Roxanne's build/ photo thread (PHASE 1)

I ordered a new "T lock" from Amazon today because the previous owner lost the keys to the topper. $15 gets you a new handle and two new keys.

I also wired up the 3rd brake light on the A.R.E. The wires were cut, so I had to splice into the rear brake light and run some wire up to the split ends. Looks awesome:


I also put on a coat of RainX and then threw on my new TW sticker. Thanks, TCBob!

 

Installed this beauty last night. That should help in minor fender benders from now on. Much more stout than the stock bumper and I feel more comfortable should anyone decide to cut my wife off again.



Organizing the hardware.




This was the most time consuming part, making sure all the bolts, nuts, washers and spring washers had a place on the receiver. Again, stay organized and take your time.

I had a furniture dolly on hand to help maneuver the bull bar around. Helpful if you don't have someone to help.

I also added the turn signals here. I think this was a ridiculous design by ARB, assuming I installed them correctly. I have yet to find a good turn-signal install guide, so I followed the pictures as best I could.


picture of the bumper set in place, but not bolted. It was tough to get it exactly right by myself.



Finished with the grill reattached. I still haven't wired the turn signals or HIDs, but it should be a quick weekend project.



Overall, it is riding maybe an inch lower. I'll adjust my Bilsteins to compensate when I buy an AAL for the rear.

 

Nice addition.

 

Got a sweet deal on a set of Eibach springs from Toyotec Scratch and Dent sale. For right around $200 I got new front springs and a read 1.5" AAL in the rear. The lift will be installed soon.

 

Been busy lately, so I haven't uploaded as much as I would have liked. I went to Iowa for Wadle5 's wedding where I got to drive his sweet T4r all weekend:



Mostly all it has been doing is sitting in the garage at work and at home.



I got some new Nitto's so I took those out to break them in. They aren't bad, but I wish I would have gotten a more aggressive tread. 255/65/17



My goal for this truck has always been a expo style camping rig. I have been using it to its potential lately with multiple day trips and a few over-nighters so far. Trying to get as much in before the baby comes.



Wife and I just got back from a trip and this is what it looks like when she comes. Lots of blankets, pillows and padding.



I would like to buy an awning at some point because the tarp is getting old. It works, but it isn't the most efficient way of protecting against sun and rain.





Very happy with the sleeping platform. There is plenty of room and it is actually more comfortable than it looks.



That is it for now. I'll be installing my new Eibechs next weekend and getting a little lift out of it.

 

These bad boys were just dropped off. Thanks to Toytec for the SnD sale!

 

Look at those cute little baby coils....haha

 

You have the same ones....


Anyways, got a lot of small things done this weekend that I have been trying to take care of for a while.

First on the list is changing motor oil over to Mobil 1 synthetic.





Next I wanted to change my diffs over to Mobil 1 synthetic, but I couldn't get the drain plug on the front diff to budge. I tried a cheater bar, hex socket, heat and hammering. Nothing.

I did however get the rear done. It was extremely dark and milky. I didn't think to grab a picture because my hands were a mess, but it was bad. I bought the truck used and who knows when or if it was changed. This was taken off the magnet. A few large flakes and some sludge.



I also decided to finally wire up the ARB running lights. It was really easy with quick splices.



A shot with all the lights on:




After that, just gave it a nice detail on the inside and wiped down all the windows with RainX

 

Had an awesome weekend working on Roxanne. I started by changing out the transfer case oil. No pics because it is pretty much the same as the front diff.

Sunday morning started at Harbor Freight. Spent less than $50 and ended up with a Torque wrench and a set of deep wall sockets. I have been meaning to get a torque wrench since I installed the ARB. I was nervous not torquing everything down to specs, but I fixed that this weekend along with all the oil plugs drains I had been working on.

The back of the truck is a little cluttered while we are in transition between places.



The Haynes manual is great for pretty much everything including various torque numbers. I went over everything; lugs, drain plugs, ARB bolts, engine bolts, everything.



I also took the opportunity to replace the old, worn out, gas struts on the camper shell. It would barely open the rear window and was a pain.



Two brand new struts from AutoZone and it works better than brand new.

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I also had been meaning to do the fog light anytime mod for a while because I installed the new HIDs, so I finally took care of that.



The fogs are wired into the stock harness and now work independent of the headlights.

All in all an awesome weekend of working on the truck.

 

Update?