Benson X's 'Bout Time BBQ Build

I call it the BBQ build, because it has been S-L-O-W paced and LOW budget.

As it sits today (7/9/22):

In the beginning (10/19/10):
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SUSPENSION:
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FRONT

Current: ​

• OME BP-51 set to 20mm
• 1/4" spacer (both sides)
• Light-Racing UCAs with xAxis Bushings
• Total Chaos Alignment Cam Tab Gussets
• Swaybar Removed

Previous:

• OME 90k Nitro shocks w/ 886 Coils

REAR
Current:

• OME BP-51
• OME Dakar Leaf Pack with D29XL AAL
• Wheeler's U-Bolt Flip Kit
• Famous Fab Shackle Flip
• Daystar XJ Greasable shackles

Previous:

• OME Nitro Sport Shocks
• 1" Block lift

WHEELS & TIRES:

Current:​

• Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T (285/75R16)
• 16" SCS Stealth 6, MGM

Previous:

• Cooper STT Pro, 285/75R16
• Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 (285/75R16) on 16" Cragar Soft 8 "Steelies" (with a 3/8" hubcentric spacer).
  Read more HERE
• Toyo Open Country (285/75R16) on 16" Cragar Soft 8 "Steelies" (with a 3/8" hubcentric spacer).
  Read more HERE
• Goodyear Wrangler MT/R originals (285/70R17) on Plasti-Dipped 17" OEM Sport wheels with (4) 1" BORA spacers.
  BORA Write-up and Review HERE

INTAKE & EXHAUST:​

• HiLux Snorkel with a EngineAire composite pre-cleaner
  Snorkel install/write-up HERE
• aFe Magnum FLOW Pro Dry S reusable Air Filter
• aFe 3" Cat-Back exhaust
  Review HERE
• Doug Thorley "Pipe Bomb" Y-Pipe

ARMOR:​

• Home-Built Sliders
  Write-up HERE
• Home-Built IFS Skid & Mid-Skid *retired 7/1/22*
• Home-Built "Trailer-Trash" H/C Rear Bumper
  Write-up HERE
• Reinforced ARB UVP Skid Plate Trilogy
  Write-up HERE
• ARB Front Bumper, 3423030 (modified)
  • Removed Turn Signal lights, replaced with Rigid SR-Q2 flush-mount LEDs (Driving pattern)
  • Added (2) 1" thick recovery points
  • Added (2) square cutouts for addtl. Rigid D2s (Amber LED - Driving pattern)
  • Added 3/16 plate rock guard
  • Trimmed about 3.5" inches off each "Wing" for better clearance in the wheelwell
• All-Pro Steel Gas Tank Skid

LIGHTING:

• Rigid SR-Q2, Specter Driving pattern, flush-mounted in the ARB bumper
  Write-up HERE
• Rigid D-Series, Amber LED, Specter Driving pattern, mounted in the ARB bumper
• Rigid SR-Series PRO 10", Specter Driving/Spot combo, mounted in the hood scoop using a C4Fab mount
• Rigid D-Series PRO, Midnight Ed., Diffused Flood pattern, mounted under the Front Thule bar on the canopy
• Rigid D-Series PRO, Flood, mounted under the Rear Thule bar on the canopy
• Rigid SR-M PRO, Diffused Backup Kit, mounted in the OEM rear bumper
• 10" SeeLite SR LED Light-Bar, mounted in the front grille
  Write-up and Review HERE
  
• Philips X-treme Ultinon Gen2 LED Bulbs
• AlphaRex PRO w/ Hikari LED bulbs
• (4) LED Amber Emergency Flashers, mounted in the front grille, using a SHO-ME flasher module
• OPT-7 Redline Triple LED Tailgate light bar

ELECTRICAL:

• Odyssey Extreme 31R-PC2150 Battery
• Custom Steel battery Cage
• Bussmann Waterproof RTMR Mini Fuse Panel (Part# 15305-6-2-4)
• Bussmann CB285, 100-Amp Surface-Mount Circuit Breaker
• 8-Button interior switch panel
• Custom Fuse-block engine bay mount
• Wired all circuits with Deutsch connectors

