Willman's 2001 Tacoma

[Willman]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/IMG_0708.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC01122.jpg

Owner: Willman
Location: UT

Make: Toyota
Model: Tacoma Double Cab SR5 TRD
Year: 2001

Engine: 3.4L, V6
Trans: Auto
T-Case: Stock
Front Axle: Nitro 4.88's, IFS, Donahoes.
Rear Axle:Nitro 4.88's, Bilstein 5100 shocks, Deaver 10 pack springs, Electric Locker
Tires: 255/80 R17 BFG MT/KM2
Wheels: 2011 - 4Runner Wheels 17x7.5 with 1.25" SpiderTrax spacers

Additional Modifications:
ARE canopy
Warn M8000 w/ synthetic rope
Stubbs rock sliders
ARB front bumper
Rear bumper w/ tire carrier & air tank (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1230)
BudBuilt traction Bar (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2133&highlight=budbuilt)
Deck plate mod 4"
Grey Wire Mod
Sylvania Silverstars light bulbs
Hella 500 fog lights
Red top Optima
Dual battery system (Optima D31T yellow top)
On-Board Air system (ExtermeAire w/ 4 gal. rear bumper air tank)
Magnaflow 14"
MasterFlow MF-1050 portable air compressor (dead)
uniden pro520xl 40 Channel CB
Deaver 10 pack springs
Donahoes
Magellan XL GPS
Snorkel
Eezi Awn 1800 & 1400 Rooftop tents
GPS hard mount
Nitro 4.88 Gears (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=420)
Superlift TruSpeed electronic speedometer calibrator
Tundra front brakes
1.25" SpiderTrax spacers
2011 - 4Runner Wheels 17x7.5

Waiting in the Garage:
A must do camping trip.....I need to get out...Too many projects going on here!

Current Project
Aluminum rear bed Platform drawer system

Future Fab development Mods

Skidplate
Hi-Lift jack slider adapter
Rock lights

Future mods
Rock lights
Larger Alternator


This is going to be a on going thread on all my mods on my rid!
Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions or comments!

Here's the stock photo!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/newride.jpg

:costumed-smiley-007

[Willman]

Look what hit my door! ARB is only 9 miles from my house!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01479.jpg

It was time to 86 my Warn brush guard and trade up for the ARB.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC00908.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01578.jpg

I love my portable Warn winch system that i have on my rig. I need to fab up a front reciever hitch for my winch setup. so...I got out the metal and went to work.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01589.jpg

[Willman]

It was time to do the end cap mod. Here is where i got my idea!

http://www.wattora.com/index.php?page_id=13

The endcap is very important if you plan on winching off these ARBs! I have seen a ARB bumper without the mod and it looked like the bumper had moved 1/2" at times while winching.

I took a piece of 3/16" angle 3x4 and custom fitted to the frame. I drilled 1/2" holes for the bolt and tic it into place.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01593.jpg

I drilled holes into the frame so i could weld rosebuds to give the endcap more muscle!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01594.jpg

Here is the finished product.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01595.jpg

Time to mount the ARB! I found that i had to use a jack and some 6x6s to push out the mounts so i could mount it!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01596.jpg

Here is the finished product with the receiver installed

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01598.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01609.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/DSC01613.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ARB%20Bumper/Evans.jpg

All in all...it turned out great!...I still need to test it!...coming soon!

This coming weekend is going to be a total suspension remodel on my rig!!! I got Deaver 10 pack coming and new Donahoes!!! Keep ya post!

[flyingwil]

Looking good! When are you going to build my rear bumper?

[Scott Brady]

Nic,

The truck is looking great!

Nice job on the ARB/ receiver idea. First time I have seen that.

Did you also wire the rear to accept the winch?

[cshontz]

Wow! The truck looks great, and the custom front receiver is slick!

[BajaTaco]

Nice job on the ARB/ receiver idea. First time I have seen that.



Ditto that. Nice job.

[kcowyo]

Yeah, times 3 or 4 or whatever. Very nice Will!

Love the red Taco too. I like the idea of a portable winch with a permanent mount.

Nice fabbin' skills! :beer:

[FourByLand]

Yeah, very trick!

And very nice fab skills!

Times 5 or 6 hehe!!!

[Willman]

Looking good! When are you going to build my rear bumper?

How about this spring!

[Willman]

Nic,

The truck is looking great!

Nice job on the ARB/ receiver idea. First time I have seen that.

Did you also wire the rear to accept the winch?

Thanks All for the kind words!!!!

The rear is wired for the winch! I love it! It is nice to be able to go front and back with the winch! It is a nice option when you are on a real narrow trail...we have to many of those here in the northwest!

Lots more coming to post up!!!

-Added side protection to my rear bumper
-Donahoes
-Deavers
-rock lights and the list goes on!!!

Stay turned!!

[p1michaud]

Willman,
Great job on the multi mount winch solution. That would indeed come in handy. I'm currious as to what you had in mind for your T-case Skidplate. I'm spending the next month re-wiring my new to me garage and insulating it then my top priority projects are transfer case skid and rear bumper. I've actually scraped my transfer case on two occasions luckily no damage so it's time to do something about it.
Cheers :beer:,
P

[Willman]

Willman,
Great job on the multi mount winch solution. That would indeed come in handy. I'm currious as to what you had in mind for your T-case Skidplate. I'm spending the next month re-wiring my new to me garage and insulating it then my top priority projects are transfer case skid and rear bumper. I've actually scraped my transfer case on two occasions luckily no damage so it's time to do something about it.
Cheers :beer:,
P

Good question!!...I have changed my mind and thinking of building a full belly skid, front bumper to mid range of the truck in lenth???? Still kicking the tires on that one...That is sure going to be one custom job!!! I might wait until i move to UT in the spring to use my father-laws blacksmith shop....He has all the fun tools you can have in a huge shop!!!! Also....Budbuilt makes a cool one that has given me some ideas on the full belly idea!! I will keep you posted!

[flyingwil]

How about this spring!

Sounds Good to me...

[Willman]

Look what showed up.....a used Deaver 10 pack in great shape!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01929.jpg

Gave the used springs a bath using my tire brush. Then a day later, Took the grinder with the wire and did a quick job on the rust. Then painted them up with a quick coat of semi-gloss.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01931.jpg

They will be ready for install tomorrow!!! My Donahoes come Monday!!!

:wings:

[flyingwil]

Where did you plant your money tree?

Looks great so far!

[Willman]

Where did you plant your money tree?

Looks great so far!

If I told you...I'd have to kill you!!!

:elkgrin:

HomeDump I think sells them in the way back! Ask for Larry in the Seattle branch....lol

[grouch]

I love your truck. You have some very innovative ideas going on. Keep up the good work.

[Willman]

All painted and ready to install. In with the new and out with the old!!!

Scott has a great writeup that i followed to the T on the install of the new Deavers! Thanks Scott!

Deaver install (http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/deaver.html)

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01935.jpg

The stock leafs came out in pretty good shape for taking a pounding from the 270 lbs. rear bumper totally loaded.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01936.jpg

One thing that really helped was using a strap to pull the axle 3/4" foreword to its new place centering the axle in the fender.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01937.jpg

Everything went good until I installed the new u-bolts from Deaver. The bolts were about 3/4" to long!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01938.jpg

Sooooo....I took about 1/2" off to prevent stuff dragging on it in the future on the trail.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01939.jpg

All done and ready to install the tire and rock and roll!!!

