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DIY Hi-Lift and Tool Mounts

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Benson X, Jan 26, 2013.

  1. Jan 26, 2013 at 2:21 PM
    #1
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    Ben
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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    [​IMG]

    I finally got around to making a mount for my Hi-Lift using the factory bed rails, and ended up making a few more for my shovel, axe, hatchet, fire extinguisher, and flashlight.

    I have limited tools, so I had to improvise on some things. Not all the holes and measurements are 100% exact, but each mount is still solid and secure.


    NOTES:
    • A drill press and vise is recommended and would speed up the entire process. I did not use either, but it made for additional work.
    • You can make all the mounts on here using (2) 36" pieces of flat-bar (listed below)
    • Most people will be using different style shovels, axes, hatchets, flashlights, fire extinguishers etc. - keep that in mind and make sure to measure and test fit your tools before drilling and cutting. Don't get pissed at me if your setup isn't the same as mine.
    • I am not proficient in drafting or design, so please excuse the crappy dimensions/diagrams
    • Please feel free to leave pertinent questions, constructive feedback, or comments.
    • As always, I am not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from anyone doing these mods.

    TOOLS USED:
    Drill (or drill press)
    Center punch
    Small Pilot bit (7/32")
    1/4" bit (titanium recommended)
    5/16" bit (titanium recommended)
    3/8" bit (titanium recommended)
    Hammer
    Vise (or equivalent)
    Cut-Off Wheel (Dremel works)
    10mm wrench and socket
    13mm wrench and socket
    14mm wrench and socket
    Tape measure
    Sharpie
    LIGHT!!!



    PAINT:
    I primed and spray painted each mounting bracket black. I then dipped each bend in Plasti-Dip and double-dipped the bottom mounting brace for the fire extinguisher. The plasti-dip should help prevent any vibrations and absorb some shock.


    ----< Hi-Lift Mount >----

    PARTS NEEDED:(each part is a hyperlink)
    I got pretty much everything at Home Depot aside from the T-Nuts.

    (2) 3/8-16 T-Slot nuts (Zoro part #G1777921)
    (1) 1.5" x 18" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick)
    (2) 2" 3/8-16 Bolts
    (2) .75" 3/8-16 Bolts
    (2) 3/8" Lock Washers
    (6) 3/8" Washers
    (2) 3/8" Fender Washers

    (2) 3/8" Rubber Fender Washers
    (2) 3/8-16 Nylon Locking Nuts
    (2) 3/8-16 Jam Nuts
    (2) 3/8-16 Wing Nuts*

    *I found some 3/8-16 Knobs at Lowes that work much better than the Wing Nuts to secure the Hi-Lift. Pics updated.


    [​IMG]


    Step 1: I measured, cut and drilled my mounting plates using the 1.5" x 36" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick).

    [​IMG]


    • I measured 9" down and marked it with my Sharpie, and then made another mark at 8".
    • Cut it off @ 9". Bend it to 90°from the 8" mark using your hammer and vise (or equivalent). Make (2) of these pieces.
    • I drilled my top holes .75" down from the top (the un-bent side) centered .75" in.
    • I drilled my second holes 4" down from the top, again centered .75" in.

    Step 2: Assemble your mounts and attach to the bed rail.

    For the Hi-Lift Mounting Bolt:
    2" Bolt >>> Mounting Bracket >>> Nylon Locking Nut >>> Washer >>> Jam Nut >>> Hi-Lift >>> Wing Nut

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    *NOTE* When tightening your Jam Nuts down, make sure the flat edges are parallel to the edge of your flat bar. The Jam Nuts fit perfectly in the Hi-Lift holes to help stabilize it when mounting and help hold it in place.

    For the T-Slot nut that goes in the rail:
    T-Slot Nut >>> Fender Washer >>> Mounting Bracket >>> Washer >>> Lock Washer >>> .75" Bolt

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Assembled:

    [​IMG]



    Step 3: Attach it to your bed rails, and mount your Hi-Lift

    FRONT:
    [​IMG]

    BACK:
    [​IMG]

    DETAIL OF THE JAM NUT IN THE HI-LIFT HOLE:
    [​IMG]


    HI-LIFT MOUNTED:
    [​IMG]


    Upgraded to these Knobs instead of the Wing Nuts:

    Hillman 3/8-16 Knob (Item #423528 or Part #884512)

    AJFCJaUZFVGN6WMOeomtutGiWM7rjihzuz68ddma_0d3c0bf1cd01918de1784b046e67cc620004cc91.jpg

    ----< Tool Mount >----
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    PARTS NEEDED: (each part is a hyperlink)
    I got pretty much everything at Home Depot or Lowe's aside from the Quick-Fists and T-Nuts.


    (4) Original QuickFists (I got the combo pack + 2 originals)
    (2) 3/8-16 T-Slot nuts (Zoro part #G1777921)
    (1) 1.5" x 19" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick)
    (2) 1-1/2" 3/8-16 Bolts
    (2) 3/8" Lock Washers
    (6) 3/8" Fender Washers
    (6) 3/8" Thick Rubber Fender Washers
    (4) 1/4-20 1" Bolts
    (4) 1/4-20 Nylon Locking Nuts



    Step 1: I measured, cut and drilled my mounting plates using the 1.5" x 36" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick).

