Zach's 2013 DCSB Build

i love that trail, how was that rock garden at the first section? i went last year around this time and it had been really dug out.

 

It didn't seem too bad. Enough to merit a spotter though. I spotted while my wife drove through.

 

New 4.56 gears went into the truck as well. It made rolling up and down forest lake trail very controlled and easy.

 

very nice dude, yeah thats one of my top 5 trails for sure, its not to difficult but very scenic, though, it can get very crowded and congested on a busy weekend..

 

We went sunday afternoon and it was perfect. Couple of dirt bikes on the way up. Nobody when we were at the lake. Then ran into 3-4 yotas on the way down but that was it.

 

Fall colors are in full effect in Utah. Took the family out for a saturday outing and loved every minute of it.

 

How are the 1/4" aluminum skids holding up? Have you put them to use much?

 

What length are your rack tracks installed on the shell? I went to Rack N Road on Saturday to get some installed and the Prinsu rack ordered so we could finally get the tent on the roof! But they wanted $200 for installation and figured I'd do it myself. They said definitely go with 54" rails but I measured the shell and the shell itself is basically that length. Need a suggestion on what length to go with...

 

They have held up pretty well. I wouldn't say I put them through as much as some people but they definitely have some gashes in them. This weekend we went up some side trails off the main one that had a couple of hairy spots. I realized that although the 1/4" skids are strong enough for the abuse, I need more coverage. My exhaust has some new battle scars where the y pipe connects to the main exhaust and the transmission crossmember got beat up a little (I currently don't have a t-case skid).

So I am in the process of redesigning my skids. I am doing the prototypes in steel but eventually I would like to move back to the aluminum.

 

On a 5' bed my tracks are 44". The 6' bed usually has 54" tracks but I have installed a couple of 60" tracks on those. the 60" takes about all the space there is.

 

Truck looks great Zach! I like your outing pics. Looks like an amazing beautiful place.

 

It is. I have a couple more scenic ones of the family I will post up later. Haven't pulled everything off the camera. The area and trail resembles the pictures you would see from the trails at FJ Summit. Just on a smaller scale. Very scenic area.

 

Cool. I'm glad to hear you're continuing to improve them! Do you have any plans to bring skids to the market, or any plans to make some for FJ Cruisers? I have 1/4" steel under my Taco but it's heeaavy and a little overkill for what we do. I'd like to go with something lighter for the girlfriends FJ.

 

I had skids on the market at one point. Discontinued them because there were some fitment issues I needed to resolve and didnt have the time. Working on a new set now I might sell. I also have a 4runner now to mock up products on so I may release some for those. FJs it just depends. I have some local friends with FJs but its difficult to coordinate schedules so those will likely take longer.

 

Nice, thanks. I have the short bed so will need that shorter rail. About how far apart are they from each other? Do you have them line up with the rails/gutters from the cab?

Where was this?

 

Install them anywhere from 35" to 40" on center.

Those were taken up Mary Ellen Gulch in AF Canyon.

 

Great, thanks! I'll have to venture over to American Fork Canyon once my suspension gets in next week.

 

Good pictures sir. I need to start following this build a lot more to see what other innovative things you have working.

 

If you need another Tacoma to test fit on I work by the prison, I'm close. Excited to see what you come up with, would love to purchase some Prinsu skids.

 

Got the truck vinyl wrapped. Really happy with how it came out. Now I just need to get the racks back on some the advertising makes sense...