the FJ anthracite ones, but the backspacing is too much for my setup (4.9) I would have to use wheel spacers, which will result in a hole mess of troubles with suspension travel.


I don't want to go the black on black route. Really want something in dark grey. Anyone have ideas?

 

thinking about some american racing teflon mojave wheels

 

Love the truck. Got the same one in silver. I am thinking of doing bilstein 5100
'S as well. What height do you have the front shocks set at?

 

b/c i run 883s to take the extra weight of my bumper and winch they are set to zero. you cannot really preload the heavier duty springs. when i had stock springs they were set to the 2.5" lift. They were good. If I could do it again I would get some used coilovers or go with new OME struts.