Mountain Man Limo-ILuvtheMountains Tacoma Build

[ILuvtheMountains]

Newest picture:

Favorite Picture:
http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u668/Tonto27/moody%20hill%20and%20crystal%20mtn/IMG_5262_zps9c9c4cde.jpg
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/photo_1_163.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/316141/cat/500)
I love this truck. It is the first truck I have ever really owned. The mods have come together pretty well, and I see the rest of the stuff being pretty minor.
We have a cabin in the Northern CO Rockies and spend most of our time on slightly milder trails en route to lakes and camp sites. That is most of the reason I bought this truck, to take the fam up to remote, beautiful places for camping and fishing. Once I get the truck ready for some carnage I will be working towards a self-sufficient expo vehicle.


Anyway, the mod list:

Suspension:
OME suspension lift (886 Coils) with taco lean correction (spacer to level out 3" of lift)
Dakar Leaf Lacks
Light Racing UCAs

Body/Armor:
ARE Topper
BAMF LCA and Diff Skids
ATO front, tranny and t-case skids
Mr. Fab sliders (my brother's fab company, I helped design and build this prototype set)
Mr. Fab rear high-clearance spare tire carrier bumper with hitch and recovery points (added 9in clearance!)

Accessories/Engine:
ARB CKMA12 on board air compressor
ARB Rear Locker
Rigid Industries Dually Floods
K&N CAI

Etc.
Satoshi Grill
Diff breather Mod
Dipped Badges
Hi lift with OR base
Toyota bed mat
Weathertechs
Tailgate lock
Utility racks on bed rails with quickfist mounts


Goodrich stainless brake lines (not installed because my OEM lines were on so tight that stripping may have been a problem. Don't really need them yet anyway. Got them through a group buy so I may sit on them, may sell 'em)


Here she is today:
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/18/89bac41cdb9d995f28e1a72ee6a39a05.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/18/782ba3534be675bd9d27cae966327b03.jpg
And a straight-behind and from-the-side shots
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/18/7de2a9bdfe2f637583e912e09d6f2c1b.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/18/b0706925ba85ceb20b773d8553975df6.jpg
Here is how she got started:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_40462.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/250716/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_37762.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/315684/cat/500)

She is coming along well, just about how I want her. will definitely be putting her to work in Colorado and Wyoming taking my wife and our kids camping all summer. That is most of the reason I bought this truck, to take the fam up to remote, beautiful places for camping and fishing.

[ExplorerTom]

Nice truck for sure.

Have you checked out http://www.xoverland.com/ yet? They have a 2001 Taco all built up for expeditioning and are starting on a 2013 Taco build before heading to Alaska this summer for 60 days. Check out their video section- they produce some excellent quality videos of their trips.


I look forward to Moab because I will have a very capable truck with solid protection so I can really work on becoming a better driver.

I'd argue that if you took a truck to Moab that was very delicate, that would FORCE you to become a better driver. Taking a tank to Moab allows you to screw up and not get into major trouble.

[Neversummeriam]

Sweet rig for sure. Took my stocko taco
to Moab last year week after I bought it.
She did great we had a blast. My taco build is
in progress now. Damn now that I think of it
i haven't posted any pics since I put the rack on the
the back! I will soon. And ill post pics of
of how I put my high lift on.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Thanks for the kind words!


Nice truck for sure.

Have you checked out http://www.xoverland.com/ yet? They have a 2001 Taco all built up for expeditioning and are starting on a 2013 Taco build before heading to Alaska this summer for 60 days. Check out their video section- they produce some excellent quality videos of their trips.



I'd argue that if you took a truck to Moab that was very delicate, that would FORCE you to become a better driver. Taking a tank to Moab allows you to screw up and not get into major trouble.
I will check that out. And I see where you are coming from, but I still can't afford to do any damage to itso I will still be trying to drive carefully and learn all that I can. Might even try tough obstacles without engaging the locker first in some cases. Plus I will have my daughter (14 mos when I go) and my pregnant wife with me, so I will be going for smooth and controlled so they will come out with me in the future.

Sweet rig for sure. Took my stocko taco
to Moab last year week after I bought it.
She did great we had a blast. My taco build is
in progress now. Damn now that I think of it
i haven't posted any pics since I put the rack on the
the back! I will soon. And ill post pics of
of how I put my high lift on.
Looking forward to it, that's one thing I need to do soon

[ILuvtheMountains]

FedEx brought the last shipment of cool stuff today!

