JL's garage of misfit toys and other BS

Yeah i need to get a few of mine as well! Havent updated my Op in my build in a while..

 

Well took her to 2018 Toyota Jamboree at BMRA. Had a blast, didn't get many photos of my own rig. Managed to hang one of the stock predator steps on a rock and bend it which means real sliders just moved way up on the list of upcomming mods.

 

NICELY DONE!

Questions:
- The factory storage boxes- do they just unbolt and come out, or did you have to cut anything out?
- Did you need that entire length for the box for airspace, or did you just build it that wide to fit the truck?
- Your back seats work as normal after this was all complete?
- Where'd you get that carpet? It looks like a good match.
- Any useful tips? I'm about to start a similar install.

Thanks in advance! Sweet truck!

 

1. the factory panels have 2 10mm bolts each and from there just take a good slow strong pull (I started at the top outer corner) you will hear some popping no worries, just plastic retaining clip/pins. No cutting was required to remove factory plastics
2. Yes seats function as normal, no modifications. I did remove them completely to facilitate ease of install.
3. Went to a local upholstery shop and asked for automotive carpet. It's dark charcoal in color and is slightly darker than the factory carpet but you can't see the factory and the added carpet at the same time so it blends pretty seamlessly.
4. plan it out on paper first. on choosing amps, overpowering is better than underpowering. Make sure you have all the parts before hand including fuses and wire connectors make sure everything fits where you intend it to before running wires, passenger seat has a bar that is lower than the drivers so less room height wise on that side. if building your own box, remember to account for the speaker displacement when figuring airspace (should be in manual) always measure twice and cut once. plan extra time. it takes longer than you think and you will run into something unexpected somewhere along the build. Try to make your ground leads as short as possible, recommended under 18" in length if possible, and always grind/sand paint off where ground attaches. last wire to connect (run wire whenever) should be the power to the battery for safety reasons. PM me if you have more questions/want suggestions/more detailed info or run into anything strange/complicated.

 

Yeah I'm good on all the electrical part of the install- I've done all my previous vehicles, and a couple of my boats.
I already took out the cubbies in the back- I was wondering about the cubbies under the bottom of the seats...
I think I'm going to end up completely removing my back seats, building a deck, and putting two 10w6's back there. I never use my back seats, and I'm always putting them down so my dog can ride back there. (Obviously won't be slamming the audio system with the dog back there)
But yeah, I've always wanted to do w6's, and this is my shot!

 

oh, those cubbies, they are just push pins all along the top edge. pull all 10 or so and lift the tray lids and all out. the jack doesn't even have to come out

 

Sweet. I'll mess with it some tomorrow.
I'm researching head units now. I like the Alpine Halo, but the screen doesn't have the best resolution :\ So I may go with a Kenwood.

 

not sure if you have subs yet but if not I have some JL 12's you might be interested in if your pulling the seat anyhow. Check them out in my stuff for sale thread under other parts
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/spring-cleanup.546678/

 

all my prior audio builds, 6+ personal vehicles have had kenwood exeleon units. I love them personally.

 

My last one had a Kenwood in it. I don't remember which one- it was last year, and it was the model one spot from the top- had nav, but didn't have wifi. I liked it, but it was kinda glitchy, and the blutooth was weird. If I got out of the truck and my wife got into it, it wouldn't automatically connect to her phone, so she'd have to mess with "stuff", and it was a pain. Same deal when I got back in after she drove it- I'd have to go into the settings and switch it over to my phone again.

 

Weird, never had an issue like that, wondering if it may be a os compatibility thing. Kenwood is known to work best with Android systems.

 

Decided to change suspension.
Front went from OME 888's to Icon 2.5 extended travel coilovers and BDS uca's.
Rear went from Mid load Dakars to Heavy load Dakar by adding the additonal leaves.
Net change was +1.5" in the front and +.75" in the rear.
Fender to ground is now 39.5" in front and 40" in the rear.
Pics comming soon!!

 

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it seems we are experiencing technical difficulties at this time and will work diligently to get you back to your regularly scheduled program

 

So after 19 days of normal street driving on brand new Icon coilovers the passenger side developed a significant leak (most likely a defective or improperly assembled seal). Called Icon customer service and the kind folks at Wheeler's Off-Road to see about replacing the defective part. Short version is that Icon wouldn't approve for replacement (effectively tying Wheeler's hands) and would only approve two options.

#1. I pay to have defective coilover removed, sending it back for repairs, them sending it back to me. (repairs are only conducted on Tuesdays and in the order they are recieved. This puts me at a minimum of 1.5 weeks without a vehicle due to shipping times.
#2. I pay to have defective coilover removed and deliver it to one of their authorized repair facilities and have the warranty work done there. (closest facility is 4hrs away) (still a downtime of a week due to distance and shop hours).

After much back and fourth with Icon and Wheelers. We came up with a still less than stellar option #3.

#3. Icon ships me parts, I pay to have defective coilover removed, take to local shop that Icon grants approval to, shop repairs coilover, I have it put back on truck. (downtime now at a full weekend at best).

I took option #3 as I had at that point already been without a vehicle for a full week.

Honestly less than pleased with Icon at this point. (they could have and in my opinion should have approved and shipped out replacements) (still waiting to see if they reimburse the shop fees incurred)

Wheeler's Off-road on the other hand did everything they could to attempt to help me out.

 

Decided to start up a patch wall.

 

Nice collection! I really like how you have the red white and blue horns setup.

 

Thanks, just my little tip of the hat to patriotism.

 

long time since an update but in the absence I've added sliders from sosoffroadconcepts.com (thanks @EddyRRT ), @mesojdm's ultimate turn signals v3, and a lightly used ARE V-series topper that i scooped up off Facebook and had it color matched.

 

Looks really good James!!!