Now to test these bad boys on the trail!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01940.jpg

[Willman]

Got my new Donahoes!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01943.jpg

The install is pretty easy! I left the tires on and also did the adjustment with the tires on just turning the tires to gain access with the spanner wrench. I have 1 3/4" of thread showing on the hoes.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01965.jpg

Now time for the the test post!!!!

[Willman]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01955.jpg

Overall suspension rating:

Deaver 10 pack springs:
I give them a 9 out of 10

The springs ride very nice! These springs have solved my problems in the rear! I am very happy with them. The only thing that bugs me is that they squeek a little going down the trail. Another thing is that the E-brake cable rests on the leaf pack. (http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01942.jpg) On this test run, I loaded the truck with my wife and the little one and two old friends. The truck was loaded down! The ride quality on and off the road was awesome! Other than that, great springs!!

Donahoe Coilovers
I give them a solid 10!

These are a dream come true!! The overall ride and feel are awesome now compaired to my old coil spacer lift! Before, driving at high speeds and hitting bumps it would sway back and forth.....Problem solved!

Overall, Deaver/Donahoe are a great team! Both allowed the rig to still get great flex both in the front and rear. I'm very happy with the outcome of the ride! A+

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01964.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01967.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01970.jpg
Note the new side protection on the rear bumper......More pictures coming soon!
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01992.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC02019.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC02020.jpg

Now time for the best picture of them all! Daddy teaching the little one how to drive! Shes a great little trooper!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01959.jpg

[grouch]

That is one nice looking truck. I am about to get a set of the Deaver 8 leafs to fix my back end, your post got me all excited!

[IggyB]

Very nice.

Where do you carry the winch when it's not mounted front or rear? Is it in the bed or do you just slide it into one of the receivers and go?

I too have front and rear receivers and have a bracket in the bed to hold the winch cradle. That way my approach / departure angles are not compromised.

[Willman]

Very nice.

Where do you carry the winch when it's not mounted front or rear? Is it in the bed or do you just slide it into one of the receivers and go?


I keep my winch in the rear of the bed strapped down against the cab. I Just carry it in the bed when i go and when a winching opp. comes...I will just leave it there afterwards.

;)

[Willman]

Well.....I started hearing some noise coming from my front end....Find out that my driverside lower ball-joint was shot. Called up Toyota to find that their was a recall on those joints from 01'-04'.....I guess my VIN # was not part of the recall...........:mad: Oh well......win some...you lose some......Got the new ball-joint yesterday ($74) and installed it too....The install takes about one hour...pretty easy to do. Toyota did say that i should save all my receipts just in-case they extend the recall to my VIN....

I did order some 1" Downey shackles to get my ride a little more height in the rear. I'm also going to raise up the Donahoes as well to make up for the rear. Then it is time for an alignment!!!

Time to hit the fresh power in the mountains!!!!

:smiley_drive:

[Nullifier]

Man the truck is looking sweet!!! Glad to here you are hapy witht he suspension. It is hard to go wrong with that set up.

[Willman]

Got some new Wheels....Picked them off Craigslist for a great deal. They came from Wheeler's Offroad (http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/tacomawheels.htm) i believe. Got black caps and lugs to match! Looks sweet! I'm thinking of painting my chrome grill a darker color and taking off all the badging around the truck.
The truck is coming along!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02199.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02200.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02201.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02203.jpg

:jumping:

[Scott Brady]

Looks awesome Will! :jumping:

[datrupr]

Very nice Will! Looks very good.

[kcowyo]

Lookin' very good!

I like the black on red and it looks like someone's been "testing" the added rear quarter panel protection too! :truck:

Re debadging; I did it because the T100 had big badges (say it with me, "we don't need no....") and a huge banner on the tailgate. But now I'm thinking of adding some TuRD stickers. So maybe pull the Tacoma and V6 stuff off but leave the TuRD decals till last, (if you were planning on pulling them off too) to see how you like it.

The truck is looking really good!

[Willman]

Thanks guys!!!

:safari-rig:

I need to put a roof rack on that roof to beef it up!!!

:REExeSquatsHL1:

[Mlachica]

Nice Will!

What else do you have in store for the beast?

[flyingwil]

Hey guys, I might be wrong on this, but I am pretty sure his name is Nic.

Anyways it looks good! What rack are you think about?

[TACODOC]

Hey guys, I might be wrong on this, but I am pretty sure his name is Nic.

Whew! I feel better now that Wil is bustin' someone elses chops for once!

Looking good there Nic :bigbossHL:

[Willman]

Nice Will!

What else do you have in store for the beast?

Here you go:

Waiting in the Garage:
Rock lights

Future Fab development Mods
Skidplate
Roof rack w/lights
Hi-Lift jack slider adapter
GPS hard-mount dash holder
Aluminum rear bed drawer system

Future mods
16x8 rims (http://www.americanracing.com/wheels/details.asp?wheelid=145&name=Baja%20Chrome&style=672&desc=1-piece%20chrome%20plated%20alloy&section=S)
Larger Alternator
Dual battery system
Bed rug
In-dash CB/CD
On-board air system
Gauge pods
Auxiliary Fuel tank
4.88 gears
Roof rack w/ over head lighting front & rear
Eezi Awn Rooftop tent

[Willman]

Hey guys, I might be wrong on this, but I am pretty sure his name is Nic.

Nic is right!!! I need to update my sig...


What rack are you think about?

Down the road, I'm going to build a roof rack to house roof top tent and 4 rally lights up front and two lights on the corners in the rear!!!.....Still thinking how i'm going to build it....

:coffee:

[Willman]

I got an Magellan Explorist XL for Christmas! I also got the vehicle mount and the Topo software!!....It has worked out to be a great unit in my travels. Easy to use and the Topo maps are fun to use to plan trips. I just got off Ebay the 12V Cigarette Power Adapter and a 2gb sd memory card to hold all my maps coming in the mail soon.
The wife got it for a great deal at Gi joes for i think around $270...She a great power shopper if you ask me!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02389.jpg

Features:

* eXtra-Large color screen - 3.5" backlit display in vibrant color
* Easy-to-use - Navigate in seconds with simple menus, one-button shortcut to key features and joystick control
* Built-in maps - North American or European basemap shows major roads, parks, waterways and many points of interest
* SD-card expandability - Add unlimited MapSend topographic maps or turn-by-turn street routing
* Simple file system - Save, organize and access all your stored data with ease
* USB data port - Manage maps and waypoints and download coordinates from your PC
* TrueFix® technology - Reliable accuracy to within 3 meters
* Area calculation - Instantly see the distance and area between any geographic points
* Vertical profile - View graphical elevation changes for where you've been or where you're going
* Geocache Manager - PC application to download and organize coordinates from the Internet
* Track logging - Store 5 track files with 2000 points each and an unlimited number on your own SD cards
* Four navigation screens - Map, Compass, Locator and Satellite Status deliver easy-to-use information
* Advanced power management - Four AA batteries provide up to 19 hours of use. Save power with “auto-off".
* Rugged construction - Encased in rubber armored, impact resistant plastic
* Water resistant - Don't worry about getting it wet
* Languages - Choose English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Portuguese, Dutch or Norwegian.
* No service fees - Ready to use with no activation required
* Full Warranty - One-year in North America, Two-year in Europe

In the future, i want to do a custom mount.....

It's been a great unit!!!

:26_7_2:

[Willman]

Look What the FedEx guy dropped off.....I wonder what this could be for????

