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Blanche & Her Augmentations - a SLOW build thread

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Builds (2016-2023)' started by tex.proud, Mar 22, 2019.

  1. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:15 PM
    #1
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    I am just now beginning to form this thread. Please be patient...

    My 2018 Superwhite SR5 4X4 DCSB

    As she is 01-25-20

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]



    Interior:
    DeAutoLED interior lights
    Vehicle OCD Glove Box organizer
    Rexing V1 Dash Cam with Rexing to GoPro adapter
    from TheTacoGarage

    Comms:
    Kenwood TM-D710G dual band HAM radio with Larsen NMO2/70B Antenna
    President Bill FCC CB with President Iowa antenna
    Switched from the Kenwood to Yaesu FTM-400XDR

    Exterior:
    Custom Matte Black hood decal from a local shop in Huntsville, TX
    Flag door decals and Black Reflective "TACOMA" decals for tailgate from TVDvinyl
    Taco Sauce decal from ToyoDecal on Etsy.
    Plasti-Dipd Badges
    TACOMA TSS ready grill from Empyre Offroad
    Shrockworks Sliders Installed Here.
    Prinsu roof rack
    Fab Fours steel rear bumper.
    ARB 6.5ft Awning

    Lights:
    CaliRaisedLED Fog Light LED Pod Replacment with 3X2 18W Amber Pods
    CaliRaisedLED Low Profile Ditch Light Brackets with 27W Side Projecting Pods
    BRIGHT 15 chip Reverse LEDs from deAutoLED
    Heretic 40" Combo single row light bar

    Recovery:
    HitchLink 2.0 from Factor 55
    BPF 2005-2019 HEAVY DUTY TACOMA RECOVERY TOW HOOK from Bullet Proof Fabricating
    MaxTrax MKII Black

    Bed - In or On:
    Decked Bed Drawers
    Softtopper
    Home-Brew Hi-Lift mount

    Suspension/Wheels:
    From @HeadStrong Off-Road
    BF Goodrich MUD TERRAIN T/A KM3 255/85/16
    Method MR701 16" wheels

    Intake/Exhaust:
    Full re-route and flomaster muffler.
    S&B Cold Air Intake
    Dobinsons Snorkel
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2020
    Dammit Evie, 113tac, prest14 and 6 others like this.
  2. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:15 PM
    #2
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    Reserved for "Interior"
     
    ChadsPride and MattCowsmasher like this.
  3. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:16 PM
    #3
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    "Comms"

    I don't have pics of the install, just the final results.

    Both radios have power ran directly to the battery. This is especially important with the CB radio. Running it to a cigarette lighter adds a huge amount of engine/transmission noise to your signal. Running to battery is the best choice to alleviate most of that noise. To eliminate almost all of it requires running braided ground straps all over the vehicle to the frame/ground. Each door to the cab, cab to frame on both sides, bed to frame both sides, fenders to firewall/cab, tail pipe to frame, etc...thus bonding the entire vehicle.

    I have the Kenwood TM-D710G dual band HAM radio unit under the passenger seat, with the mic coming up from it. The line to the head unit goes through the center console to where the head unit is mounted on a Lido seat mount. The antenna cable and external speaker wire run up the B column to the center of the roof/headliner respectively. Yes, I drilled a hole in the roof for a NMO mount antenna.

    The President Bill FCC CB power runs down the driver side A column, and the antenna cable down the passenger side B column, out through the grommet under the passenger seat, along the frame to the rear. I have a President Iowa antenna mounted above the passenger taillight using a CaliRaised LED Bed Accessory Mount.

    The Kenwood head unit and Samsung tablet running APRSDroid via a Mobilinkd TNC2. Mic on right side of center console.
    aprssetup.jpg

    The Larsen dual band antenna. Silicone and rubber seals keep the water out.
    hamtenna1.jpg

    The President Bill FCC CB and external speaker for Kenwood mounted on the headliner.
    cbandspeaker.jpg

    The full setup. The mic for the CB is connected to the dome light housing using a gearkeeper (retracting line). Reach up and pull it to you to talk, then let it snap back up out of the way.
    fullsetup.jpg

    You need to mount the antenna where it will not get a lot of reflection. That's your transmitted signal bouncing right back at it. Above the taillight works great for me. The aluminum from the Softtopper doesn't bother it.
    20190323_114930.jpg

    cbantenna1.jpg

    As with any radio setup, the antenna system is extremely important! It must be properly tuned. With my CB antenna mounted where it is I get a rather good SWR across the entire CB band. Anything below 1.5:1 is workable. The lower the better, of course.
    cbswr.jpg

    I keep the antenna analyzer in my truck. If you catch me at an event, I can help you check/tune your antenna system.

    I also carry 2 handheld FCC Type Certified GMRS radios from BTECH. Legal with GMRS License.
    https://baofengtech.com/gmrs-v1

    Switched from the Kenwood to the Yaesu FTM-400XDR, and have a Windows tablet running a Wires-X PDN Node via cell data.
    ftm400.jpg

    A little cluttered in the pic, but getting things ironed out.

