Yak Runner - the 'ehnacement'

IMHO my truck does not qualify as a 'build', particularly when compared to so many on this site, so let's call it an enhancement. There are scores of people on this forum that deserve a big thanks for inspiration, ideas and how-to's, you all rock!



Yak Runner is a 2012 PreRunner Sport, with Bilstein 5100's in the front set to .85", Konig Countersteer X Bronze wheels sporting 265-65-17 Nitto Terra Graplers.



She has a split personality, sometimes sporting an Extang Trifecta tonneau for her role as a DD, and sometimes wears TracRac G2 bed racks with custom canvas pads for hauling the yaks. Both are super easy to install/remove, so she can change personalities in about 15 minutes.



She's debadged except for the hydro dipped grill emblem on a Grillcraft MX grill and custom tailgate emblems both done by Liquid Innovations (www.Liquid-Innovations.net)... these guys are great!




A pair of KC Slimlite driving lights are wired to an FJ offroad light switch (thanks Johnh7 for that tip) mounted behind the grill on a BAMF light bar.



I built a shelf for a Blue Sea circuit breaker and aux. fuse panel from Home Depot angle bar and scrap plexiglass that I had laying around.




A Smittybilt XCR8 winch is mounted on an UWMS hidden mount. I read several threads where members asked about mounting a winch on a PreRunner, but did not see any who followed thru with it. I often camp solo, so I wanted the capability to self recover if needed.

I really liked MadToy's 'twist' of adding shackle mounts to the UWMS mount, but then saw Trailotter's idea of having the shackle mounts welded to the winch mount. I believe UWMS is now offering this as an option.




I don't really recommend doing this install by yourself, not a one man job if you can avoid it. Once it is bolted in place, then it's just time consuming trimming the lower grill and valance for the mount and fairlead. I was probably overly cautious but didn't want to cut too much, so there were a lot of test fittings involved and the shackle mounts compounded that as they add two new openings in the valance. I definitely know how the bumper cover goes on and off now!



I snagged Barlowrs idea of mounting the solenoid in a Home Depot 4"x4"x4" plastic junction box, but I mounted mine passenger side of the engine compartment.

The stock winch wires did not reach to the new solenoid location so I picked up some Stinger 0 gauge wires from a local auto sound shop. Bigger than I wanted, but they did not have 2 or 4 gauge in stock. Better too big than too small I figure.



With the larger cables, the Homer box was really stuffed.


Toyota conveniently provided a hole in the sheet metal that was just perfect. I slit some vinyl tubing and sealed it in place with silicon to insure that the metal did not abrade the winch cables.




Also Barlowrs idea for mounting the winch remote socket under the dash.



Switches for the winch from OTRATTW went into the dash as well... I could not resist a bit of whimsy for the winch power switch.


A few enhancements not pictured include the ImMrYo Mirror Bracket, Redline hood struts (way cool) and a Brite Box headlight controller.



Bed lighting is coming soon, and additional power outlets in the cab as well.

Again, thanks to all of the innovative folks on this forum for your ideas and expertise!

 

NICE!

 

Very very clean!

 

The truck looks outstanding! +1 for liquid innovations!

Well thought out and executed ! I say sweet "build" for sure.

Thanks for sharing!

Az

 

One of the best looking....ahem....enhancements I have ever seen- great job!

 

Great looking truck! A bunch of innovative and clean mods!

 

2nd pic in the OP is really nice!

 

Nice truck. I have the same wheels.

 

great looking truck dude it was great meeting you and seeing the rig in person.

 

Nice truck man! I love the winch mount tucked behind the front bumper like that.... kinda stealthy!

That grill emblem intrigues me..... is that actual wood? OR a Vinyl overlay??? EIther way.... looks awesome man!

 

Thanks guys!

Greg, great meeting you as well. I was totally impressed that you conquered that mud pit... twice. Btw, the forest ranger called today, your campfire finally went out.

Fightman80, it's the stock chrome emblem from the original grille, hydro dipped by Liquid Innovations.

 

I see... what is Hydro dipped??

 

Explained here...
http://www.liquid-innovations.net/hydrographics.html

There are kits available to do it yourself, but they are more expensive than what it cost me to have it done, and I know I would have messed it up a couple of times, so for me it was a no-brainer to pay Liquid Innovations to do it right.

Here's a demo video:
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=wj6W7NQWPQo&desktop_uri=/watch?v=wj6W7NQWPQo

 

Your truck looks familiar

 

Yeah, it's just missing about a quarter inch of dust all over. That trip definitely remedied that 'new car smell'.

 

looks well done, cheers.

 

truck looks great, and those emblems are amazing.

 

I think I might want to recreate this "enhancement" with my truck.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Sharp looking '12!!!!