TacoFMS' attempt at a build thread

Looks great! Here for the final thoughts

 

What is that bar that goes across the back and bolts to the leaf spring shackle mount? I assume it is to stiffen things up back there? Where did you get that?

 

Crossbrace to stiffen the rear end. Yes it does work. I had mine fabbed myself.

 

What he said... and I made my own as well.

 

I heard stiffen rear end and thought hey, they must be talkin' about me.

 

Well, after a good bit of self debating I finally went ahead and pulled the trigger on an awning to cover the rear of the truck. (Since that is where my work table, prep surface and cooking area is when out camping.

Ended up going with the 4ft ARB awning. Made some brackets to attach it to the rtt rack so when the rtt goes up it raises with it. Still tucks up above the tailgate and sits behind the spare when in transit.

 

That looks good. I like how you can raise up the tent. When it is down it looks like stuff in the bed is secured from wondering hands.

 

Thank you. It does add a bit of security, but mainly it keeps my C.O.G. much lower.

 

Nice, ive been looking at buying a chepo 4ft off Amazon to do something similar. Ive got a nice 6ft but that's for the side.

 

Well, @ajohnson got me inspired to go ahead and start working to finish my stereo upgrade to what I should have purchased in the first place, but I was impatient and they were out of stock when I initially started this.

I started this a while ago by applying the sound deadening and installing some Infinty components and rears.

Today I went ahead and removed the Infinty's and replaced with JL as well as installed a layer of sound proofing material.

Made a HUGE difference! Sound quality is much crisper and the overall sound seems much more solid and smooth.

Now all that remains is to remove the interior and apply the sound deadening and sound proofing to the floor...

 

Ok! It's time for the next project! I am finally starting to get my strength back from surgery and my good friend @Casper66 came to lend a hand! Can't thank him enough.


Getting the tools and materials ready...

Removing the old.


Taking some of the new out of the box I noticed a problem... either @AccuTune Offroad forgot to charge one of my shocks or there is a serious issue internally...

Sent an email to see what their recommendation is to remedy this...



Getting things tacked and measured to fit...



More to follow...

 

One side welded, painted and done!




Rear diff fluid changed 75,628

 

Nice! I’m waiting on hammer hangers. Haven’t decided if I’ll do the shock relocation.

 

They probably didn't charge it and shipped it uncharged. Hopefully there is a shop up there that can charge them and accutune will reimburse you

 

We will see. I honestly don't know of any around here... but I also have never looked for any. Wouldn't hurt my feelings if they want to ship the shock back so they can make sure it has the build it is supposed to and then send it back to me.

 

This is @ARCHIVE new 2.0 towers. He was nice enough to include me on the initial run for testing. Sadly I am just now getting to the point I could install them. Will have to wait for the shock situation to be remedied before I can give a review.

Initial impressions are the same as with all of Eric's stuff. Build is very well done, extremely solid and well thought out. Trying to put the same effort in to the install so that it gets a truly honest opportunity, but very excited to be able to get my rear to move like it should!

 

Fun day first time I've worked on a truck in a while. Trucks + tools +toys equals a good day! Glad I could help.

 

IDK about your rear moving but it was making weird noises all day

 

Always enjoy getting to hang out with you. Just a shame we don't do it more often!

I truly can't thank you enough for you coming down to help me get this done. I know for a fact I could not have gotten it done without you... would have taken me 2 weeks at least! And a trip to buy a plasma cutter!