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2019
  4. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:17 PM
    #4
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    Hi-Lift Mount:

    It seems nobody makes a Hi-Lift mount that works with the Decked bed drawers and a Softopper combination. Home-brewed a mount for $30. The square tube was $20 of it.

    Parts:
    Square tube - 2 x 4" pieces used to support the weight, and keep bolts perpendicular to the rail.
    2 x Galvenized bolts 3/8 by 4"
    8 x Galvenized nuts
    5 x Galvenized washers

    hl1.jpg

    Square tube used to keep the bolts horizontal, and support the weight of the Hi-Lift.

    hl3.jpg

    hl4.jpg

    Works well. So far no bouncing around. Sturdy as I need it to be, and holds it out of the way. Above the Decked, and out far enough for the Softtopper bars.

    hl2.jpg

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
    ChadsPride and MattCowsmasher like this.
  5. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:17 PM
    #5
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    "Lights"

    Fitting my budget, I went with CaliRaised LED lights. Glad I did! After using the Fog Lights around town in the morning, and the Ditch Lights on the trail during my first ever wheeling at Hidden Falls (at night BTW), they are more than capable for my needs.

    A few pics:

    Daytime shot
    l1.jpg

    The Ditch Lights
    l2.jpg

    Amber Fog Light
    l3.jpg

    Rather than have the switch lit 24/7 by wiring it to the battery, I used an add-a-fuse in the "Sunroof" slot under the dash. I don't have a Sunroof. This way it's only lit, and operates while the truck is running. Just my preference. Those are my TTC cards for handing out in the cubby.
    l4.jpg

    A Nighttime shot
    l5.jpg

    A POV shot of how bright it is behind my truck with the deAutoLED reverse lights.
    rev.jpg

    A series of bad night shots:

    Headlights Only
    ho.jpg

    Fog lights only
    fo.jpg

    Headlights and Fog lights
    hf.jpg

    Ditch lights only
    do.jpg

    Headlights, Fog lights, and Ditch lights
    hfd.jpg

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2019
  6. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:17 PM
    #6
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    "Recovery"

    I have the absolute bare minimum necessary for wheeling with a group. I am in no way set up to wheel alone. Very basic recovery points front and rear. Somewhere that someone else can attach to pull be out of a jam.

    On the front I have the Bullet Proof Fabricating HEAVY DUTY TACOMA RECOVERY TOW HOOK.
    bpf.jpg

    First you have to remove the Tie-Down point on the front passenger side by removing 2 bolts holding it on, along with a 3rd bolt next to it.
    rec1.jpg

    Then hold the Tow Hook in place and re-insert/tighten all 3 OEM bolts. It's that simple.
    front1.jpg

    front2.jpg

    front3.jpg

    This was used to get me out of a muddy incline on my first wheeling trip at Hidden Falls. It proved to work as advertised.


    On the rear I went with the Factor55 HitchLink 2.0 and Shackle. Even easier to install than the front tow hook.
    f55.jpg

    Yeah, my chain hitch point is bent a little from Hidden Falls. Need a proper rear bumper.
    rear1.jpg

    rear2.jpg

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2019
  7. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:17 PM
    #7
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    "Bed - In or On"

    The first thing I did with the bed was the Decked Bed Drawer system. I don't have pics of the install because the place I ordered it from put it in for me while I was at work. But I do have a couple pics just after install, and after a bit of use.

    d1.jpg

    d2.jpg

    decked1.jpg

    Notice the Softtopper above? Yep! That took me a whole 30min to install, only because of...well...
    st3.jpg

    With only a socket set the Softtopper goes on easy! Once you read the labels, and pull out your knife to open the package.
    sharpobjects.jpg

    st1.jpg

    st2.jpg

    20190323_114658.jpg

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2019
  8. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #8
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    "Suspension"

    The first thing I did was put on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s size 265/75/16 the largest size tire you can fit on stock suspension and wheels. Some people love them, some people hate them...I love them. They are GREAT for Texas rocks, red dirt, mud, and clay.

    Front to the left
    ko2stock.jpg

    The tread pattern works very well in Texas terrain.
    ko2.jpg

    The side walls are aggressive enough, and tough enough that when aired down, they work wonders.
    ko2sw.jpg

    On stock suspension and wheels they clear the cab mount (to the left) without issue, on or off road driving.
    ko2cm.jpg


    Now, with the Decked Bed Drawers listed at 200lbs. and about 100lbs of gear in them my stock suspension is suffering. I'm not sure how well these pics will show it, but...not good. They are flat! If I sit on the tailgate, I get the "Bro-Lean".
    leaf1.jpg

    leaf2.jpg

    I have ordered an OME lift kit to remedy this, and provide lift.
    ordered.jpg

    So far the HD leaf springs have arrived! These things are BEAUTIFUL!
    omeleaf.jpg

    Within a few days the rest should arrive! Then wait for my scheduled appointment with @Texoma .

