Cochisecrusher Build and Alaska Adventure post

Nice build!

 

Thanks. Gearing up for the trek to AK this summer has been expensive/fun as hell!

 

My wife and I want to move to AK to retire, own our slice of heaven out there!

 

Learned quite a bit about my truck over the last week. I installed the Yaesu FTM-400XDR, Taco Garage Dash top Multi Mount, and new head unit!



The Yaesu came highly recommended by friend, @forty2 and after considering how much time we will possibly be in cellphone free country this summer I figured it was a good idea to jump on it and get the install going. I wanted the unit to be on constant power so i bought an OEM style rocker switch that I installed on the left side of the steering column pocket area. Before I started that install I needed to have a place for the display to mount so I started with the Multi Mount.

After looking at a few threads on this forum I figured I should just jump in and start drilling! I lined the brackets in place and everything matched up with no issues. I marked the holes, drilled the holes and bolted on the mount. After testing out the placement of where I would want my phone and HAM display, I moved on to the main objective of the day.



With everything unboxed, I sussed out where to start..... by removing the drivers seat. I did NOT unplug the yellow airbag harness under the seat. After removing the 4 bolts holding the seat in place, I tilted the seat back and started removing the kick panel and threshold molding. I popped the hood to run the power wires from my fuse block and mount the antenna. While I had the radio/dash moulding take off I removed the radio since I was going to install the new to me Dasaita CarPlay ready head unit. I ran the power and ground as well as the antenna wires under the carpet to just under the drivers seat. Then I ran the main wire for the display down and around the center console. Same with the mic wire, but for the mic wire I planned to mount a coupler and flush mount a keystone holder on the drivers side of the center console. Withe everything in place and wires run I tested out the unit before mounting everything. All worked well. I ended up mounting the HAM unit under the seat using the metal under the seat to attach to while the mic is secured using a OEM style switch black turned mic mount, seen here. Very clean and works great! I need more time in the truck with the manual before I feel more confident on the HAM.



Next was the HU. I purchased the unit used form the forum here with the idea that if it didn't work out great I could sell it for a minimal loss. I wasted CarPlay. Im actually really surprised that the OEM unit didn't come with it, but whatever. I wanted to keep the head unit looking factory. After looking around and seeing a few options, I noticed someone was selling a used Dasaita head unit with all the fixings ready to be put into the truck. I scooped it up the same day!

The install on the radio was pretty uneventful. Everything did plug and play as I was told form the seller, though I still don't know what half of the cables are supposed to be for.... CarPlay, GPS, Bluetooth all work great, so I am satisfied. The last phone call I made the person I was on the phone with said the convo on their side was very echoey. The hardest part on the whole process was lining up the factory brackets on the aftermarket head unit to fit correctly so the dash molding ft flush again... With everything back in and fully functional Im very happy with how everything turned out. Side note the molding around the head unit was very sung going back on.

 

I also was able to take advantage and put the Thule roof rack on the cap.... Very easy and looks great. Now that I have them, I do wish the crossbars were black.... It's all good though.



The cargo box fits great!

 

Do it! Our move is work related and is probably only for 3 years, but we couldn't be more excited..... Well, if the move was to Moab, we would be more excited! Hahahaha.

 

A few more toys arrived already this week! With less than 2 months before we are leaving for AK, the list of mods is progressively getting smaller and smaller. Prinsu rack and accessories for trax and Rotopax and X2Power battery are arriving this week. Install posts coming soon!

 

Battery acquired!

 

Fits like a glove!

 

Rotopax 2 Gal acquired!

 

Put the Prinsu in this past week. I need as much storage I as I can create with out being too heavy, ie no pull behind. This rack was very easy to install and the bars are completely customizable. Truck is coming together nicely. June 30 will be here very fast!

 

I was able to get the compressor in this last week. After searching online about what the cables were for I was able to figure out what was what. It’s currently set on ignition power, which I think I’ll change to constant with the switch. Also, a helpful hint on the install in the engine bay using this bracket, I’d recommend doing a dry fit to find out exactly where the bracket goes and then mess around and figure out the best orientation for your needs on placing the actual compressor on the bracket. This took a little bit longer than I’d like to admit. Also, attaching the compressor completely to the bracket before mounting the bracket is a good idea. Here’s the pics....