Tribull's '03 Double Cab 4x4 Build

Thanks man. I can definitely tell I've got some extra weight on the nose. I may have to look into some adjustable coilovers next.

 

I had a super fun Friday night. Spent it by myself, in my garage, with the radio on, working on my truck. I got my Redline hood struts mounted, and am very happy with the finished product. My truck feels so refined now! Then I started wiring my engine bay LED's, decided I'd finish it in the morning when I could see better (how ironic), and decided to mount my Relentless bed bar/Hi-Lift jack instead.

Here's what I used for the lights: two 8" LED underwater lights (Boatersports brand), some zip ties and wire wrap, and a simple on/off switch.



Switch mount right behind the fuse box in the engine bay:



Finished product (I'll try to get some night pictures tonight):



And here is the Redline hood strut kit all finished up:





And last, but not least, the beautiful Relentless bed bar/Hi_lift mount:

 

I like how you used an actual on/off switch for the hood lights. I might do that as well.

 

I mostly did it because we sell that switch at my work and I got it for ¢62. I did consider using a hood switch pin, but I just didn't want it coming on every time I pop the hood. And that switch is still really easy to find in the dark.

But it's a ridiculously easy install, and well worth it IMO.

 

Here are a few pics from myself, Mark (otis24), and Vinnie's (Red Demon) trip to the Hot Springs ORV Park. We stayed on 1's and 2's, and some of the 2's got a bit challenging at various points. I'm hoping next time I go out to tackle some 3's and see how I fare.

 

Liking those engine bay lights, probably gonna steal that idea. Especially the switch because who needs the lights on all the time?

Looking good tho!

 

Nice truck man! I like the grille, were did you get the mesh to do that and how did you attach it I've been wanting to do mine like that!

 

Thanks man! It is super easy to do! Only takes about 30 minutes and it is completely worth it.

I ordered the M3 mesh from HomerTaco. I took a saw and a Dremel and cut it down to a flush mount. Then when I bent the mesh I just made sure I had enough left over to screw it to the supports on the inside of the grill surround. It's a pretty easy job, just take your time and make sure you cut straight!

 

Thanks man I may give it a shot some day and try and fine a fj 40 Toyota emblem and put on it!

 

Sunday morning went pretty well! I decided to get up early before church and switch out my old rear brake line for my new Wheeler's Stainless Steel extended line, and it went on very easily with no problems whatsoever (which never happens to me). So I decided that it was a perfect time to install my new 1"-2" ToyTec adjustable shackles. I decided on 1.5". It also went perfectly, with no problems, even when I decided I'd better cut off my exhaust tip so it wouldn't hit when I'm flexed. So then I decided I'd better go ahead and install my Wheeler's (RevTek) BPV arm relocation bracket. And it went perfectly. So everything rides great, and my brakes feel better, too!

Here's how it sits now, and I love the rake!

 

Had another busy night last night. Ever since I put on the ARB/winch combo, my tires have been rubbing the frame due to sag. So I ordered a Wheeler's 3/8" top plate spacer kit, and some 1.5" wheel spacers. Everything went pretty smoothly.

First I put on the spacers:

Before:


During:


After:


Then I disassembled my coils/struts so I could tap out the old studs and put the longer studs in the top plate.



Then reassembled everything with the spacer between the top plate and the spring mount.



Here is the height before and after. I realize it will settle down another inch or so.





Then I took it out for a test drive and discover that although it is not rubbing the frame anymore, now it's rubbing my pinch welds and a little on the bumper. So now I've got to decide if I want to do some cutting/welding/beating with a hammer, or try switch to some thinner wheel spacers.

Oh and I did some urban flexing before work this morning.

 

Can u post a pic of your CV angles with your current set up?

 

Looks awesome!

 

I'll see if I can get one tonight before the sun goes down.

Thanks man!

 

Did u do the diff drop? My truck is identical to yours and I wanna do that lift I'm just worried about the cvs

 

Dang I forget to get those pics! I haven't done a diff drop yet, haven't needed to. My Cav angles are obviously more extreme than the factory suspension setup, but not so much that it damages anything. I haven't had any issues with it at all.

 

Sorry for the delay, here it is sitting level in my garage.

Driver side:



Passenger side:

 

Looks good man totally answered my question! Thanks

 

looking good

 

No problemo!

Thanks man!