    It finally happened! Thanks to @Texoma

    Started with the CMC so the steel had time to cool down before painting.

    cmc1.jpg

    cmc2.jpg

    cmcdone.jpg

    Then to the front suspension...

    Out with the old...

    oldsprings.jpg

    And in with the new!

    omefront1.jpg
    omefront2.jpg

    Then to the rear!

    Old...
    rear1.jpg

    New!
    rear2.jpg

    After the test drive the flex had to be tested...

    flex1.jpg
    flex2.jpg
    flex3.jpg
    flex.jpg
    flex5.jpg
    flex6.jpg
    flex7.jpg

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2019
  9. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #9
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    Intake/Exhaust:

    Finally got a complete re-route with 2 in 1 out Flowmaster muffler...all above the bottom of the frame. Now I can add skid plates without that odd bump over the exhaust. And, of course, get better performance with a cold air intake.

    S&B Cold Air Intake added below exhaust.

    Before:

    before1.jpg

    before2.jpg

    During:

    during1.jpg

    After:

    done.jpg

    S&B Cold Air Intake:

    sb1.jpg

    sb2.jpg

    10-13-19 Added the Dobinsons Snorkel! I had the drill bit pressed against the fender, grit my teeth, put the drill down and chugged a beer! Then got to it!

    sn2.jpg

    sn3.jpg

    sn4.jpg

    sn5.jpg

    sn1.jpg

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2019
    MattCowsmasher and ChadsPride like this.
  10. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #10
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
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    #267935
    Messages:
    1,446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    Sliders:

    Shrockworks Sliders installed! It was a serious PITA! 3rd Gen frames do not like to be drilled!

    s1.jpg

    s2.jpg

    s3.jpg

    s4.jpg

    s5.jpg

    Carry On!
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2019
    ChadsPride and MattCowsmasher like this.
  11. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #11
    tex.proud

    tex.proud [OP] Jesus Christ It's Midnight!

    Joined:
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    #267935
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    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Huntsville, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 4X4
    3" OME lift with SPC UCA's HD Dakars Shrockworks Sliders KO2's 165/75/16 Decked bed system CaliRaisedLED mount for Everhardt CB Antenna President Bill FCC CB Yaesu FTM-400 HAM radio and Larsen antenna through roof. TVD Vinyl Decals for the tailgate (Black Reflective) and U.S. Flag decals SofTopper (Black) Empyre Offroad Grill Blacked out badges (PlastiDip)
    Yet another reserved
     
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  12. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:19 PM
    #12
    Bigdaddy4760

    Bigdaddy4760 Well traveled Older Than Dirt

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    Poolville Texas
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  13. Mar 24, 2019 at 8:58 AM
    #13
    RobP62

    RobP62 NVR20LD

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    Street, Md.
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    Nice! Great setup. I like it!
     
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  14. Mar 24, 2019 at 9:07 AM
    #14
    MattCowsmasher

    MattCowsmasher ( -_・)ᡕᠵ᠊ᡃ່࡚ࠢ࠘⸝່ࠡࠣ᠊߯᠆ࠣ࠘ᡁࠣ࠘᠊᠊ࠢ࠘

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    Temple, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2015 sporty dcsb 4wd
    Lifted, armored, lumenz w/ switches, positraked, long legged, big tars, debadged with a hood skewp
    Love it an subbed
     
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  15. Mar 24, 2019 at 9:40 AM
    #15
    Beretta4x4

    Beretta4x4 What makes the green grass grow? TTC#0114

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    Fantastic! :thumbsup:
     
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  16. Mar 24, 2019 at 7:34 PM
    #16
    ChadsPride

    ChadsPride Tacoma Owner & Enthusiast

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    Sponsored by TacomaWorld.com
    Subscribing to this like a mo!!! :headbang:
     
  17. Mar 25, 2019 at 8:00 AM
    #17
    prest14

    prest14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Temple, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 4x4
    Bilstein 6112/5160, TC UCA, Dakar Medium
    I remember following that broken bumper through hidden falls... can't wait to see what you do with it!
     
  18. Mar 25, 2019 at 12:25 PM
    #18
    CaliRaisedLed

    CaliRaisedLed Well-Known Member

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    Texas (DFW)
    Thanks for choosing us! Truck Looks great.
     
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  19. Mar 26, 2019 at 9:44 PM
    #19
    deAutoLED.com

    deAutoLED.com Well-Known Member Vendor

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    182
    Thanks for adding us to your build. Looks great! Those reverse LEDs will get attention every time you use them. :)
     
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  20. Apr 13, 2019 at 3:06 PM
    #20
    Beretta4x4

    Beretta4x4 What makes the green grass grow? TTC#0114

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