###Southern Style OffRoad Tacoma Slimline Hybrid Group Buy / Summer 2017 ###

This was very helpful by the way.

 

Some additional tips:
It has not been clear to me what deviation from the instructions you do if you cut the bumper while still on the truck. If you cut the bumper on the truck, you only need to remove the grill. I removed the grill then step 2 cut the bumper. Once you make the cut, you can remove all of the other parts. The aluminum cross bar is held on in a confusing way: three bolts on each side to the frame then there is a single bolt above the two on the front that somehow magically holds it on as well. So four bolts on either side. You will benefit from deep sockets and socket extensions for this part.

I put the grill back on before I started trying to put the bumper on instead of trying to shoehorn the grill in after the bumper is on. I have long arms so I was able to reach down and thread the nut onto the frame bolt while holding my side of the bumper at the same time.

You can get the plastic pieces that go next to the lights back in place after you are done. It takes some work but the plastic is super flexible and you can get it in there if you struggle for awhile with it.

As mentioned above the motor mount is the best spot for the Smittybuilt control box. I would also wire it up before putting the bumper on. The wiring to the battery is easy once you have it in place.

Super pro tip: I THINK you can cut away a single slat on the little mini grill below the main grill and that should allow you to fit your hand in the perfect spot to adjust the clutch on the winch. I have not done this yet but I looked at it and the clutch handle sits literally directly behind one of the slats. This could be a really elegant solution so that you don't have to get the bumper with the access holes and won't need to open the hood to access the clutch. If anyone has done this, please comment.

 

I have one on order. How much more room would you need on the bull bar to make it reasonably easy to take the grill out. Sure would be nice to be able to not have to loosen bumper to remove the grill as I find myself pulling my grill quite often to access that area for different things. My bumper will be unpainted so I am thinking the easiest would be bending out the top of the Bull bar just a little, that interferes with grill removal.

 

I was able to put my grille on after the bumper

 

Its unfortunate that the install cut line update just came out since I cut it last weekend.

But on another note, I installed the bumper and winch, came out nice. Only thing I'm not stoked on is the license plate, I got the Flipster V2, but the bracket blocks the light bar slightly, anyone have some ideas on how to make it not block the light? Also, I'm in Oregon, I need a front license plate but anyone get around with mounting it to a different location in states that require it?

 

I think I have the same plate mount but it mounts directly above the fairlead? I'll check when I try to install it tomorrow.

 

Mine mounts behind the fairlead as well but it has channels that the bolts fit into and that's as far as it goes down if that makes sense. I was thinking of maybe trying it upside down? Not sure.

 

Your setup has a rear backplate that mine didn't come with. Just a 2" spacer that mounts directly over the fairlead?

Here's a pic from a Cascadia. I have this mount.

 

Oh interesting, I have that spacer as well, I just assumed it was for big rollers or something. Your bumper just has holes in it, I guess I could drill some. Hmm.
Thanks for sharing.

 

My newly installed SSO Slimline bumper and Smittybilt winch came in handy yesterday as I winched out my buddies' Rubicon.
Thanks Southern Style Offroad for the group buy!

 

White pants in the mud, you sir are a better man than i.

 

That's my buddy. He's a kook.

 

Anyone have trouble getting the supplied rocker switch with the premium wiring harness to fit in the blank on the left side of the wheel? Is this switch the wrong size for that blank slot?

 

Yeah, the switch is a little wider than the blank, but you can make it fit.

 

Thanks. I just didnt want to trim then find out that the switch would interfere with the one next to it.

- Turns out it takes a pretty uncomfortable amount of work with the dremel to get the rocker switch to fit in that blank spot. I'd prob get one of those panels that replaces the sunglasses holder if I was going to do it again.

 

Another option is to file down the small lip on the inside of the cutout, which is what the rocker switch kept contacting that prevented it from sliding in.

Wasn't too bad at all using a file like the below.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Nicholson-8-in-Bastard-Cut-Half-Round-File-21857N/205215842

 

@SouthernStyleOffRoad

Guys, the original set of cubes were found. I owe you an apology and some $$$. Let me know how much and THANK YOU for "making it right" when it was my fault for not seeing them. My cousin found them. I'm an idiot and you guys rock.

 

Where are y'all installing your cube lights? I'm debating on what to use it for. Ditch lights perhaps?

 

Same question. I have no idea what to do with them.

 

I was going to use my cubes on my snugtop rack to light the back area for camping