JB's not a Broverlander build - 2004 4x4 doublecab TRD

goddamnit

I'll post some pics tonight of another project I got distracted with, and hopefully get some more progress on myskids this weekend. Should even get them bolted up!

 

That's the spirit!

I'm just a Prerunner, so I live vicariously through 4x4 owners

 

i live upon salt-encrusted roads for months during the years
so vicariously i live through the TW 1st gen peeps that don't have to fret and such with the problems associated with road chemicals
... looking forward to making it to the end of the line on I-80 west to see how the other 1st gens live, because there are a few locals to me around here that do not believe my taco is real

happy LeapDay

 

Ok folks, here's another update.

I got distracted with a side project, but I got my skids pretty much done this weekend too.

For starters, this summer I added a cargo rack to my trailer. Thought it was pretty cool:

I had my doubts it was going to be strong enough so I didn't put too much stuff back there, just an ez up and some wood blocks for a camping game

About 300 miles into a 3300 mile trip I heard a scraping noise as I was coming into a driveway. Turns out my rack was no longer level:

All the stuff, including the rack came off, and went inside the trailer.

Fast forward to now:

Time to break out the cutoff wheels and welder.

This was the old bracket. Once I got it off, it was obvious how pitifully weak it was. The top hole just stretched out, and was about to come completely off.

So I went to the scrap yard and pick up some toys of the 3/16" variety.

A little cutting and grinding

To make doubly sure the hitch mount would be strong enough I made a center bracket, too.

Pretty much done, just need to finish the welds on the center bracket and paint.

Is it overkill for a small cargo rack? You're goddamn right it is.

 

Ok, now on to the skids.

tl;dr, they're essentially done, just need to prep for paint.


Here are just a few pics






@Kwikvette will be happy to know my welds have improved since I built my hi-lift mounts...



THe rear/trans skid is done too, again, just need to prep for paint.



I decided to go with 2 braces going left/right rather than a center one down the middle. The steering rack was just a little too close in the middle.


Will hopefully paint next weekend...

 

Ha no shit niiiice!

Your welds look like they'll actually hold together pretty damn well!

That hi lift tho is better held by scotch tape...

 

Hey now. I'd at least give it duct tape... It is holding up my hi-lift, lol

One of these days when I don't have 15 other projects going simultaneously, I'll grind that shit off and make it better.

I ended up welding 100% around on the insides, not because it needed it, but because I just wanted (read: needed) the practice. I still have trouble with odd angles, or rounds.



I've been able to get in around a 10" or so bead in one go without ever popping the heat protection on my machine.

 

See that's why I never even bothered to practice; my home doesn't have a consistent 120v as it's an older house. I run a line conditioner and voltage regulator for all my electrical components in the house to prevent a brown out.

Trying to run a welder would just be asking for trouble.

 

on-board welder FTMFW!

Before I built my shop, I just used one of the 110v plugs from my garage. Granted, I had my much smaller machine back then, but even still, I never tripped the 20amp breaker on that line.

 

PAINT!!!!

Going for that camo look.

Kidding, this is just the self-etching primer coat.

 

Some fresh color.


I don't claim to be a painter, but these streaks did disappear when the paint dried.


Also: overspray

 

Nice job and thanks for the details on the slider standoffs. I have ordered the same ones to put on my ex-cab. I too was thinking about shorting the standoffs a little. With the 1" off and tilted up(exactly what I was planning to do) do you find that they still preform pretty well as a step when needed?

I've love to see a picture of two what shows the underside brackets/standoffs.

 

I find I trip over them more than anything, lol. When they are that high, they don't work so well as steps because they're basically just as high as the body.

I would suggest putting some of that sandpaper grip tape on them if you plan to use them as a step.

I went for as low of a profile as I could:

 

Thanks for the info. I might research a bit over in the armor area.

 

After long last, I finally got around to finishing my skid plates. Yes, I realize it was last August when I started them. Apparently I underestimated how much being an adult gets in the way of my "fun" projects.

@Kwikvette, I'm sure you've been waiting on the edge of your seat for me to finish these things.

First pic is all finish welded and mounted, and 2nd pic is proof they're painted (again)

This time I actually test fit them throughout the process of welding them together. Last time I rushed it and didn't bother to test fit after significant welding and it shrank to the point the wholes didn't line up anymore. Ao I had to cut the whole front section (the part with the vertical triangle pieces), and even the back section that mates up with the mid skid.

I also added some drain holes.

So frustrating, but this is how we learn to take your time and do it right the first time...

 

Really though, those skids look tough as shit.

Now go test them!

 

When I came back and looked at when I started those posts... I was like: August?! Fuck.