Subway4X3 Shameless Copycat Build

Dang. I didn't think of the greasing up the 3rd Bushing. I'll do it when I get into the rear suspension in the future. With the exception of Loctite and re-torque all the bolts, I'm done hanging out underneath the truck for awhile .

I'll also loosen the nut/bolt of this 3rd bushing to a lower torque value.

Is there an available aftermarket poly bushing for this shackle/frame hangar that I could use to replace the rubber bushing? I haven't looked at it closely, so I'm guessing its a standard rubber bushing.

Thanks again!

 

Replace the shackle with a heavy duty version from 4x Innovations. Greasable.

 

You can replace the bushing with the same one you used in the leafs pack. The only problem is that the OEM bushing is a bitch to remove. It has internal metal sleeves that require cutting/burning/jackhammering and otherwise ape-like strength to get out. It can be done with the right set of tools as evident in @Crom 's thread here:
( https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-and-adventures.362772/page-181#post-14222069 ), but if that sounds like too much work, the HD 4X innovations shackle that @stairgod mentioned is your next best bet. Just a matter of what you have more of: time or money.

 

Hey @MY50cal - You still got your OEM rear shackle that you might be willing to part with? I'll try to rebuild it with poly bushings.

 

Sorry man, they were still attached to the Dakars when sold.

 

I have mine.

 

Can I have 'em?

Pretty please?

 

If you find an extra set, send them my way.

 

Waiting to see what it looks like with the overload leaf back, along with the

$81 D29XL Leaf Spring

D29XL you have already since this is the way I'm going to run my truck.

 

Finally starting to get where I want it to be: Budget Expo

Installed the ARB Fridge/Freezer, Trasharoo and Umbrella.


At Rausch Creek with the crew:

 

budget expo lol






how water tight is the best top?

 

My plan is to mount an ARB fridge where and how you mounted yours....how did you end up wiring it? Use the kits? Direct to battery?

Also, above you mentioned that you were going to put the overload leaf back in...did you do this yet? The second pic looks like the truck is a little low in the ass and that's why I'm wondering about the overload leaf. How much weight do you think is back there? (Swing out, gear, fridge, etc.)

 

This is my Coleman Stove. It's over 20 years old. Still works fine, but my girls say it looks gross.


I finally gave in and here's is the replacement.

I was jelly of @Sub-Zero 's portable grill, so I opted for the grill/griddle combo.


Here's the griddle attachment:


I already had a bulk tank adapter hose and two 5# LP tanks. Here's the setup, fully leak tested.



All folds up into a neat little compact package.

 

Best Top is not water tight at all. Especially at the four corners where it meets with the top of the bedside.

 

I went through with camper shell foam tape from Home Depot to help along the sides, and I had large adhesive blocks of foam from old projects that I "plugged" the front corners with at least. the rear corners never seamed to be an issue for me.

 

Also, I use a milk crate when carrying my full size propane tank when camping! makes it way more modular to store! (in case you didn't already know that)

 

hush now that's my softopper not my old bestop lol!

 

Finally installed my @Bentrodder Bedside Supports after a long battle with the rusted on bed bolts. I had to apply rust release/penetrant over several weeks and sheared off a couple of #40 Torx bits in the process. In the end, I won the battle.


The supports did pull the top of bedside inward by a total of about 1/2"



I like that the support brackets clear my DIY plywood bed base when I push it in:


Or slide it out...

 

ARB 50 Quart Fridge/Freezer is the way to go. Saves you from dealing with ice/melt/water over extended periods of time.

I initially located the fridge on the passenger side and used cam buckle straps attached to tie-down anchors bolted onto my plywood base.

I learned a few things from my initial install:
1. Passenger side was not ideal because I couldn't simply reach into the fridge to get a cold beverage. The rear tire was in the way.
2. I actually took the time to read the ARB instruction manual and it provided great instructions and detailed measurements on how to mount using M6 bolts into the underside of the fridge.

Previous install on passenger side with straps:


New install on driver's side with M6 bolted through 3/8" plywood and then the 3/8" plywood bolted through my DIY 3/4" Plywood Slide-out Base into 5/16" T-nuts.



Homemade thermal cover made from reflective insulated stuff I found in my attic.


Peek hole for fridge controls:


Cutouts on thermal cover for side and rear vents of the fridge.


Completed project on my home made "slide out"