Stay tuned for the final stage of this evolution! After stuff gets installed tomorrow, I just drive it and wheel it. Last thing I NEED is a cb setup. Will figure that out in a month or so...

[glacierpaul]

And I thought I had the 'Mountain Man Limo' :) (my huge Ford) Travis your Taco is very nice!!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Well it looks like front Range 4 x 4 is starting to acquire a limo fleet! Thanks for the compliment!

[glacierpaul]

Maybe a 'Limo Run' at some point :)

[Chris]

I still can't afford to do any damage to itso I will still be trying to drive carefully and learn all that I can.

Better to learn how to drive it off road than depend on mods to keep away damage. I know the feeling since my truck is not only my DD but also our only vehicle.

[dscowell]

I love your front bumper

[ILuvtheMountains]

33" KM2s on 16" Konig Countersteers
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/photo_1_163.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/316141/cat/500)

[Chris]

:thumb:

[Funrover]

Great truck!

[ILuvtheMountains]

I am going to buy steel tomorrow morning for my sliders! I will try to get most of the cuts done by lunchtime so that I can start tacking stuff together. Hope to have them on the truck and be painting them by Monday. Then its either out to Moab or hound people around here until someone decides to go check out lefthand Canyon or Sevenmile or something. I had thought about going south into NM, but I looked and the drive to good wheeling spots out there is even further than Moab. So if I decide to go on a impromptu road trip, it will be West :D

[ILuvtheMountains]

Got started on the sliders today. Will probably be done by Monday, but Easter stuff is happening tomorrow, so I'm not sure how much progress will happen. Anyway, here they are:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Sliders_7.jpeg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/318120/cat/500)
Here is the material pile. 1/8" 2x2 square tube for the majority. 3/16" square for the legs and 3/16" flat for the gussets. 3/16" 3x2 angle for the frame plates. Grade 8 flange-head nuts and bolts to bolt them to the frame.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image63.jpeg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/318115/cat/500)
My Dad doing some cutting
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Sliders_2.jpeg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/318114/cat/500)
I cut out a wedge so that I can bend out the 2x2 for the kickout.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Sliders_3.jpeg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/318116/cat/500)
A little better view of the rear section
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Sliders_4.jpeg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/318117/cat/500)
And of the front
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Sliders_5.jpeg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/318118/cat/500)
My Dad lit his shirt on fire while using the grinder!
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Sliders_6.jpeg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/318119/cat/500)

[Jackie]

Ooops!:)

[The StRanger]

Been there
Done that !!!

[glacierpaul]

Nice!! My daughter would have told him, 'stop, drop, and roll!' :)

[ILuvtheMountains]

I was just gonna throw beer on him but he extinguished himself before I had the chance. ;)

worked on them for quite a while today and we still have a days worth of work on these. Oh we'll, they seem like they will BA. I hope that the 1/8" square tube is going to be strong enough.

[glacierpaul]

I was just gonna throw beer on him but he extinguished himself before I had the chance. ;)

worked on them for quite a while today and we still have a days worth of work on these. Oh we'll, they seem like they will BA. I hope that the 1/8" square tube is going to be strong enough.

1/8" will work, but you will beat them up, hell you'll beat up any thickness wall tubing. Some hits may go thru though.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Well I have begun to learn how long it takes to fabricate something. I have even greater respect for anybody who does this on a regular basis and turns out a good product. It is not easy. These sliders will come out looking great, but it is taking a long time to do that. People had to go back to work and now have little time to work on the sliders. I have time, but not the skill to complete everything. I am doing welds that nobody can see ;) while my brother does the welds that will be seen and the ones that require perfect application for penetration and continuity. There is still a lot of cutting, welding and finishing to do...:rolleyes::wrench:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/02/u8e3yrur.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/02/ada7eby9.jpg

[dscowell]

Those are looking real good!:thumb:

[Chris]

Looking good Travis! :thumb:


I have begun to learn how long it takes to fabricate something.

A lesson everyone who doesn't fabricate their own stuff needs to learn. ;)

[ExplorerTom]

How are you attaching to the frame? IMO, that's the most critical. You've got a massive lever arm now, you need to react that into the frame without damaging the frame.