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02507.jpg

[Willman]

Look what the UPS driver dropped by!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02524.jpg

12v extremeAire to hookup to my bumper/air tank!!! (coming soon)

I got the compressor from Sierra Expeditions (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/)!!!! Best service and quick shipping! Wil and Wendy are the best to do bussiness with!!!

Daul battery time!!! (still building!! Coming soon!!) Here's a sneak :peepwall:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02522.jpg

Custom hold down for my group 31T Optima.....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02515.jpg

The Wifes been out of town sooo..i have been busy!!!

:D

[kcowyo]

Nothing better than new gear from the UPS guy! Nice to know W & W are taking such good care of our members.

.....but shouldn't you be packing for the move? :box:

[Willman]

.....but shouldn't you be packing for the move? :box:

Not just yet.......Just been de-junking the house and packing up alittle.....

25 days and counting!!!

Moab......here i come!!!

:smiley_drive:

[Davids90toy]

Mind posting your bed storage and sleeping platform ideas? me and my dad are on teh market for that body style of the DC taco trd perferably and wanna have the whole truck maped out before we purchase any thing.

-David

[Willman]

Mind posting your bed storage and sleeping platform ideas? me and my dad are on teh market for that body style of the DC taco trd perferably and wanna have the whole truck maped out before we purchase any thing.

-David

Sorry man...The ideas are still flowing throught my head..I have some notes written down..thats about it....That is next on my mod list to do...It will be made out of alum. with 2 drawers and a box up front against back of the bed to house my aux. battery/compressor.....When i get some time...I will post up some ideas...coming soon....

Sleeping platform in my 5' bed is a little tight if you know what i mean! I'm 6'1"....I'm going with a rooftop tent my friend!!! Got to camp in-style!!!

Good luck with the future rig!!!

:camping:

[Willman]

Not just yet.......Just been de-junking the house and packing up alittle.....

25 days and counting!!!

Moab......here i come!!!

:smiley_drive:

24 days.....lol....I'm really going to be sad to leave my home town of Seattle!!
Great place that i will truly miss.....

:ylsmoke:

[kcowyo]

25 days and counting!!!

Moab......here i come!!!

:smiley_drive:

You might want to keep an eye on this thread - (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3848)

[Willman]

You might want to keep an eye on this thread - (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3848)

Thanks!! I'm on it!!

Looks like a go maybe????

http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/mazeroads.htm

[Willman]

You might want to keep an eye on this thread - (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3848)

Houston...It's a go!!!

:wings:

[kcowyo]

Sweet! We'll look forward to meeting you and the family in person. :jumping:

Looks like we'll have a nice selection of eye candy with your Taco, Jonathan's new Jeep, Scott's 80, etc. on this trip.

[Willman]

Sweet! We'll look forward to meeting you and the family in person. :jumping:

Looks like we'll have a nice selection of eye candy with your Taco, Jonathan's new Jeep, Scott's 80, etc. on this trip.

:iagree:

Sounds like a good group!!!

Lots to finish before the run!!!

:roost:

[Willman]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacomabedconfig.jpg

Above the raised bed, I will mainly just store larger items like my portable winch, bags, Engel Fridge, and etc..This will not be a sleeping area...A 1600 series Eezi-Awn Roof top tent is in order!!!

This mod will be coming this summer!!

:D

[2004ej]

Sweet truck, keep up the good work.....

[Willman]

This mod had been a great tool in keeping the rubber on the road!!! I'm doing a little updating to my thread.....more to come!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/BudBar/DSC01460.jpg

BudBuilt Traction Bar Solves the "Clunk"

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2133&highlight=budbuilt

Enyoy!

:jumping:

[Willman]

Here is a link to my Swing-out tire carrier buildup!!

Enjoy!!

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1230&highlight=tire+carrier

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Rear%20Bumper%20Buildup/DSC01474.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Rear%20Bumper%20Buildup/DSC01463.jpg

Updates to the carrier have been made...like side protection and CB mount......Pictures to come on the CB mount....and last but not...the air tank with and ExtremeAire coming soon!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02524.jpg

:jumping:

[kcowyo]

BudBuilt Traction Bar Solves the "Clunk"


Good info.

I seem to have developed a faint "clunk" myself over the last couple of weeks. :confused:

I have a big maintenence list to get through prior to the Maze. You've given me a place to start looking. Axle-wrap hadn't even occured to me.

Thanks Nic!

[Willman]

Good info.

I seem to have developed a faint "clunk" myself over the last couple of weeks. :confused:

I have a big maintenence list to get through prior to the Maze. You've given me a place to start looking. Axle-wrap hadn't even occured to me.

Thanks Nic!

The BudBar has worked great!!! Little $$$$......but worth every penny!!!!..I too...have a list to prepair for the maze....working on CB ashtray mount right now!!!!

:26_7_2:

[mountainpete]

William,

The truck is looking absolutely fabulous. I'm a big fan of the design you used on the tire carrier.

It's been all this time and you know I still don't have a single thread about my truck. I really need to get on that :littlefriend:

Pete

[Willman]

William,

It's been all this time and you know I still don't have a single thread about my truck. I really need to get on that :littlefriend:

Pete

:iagree:

Pete...............I would love to see a thread on your awesome rig!!! Please do!!!! I would love to follow all your mods as well see a future mod list on your rig!!!!:drool:

:26_7_2:

[Willman]

I did the ashtray mount on a PRO520XL!! Came out looking great! Took the heat gun and nicely pushed the vent back for the 90 degree elbow...I think i need just a little more...than she will be flush with the dash!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02720.jpg

I also had to add a tab off my swing-out tire carrier for the new 3' Firestick firefly!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02724.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02733.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02722-1.jpg

Now time to test this system out!!:jumping:

[erod]

Now that is sharp...NICE work, thanks for the pics!

[Ridgewalker]

Willman, have you done an SWR check on your antenna? Usually it is hard to get a good ground through hinges. :confused:

Just curious how high your lift is from centerline of axle to fender flare?

I'm so jealous of such a good looking rig. Does it work as good as it looks?:clapsmile

[Willman]

Willman, have you done an SWR check on your antenna? Usually it is hard to get a good ground through hinges. :confused:

Just curious how high your lift is from centerline of axle to fender flare?

I'm so jealous of such a good looking rig. Does it work as good as it looks?:clapsmile

Good point on the hinge question??? When the gate is locked in...It is linked with two points for a ground......We will soon find out on SWR test!

The truck has about a 3" lift over stock.

I am very happy on how this rig performs on the trail! Even when it was stock...it did pretty good!

:jumping:

[Willman]

When i was at Cabelas the other day...picked up on to these tailgate seal kits for $20!....I have alway be looking for one of these due to all the dust and water that comes into the bed!!!! It was easy to install only taking about 10 minutes to install.......I can't wait to test it out!!!

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0043660522229a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=tail+gate+seal&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=tail+gate+seal&noImage=0

Here's some pictures!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02729.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02727.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02732.jpg

:D

[Willman]

I also added 5 HP as well!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02726.jpg

A big thanks to Jim65wagon for the Decal!!!!

:roost:

[Super Doody]

[QUOTE=Willman]

One thing that really helped was using a strap to pull the axle 3/4" foreword to its new place centering the axle in the fender.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01937.jpg


[/QUOTE=Willman]

Where the did attach the strap towards the front of the vehicle? trans cross member? Thanks.

[Willman]

[QUOTE=Willman]

One thing that really helped was using a strap to pull the axle 3/4" foreword to its new place centering the axle in the fender.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Suspension/DSC01937.jpg


[/QUOTE=Willman]

Where the did attach the strap towards the front of the vehicle? trans cross member? Thanks.

