Kneeboarder's Slow-going-because-we-are-on-baby-step-6 build

Yeah that's the one I have

 

Sweet. That cliff was a pleasant surprise the first time we came up on it. Wasn't expecting the trail to open out like that. And thanks for the compliment.

 

Sub!

 

Well, I'm long over due for an update.

First I added a CB Radio and Antenna to the rig (which reminds me, I need to update the OP).

Went with a Midland 1001lwx because I wanted to have the weatherband. Got a 4ft Fire stick, tailgate mount, and spring.

I installed a 400W inverter in the ashtray location back in February. not wanting to move the inverter, I looked on TW for ideas for where to mount the radio. I've got a brake controller on the right handside below the steering wheel, and I didn't like the left hand side. Then I found this spot:



The included mounting bracket and screws were the perfect size for the location, and angling the radio back slightly meant no loss of leg room. As a bonus, build in speaker faces out and is loud enough I don't need an external speaker.

For the antenna mount:



I Used firestik's mount:

$24 FireStik SS-204A Adjustable Stainless Steel Vertical Door jamb Mount

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X3EQ3G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

with a spring. You can probably see in the picture where I drilled two holes closer to the tailgate. - Was trying to use all 4 mounting holes, but was too close to the tail light. I routed the coax cable thru behind the tail llight, along the frame, and thru the grommet in the cab. I picked the right hand side because the left hand side wouldn't under the slode of our carport.

I added the bed tie downs earlier this summer. Been used mainly to strap my winch cradle down.

 

My dad and I went on another trail run with local TW'ers @frizbal @Sje1124 @rutacoma @MatthewMay1 @BeaverTaco over in Arkansas's White Rock Recreational Area. I was quite surprised I did as well as I did. Figured I'd have to get towed or winched somewhere along the trail given the report of @rutacoma who had discovered the trail earlier this summer. But, thru a combination of good spotters helping pick lines, some rock stacking, good communication when I got hung up on a few ledges, and an E-locked rear, I made through! @MatthewMay1 joined us from Fayetteville and it great to have another 1st gen on the run. I got to see a TG front bumper in person finally, and I also got to see how much 2 more inches and better suspension will help getting thru the obstacles. He has the exact same tire as I do and had an easier time getting thru than I did. Getting rid of my low hanging front receiver will help too.

Breakfast burritos that morning:


Stopped along the way at a small lake we found along the way to the trail



The road




On the trail:


































It was a great trip to do with my dad! The local TW'ers here are great guy's to go on runs with.
My wife and I are expecting our second next month so life is about get really busy! Not sure when the next camping trip trail run will be for me, be I'm looking forward to it! Until the next adventure!

 

You're making me want to go out again!

 

I want to go out as well!

 

Our recent adventure scraped my sliders. Plus I missed several places on the drivers side and rust was showing. I got excited when I first painted my sliders and didn't put a coat of primer on first on the drivers side (don't do that). So I sanded that side down and put a coat of primer. Then a couple coats of Bedliner. Passenger side just need one coat.





Then I came out of Walmart to see this pretty scene -

 

Also, my wife's parents gave me this for my birthday

 

Used my Taco to tow some logs around the yard. My dad had me drive slow for a stretch and give him and my son a ride.

 

Is this thing on 35"s yet?

 

Hahaha! Nope - It sits quite a bit now since I got my wife a van (full size E-150 - w/ factory posi) - But its looking like I'm going to be getting it ready to be sold. got a couple issues to take care of (CEL - the dreaded P420 code & airbag light - not sure what the problem is there) I don't want to sell it. Trying to figure it out. Meanwhile, I've been on ExPo in the camper van section, studying 4WD conversions on full-sized vans, and very likely will got that route - (my wife likes the easy access to all the bench seats for loading kids in car seats, and being able to move around in the van easily when we go on road trips - Plus the cargo space inside is amazing!) - but it won't be able to do tight trails, especially if I like my van's paint. The reality is the Taco isn't going to able to take all of a growing family (I liked what Boxrocket did with the bench in the bed) and now that we have a Van, a Cruiser, or any SUV, isn't very appealing to my wife for day to day kid hauling, and it was great on our road trip to Alabama and the Smokies, and then another road trip to Provo UT (no Moab - I was bummed). Decisions, Decisions!

 

Keep the truck! Keep the truck!

 

I know - Its just hard to justify it when it's worth more than both our van and Subaru combined.

 

Which is exactly why you should keep it!

 

Well, my chapter on this Tacoma has closed, and it has moved on to be enjoyed by someone else. It mostly sat for me, it's neck on the chopping block as the bulk of our Emergency Fund which we have been hard on for things that weren't really emergencies. I didn't want to upgrade something that I knew was likely going to be sold, nor did I want to risk breaking it. So it sat, getting occasional use as a utility truck / Boy Scout hauler - though they preferred our 8 pass ford E150.
I had hoped to replace it with a 80 or 100 series, but my wife wanted a full size van (we both grew up with ford vans) - then I discovered the 4wd van section on ExPo!

On another note - my dad has been busy building his 86 4Runner into a great trail rig / DD. So I'll still be be able to play in the tight stuff.

So long, great taco - you will be missed.