    • I measured 9.5" down and marked it with my Sharpie, and then made another mark at 8".
    • Cut it off @ 9.5". Bend it to 90° from the 8" mark using your hammer and vise (or equivalent). Make (2) of these pieces. I drilled my 3/8" top holes .75" down from the top (the un-bent side) centered .75" in.
    • I drilled my 1/4" holes 2.5" down from the top, and the third set at 5-5/8" down from the top, both centered .75" in.
    [​IMG]


    Step 2: Assemble your mounts and attach to the bed rail.

    Quick-Fists to the Mounting Bracket:
    1" 1/4-20 bolt >>> plastic washer (incl. w/ Quick-Fist) >>> Quick-Fist >>> flat bar >>> 1/4 washer >>> 1/4-20 nylon locking washer

    Mounting Bracket to the T-Slot Nut:
    I had to stack the fender washers to make a spacer. Otherwise, my shovel would hit the rail.

    1.5" 3/8-16 Bolt >>> 3/8 lock washer >>> Mounting Bracket >>> fender washer >>> rubber fender washer >>> fender washer >>> rubber fender washer >>> fender washer >>> rubber fender washer >>> T-Slot nut

    [​IMG]


    Step 3: Attach your mounting brackets, and mount your tools.
    [​IMG]


    SEE BELOW FOR THE "T-MOUNT"
     
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2023
  2. Jan 26, 2013 at 2:27 PM
    #2
    KenpachiZaraki

    KenpachiZaraki Its Wicked Flow BITCHES!!

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    Thanks!! Where did you get those slot nuts?
     
    TacoLou likes this.
  3. Jan 26, 2013 at 2:32 PM
    #3
    folmonty

    folmonty Active Member

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    Nicely done and well detailed Benson X. Stuff like this is exactly why forums are so useful.

    Just might be a first project before or after the truck is delivered. Went from Pre-Runner Sport to 4X4. Now a highlift has purpose :D
     
    TacoLou likes this.
  4. Jan 26, 2013 at 2:48 PM
    #4
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    ----< T-Mount >----
    [​IMG]

    PARTS NEEDED: I got pretty much everything at Home Depot and/or Lowe's, aside from the QuickFists and T-Nuts.

    (2) Original QuickFists
    (1) Super QuickFist
    (2) 3/8-16 T-Slot nuts (Zoro part #G1777921)
    (1) 1.5" x 28" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick)
    (2) 2" 3/8-16 Bolts
    (2) 1-1/8" 3/8-16 Coupling Nuts (used as spacers)
    (2) 3/8 Lock Washers
    (2) 3/8 Fender Washers
    (2) 3/8Thick Rubber Fender Washers
    (5) 1/4-20 1" Bolts
    (5) 1/4-20 Nylon Locking Nuts
    (5) 1/4 Washers
    (3) 5/16-18 1" Bolts
    (6) 5/16 Washers




    Step 1: Cut your pieces

    I measured, cut and drilled my mounting plates using the
    1.5" x 36" Steel Flat Bar (1/8" thick).
    • I measured 14" down and marked it with my Sharpie. I made another mark at 24" and one more mark at 27.25"
    • Cut into (3) pieces: 14", 10", and 3.25"
    • Bend the 10" piece 90° at the 8" mark
    Piece #1 (14") The T-Mount Top Bar
    • Drill holes according to the diagram:



    Piece #2 (10" bent 90° at 8") The Middle Mount
    • Drill holes according to the diagram:



    Piece #3 (3.25") curved to form a "J" or an "L" (depending on the fire extinguisher you are using)
    • Drill holes according to the diagram:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Step 2: Assemble Your T-Mount

    Starting with your Top Bar, tighten your Original QuickFists to the 1/4" holes on each end. I attached them just as I did on Tool Mount:
    • Quick-Fists to Top Bar: 1/4"-20 Bolt >>> plastic washer (incl. w/ QuickFist) >>> QuickFist >>> Mounting Bracket >>> 1/4" washer >>> 1/4-20 nylon locking nut

    Next, attach your Bottom Brace to the Middle Bar.
    • Bottom Brace to Middle Bar:1/4"-20 Bolt >>> Bottom Brace >>> Mounting Bracket >>> 1/4" washer >>> 1/4-20 nylon locking nut

    Lastly, attach your Super QuickFist to your Top Bar and attach it to the Middle Bar.
    • Super Quick-Fist To Top Bar: 5/16-18" bolt >>> 5/16 washer >>> Super Quick-Fist >>> Top Bar >>> Middle Bar >>> 5/16 washer >>> 5/16"-18 nylon lock nut
    Tighten the last 1/4"-20 bolt through the Top Bar into the Middle Bar.