My slider! It worked out great!

:Mechanic:

[Super Doody]

great idea. the slider slide are in perfect alignment too. The reason i ask is because I'll be sending in my deavers soon to be rebuilt. Thanks.

[Martinjmpr]

When i was at Cabelas the other day...picked up on to these tailgate seal kits for $20!....I have alway be looking for one of these due to all the dust and water that comes into the bed!!!! It was easy to install only taking about 10 minutes to install.......I can't wait to test it out!!!


Here's some pictures!!!

:D

Willman: Where did you get the tailgate cover you are using? Is it part of an old bedliner? Reason I ask is because my Taco had a bedliner when I got it, but I didn't like the fact that it would interfere with a shell, so I sold it on Craigslist. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that I should have kept the tailgate cover :mad: Since the tailgate gets so much abuse in a camping vehicle it seems to me a tailgate protector is a smart idea. So I'm just wondering if you found a place that would sell you just the tailgate protector - most places I've seen want to sell you a whole bed liner or nothing.

[Willman]

Willman: Where did you get the tailgate cover you are using? Is it part of an old bedliner? Reason I ask is because my Taco had a bedliner when I got it, but I didn't like the fact that it would interfere with a shell, so I sold it on Craigslist. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that I should have kept the tailgate cover :mad: Since the tailgate gets so much abuse in a camping vehicle it seems to me a tailgate protector is a smart idea. So I'm just wondering if you found a place that would sell you just the tailgate protector - most places I've seen want to sell you a whole bed liner or nothing.

Good Question...The cover came with the truck...I have no idea on where to just buy the cover...sorry man....I would keep your eye on Craigslist.

Good luck!

:)

[Dave]

Since the tailgate gets so much abuse in a camping vehicle it seems to me a tailgate protector is a smart idea.

I have the stock tail gate cover off my Tacoma. You can have it if you want it, shoot me a PM.

[Willman]

I have the stock tail gate cover off my Tacoma. You can have it if you want it, shoot me a PM.

Right on...there you go!!!!!

:)

[grouch]

So Nic, how is that bed seal working out?

[jim65wagon]

I also added 5 HP as well!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02726.jpg

A big thanks to Jim65wagon for the Decal!!!!

:roost:

It's hard to beat five free horsepower! Use them well!:26_7_2: x5

[Willman]

So Nic, how is that bed seal working out?

Not to bad......The hinge on the tailgate has pushed the seal down.....Need to add a little more rubber to get a better seal!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02982.jpg

[Willman]

Details to come!!!!! Not finished yet..........

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02522.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02983.jpg

Just a sneak peek!!!!

:peepwall:

[mountainpete]

Very nice Nic! Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

By the way, I have the exact same issue with my bed seal. I've had it on there for about 2 years and I plan on replacing it shortly.

Pete

[p1michaud]

Details to come!!!!! Not finished yet..........
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02983.jpg

Just a sneak peek!!!!

:peepwall:

Looking like a very clean set up, I like it. Will wait for the detailed pics before asking questions...:jumping:



By the way, I have the exact same issue with my bed seal. I've had it on there for about 2 years and I plan on replacing it shortly.

I also have the same bed seal that I've had for roughly 2 years as well. It's got a few tears in it and is not as "spongy" as before due to being compressed most of the time but otherwise has held up fine and is still keeping dust and water out so I'm happy with it.

[Green96D1]

Wow I've been following this thread. Sweet Truck Pal:wings:

[OldSven]

So did you get a hose and try the compressor???

[Dave]

Details to come!!!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC02983.jpg

Just a sneak peek!!!!

:peepwall:

Looks real good...but I need details! :) Specifically, some details on what you have all that mounted to (some sort of plastic box?) and some details on your wire runs from the engine bay to the bed.

[Willman]

Looks real good...but I need details! :) Specifically, some details on what you have all that mounted to (some sort of plastic box?) and some details on your wire runs from the engine bay to the bed.


3/4" plywood box painted up! Came out great! The box is not done yet.....Going to use some metal mash (great for the compressor to keep things cool) for the front and a 3/8" plywood top w/ hinges.........

As for the Dual battery......The isolator gives power (charge) to both batteries....without letting the system know it is charging two batteries that are not tied to each other..........Down the road.....Going to upgrade to a 150 amp alt. for more kick!!!

Hope this helps:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Dualbatterysystem.jpg

[Willman]

The compressor is all in and works great!!!! It airs up to 150 psi to my 4 gal. rear bumper and kicks back on at 120 psi. Still need to test the system.......coming soon!!!! The compressor is wired to a switch in the cab.......

Now on to the winch........I wired it to have a power cut-off switch wired to the cab.....I also wired it with a 200 amp ANL fuse just in-case one of the wires gets cut etc.....I also up graded the winch wire from 2 gauge to 0/1 welding cable.......That will help keep things running cool under high amp pulls from the winch.......

Now to the pictures......All white tape is temp.......keep things safe

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03163.jpg

Winch wiring with fuse

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03165.jpg

Not done yet......more wire cleanup to do and i need to fab a rubber divider for the main aux. dis. block.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03166.jpg

4 gal. Air tank with 150 psi cut-off

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03168.jpg

Gauge is temp......down the road going to setup some gauge pods in the cab...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03169.jpg

Hella switches from rallylights.com...........winch, compressor and the factory fog lamp switch in the background.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03159.jpg

Here's the Hella switch wiring diagram:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Hellaswitchwiringdiagram.jpg

[BogusBlake]

Nice!

Where'd you pick up that factory fog light switch? Stealership? What vehicle was it from?

[Willman]

Nice!

Where'd you pick up that factory fog light switch? Stealership? What vehicle was it from?

http://www.rallylights.com/hella/switches_illuminated_rocker.asp

4th one down.....good deal

:)

[p1michaud]

Winch wiring with fuse

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03165.jpg



Nice job on all the plumbing and wiring. Where did you get the nice rubber boots that cover your ring terminals shown in the picture above? Did you crimp or solder the terminals on to the wires you made up?

Cheers :beer:,
P

[Willman]

Nice job on all the plumbing and wiring. Where did you get the nice rubber boots that cover your ring terminals shown in the picture above? Did you crimp or solder the terminals on to the wires you made up?

Cheers :beer:,
P

Thanks for the kind words!

I used heat shrink rap.....works great and gives it a clean look......You can get it at the local home dump.....I did not have one of those $300 crimpers.....so i got some 0/1 lugs that have a hex allen screw.....Also worked out great!........

Overall....i'm very happy with the out come.......i still have some cleanup to do on the wiring........and can't wait to test the system tonight!!!!!

:wings:

[Willman]

My ExtermeAire took my check valve for alittle ride..........So i started testing the system finding only one leek....Not bad........With a little leek......It took me 9 minutes to air up all 4 tires from 15-35 psi......With my MasterFlow MF-1050 which is now dead...that took around five minutes a tire!!!!...Very happy with the new system......But on the second test....How long would it take to air a tire from 0-35 psi my compressor burned a maxi fuse on a restart????

So... i called Extreme Outback.......They said it is....ether a bad ground, or that the check valve is to tight......

Gound is good......compressor is only foot from the ground.....

Check valve......It looked a little tight on the one side but how do you explain this????

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03183.jpg

I found the ball and the spring just about out of the "T" with the plastic all melted......In the picture below.....right where the air hose meets up with the "T".....Is where i found the parts of the check valve all melted.........

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03166.jpg

Hummmmm what do you guys think????

