Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice

Harrop E Locker from East Coast Gear Supply.

No plans for the front, just the rear.

 

This is something I don't mind paying someone to do.

 

Where’s your sense of adventure?

 

I'm saving it for Tigerton, The Pipeline and Moab.

Mostly Moab.

 

Finished a project this week. Archive Garage markets a cross member that ties their Hammer Hangers together and stiffens the back end of the Tacoma, and I was thinking about if I needed one (silly question... just spend!) In the summer I tow quite a bit with my summer gig, and the Coastal Offroad bumper I made has some flex (even though it is 3/16 and 1/4 steel!!!) with the 11" dropper ball mount for the trailer. This bothered me and I was looking for a way to tie that more securely to the truck when the idea hit me to combine the needs...



I fabbed a mount that slides over the end of the receiver made of 1/4" steel tube (I welded this on to the receiver) to which I welded some 1/4 angle tabs and bolted some 1/4 angle iron "plates." Made the same for the Hammer Hangers, drilled them spot on and added grade 8 hardware. Next up I fabricated some tricky compound mitered 3/16 1 1/2 tubes that fit nicely and welded the mess together. Not my prettiest work, but frickin stout! Rattle canned it all black and bolted it up. Can be taken out in less than 5 minutes if needed. Clear my extra gas cans and has the added benefit of shoving a rear-ender under the frame rails. Nice!

 

Mostly MOAB!!!

 

Nicely done, that’s a creative way to tie into the receiver!! Any difference in the ride driving on the street (or towing if you’ve had a chance to try that)?

 

Took the dogs out into the Barrens for a run today. I LOVE that Dobinsons upgrade. Wow! Cannot tell with the other-always seemed like hocus pocus-lets sell something they don't know they don't need; but, maybe I will feel the difference out in Moab.
The trailer is buried. This I am sure I will notice (I could see it...), and am anxiously waiting for spring so I can see/feel the difference!

 

Ready for install next weekend:

 

Looking good! Light bar looks nice in that opening. What did you end up using for paint?

 

Don’t forget to update your registration!

 

Thanks. Herculiner bedliner. Stuff is shyte to work with! Hope it holds up, seems a bit soft but it supposedly takes a few days to set up permanently.

I can say that the license plate mount turned out really well.

 

Did you make the plate mount or buy it? If you made it can you make another?????

 

I made it, couldn't find what I liked. I could make another. Or I could send you the templates and the source for the hinges.

 

Gonna put washers behind those bolts?

Rear end stiffness definitely helps. I bet you've got way less $$ into that fun rear end that the Archive cross member would cost, so either way, you win

Don't know that I would hang my gas cans there, but everybody does it differently lol.

 

The gas can thing has been ongoing for a while... I have yet to hit them with anything other than snow. Time will tell. Surprised you didn't give me the flaming Pinto emoji... Ha! I am missing a washer... Poop!

 

just washed the truck today its not suppose to snow till friday so hopefully well be good for a couple days

 

...and then, you'll need a longer bolt.