    Assembled:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Step 3: Attach the T-Mount to the bed rails

    Now it's time to attach the T-Mount to the bed rails:
    • 2" 3/8-16 bolt >>> 3/8 washer >>> T-Mount >>> 3/8 lock washer >>> 1-1/8" 3/8-16 coupling nut >>> 3/8 fender washer >>> 3/8 rubber fender washer >>> T-Nut

    Assembled:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

    ----<Finished Product>----
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: May 15, 2020
  5. Jan 26, 2013 at 2:57 PM
    #5
    folmonty

    folmonty Active Member

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    I stand corrected - Bit of an admitted rookie in the wheeling department.

    Thanks for the shopping and DYI links / ideas. Helps a lot and saves tons of time!
     
  6. Jan 26, 2013 at 3:06 PM
    #6
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    LOL, just giving you a hard time man. There's always a few guys that think a Sport isn't a capable off-roading rig and the Off-Road with ATRAC and a locker is the better choice. It's more about the driver than the rig. But either way, any Tacoma is badass IMO :mudding:
     
  7. Jan 26, 2013 at 5:42 PM
    #7
    rubenc87

    rubenc87 Cobra

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    Great write up. Thanks. Pics are also a great help.
     
    Missouriprerunner likes this.
  8. Jan 27, 2013 at 8:15 AM
    #8
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    No problem and thanks Ruben. :thumbsup:
     
  9. Jan 27, 2013 at 8:18 AM
    #9
    Faryota

    Faryota Well-Known Member

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    Nice write up & pictures!!! Thanks!!!
     
  10. Jan 27, 2013 at 8:25 AM
    #10
    rubenc87

    rubenc87 Cobra

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    Members such as yourself, make this the forum what it is. Awesome when members share what they have learned and share with the rest of us and show us with these great write ups. Thanks
     
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  11. Jan 28, 2013 at 11:30 AM
    #11
    JoeTacoma02

    JoeTacoma02 Well-Known Member

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  12. Feb 5, 2013 at 12:47 PM
    #12
    AK2NM

    AK2NM Active Member

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    Thanks for the excellent write up. Following your instructions this is mine.

    IMG_0441.jpg
     
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  13. Feb 5, 2013 at 12:55 PM
    #13
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    Sweet, looks good man! :thumbsup:

    Did the dimensions work well for you? I didn't have access to a vise or drill press, so making the holes and bends was "interesting" and not perfect, but it works :D

    I just added another set of Quick-Fists to the tool mount for my axe and need to make a T-Mount for my Fire Extinguisher, Maglight, and Hatchet. I will eventually paint them all black (like you did).
     
  14. Feb 5, 2013 at 12:58 PM
    #14
    TacoFMS

    TacoFMS Bubble bubble bubble pop

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    One or two things modded... Check out the build thread
    saw your write up and it inspired me to get off my arse and make something for my truck. so i took your parts list and modified the bends a little.

    [​IMG]

    then cut the center out of an old stock rubber exhaust hanger

    [​IMG]

    put it all together and came up with this...

    [​IMG]

    thanks for giving me the motivation and start up parts list!!!
     
  15. Feb 5, 2013 at 1:14 PM
    #15
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    Hell yeah man, good job! That's why I love TW!!! Get new ideas, get inspired and motivated. I love DIY projects because their cheap, and more custom. Plus you get that manly feeling of accomplishment once it's done.

    NP man, the wing nuts are holding tight so far :thumbsup:.

    I recently contacted a couple companies about their nylon insert locking wing nuts, but have yet to hear back. They are available, but only in bulk orders of 10+. If nothing else, I might just bite the bullet and buy 10 of them, and sell/give/trade the rest on TW.
     
  16. Feb 5, 2013 at 6:18 PM
    #16
    nammer

    nammer Well-Known Member

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    sorry to ask a redundant question, but did the t slots fit without any mods? i saw the bed attachment hardware thread, but if i remember correctly, i thought they trimmed it a tiny, thanks for the info and pics!
     
  17. Feb 5, 2013 at 8:08 PM
    #17
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    I think those were the Grizzly brand ones. I got mine from Zorotools.com and they look slightly different, more like the Fastenal ones. Grizzly is cheaper, but you may have to trim them down.

    Gonna build the T-mount sometime this week and update the OP
     
  18. Feb 5, 2013 at 8:18 PM
    #18
    ImplicitlyAlberta

    ImplicitlyAlberta VA6DCO

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    Looks pretty good.
    Just wondering with the wieght of the jack and no fixed point on the bottom of the mount, does the jack shake or bounce around at all? or vibrate against the box?
     
  19. Feb 5, 2013 at 8:25 PM
    #19
    nammer

    nammer Well-Known Member

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    cool, thanks for info, GL with ur mount!
     
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  20. Feb 5, 2013 at 8:30 PM
    #20
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    There's almost no movement/play on the mounts. The 1" bend braces it against the lip, or edge, of the bed itself. That coupled with the t-slot nuts make for a pretty sturdy mount.

    Most of the rail-type mounts I've seen don't require a lower attachment point, with the exception of the HiLift one.
     

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