Do i have a bad check valve.....I have a hard time thinking that over tighting the check valve will lead to the inside parts coming out......

[ntsqd]

Too close to the compressor. the discharge air can be exceptionally hot. If it physically needs to be there (rather than further downstream in the system) then make up a 3-6 turns coil of dead soft 3/8" copper tube and fit that btwn the compressor and the check valve. Hint: Use something like a piece of pipe to wrap the copper tube around when making the coil.
Once installed the coils do not want to touch. Congrats, you just made an air to air intercooler. :)

[Willman]

Too close to the compressor. the discharge air can be exceptionally hot. If it physically needs to be there (rather than further downstream in the system) then make up a 3-6 turns coil of dead soft 3/8" copper tube and fit that btwn the compressor and the check valve. Hint: Use something like a piece of pipe to wrap the copper tube around when making the coil.
Once installed the coils do not want to touch. Congrats, you just made an air to air intercooler. :)

You make a great point on the heat issue.........Did some searching......Here is what the master himself has done with his setup.......I guess he has not had any issues?????

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSCF1051.jpg

The only difference between our setups is that i took out the factory female piece and Scott left has inn........I guess the 1" really plays a big role with the heat issue??????........Going to give Extreme Outback a call and see what they think........

:REOutArchery02:

[flyingwil]

Yup too close to the compressor... looks like you need to move it further away from the compressor.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/pages/extremeaireinstall.gif

[flyingwil]

You make a great point on the heat issue.........Did some searching......Here is what the master himself has done with his setup.......I guess he has not had any issues?????

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSCF1051.jpg

The only difference between our setups is that i took out the factory female piece and Scott left has inn........I guess the 1" really plays a big role with the heat issue??????........Going to give Extreme Outback a call and see what they think........

:REOutArchery02:


Scott also is not running a tank... so he might not have a check valve.

[ntsqd]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSCF1051.jpg

By the by, with that "Insta-Grip" hose or it's equals (FC332 in Aeroquip) and the correct hose end fittings the clamp actually does damage rather than add robustness. It does appear that those fittings in the pic are std barbed fittings. The "Push-Loc" (Parker)/"Barb-tite" (Weatherhead)/etc. hose ends have a tall enough barb that putting a clamp over them cuts the inner surface of the hose. Using those fittings, the clampless assembly is good to 250-300 psi (depending actual hose & hose size) @ 300*f. The hose is constructed with a "chinese finger trap" internal braid so that to get it over the barbs the hose has to be expanded, and once on the fitting has to be cut off.

[Willman]

Yup too close to the compressor... looks like you need to move it further away from the compressor.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/pages/extremeaireinstall.gif

Problem solved.........kinda ya?????

Wil.......What do you think about Scott's setup.........If i put the stock fitting back on........do you think i will have that problem again?????......I would like to follow Scott's great example with an air coupler in the bed area.....

If i follow the plan above and try to run a "T" with a coupler in the bed.......That will not work with the check valve (CV) and having the pressure behind the CV......If i go to use the coupler in my bed......It will have no air supply if you know what i mean due to where the CV is located....

:)

[ntsqd]

Put the coupler & the 'T' downstream of the check valve.

hose > fitting > Check > 'T' > tank

[flyingwil]

You can do it... just move the check valve back to the tank back here:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03168.jpg

By running your bumper as a tank your compressor runs longer than Scott's would, thus your issue.


EDIT:

The check valve installs into air tank from compressor line and keeps compressed air from the tank from bleeding back into the compressor cylinder head.

[Willman]

Thanks guys for the replies!



By running your bumper as a tank your compressor runs longer than Scott's would, thus your issue.


Thinking about this.......I'm sure Scott has ran his compressor for longer times than i have airing up those 295's! You would think he would have the same problem.....Just my 2 cents......

[Scott Brady]

Check valve too close and possibly tightened too deep, resulting in overheating and damage. Convection is the killer, so even 1" of additional distance can make a big difference.

I have run my compressor for over one hour without issue. Works great.

[erin]

Willman, look great. I was wondering if the quick connects are as exposed on the underside of the bumper as they appear in the photos? Maybe a 2" 3/16" strip of steel from the under side of the bumper back to protect them in case of a bumper drag?

[Willman]

Willman, look great. I was wondering if the quick connects are as exposed on the underside of the bumper as they appear in the photos? Maybe a 2" 3/16" strip of steel from the under side of the bumper back to protect them in case of a bumper drag?

That has crossed my mind.....Thanks for the input......That is a must living around here with all the red rocks!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03168.jpg

:)

[ntsqd]

Better would be to not use the bumper that way. There are some inexpensive reservoir options on McMaster's online catalog page 915.
This subject tends to provoke passionate responses, so I'll leave it at that.

[OldSven]

Better would be to not use the bumper that way. There are some inexpensive reservoir options on McMaster's online catalog page 915.
This subject tends to provoke passionate responses, so I'll leave it at that.
:confused:

[flyingwil]

:confused:

There are arguments that a possible explosion may result due to the pressure. I think there was a Jeep prototype (Tabasco or SAR Jeep TJ or similar) that had the same idea... the thought was scrapped due to this fear to my recollection.

[Willman]

No worries here guys..........

The tank is kept around town with on air in it.....But after a trail run......flip a switch and i got air!!!!! After filling my tires...the tank get drained........Simple and easy way to get the job done without a 4 gal. tank taking up valuable space!

:)

[ntsqd]

I intended to not take this any further, but I can see that I need to elaborate at least a little.
The way I see it, air tanks are round with rounded ends for very good reasons. When compressed anything became possible people learned a lot about why tanks failed. Usually from disastrous and occasionally from deadly events.
At 125 psi you're *just* at the pressure where the various compressed gas regulations, stds, & codes (DOT, ASME, SAE, etc.) take effect. To my knowledge none of those bless a flat sided/ended tank.

A balloon doesn't take on the shape it does by chance. Pump up a flat capped square or rectangular steel tube and it too will want to take on the balloon shape. Even if the pressure isn't high enough for it to actually take that shape, it's still trying to do so. That puts a lot of stress in the tube corners and in the cap welds.

To me the convenience just isn't worth the potential catastrophe.
With that, I'll let it go.

[Willman]

I intended to not take this any further, but I can see that I need to elaborate at least a little.
The way I see it, air tanks are round with rounded ends for very good reasons. When compressed anything became possible people learned a lot about why tanks failed. Usually from disastrous and occasionally from deadly events.
At 125 psi you're *just* at the pressure where the various compressed gas regulations, stds, & codes (DOT, ASME, SAE, etc.) take effect. To my knowledge none of those bless a flat sided/ended tank.

A balloon doesn't take on the shape it does by chance. Pump up a flat capped square or rectangular steel tube and it too will want to take on the balloon shape. Even if the pressure isn't high enough for it to actually take that shape, it's still trying to do so. That puts a lot of stress in the tube corners and in the cap welds.

To me the convenience just isn't worth the potential catastrophe.
With that, I'll let it go.

Thanks for your two cents. You bring great knowledge to this forum.....

Like i said in my above post.......This tank is only in use for the length it takes to get the job done in the back-country then drained.

You bring up a good point on the shape of the tank.......My tank only goes to 150 psi.......With the whole bumper and the end caps welded up solid with 3/16" steel......i see no problems.......If i was putting a lot more pressure....then it would make me worry.......

All in all........Like you said.......I too am letting this subject go! Thanks for the heads up on the subject!

:)

[Willman]

Look what the UPS guy brought to me while i was at Lake Powell!!!!

