Box Rocket - 2003 TRD Doublecab

Interesting. I read through that whole thread just to make sure I could respond accurately. Unfortunately, even in that thread there is no definitive answer to whether the Safari rack and the one from RockAuto are identical even though they are both made by AAE. The rack I installed is in fact made by AAE and sold through Safari. The Packaging looks the same as does the rack (go back and look at the pics of the new rack I posted. The question remains are the ones Safari sells unique because of the brass bushings that replace the nylon ones inside the rack. If the Rock-Auto ones are using the same internals and brass bushings then they would be the same and the rack would be MUCH cheaper through Rock-Auto.

So like some people said in that thread, if you aren't doing heavy wheeling, the Rock-Auto AAE rack would be a nice little upgrade (assuming that one is still using the nylon bushings). If you are running bigger tires and doing a lot of offroading then the Safari one with the brass bushings would be a better upgrade. IF the Rock-Auto one turns out to have brass bushings, then you've just found a much cheaper source for the same steering rack. That's a good thing for everyone, and just a little kick in the beans for me if I paid more for the same thing. Doesn't bother me though because I feel confident I got the best option out there. When it comes time to replace it again though, I'd go to Rock-Auto if I can get the same one for cheaper.

 

it's worth mentioning before everyone goes out and buys a Rock-Auto steering rack, that you should make sure you're ordering the NEW rack from them. Rock-Auto also sells reman'd racks which are NOT the same quality. So even if the Safari and Rock-Auto AAE racks turn out to be the same, just be sure you're ordering the correct one.

 

This

 

very interesting topic. interested to hear what you find out.

 

I like the orange and the blue. Not sure I understand the sharpie thing though. Wouldn't it be better as a decal?

 

No idea. But Safari is the one who claims that the bushings used are brass. According the thread you link from T4R, someone pulled one apart to verify it was brass and said it was.

 

I've never bothered to pull one apart. I'd just get the AAE one and go for it. I don't mean this as a criticism at all, but from what I can tell from your build thread it doesn't appear that you're tackling terrain that is so difficult that it will make any difference.

 

If AAE is saying the racks are all the same, they're probably all the same and you've found a cheaper source for them. That's a good thing.

 

Hey no problem dude. I don't mind the discussion. Hope you don't take any of my comments as a jab at you. Just because you're not hardcore wheeling right now doesn't mean you won't be later. I respect that you're planning ahead. Better to overbuild than not.

can you order it directly from AAE? Maybe Rockauto can have it drop shipped? Order it through RockAuto and just have AAE send it straight to you rather than to RockAuto who will just turn around and ship it again. I doubt that AAE is out of stock on them.

 

Sub'd Your truck looks great man!!

 

I swapped in poly bushings into the driverside mount and used my poly D bushing

 

Sick sig picture!

 

Love this truck and this thread so much

 

Got to load up the trailer and the truck and head out for a night of camping with the family. I was a little worried about the kids camping in February in Utah, but the weather was not as cold as it usually is this time of year. It was still chilly last night but it wasn't bad. There was a killer full moon that made it feel like daytime all night. It was spectacular.

Here's some pics.

 

looks like an awesome trip! love the setup!

 

Looks sweet Adam, where's that located?

 

White Rocks

Yeah, 35's worked fine. Rubbed a little but didn't get in the way.

 

Did you ever throw the 35's on before the body lift? I'm wondering if they would clear for dd'ing and I'll come back and tub later

 

No I didn't.