JohnboyTRD - 2003 Double Cab TRD

Installed one aal tonight, and it was simple. Two things I learned...

1 is that you really need to take out the whole pack. Trying to work that d6xl aal into the pack while on the truck was a waste of time.

2, taking the leaves on and off is cake when you properly secure the axle.

 

Couldn't wait til tomorrow for better pics... Here is the truck with d6xl aal. So much better ride and I finally feel like I can support weight when needed

 

Better pic in the daylight - a lot of rake, but i suspect it will settle down a bit in the next few weeks. Really wish i could have run my shackles at 1", but they won't fit without cutting. I might cut the 2" setting out if it is still super duper high in a few months.

So much more planted on turns!

 

This trail gear bumper lines up like shit. So irritated. Bent the piss out of the side nuts trying to even get the freakin bumper cross section on. Probably knocked off a shit load of paint too, so this fucker is gonna rust. Not a happy customer.

 

Ok so I got all but one bolt in... Something stripped, think it is the bolt...

Ghetto rigged blinkers and license plate:

Will definitely be letting trail gear know about the bad fitment issues

 

Recent pic with BAMF sliders jerry welded them up this week. Great guy to do business with.

I painted them on the truck, kind of a pain. Not recommended. Btw skid is off for better paint, that duplicolor stuff was crap.

 

True story, I think my truck is no longer car wash friendly, at least at my 2 regular spots... Oh dear.

 

Finally took the mtb out with the wifey. It was fun but I need to get in better shape for those climbs...

Added the tailgate pad - planning to sell campershell in favor of a softopper. Just trying to work out secure storage for the bed.

 

Semi exciting changes soon to come... Camper shell is being sold tonight :-D

 

Softoppet FTW. Really like the look and function! The install instructions for it blow, makes the install much more complicated than need be.

 

Yikes! The needle bearing is definitely a good way to narrow down the list of possible issues, and not too bad of a job. I personally haven't looked at the cv that closely, but it is actually out right now (torn boot, used as spare). will check that and let you know. Honestly I doubt it will show wear as the lift was only on for a month before I addressed the issue

Let me know if you have any questions about the job.. Sounds like you found the thread. So that should cover most of it.

 

Been following your build. Good looking truck, thought I was subd but guess not so...

Subd!

 

Love the softopper!!! Trucks lookin good!

 

Ok so puting this down partially for the record (aka I won't forget) and feedback.

First, I want to have a bed rack for purposes of mounting various gear, camping, bike, recovery, snow equip, rtt (some day). I also want it to work with my softopper, but not on the outside. Ideally this would be a relatively low rack and mounted inside the softopper, and allow full functionality of retracting function.

Need to sketch it out but thinking a full length of thicker (what size??) angle steel down the bed sides and thinner section along the cab side rail (might be overkill).

The challenge here I think, is to make sure the rack supports inside are supported. I have 0 experience welding so forgive me if this sounds ignorant... I was thinking of welding a sturdy piece of steel, only a few inches squared to the bed rail steel sides, and gusseting this piece for strength. I would use square tubing for the bars.

Edit: also can support weight from the bottom of the bed itself.

 

Reserved for further rack rambling.

 

Shot with 1.25" BORA adapter/spacers.... Not the best pic but you get the idea. Will try and snap some with better lighting.

 

The truck looks good...

 

Thanks man headed out to Lagrange ohv on the 18th with TW'ers but thinking of going out the following weekend for hollister trip... Keep it on your radar. Once it's a for sure I'll post up on the NorCal forum.

 

Ill try to make it to la grange. Im going camping memorial day weekend with some college friends so I wont make hollister.

 

Oh dang, I didn't think of that... I bet it is a zoo at hollister hills on mem day... Might stay away from that myself haha. Pretty sure I'm running the Niagra rim trail in July, and for sure slick rock in June. Def want to get a lot more seat time in before slick rock, esp after watching YouTube vids haha.