Another great deal and quick shipping form our forum sponsor www.sierraexpeditions.com (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/)

Thanks Wil and Wendy!!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03354.jpg

Hope to install it this week!!!!!

Here's some great install writeup's:

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/snorkel.html

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/safarisnorkel/safarisnorkel.htm

:snorkel: :snorkel: :snorkel: :snorkel: :snorkel: :snorkel:

[p1michaud]

Here's some great install writeup's:

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/snorkel.html

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/safarisnorkel/safarisnorkel.htm



Looks like your fenders will soon be full of holes....

Don't forget this install: Fender holes! (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6385)

Hopefully the fender hole ferry will come my way some day!

Cheers :beer:,
P

[Willman]

Looks like your fenders will soon be full of holes....

Don't forget this install: Fender holes! (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6385)

Hopefully the fender hole ferry will come my way some day!

Cheers :beer:,
P

Thanks P....your the man!!!

Pete's snorkel install is another first-class install!!!

Hope to get it done tonight!!!!!!

:wings:

[p1michaud]

Hope to get it done tonight!!!!!!

Good luck and take lots of pics for us to live vicariously through you!

:snorkel:

Cheers :beer:,
P

[Trogdor]

Man will your Truck looks awesome I like how you did the winch, I am from alpine so if you ever need someone to go wheeling with let me know.

[Willman]

Man will your Truck looks awesome I like how you did the winch, I am from alpine so if you ever need someone to go wheeling with let me know.

Welcome to the ExPo!

I will keep ya in mind next i hit the trail.

Love to hear more about ya...(what type of rig you have and mods etc.......)

You should introduce yourself in the Gerenal Discussion (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=17) area!

:)

[Willman]

Here's some install pictures:....Enjoy.....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03356.jpg

It took me a few times to make sure that the temp plate was in the right spot.........Nothing like the feeling of drilling a 3 1/2" hole through the side of a $20,000 plus rig!!!!!:eek:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03357.jpg

Made sure everything was sealed up good!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03358.jpg

I like it!!!......More pictures to come tomorrow!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03362.jpg

Overall......The install is not that bad......Instead of using that huge 5/8" drill bit......i used a 1/2" bit.......5/8" seemed alittle overkill!......ARB had great instructions that were easy to understand........and the outcome looks great......

[cruiseroutfit]

How many fender flare clips did you break? :D

Did you find it necissary to remove the fender flare?

Looks great :cool:

[Willman]

How many fender flare clips did you break? :D

Did you find it necissary to remove the fender flare?

Looks great :cool:

I broke ALL of those clips!!!!!!........I tried to get around not taking off the fender.....but their was a few of those black plastic clips behind that would have made things harder to get at........I did manage to do the install without taking the radio antenna off....:jumping:

:)

[cruiseroutfit]

I broke ALL of those clips!!!!!!........I tried to get around not taking off the fender.....but their was a few of those black plastic clips behind that would have made things harder to get at........I did manage to do the install without taking the radio antenna off....:jumping:

:)


A little late I know, but you can manuever the plastic clips out and the inner fender without taking the fender flare off... Overall its likely less work?

Again, it looks great :cool:

[Willman]

A little late I know, but you can manuever the plastic clips out and the inner fender without taking the fender flare off... Overall its likely less work?

Again, it looks great :cool:

Should have drove over to your house for the master install:shakin: .......I'll give ya a call when it's time for gears!!!!

:)

[kcowyo]

Nice work Nic. :clapsmile

I think everything you've done to your truck is first class with a craftsman's eye for detail. Congrats on maintaining a steady hand while drilling.

I fully approve of this mod, for the safety, of your wonderful family. :REOutArchery02:

[Willman]

A few shots......Enjoy!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03373.jpg

The snorkel is thinking........:chowtime:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03363.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03370.jpg

New M8000 Warn winch with a Master pull fairlead and rope.......I painted the piece of metal that ARB gives you to mount the control box from gold to black.....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03366.jpg

The box and system is complete........

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03372.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03376.jpg

:)

[OldSven]

Hey I got one of those snorkel things too:cow:

[flyingwil]

A few shots......Enjoy!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03373.jpg

The snorkel is thinking........:chowtime:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03363.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03370.jpg

New M8000 Warn winch with a Master pull fairlead and rope.......I painted the piece of metal that ARB gives you to mount the control box from gold to black.....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03366.jpg

The box and system is complete........

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03372.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03376.jpg

:)


Looking Good Amigo! :sombrero:

[p1michaud]

A few shots......Enjoy!
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03376.jpg


Love that last picture, it looks expedition ready in "Adventure Red"! Have you solved your compressor check valve problems? I like the box you made up that protects everything. Well done!

Cheers :beer:,
P

[Willman]

Love that last picture, it looks expedition ready in "Adventure Red"! Have you solved your compressor check valve problems? I like the box you made up that protects everything. Well done!

Cheers :beer:,
P

Thanks KC, Wil, P, and OldSven for the kind words!

P,
I ordered up another check valve from www.sierraexpeditions.com (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/)

Hope to install that at the openning of the tank........Everything should go as planned.....problem should be solved!

:)

[tacollie]

Great job. The truck is looking awesome. How much lift are you getting out of the front with the bumper and winch? I just ordered some DR's and plan on a synthetic cable this winter.:drool:

[Willman]

How much lift are you getting out of the front with the bumper and winch?

I'm about 2 1/4" on the DR's...The winch and etc. only add about...45 lbs. giver take.....No affect on the lift with the added weight as of yet.....

:)

[tacollie]

That makes me happy to hear. My OME 882 coils don't like all that weight up front. Do you run your sway bar?

[Willman]

That makes me happy to hear. My OME 882 coils don't like all that weight up front. Do you run your sway bar?


No sway-bar!........Around corners....i have to be careful as always!:)

[tacollie]

Sweet. I took mine off and havn't looked back.

[Willman]

Sweet. I took mine off and havn't looked back.

Ditto on that one rubber ducky!

:)

[p1michaud]

I'm about 2 1/4" on the DR's...The winch and etc. only add about...45 lbs. giver take.....No affect on the lift with the added weight as of yet.....

:)

Wil,
How much exposed thread are you showing on the Donahoes to maintain the 2 1/4" lift? I'm at 66 mm on the driver side and approx 55 mm on the passenger side. Refer to this thread for pictures of what I mean: Donahoe exposed threads vs. lift correlation (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6641).

Cheers,
Pierre

[Willman]

Wil,
How much exposed thread are you showing on the Donahoes to maintain the 2 1/4" lift? I'm at 66 mm on the driver side and approx 55 mm on the passenger side. Refer to this thread for pictures of what I mean: Donahoe exposed threads vs. lift correlation (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6641).

Cheers,
Pierre

I'm 2 1/16" on the drivers side

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03410.jpg

And little less than 2" on the pass. side

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03411.jpg

:)

[ArchaeoTaco]

Love all the new mods, Wil!:clapsmile I've now got Donahoe envy...I'm definitely moving those up on the priority list

[Willman]

Love all the new mods, Wil!:clapsmile I've now got Donahoe envy...I'm definitely moving those up on the priority list

Worth every penny!

The DR's are great and you sure can drive faster on rough roads compaired to stock!!!!

:)

[erod]

will, always ben impressed with your rig...looks awesome, seems very well built, looking forward to more pics and adventures to come! cheers!

[grouch]

will, always ben impressed with your rig...looks awesome, seems very well built, looking forward to more pics and adventures to come! cheers!
No kidding. When my truck grows up, I want it to look like Nic's.