AUDIO: *Complete JBL replacement*

• Pioneer AVH-P6800DVD
• Pioneer AVG-VDP1
• Maestro RR
• PAC SWI-X
• Lightning Audio L-5600 Amplifier
• Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 10" Sub
• Polk DB6502 Components (Front)
• Polk DB6502 (Rear)
• @Mr Marv Custom Enclosure, behind the rear pass. fold-down
• All new wiring all-around, RCAs, and 100-amp Breaker mounted on the battery cage

EXTERIOR:

• OEM Roof Rack
• Debadged
• Black Emblem on the Grille
• Black TRD Grille Badge
  Mounting pics HERE
• LEER 100XL Shell w/ Thule Tracker II rails
• Tinted windows
• Plasti-Dipped Hood & Scoop
• WeatherTech In-Channel Window Deflectors
• Custom-Designed TRD Skull Decal
• DEPO Black Housing LED Tail Lights
• DEPO Black Housing Headlights
• Upgraded Splash Guards from @cnote4l (Gear Tech Customs)
• Custom pin-striping, scratches, dents, and Dora mask

INTERIOR:​

• WeatherTech Digital-Fit Liners
• Wet Okole Seat Covers, Front, Black
• CalTrend Seat Covers, Rear, Black & Gray
• Driver's Seat Maglight Mount (my first mod, the one that started it ALL!!!)
• Hook & Loop Panel Organizers on the headliner for Pens, Flashlights, ID Badges, Knives etc.
• Duluth Trading Co. behind seat organizer
• Misc. Patches and Trail Toys Merit Badges (from @SMKYTXN and @Bennett707)
• Interior LED Swap (Map/Dome Lights) from @csjumper2003
• @flyzeye designs V2W (Amber/White/Amber)
• Illuminated 4wd Switch Kit from @rcbs204
• Garmin 60CSx w/ RAM Mounts
  How-To thread HERE but I did it a little differently
• Cast Stainless Steel Skull Shift Knob, powder-coated black *removed 8/8/22*
• Custom GITD Skull Shift Knob (threaded for M8x1.25)
• WheelSkins Steering Wheel Cover, Euro, Black & Dk. Gray

WINCH & RECOVERY GEAR:​

• Home-Built Hidden Winch Mount *Removed 9/28/13*
  Write-up HERE
• Warn VR8000s Winch
• Warn Spydura Synthetic Line
• Warn Wireless Remote
• Black Roller Fairlead w/ Daystar Delrin Rollers
• DIY Removable Front License-Plate Mount
• Tuff-Stuff Black Clevis hook
• 60" All-Cast Hi-Lift (HL-605)
• 32" 3.5 lb. True Temper axe
• 14" True Temper hatchet
• Bully 44" D-handle shovel
• VIAIR 88P Compressor
• FirstAlert PRO5 Fire Extinguisher
• (3) addtl. Recovery points welded up front
• DIY Hi-Lift & Tool Mounts
  Write-up HERE
• DIY Jerry Can Mount + QuikFists
• TRED 1100 Recovery boards
• (3) 5-gal. NATO Jerry Cans
• (4) RUD Grip 4x4 Snow Chains (Model 2532)
• Recovery Bag: (4) D-Shackles, (2) Snatch Blocks, Frame Cluster hook, Shackle Receiver Hitch, 30' Recovery Strap, 8' tree-saver, 20' tow strap, tow hitch w/ 3-balls, ER tape
• Recovery Tote: Emergency blanket, food/water, hand tools, tie-downs, jumper cables, flares, 2-person tent, (2) handsaws, machete, paper, fire-starter, (5) tarps, bungee cords, rope, 2x pair leather gloves, Off-Road spill kit, Rain gear, Trail Spares: CV, TREs/Inners, U-Joints, LR Ball Joints, Wheelhub, Fluids, Mac Tool Hitch Vise.
• Bug-Out Bag: Emergency Blanket, Spare clothes, first-aid kit (addtl. F/A Kit in the cab), N. American Rescue TTS (tactical traction splint), (3) LED flashlights + spare batteries, food, water tablets, LifeStraw, headlamp, (2) Firestarters, Fishing gear, Silva Ranger Hi-Vis Compass, Pens/Sharpies/Hi-Liters, Trail tape, paper, duct tape, (2) multi-tools, (2) knives, Zip-Loc bags, toiletries, paracord, survival/safety literature.

