Gen 1 Tacoma torklift tie downs

Anyone have any experience with torklift frame mounted tie downs on a gen 1? There's tons of information online about installing these on other truck models which all seem to be bolt on. As far as I can tell installation on a gen 1 requires drilling into the frame. Any tips greatly appreciated!

 

I bought a set of Torklift tiedowns for my truck as well. They're sitting in storage as I haven't installed them yet. The front tiedowns attach to the frame. The rear tiedowns require drilling into the frame. I plan on installing the front tiedowns myself and having the local RV repair shop install the rear tiedowns for me. I'm in the process of doing a suspension and tire upgrades. $$$$. I have a Six Pac slide in truck camper and they're considered a very strong and sturdy tiedowns compared to the Happijac tiedowns.

 

I don't have experience with these tie downs, but as for drilling into the frame, it's no big deal. As long as your frame isn't already compromised with bad frame rust, it can spare a few extra holes.

Just measure 14 times and drill once...

That said, any time you add extra stuff to a truck that it wasn't designed for (Tacomas definitely weren't really designed for campers), it's s good idea to go at the frame with some reinforcement plates.

Here's an OLD thread on plates.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/frame-strengthening-plates-do-or-dont.280476/

A few current vendors or frame plates:

https://frontrangeoffroadfab.com/tacoma-frame-plates/
https://tacomabeast.com/products/1st-gen-tacoma-frame-plates
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/95-04-tacoma-front-frame-plate-reinforcement-kit.html

So, for under $100 and some welding wire (or a couple 6 packs to have a friend weld it for you), it's a pretty good investment. Stronger frames are never a bad idea...

 

OK so the front tie downs were super easy to install... 8 bolts in all. Took a little finagling to get things right, but I expected that! Decided to take the truck in to a few shops to get a quote for the rear tie downs.

 

Let me know how things went with the shop installing your rear Torklift tiedowns. I have this project on my to do list once my suspension/wheel/tire upgrades are done.

 

Alright so got the tie downs installed successfully.. according to the shop it wasn't the easiest (burned through some drill bits), but it's done! Took the rig out this weekend and felt pretty good.

 

some more pics

 

Are you running airbags? Sits pretty level.

 

Nope, no airbags. Just OME nitrocharger kit and add a leaf(s). Thinking of adding a timbren enhancement system in the rear just to pop it up a bit (it does sag a tiny bit). I also plan on having the camper in most of the time.

 

Looks good. Nice setup.

 

Had these on my truck when I bought it. I took them off without any problem. I don't think there was any drilling. By the way I have a complete set for sale for $250.00. PM if interested.

 

Damn tslick! I wish I knew you were going to sell your Torklift tiedowns. I would of have been happy to buy yours from you. I paid full price for mine online plus shipping. If you post your for sale ad on either Expedition Portal or Wander The West website forums, you'll have a quick sale.

 

I would recommend the Firestone air bags and Daystar cradles, but it's up to you.

 

I went back and forth between airbags and additional springs of sorts but ended up going with the timbrens.. I could immediately feel the difference in terms of ride quality and the rear end sits a bit higher than previously as well - Seem like they will do the trick for now!