[Willman]

Thanks of kind words!

Going to Moab this weekend!

Trip pictures to come!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03567.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03527.jpg

:)

[p1michaud]

A few more pics of you super cool truck:

Kicking back at camp.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/p1michaud/4WD%20Trips/Expediton%20Trophy%202007/DSC04433.jpg

Ripping up the sand course.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/p1michaud/4WD%20Trips/Expediton%20Trophy%202007/DSC04404.jpg

Don't forget this super cool pic taken by Ursidae69 and originally posted in the Expedition Trophy 2007 (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11190&d=1192329426) thread. Love that shot!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/p1michaud/4WD%20Trips/Expediton%20Trophy%202007/IMG_7099.jpg


:wings:

[Overland Hadley]

Great photos! Looks like a good time.

[RoundOut]

WOW Nic, GREAT looking rig!

[Willman]

Thanks guys!:) Great shots P!



Check this out!...Very clean!! Its a Panavise-InDash-Mount-.....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03506.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03505.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03511.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC03507.jpg

I got mine the same time pskhaat got his for his 2m radio....

Got it off Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Panavise-InDash-Mount-1998-2004-Toyota-Tacoma-75137-999_W0QQitemZ140164574632QQihZ004QQcategoryZ43275Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem)

The install was very easy and the directions were great! I took the suction cup mount apart and used just the front cradle part for the GPS. It just clicks in and out!!!! I also bought an aux. cig. outlet and wired it in behind the dash......I have heard of people frying their units due to..to much power...so i went this way.....

The view from the driver side is sweet!....I only wish it was a little taller of a mount...but overall very sweeeeet!

:)

[erod]

nic, awesome pics, great rig, and...as always...keep em' comin' :wings: !

[Martinjmpr]

I like the setup but I have one question: When you put the GPS mount in, did you make sure it would clear a deployed airbag? Because it would suck to survive a crash and get killed by a flying GPS....;)

[Willman]

I like the setup but I have one question: When you put the GPS mount in, did you make sure it would clear a deployed airbag? Because it would suck to survive a crash and get killed by a flying GPS....;)


Its out of the way.......

:)

[Kermit]

I don't know if I have said it before, but, Willman your Tacoma is super dooper sweet!

I am digging the paint sceme. Do you have link for when/how you did it? Is it paint or vinyl decals?

[Moody]

Just read through all of this...Looks like you have been a busy boy this past year...Anxious to see this in person this weekend in Moab!

[taco chaser]

Truck is looking great, very functional.

[Photog]

What have you done with the truck, since November?:)

Have your mods been working the way you expected?

[Willman]

Thanks guys for the kind words! The decals are vinyl.



What have you done with the truck, since November?:)


Good question......I spent the winter fixing up my new trailer (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6176)...I did some mods to the Tacoma:

60 L ARB fridge:eatchicke
Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller for the trailer
GEAR seat covers



Have your mods been working the way you expected?

A big ten four on that one rubber ducky!

I love the fridge.....That thing is a dream come true! Another thing that stands out is my front coilovers from Donahoe!.....My trucks handles very well on and offroad. Nothing like a long dirt road...the Donahoes eat it up!



My truck & trailer are at that point to just enjoy them!!....Mods are coming to an end for the most part....Sure...Their is a few mods left to be done....But for the most part......It is time to just use it and have fun!

;)

[tdesanto]

Another thing that stands out is my front coilovers from Donahoe!.....My trucks handles very well on and offroad.

I have seen this truck's handling up close...almost too close.:oops:

It handles very well indeed.

[jgolden]

Any install photos for the ARB 60L fridge?

thanks
jg

[kcowyo]

I have seen this truck's handling up close...almost too close.:oops:

It handles very well indeed.

:iagree:


And so does my son. Nic was gracious enough on our recent Father's Day trip to haul Riley and I, in his Tacoma, up a nice scenic trail in the Uinta Mountains. The trail was just enough to see what the 'Ho's are capable of. Extremely appealing.

Nic generously offered to let my 7 year old drive his truck down the trail, which was extremely memorable for all 3 of us. As he steered for every puddle on the trail, Riley kept repeating over & over, "I got Nic's truck dirty! I got Nic's truck dirty!"

But the part I found most amusing was this prior exchange, as Nic pulled over to let Jr. in the driver's seat -

"So can he reach the pedals or do I need to move the seat way up?"

"Uhh Nic, he's 7. He'll have to sit in my lap. We're not going to let him drive alone."

"Oh, yeah. Ok...."

Thanks again Nic for a great evening out on the trail and for letting Riley get the Tacoma dirty. He loved it. :rally_guys:

[FlyingWen]

Great Thread

[Willman]

^^^You guys rock!!!!!!

It was fun having Riley drive!...Wish i took a shot of that! Dad of the Year!!!


Here are a few shots of the 60 L!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC04861.jpg

My slide is my carpet...The foam on the bottom does the trick....works great!....Even hold my fridge inplace for the most part! I try to put sleeping bags and soft stuff around to keep it from really going anywhere on the trail under spirited driving. A metal slide like this one (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2)some day!..And a bag for it too!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC04862.jpg

Here are a few shots from past trips....Enjoy!

Father's Day 08-Utah

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC04733.jpg

AF canyon - Utah

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC04806.jpg

;)

[flyingwil]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/DSC04806.jpg


Sweetness!

[p1michaud]

Here's to another uber cool Tacoma, great guy and fast driver too. Should have seen him rip it up at ET07!

Bravo and glad you can just enjoy it now.

[Willman]

I just got a Yaesu 7800R with the extension kit, speaker and Larsen antenna

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/DSC05993-1.jpg

I just made a custom mount to hold it in place......I'm testing out some velcro it see how it holds......I might have to bolt down the mount.....I'm trying to not drill any holes....Time will tell on this one.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/DSC05994.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/DSC05990.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/DSC05996.jpg

So far i can hear other traffic very well.....

Overall.....very happy with the outcome......might have to play with my mount a little so it is more stable.

:)

[WhereTheHellIsJames?]

Looks great- cool mounting location of the unit too! Make sure to get a mic mount on there soon, or at least don't hang it by the cord.

[OldSven]

Looking pretty sweet:) Nice and clean looking, you have about as much junk in the cab as I do now:sombrero:

[tdesanto]

Should have seen him rip it up at ET07!


Oh, I saw it. :Wow1:

Great looking and highly useful mods, Nic. Nice choice.

[Lulo]

Sweet Rig! :smiley_drive:


Congrats Amigo! :sombrero:

-

[Applejack]

[QUOTE=
I just made a custom mount to hold it in place......I'm testing out some velcro it see how it holds......I might have to bolt down the mount.....I'm trying to not drill any holes....Time will tell on this one.



:)[/QUOTE]

You've got a very sharp ride there. As for the velcro, I always had problems in the summer with adhesive melting and causing the unit to slide. I too wanted to avoid drilling but in the end.......

[Photog]

The cheap velcro has cheap adhesive also. I always had problems with that stuff too. Recently, I have been using industrial (heavy duty) velcro, and the adhesive has held up to the summer heat.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/CB0012a.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/bsp3122/CB0018a.jpg

[RSB]

Nic, absolutely love your truck. You have one of the best rigs I've EVER seen. I hope one day to actually see it in person!!! I've been following your build for a long time. Thank-you for sharing your build to help inspire the design my Tacoma! :sombrero:

Ryan

[Fresh]

Good question......I spent the winter fixing up my new trailer (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6176)...I did some mods to the Tacoma:

Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller for the trailer

Do you have a write up for the brake controller and any pictures of the wiring during the install?