MISC. MODS / PARTS:​

• OEM Heated Side Mirrors Mod
  Write-up HERE
• Hidden CB Install *Upgraded to Anytone Ultra Compact CB*
  Write-up HERE
• On-Demand Rear-view camera
  I used this write-up, pics HERE
• Anytime ON Foglights
  I used this write-up
• Always-On 12v Plug
  I used write-up
• Disabled Seatbelt chime
• Silent Fob (Arm/Disarm)
  This write-up works
• Illuminated 4WD Switch
• Horn Relocate
  Write-up HERE
• Engine Bay / Winch area LEDs
  write-up HERE
• Rear Diff. Breather relocate
  I used this write-up
• ABS Kill Switch
  Write-up HERE
• Yellow-Wire Mod (enables TRAC in 4LO)
  Write-up HERE
• OBA Install (Viair 10007 Kit)
  Write-up HERE
• Redline Hood Struts
• Black SS Extended Brake Lines (from OCTaco)
• Relocated 7-PIN Plug
• IEDLS Polyurethane Carrier Bearing
• Energy Suspension Polyurethane Bushings (Cab, Steering Rack and Radiator)
• HookeRoad HDPE Tailgate flatpanel
• Tailgate Reinforcement from @Mobtown Offroad (and @ndcmack )
• Cab Mount Chop with BAMF CMC Plates (from @ndcmack )
• Bed Stiffener Brackets from @At The Helm
• ICOM F-121s VHF Radio and @RelentlessFab NMO Hood Mount

COMING SOON / IN PROGRESS:

• WheelSkins Steering Wheel Cover, Euro, Black & Dk. Gray - added 1/21/20
• (8) addtl. Amber Flashers for the canopy side and rear windows
• Viair OBA install (10007) - added 6/5/2023
• Trim Fenders and Flares

FUTURE MODS / IDEAS:

• Re-Gear w/ ARB Lockers Front & Back - added 10/2023
• 35s (???)
• T-Case and Rear Diff skids
• High-Clearance rear bumper - added 8/21/20
• Shackle Flip - added 5/9/22

Thanks for looking!!! ​

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SEE BELOW FOR PICTURES​

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PICTURES
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ARMOR:
Home-Built Sliders


Home-Built IFS Skid & Mid-Skid *retired 7/1/22*


ARB UVP Skid Set (heavily reinforced)


ARB Bumper, 3423030 (heavily modified)

• Removed Turn Signal lights, replaced with Rigid SR-Q2 flush-mount LEDs (Driving pattern)
• Added (2) 1" thick recovery points
• Added (2) square cutouts for addtl. Rigid D2s (Amber LED - Driving pattern)
• Added 3/16 plate rock guard
• Trimmed about 3.5" inches off each "Wing" for better clearance in the wheelwell

Home-Built "Trailer Trash" High Clearance Rear Bumper
Over the course of a few months, I got drunk and fab'd a high-clearance rear bumper using:

• The "skeleton" of a rusted-to-shit All-Pro Tube bumper
• Scrap metal from a demo'd mobile home,
• A busted swingout tire-carrier from a buddy's DIY bumper
• OEM tow hitch
• Copious amounts of beer.

LIGHTING:









ELECTRICAL:











MISC. MODS / PARTS:
DIY Hi-Lift & Tool Mounts


DIY (3) Jerry Can Mount + Fire Extinguisher & Addtl. QuickFist



DIY Removable Front License-Plate Mount



OEM Heated Side Mirrors


Hidden CB


On-Demand Rear-view camera


ABS Kill Switch


Tailgate Reinforcement (from @Mobtown Offroad)


Solid Stainless Steel Skull - Threaded for Shift Knob, powder-coated black *Removed 8/8/22*




GITD Skull - Threaded for Shift Knob




WheelSkins Euro Steering Wheel cover (Black and Dark Grey with Grey stitching)



