--=Ξ Minigrowl's Build and Adventures Ξ=--

Welcome ladies and gentleman to minigrowl's build and adventure thread. The purpose is for me to keep track of the upgrades and maintenance on the truck and a pic/story dump of all the adventures we go on, and of course to entertain you all. Any and all comments welcome, but please keep it clean and friendly.​

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Day of purchase:


Now (10/1/2016) total cost




bold black = clickable



Adventures:
1st time off road (Badlands ORP) photo dump
2nd time off road (Badlands ORP) photo dump
Self sufficient survival (long story)
Lark Ranch 2016
Bean Blossom Bridge photo shoot
Covered Bridge Festival
Black Mountain KY, Oct. 2016
California Christmas 2016
Rubicon Trail 2018/19?



Exterior upgrades:
rubbers n' rims
bouncy lifty thingiez
stripey stickerz
bedside stickerz
window stickerz
cable pulling device
rusted n' cracked spine


Interior upgrades:
touchy phone holder
talky radio
550 cord stuffs


Self upgrades:
love and marriage
doggy
The Warehouse
Finding Jesus


wishlist:
relentless fab front and rear bumper
bed rack
Roof top tent
front locking axle

 

With all that extra weight you'll be carrying such as the bumpers, I'd recommend getting a 16 inch rim so you have the possibility to do the tundra brakes upgrade if needed. I found that with all the added weight to my truck makes the brakes not work as effectively.

Nice truck! Interested to see where it will go! I had that same lift also.

 

first experience off road photo dump:

 

Truck looks great and I have no doubt its just gonna get better. My only suggestion is get a higher lift if you want 33" tires. I would advise just going smaller, but if you really want 33" you'll probably need to be higher

 

I'm set on 33's and from what I've read here with that lift they will fit with a little tlc in the fender wells i.e. pinch weld and maybe a little cutting for full flex without rubbing. I sure wouldn't mind going up another 1/2" or 1" can I just add a top plate for that? My budget is set for the price of the OME full kit and not much wiggle room but if you know of a reputable lift that will give me 3"+ all around for the same price I'm definitely open to suggestion. Wheel spacers or backspace will help as well.

 

wheel spacers I wouldn't suggest but if you are looking for that extra inch there are always ways to add a little with things like a body lift shackles or other miscellaneous things. it all comes down to how soft you want the ride, how big your budget is, and what you want to do with the truck

 

I made another trip to the Bandlands ORP last weekend with a large diverse group including @Bluegrass Taco from here. We had a good time and I gained a lot more off road experience. The passenger is my dad who really helped spot me in tough spots. dump:

 

From the credit where credit is due dept; That rock climb.....I was ready to bet that couldn't be done. No one there was more impressed. Quite an accomplishment! Before I try too much of that sort of thing, I gotta get sliders on my truck. I hope you're in on the run we're planning for Interlake! Also planning a trip to Black Mountain (Harlan Ky) in late October (21/22/23) That is the single most impressive trail system I've ever been on. If you can make that one, you're sure invited.....

 

Where you gonna put the winch? Just curious

 

Wow thanks for the compliment Bill, although credit should go to my dad for the spotting. I just had my feet on the pedals. There's a good chance I'll go to Interlake and probably a better chance for Black Mountain, I'll keep myself updated with your plans.

I'm basically stealing the idea from this guy:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mounting-a-winch-not-wench.100670/
don't know if I will be installing the front hitch or just a mounting plate yet though, I haven't decided.

 

That was your dad!?!?!? That's even better! You two looked like best friends. Good to see father and son time like that! I never got to take my dad 4 wheeling. The two of you will remember that forever!

 

Man that's a nice setup....hopefully it won't cause issues later when you go to a plate bumper (as in removing it) but will be a sick setup none the less.

*EDIT* next purchase should be some sliders though....save that nice looking taco

 

sliders are in the works, I have a buddy that is going to fab me some square tube bolt-ons after he finishes his. $300 installed

 

Just came in:

before:

after:

I really like the look and thank you to @Discount Tire Direct for all the advice and amazing customer service. They shipped out the day I ordered and arrived 2 days later, Ohio to Indiana and was a great deal. The UPS guy even covered them up on my porch since I was not home for delivery and I live on a busy street and didn't want them easily seen and taken. Next up OME lift should be ordered next week.

 

I apologize for the late update, if you didn't see my other thread... I found myself in a pickle with my frame. Rust crack all the way down the inside passenger and cracks above both front leaf spring mounts


the thread asking for help: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/massive-frame-rust-crack-i-need-your-help.446948/

the insides are in rough shape on both sides but the outside, top and bottom are still pretty solid. I was pretty upset initially because I bought it from a dealer 2 months ago and now it is not safe to drive (I stopped driving it the day I found this). After much advice and some legal research I decided to get this resolved with the dealer without legal action. He has been very helpful and sincere. I don't think this crack was there when I bought it and I don't think he knew about the extend of the rust. I'm taking the truck to him today for his body repair guy to give an estimate for repair and the dealer is going to split the cost. His estimate was around $400 total but we'll see what the repair guy says. winch, lift, and wheels are put on hold until this is fixed.

 

The truck frame is being repaired and hopefully I'll be able to pick it up tomorrow or Friday. Lift kit is ordered and wheels are on hand, I'm ready for some upgrades.

 

subbed! can't wait

 

subbed
those tires look huge compared to stock, I never realized how much bigger 285s were lol

 

The body shop guy was kind enough to send me some pictures.

 

I just removed my sway bar today (rusted mounts/frame) and it is so much better off road, and I like the way it handles on road with bumps and such. I'm sure high speed corners will produce under steer, but for the driving it looks like you do I highly recommend removing your sway bar. My $0.02