[NotAMog]

Nic,

Have you replaced your tailgate seal yet? I'm looking for something to put on my '04 Tacoma. It looks like the only thing out there is the Cabela's or similar kit. They seem to have mixed reviews. I'm curious if anyone has tried something else with more success.

Thanks,

NotAMog

[Willman]

Nic,

Have you replaced your tailgate seal yet? I'm looking for something to put on my '04 Tacoma. It looks like the only thing out there is the Cabela's or similar kit. They seem to have mixed reviews. I'm curious if anyone has tried something else with more success.

Thanks,

NotAMog

Still have the same seal.....It does better then nothing there for sure. I like it but sure not 100% dust/water proof.

Still going strong!

:)

[Willman]

Tundra Brakes!!!

I got them off Autozone.com.......Cost was around $350 plus i got free shipping and a $60 gift card for ordering on line and shipping it.....Not a bad deal!

Here is the thread i used...very helpful.....but lacking pictures.....

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51597

All painted up!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/9dfa1c36.jpg

Bigger by an inch and thicker by 3/8" plus...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/5519a438.jpg

Drilling the banjo bolt.....Bore it out them take a 1/2" drill bit to cone it out until you hit the threads.....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/c5103cc4.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/52f7ed53.jpg

Tundra Brakes Installed...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/ceef102a.jpg


100% better.....I can lock them up now! Very happy and worth the money!



I have been very busy the past few months.....


Tundra brakes
Nitro 4.88 Gears
TruSpeed speedo calibrator


New rims are next......Trying to find a good match without all the bling.....

:ylsmoke:

[laxtoy]

nice! wheels can be a bit tough to find for tundras i noticed, couldn't find any steel wheels but stock to fit without a spacer. i figured either go with stock alloys or steelies, or search the aftermarket, went with mickey thompson style 8 holes, easy to find and not overly flashy. good job on the mods, good luck with the wheel search!

[Jacket]

Lookin' good Nic. One of the nicest Tacomas out there!

[Willman]

Time to go topless baby!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/IMG_3174.jpg

Time for a new bed setup.....

Picked up a nice used Eezi-Awn 1400 series RTT

http://expeditionamericas.com/expo/IMG_0489%20(Medium).JPG

Also working on new rims.....

BlackRock's (16x8)

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/BB27A31B4041EAD0AA2AA7EFE1829B19.jpg

Discount's MB (16x8.5 or 16x7")

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/mbmw72mtbang.jpg

[Willman]

Stopped by Discount for a fitment test on the MB's...(Not going with the chome.....Just for fitment only.....)

16x7

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/16x7.jpg

16x8.5

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/16x85.jpg

8.5 are too wide for me......and the 7" are to narrow.....The current steel rim is an 8".....Looks like i'm going with an 8" wide rim.....

The Black Rocks seem to be the ticket....

I did have a little fun a few some 05' 4runner sport rims...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/IMG_0290.jpg

My plan was to paint them black and buy new tires to fit the 17" rims.....But i decided to sell them due to my current BF muds have great thread....Plus it just was too much wheel and i had to buy spacers to fit the new tires...

[CYi5]

Against going with ATX Mojave Teflon's? 16x8 with 4.5" BS.

http://www.streetdreams.org/wheels/atx/atx_mojave_teflon.jpg

[Ryanmb21]

The chrome looks really good.

[Dirtytires]

Very nice Taco. I love the front bumper. How much weight did it add to the front of the truck?
Does it wear your tires prematurely?

[Willman]

Against going with ATX Mojave Teflon's? 16x8 with 4.5" BS.

http://www.streetdreams.org/wheels/atx/atx_mojave_teflon.jpg

I have heard bad things about the teflon.........I have heard the hub caps doesn't fit with Tacoma's....The teflon over time either is easy to scratch or fades....Not sure to any truth to this....

I have not totally given up on them.....

[Willman]

Very nice Taco. I love the front bumper. How much weight did it add to the front of the truck?
Does it wear your tires prematurely?

The ARB added about 80 lbs..+/- plus 50 lbs for the warn winch.....No weird tire wear....All is good. Adds a great look plus the protection of steel.

[Dirtytires]

Thanks for answering my questions.

[Willman]

I have heard bad things about the teflon.........I have heard the hub caps doesn't fit with Tacoma's....The teflon over time either is easy to scratch or fades....Not sure to any truth to this....

I have not totally given up on them.....

Looks like the caps do work.....People just don't run them.....

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129492&highlight=teflon

[SmoothLC]

I have been very busy the past few months.....


Tundra brakes
Nitro 4.88 Gears
TruSpeed speedo calibrator


:ylsmoke:

Nic - How is the TruSpeed Speed Sensor Recalibrator (http://www.superlift.com/accessories/truspeed.asp) working out?

I noticed that they have a module that works for a '99 UZJ100.

Thanks - and very nice build by the way!

80974

[Willman]

Nic - How is the TruSpeed Speed Sensor Recalibrator (http://www.superlift.com/accessories/truspeed.asp) working out?

I noticed that they have a module that works for a '99 UZJ100.

Thanks - and very nice build by the way!

80974

Like a dream! Worth every penny in my book. don't let the instructions get you down....Study them and you should be set.

[Box Rocket]

Let's hear more about the new bed setup. What's your plan?

[Willman]

Let's hear more about the new bed setup. What's your plan?

Lots of Alum., gas shocks, a few hinges, and LOTs of blood and sweat!

I'm in the design process......Just about ready to have my structural engineer review it....

I will post some plans very soon.

[Willman]

I'm thinking of theses....don't really like the fake bead lock.....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/images.jpg

[1leglance]

nope, no fake beadlock liking here either...yuck
I am in favor of fairly stock steel wheels or something steel & simple
But then again I am not a wheel person anyway, just never really been important to me

[upcountry]

Check out the American Racing Mojave. No fake beadlock. Clean look. Simple wheel and stays clean....its teflon coated.

[upcountry]

Oh wait... saw previous post. You alr
eady were considering these.

I have had teflon coated wheels for 4 years now and no problems with the teflon. They have held up well.

[Willman]

Oh wait... saw previous post. You alr
eady were considering these.

I have had teflon coated wheels for 4 years now and no problems with the teflon. They have held up well.

Good to hear.....Are you running the hub caps with your wheels?

Post up a shot!

[haddix]

Any updates on your new bed set-up?

[Moody]

I have seen it. Looks great! He is going to give it a shakedown on the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands this weekend. Post up those pics, Nic! Show off your handiwork!!

[Redline]

Yes, pics please ;)

[clcoyle]

Great looking truck

[Willman]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/White%20Rim%202012/DSC_0100.jpg

More infor. on the way.

It is far from done....

[YotaPilot]

More infor. on the way.
It is far from done....

Any updates on the bed setup?

[Willman]

No....Been busy at work....

I plan to get back on it next week.

All i can say right now.....It is light!

A full writeup to come....

;)

[Photog]

Put the write-up or a link to it, in this thread. :) :lurk:

[Willman]

New Shoes and Feet!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/Tacoma/IMG_0708.jpg

2011 4Runner Wheels 17x7.5 with new KM2 255/80/17 tires. I used some spidertrax 1.25" wheels spacers to push the tire out a little from the upper a arm.

They are the same tire size of the 255/85/16's...

Now time to get them dirty!...But i need to finish my rear bed thing first!