Box Rocket - 2003 TRD Doublecab

Starting to collect materials to build a swing-out tire carrier. First thing I need to do is get some frame plates to stiffen up the rear frame to support it. I know there is probably not that much difference in one company's plates versus another, but does anyone have some suggestions on which plates to go with, and why?

 

Beautiful Truck, Nice Build

 

Box, you just missed a GB on plates!

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/gr...plates-group-buy-closes-8-1-2011-12-00am.html

 

Bummer. I think I remember that but wasn't in a position to join in. Oh well. Any feedback or reviews on the Mercer Fab plates vs others like Demello, CBI, TG etc?

 

Mine are in my room. They're thick and stout, I don't see any flaws. Maybe talk to Jerry, I know his are already installed

 

Rocket does the snorkel hook into the stock air box,I did the deck lid mod and im thinking of putting a snorkel on,if I go in deep water I can just put the lid back on

 

Yep connects to the stock airbox inside the fender. I would suggest also using some silicone at the connections. Also, I ran a bead of silicone all the way around the lid of the airbox. Let it dry before you put the lid back on and it kinda creates a bit of an "o-ring" effect to help keep the lid sealed from water.

 

Rocket has anyone in your group ran a roof rack?Im thinking of putting a Defender roof rack on mine,if so had anyone said they hear wind noise.

 

Only Tacoma that I get out with that has a roofrack on the cab is Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. He's using a Front Runner low profile rack. I know that he did a bunch of the R&D work on the mounting feet and actually fabricated them, but I think they are now sold as an option through a Front Runner dealer. Check with Equipt Expedition Outfitters for availability on the feet and rack.

If I were buying a cab mounted roof rack it would be this same set up. But I will probably end up building my own.

I haven't heard any complaints from him on wind noise. He has as ARB awning mounted to it, and is also running a Front Runner bed rack for his ARB roof top tent. Awesome setup and one of the best equipped Tacomas around for sure.

 

Do you know the size?....im looking at this one,I think its 4x4

 

That one looks good. Post a link to where you're getting it.

Here is the Front Runner from Equipt. Has all the specs on the page.
http://www.equipt1.com/companies/Roof Racks/product-fr/117221-toyota-tacoma-1-4m-demountable

 

Im getting ready for this years Baja trip,looking at the elite bumper,Ive got the same OME kit with 882,my question is whats the red truck running up ft and what did the ARB bumper and winch do to it?

 

He's got the same suspension I do, (or I should say I have the same that he does, since he sold it to me). 882's and 10mm spacer up front. He's running 32x11.50s. But has much more weight up front than I do. The ARB bumper, a Warn winch, Budbuilt skids, supercharger, dual batteries, hot water shower all in the engine compartment all add to the weight up front. My guess is he's still in the 2"-2.5" range up front.

 

Thats a chit load of Wt,that ARB has to be 80/100 lbs,I think when I talk to Elite ill see if he can cut me one of his bumper in alum and mail it to me unwelded,I can have it welded at the race shop,or I could make one like it but hell he's having them cut and that makes it easy.what do you think the stock bumper Wt was 25/35 lbs?Oh and I see you blacked masked the grill and lites,did you take it apart or tape it on the truck,did you scuff them before painting and what paint did u use,last thing is it holding up to the bugs and weather????????????????????? Thanks again MR Rocket,

 

I pulled the grill off the truck to paint it. Sanded it with some 200 grit, sprayed it with 2 coats Rustoleum primer and 3 coats of Rustoleum Satin Black. It's holding up pretty good. There are a few small chips but they are not from bugs or weather, they're from rocks getting kicked up and hitting it.

 

Does Kurt sell the trim spacer like your running on your OME kit?

 

Rocket, you posted those pictures of your friend Kurt's Tacoma about the roof rack, but I was wondering about the black panel on lower half. Is that bedliner or what?

 

Yes, I think so. That's where I got mine.

Yes the rocker panels are coated in bedliner.

 

Awesome truck!!

 

Did not realize the "money pit" used to be yours. Loved that thing for sure, was just cruising around another site and saw some older posts of yours about it. Gotta know...the picture of it climbing the upper waterfall on helldorado, was it on a winch or strap? I cant believe you took it through there, thing was beautiful!