Engine Bay / Winch area LEDs



IEDLS Polyurethane Carrier Bearing




Bed Stiffener Brackets (from @At The Helm)


ICOM F-121s VHF Radio and @RelentlessFab NMO Hood Mount


Garmin 60CSx w/ RAM Mount


@flyzeye designs V2W (Amber/White/Amber):



Upgraded Splash Guard Fender Liners from @cnote4l (Gear Tech Customs):


Misc. Patches and Trail Toys Merit Badges (from @SMKYTXN and @Bennett707)



CUSTOM SHOP/TRUCK TOOLS:
DIY Coilover Hitch Mount: This allows me to bolt the coilover to the top-plate and secure it in the receiver hitch while I adjust the preload. Way safer than previous methods I've used, hahaha!




DIY Portaband Table: Converts my portaband into a vertical band-saw with a 5" throat. Scrap metal saves the day - and saves me about $150.




OOPS: (some of these are not my pics: @stikle, @Chickenmunga, @mutilatedjak)

Please PM me with any questions or feel free to leave comments here

Thanks for looking!!!
​

 

'Bout time you got a build thread

 

hence the clever title

Thanks Mitch!

 

Here's some cheesy vids too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAn27oHrFkY&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVSqqBwJHic&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmS6CyAQEHM&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw-YLfIqN-I&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=E38XVIGjVNU&list=LLwBO48nGzSZ0j_eof5tWUGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_c2DGUSInS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uF3O9uZL7MU

 

Lovin it!

Looks like you've done a lot of the stuff that I would like to do.

Needless to say, great job!

 

Thanks Cowboy!

I have tried to do write-ups for most of the mods, but let me know if you have any ???'s or need help with anything.

 

Nice truck man! That's a good lookin color! Well built!

 

Awesome Sauce!!!

 

Thanks Thomas! I'm quite fond of it myself

The paint used to be flawless and sparkly and shiny...now it looks like a hoochie hoodrat ex-g/f took her fake nails and went to town on it.

The MGM paint looks good, but it show scratches, swirls, and pinstripes worse than black paint.

almost as awesome as Roy Shildt himself:


(Watch: The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters & Chasing Ghosts, both very sad movies)

 

finally a build thread Ben, tell Ninja Steve, keep up with the sick as pics. So when we going wheeling again?

 

Nice clean layout of the mods, I'd +1 but on my phone, it'll have to wait til I turn on my pc.

 

Thanks Gary! Still got some work to do, but it's slowly getting there. Ninja Steve is still jumping out of trees, and taking badass pictures. He's having to teach me the ways, since I just got a new D-SLR too.

Let's get a meet put together soon! Maybe somewhere local up here? Mike and I were talking about scouting Evan's Creek, or maybe somewhere accessible even in the snow (since it's getting to be that time soon)

Thanks Cody!
Let me know if you have any questions on the mods.

 

Just stumbled across this build. Honestly one of (if not the) cleanest, most well thought out rigs that I've seen on TW. Just my opinion, don't add a plate bumper! You're rig is PERFECT the way it's set up. Especially the hidden winch mount. Nice ride!

 

Hell yeah, thanks Wes! There's still a few things I wanna do to it: lockers, regear, skids, rear bumper, tool mounts, addtl. roof rack, maybe wheels. But, as you might have figured out, TW is a blood-sucking, gold-digging tramp that takes all your money.

I basically want to make it a capable overland/expedition rig that is pretty versatile and still aesthetically pleasing.

Slowly getting there.

 

No doubt TW is blood sucking! This is the 05 that I sold last year for a full size truck (very stupid mistake).

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...easonable-price-my-05-4x4-6spd-90k-miles.html

I'm currently in the market for another Tacoma and plan do set it up very similar to yours

 

Dude, that was a sweet ride! You have good taste

If you get another Taco build started, check out my write-ups and let me know if you have questions.

 

nice rig. I like your winch set-up

 

Thanks Dustin! It's still a work in progress, but I like the way it's coming along so far.

I finally got to test my winch out this weekend to pull myself out of a bad situation. Worked flawlessly, and the under-hood LEDs helped me to see what I was doing.