MadTaco Build

Did some more camping and exploring in New Mexico.

 

And back to turning wrenches.



I replaced my lower control arms; the bushings were shot. I also purchased a new tire wheel package, so I needed to add 1/2" spacers. That meant I needed to replace the factory wheel lugs as well.

Still waiting on my new shocks and ARP studs to show up. Once they come in, I will install the new ADS shocks and the new Total Chaos lower ball joints and hiem steering. After that, a good alignment and I hope the front end is more better.

Yes, I know, I need to clean my truck. But water doesn't come out of the hose when the temps are in the single digits.

 

Are those BTF or TC lower arms?

 

They are BTF control arms

 

This is what is going on my truck.



I am waiting on my ADS shocks.

 

Look what showed up today!!!

 

Those are nice looking lowers. It seems like that will be a pretty bullet proof stock width setup.

 

I made some progress on my truck.

I installed my BTF lower control arms, ADS shocks, Total Chaos lower ball joints and heim steering.

Still waiting on the correct lower shock bolt. Then I will mount my limiting straps and get an alignment.

 

Added a wind deflector to my camper, I had this laying around and decided to use it.


Also noticed that my bed and cab were moving differently. Crawled under my bed and found one bolt missing, and another one loose. Tried to tighten it, and the captured nut broke off the channel plate.
So out came my house battery, and drilled a hole through the bed. I had to torch off the old bolt and installed a new one. This was not a fun project.

 

I took a trip last month to Utah, had a blast on the White Rim Trail.

 

A new project has found its way into my yard...

 

Is that things sitting on a 6" drop bracket lift?

 

It is, never seen one like it though. It has bracing arms from the lower brackets to the frame.

But that wasn't why I purchased this truck. It's my son's project, and it is a project.

 

Interesting, are you thinking of throwing a solid axle under it or return it more to a stock configuration?

 

Definitely not a solid axle swap. Not sure what we're going to do with it as far as the lift kit, though.

 

And another project has joined the stable...



1985 SR5 Xtra Cab

 

The truck looks great, love the new camper, mighty sweet, looking pretty cozy. I didn’t know they made those to fit a 1st gen.


That panel looks great, wish I had that much space to play with. I have something along those lines in progress for all 3 rigs, luckily I have a lot of solar components and such to draw from.

One thing that may be handy to you( and you probably already know about) Milwaukee makes a 12v- cig lighter powered 12/18v combo charger, but it might eat up a fuse terminal ( my fuse panels are all usually full). But if you can connect it direct, it will save some power.

 

Hey Phessor loving the rig as usual, way envious. A couple quick questions:
1) what is the brand of that sweet little table that you set diesel heater on?
2) did you mount you battery isolator switch under the hood next to the battery? I’m looking for some bracket ideas.

Travel safe, Colorado is some sweet country to explore, we used to go checking out ghost towns up in the range when I was 8, had a blast .

 

Funny thing, Schafer trail is the first place I took my Tacoma after I bought back 2010.

Also drove my 01 Ram 2500 up that road on my way back up to Ak in 08 when I bought down in Arlington. Fun drive, put it in 4 hi and idled all the way up the road in 1st gear. 4 hi to stop my rear wheels from spinning occasionally. I have had lots of fun in Utah canyon country, probably way too busy now a days.

Looks like you have a couple new and interesting projects, need to have something to crack a knuckle on once in awhile!

 

This is my folding table.


I made a bracket for all my electronics.