J. Boogies... Kinda slow but super exciting... Build Thread

So, since I’ve ordered the front and rear CBI bumpers, I’m questioning my choice for doing the LP center hoop and not going all out for the full front hoop protection. Anyone want to pro/con this from an outside perspective?

 

Started the install of my Switch Pro last night. I’m planning to keep the interior as functional and clean as possible. Therefore, I ordered the 2TPAM from Expedition Essential as well as the Switch Pro mounting panel to mount the SP-9100 in the mostly worthless 2nd sunglass holder.

I started by getting the SP mounted with the SDHQ mounting plate in the firewall:


Next, it was a process of attempting to fish the wire from the engine bay into the cab for the SP switch unit. Turns out that was a bad idea due to two reasons: 1) the rubber grommet protrudes into the bay from the interior, and when attempting to push the wire through from the opposite direction it wants to collapse and grab onto the wire, 2) the rubber grommet is just slightly too small to leave the connector in place. Rather than remove the connector and then fight the grommet, I changed plans and routed the wiring from the inside of the cab out. This did require the removal of the much larger waterproof connector. All in all, it was fairly easy to this point.


Next, I removed the A-pillar cover, overhead console and sun deflector to allow some overhead access to the headliner. Here I fished the wire up the A-pillar along with some a loom of OEM wiring securing it along the way, away from the airbag. I sure as hell don’t want my wiring to become a limiting factor for my SIA when I really need it!


Oddly enough, it was kind of a pain to fish the wiring over the top of the headliner into the overhead console opening. I probably should have removed more fasteners to give me a little more flexibility. However, by this point (after work, after dinner, after cleanup) it was already getting late and I was starting to get impatient.


And this is where I stopped for the time being. Travel for work interferes with lots of things... this time, it is interfering with getting my wiring done on the truck!

I’m going to need to do some more digging on the circuits most people are tapping into for the power and triggers for the Switch Pro unit next. Lots of info for the Gen 3’s... not as much for the Gen 2’s.


(I’ll update my pictures once I am back in front of my PC for everyone’s pleasure)

 

Don't be jealous...

 

It was a busy weekend. I was able to get the switch pro (mostly) installed. I still need to read up on the controls on the backend to get some of the features to work as planned. The interior install went well... I video the process in time-warp and will post it up here for those interested (still need to combine and upload to youtube).


Received/Installed my Rago Fab bed stiffeners:


Also, I got my RTT on Friday and was able to find time to install the bed rack and RTT:

 

Here's a quick video of my Expedition Essentials - Switch Pros Mount Toyota 2nd Gen 2005-2015 install:

 

Come to Rush and show it off

 

So... It turns out that the Prinsu awning mounts don't work with 23Zero awnings without modification. And they were so darn close!




A little file work and all is well:




I added some stainless steel thick washers to help distribute the load of the awning hardware:

 

I wish. Turns out I’ll be on my way back from Maine. Road trip!

 

Just a quick update as we’re still driving back from Maine:

VT was cool. Verry similar to SE Ohio. Maine was awesome. It’s unbelievable how awesome Acadia National Park was. We are planning another trip the same time next year.

I’ll add more detail, but wanted to share a few photos.

 

Oh... and here’s the tents maiden voyage in The Green Mountain State Park:



We installed the annex due to the insane amount of bugs!

 

Well... after fighting with the wiring of the SP-9100 and the SDHQ mount, I have decided to go another route. Originally I had planned to use weather pack connectors for each device ran through the SP. However, the wiring is turning into a rats nest and is difficult to manage. It's odd to me that anyone who sells a mount to accommodate a SWITCHPRO, doesn't automatically include the mounting provision for a grounding distribution block since it's ultimately required.

Therefore, I have resorted to ordering a fully organized set up directly from Power Trays. Their site was super helpful and had all of the parts needed in one stop. It's funny... I was looking at buying everything piecemeal and just happened to stumble across their site looking for the correct weatherproof ring terminals for the Blue Seas distribution blocks. Their pricing is excellent and greatly simplified my search and prevented me from buying items in bulk and having to find somewhere to store the excess. Their offering will also help calm my OCD and allow easy connection of future devices planned for the system.

Now on to my next issue:

Front Suspension: In our trip to Maine this past week, I noticed a slight clunk from the front end when unloaded. So now is the time to begin planning and to dig in. I am planning to reinforce the front with double shear reinforcements for the UCA mounting, gusset spindles as well as strengthening the LCA mounts and adjustment points. I also believe I'll need heavier spings after the front bumper and winch install coming in the next couple months. Question is, other than maybe a 700 lb spring upfront, is there anything else I should do?


Rear Suspension: I have OME medium-duty leaf springs on the truck and already have a set of Deaver S3 rear leaf springs in the garage awaiting install. This is primarily to support the added weight of my RTT, gear, and future high-clearance bumper. But with the added weight and spring rate, I know other items holding things in place are going to be placed under additional load. Therefore, do I replace rear spring mounts? Do I wait and upgrade to a 12" shock with relocation at the same time?

My goal would be to have a MOAB ready rig once finished. No need to overkill this if the factory suspension geometry would suffice. I really just want a solid and reliable rig I can go far from home with that will get me back without issue. These questions are mostly just my thoughts out loud... but feel free to chime in with your thoughts and opinions.

 

Answers in bold

 

Well... The CC took another beating yesterday. I've ordered the following for the front suspension

Total Chaos Spindle Gussets w/ sway bar (weld-on)
Marlin Crawler LCA Gusset Set (weld-on)
Dirt King UCA Double Shear Gusset (weld-on) I actually have these already on the shelf from a little while back, along with new bushings for the DIrk King UCA's currently installed

I better start practicing some more with my welder!

 

Damn. These just popped up:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/marlin-crawler-lca-gusset-kit.624206/

Thought of you bro

 

That would have been an awesome find yesterday! Believe or not, Marlin has already shipped my parts.

 

OP should have posted it yesterday haha

They're customer service with these kits has been great. Can't wait to install mine.

 

@geekhouse23 Now we need to get your truck to my place so we can practice welding yours first

 

Only one state over..well, two. IN is basically "East IL"