Box Rocket '03 DC Tacoma Build

[Box Rocket]

How different does it feel? I am also going to do this, just not this week.

Truthfully, I expected to feel more of a difference. I guess it feels more "planted" in the rear suspension, but I didn't notice a huge change. I did the frame plates primarily to strengthen the frame because of the extra weight of the tire carrier.

[Box Rocket]

Removed the front sway bar last week. Slight increase in body roll but nothing bad at all. Still very comfortable to drive.

Built my front skidplate over the weekend. combination of 3/16th plate and some 3/16" 2x3" angle for the mounting brackets. Similar design to the Budbuilt skids. Mounting at the front crossmember and to the steering rack. I'll be working on the trans and belly skids in the next week or so. It will be nice to have essentially full protection under the rig finally.

[Butcher54]

skids look killer!

[2scars]

The plate looks good man.

I read that the 01-04 frame are a little bit better gusseted in the rear than the early models which may be why it wasn't so noticable. I will also do this, as it is good insurance. Truck keeps getting better.

Brandon

[womacje]

SEXY!!! There someone said it! Well done!

I notice the Canguru Decal, looking sexy! Also, caught a hint of an Expedition Ops decal reflected off the... something.

As always, your Tacoma is hot. In the immortal words of Wayne and Garth, "We are not worthy!"

[Box Rocket]

SEXY!!! There someone said it! Well done!

I notice the Canguru Decal, looking sexy! Also, caught a hint of an Expedition Ops decal reflected off the... something.

As always, your Tacoma is hot. In the immortal words of Wayne and Garth, "We are not worthy!"

Thanks Jeremy! I dig the Expedition Ops sticker and like being able to turn a little attention your direction with it.

[Nitetrain04]

I really like the skid plate. Did you use a press break? I'd like to build something similar.
Nice work!

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Adam, I liked your "Money pit 40" a lot, but this is probably one of my favorite taco's on the site. Do you guys use the 80 much for off roading much anymore?

[bat]

Little better departure angle

How much do you need

[Box Rocket]

I really like the skid plate. Did you use a press break? I'd like to build something similar.
Nice work!

No Press brake. I have a pretty basic tool set at home with the exception of the welder. Skid plate was formed with "whiskey bends" by cutting most of the way through the plate with my cutting wheel, then making the bend and welding the seam. Of course I cleaned it all up with a flap disc afterward.

Adam, I liked your "Money pit 40" a lot, but this is probably one of my favorite taco's on the site. Do you guys use the 80 much for off roading much anymore?

Thanks. I miss my 40. The 80 still gets used, but it was recently retired from Daily driver duty after 10+ years as my wife's DD. Its got almost 300K miles on it now so it needed a little break. If the whole family goes we take the 80 because we don't all fit in the Tacoma (4 kids will do that to you).

How much do you need

You'd be suprised. If all you do is drive fireroads then departure angle isn't an issue. But get onto any sort of technical trail with ledges or big rocks and departure angle becomes a big factor.