But they look nice. That kickout is a nice feature.

[ILuvtheMountains]

How are you attaching to the frame? IMO, that's the most critical. You've got a massive lever arm now, you need to react that into the frame without damaging the frame.

But they look nice. That kickout is a nice feature.

I am planning on using 3/16" 3x2 angle iron on four legs on each slider. The frame plates will be 6" wide I most cases with 2-3 grade 8 flange head bolts. The legs are 3/16" 2" square tube with 1x3 triangular 3/16" gussets.

[glacierpaul]

Cool Man!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Got some work done on the sliders. My bro was putting down some great welds
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/15/5y7e8eva.jpg

[Rick]

Got some work done on the sliders.looks about ready for Chinaman

[ILuvtheMountains]

looks about ready for Chinaman
They arent done yet! ;)

[Hypoid]

My bro was putting down some great weldsI think he mighta done this before. :) Flux core?

[ILuvtheMountains]

Just stick welding. 7018 rod

[ILuvtheMountains]

Got my cb setup installed. Went with a midland 75-822 this way I could have a cb that would be useable by me when driving or spotting (to talk to other drivers without having to yell and hope they hear me).

[ILuvtheMountains]

Been working on my sliders and drinking PBR. Okay so I did the cutting and grinding while my bro did the welding. There are a few of my welds, but just enough to see why I had him do the rest :)
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/04/u3ugehad.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/04/una7e9as.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/04/5upe9azu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/04/8ebeza3a.jpg

[glacierpaul]

Nice! Looking good!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Got the sliders done... Well not painted but at least they are on
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image1860.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/326305/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image1861.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/326306/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/image1862.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/326307/cat/500)
Took a lot longer than expected because the welder had to be used on 110v to get a cord long enough to go to the driveway and kept tripping the breaker. And of course after I got one plate welded on I discovered that I needed to grind the paint off of the frame before starting to get a good ground. That made for interesting welding: having to burn through the paint before it started welding right. Oh and I kept starting fires under the truck by forgetting about the little plastic clips that hold the brake lines to the frame. almost melted one brake line :eek:, but it is still relatively intact...:o

[Rick]

looks GREAT!!!!!!!

[ILuvtheMountains]

looks GREAT!!!!!!!
Thanks! NOW I am ready for chinaman gulch. :D

[dscowell]

wanna make me some sliders haha. But good work they are looking real good

[CS79bronco]

They look great, I like the kick-out idea. That will help protect your tire and rear fender flare.

[ILuvtheMountains]

wanna make me some sliders haha. But good work they are looking real good

Thanks. My brother was a lot of the professional talent here after my design but I'm sure he would love to build sliders. He is trying to get a fab business off the ground. I'm sure there are several people already posted here who do the same thing, but still gotta get a plug in here for him :D

When I finally get to run a trail with some of you guys I will get to show off the work. Is your jeep a unibody?

[dscowell]

Thanks. My brother was a lot of the professional talent here after my design but I'm sure he would love to build sliders. He is trying to get a fab business off the ground. I'm sure there are several people already posted here who do the same thing, but still gotta get a plug in here for him :D

When I finally get to run a trail with some of you guys I will get to show off the work. Is your jeep a unibody?

yeah its a Cherokee with a bed once its time on my to do list and I have the money ill PM you about it I would love to help your brother get a business started

[glacierpaul]

Got the sliders done... Well not painted but at least they are on
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image1860.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/326305/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image1861.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/326306/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/image1862.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/326307/cat/500)
Took a lot longer than expected because the welder had to be used on 110v to get a cord long enough to go to the driveway and kept tripping the breaker. And of course after I got one plate welded on I discovered that I needed to grind the paint off of the frame before starting to get a good ground. That made for interesting welding: having to burn through the paint before it started welding right. Oh and I kept starting fires under the truck by forgetting about the little plastic clips that hold the brake lines to the frame. almost melted one brake line :eek:, but it is still relatively intact...:o

Looks really nice Travis!! FYI, next time using the 110v, buy a #10guage extension cord(they are pricey) and plug into your washing machine outlet, these are 20-25 amp outlets and may prevent breaker trips in the future. Or have an electrician wire you one in the garage.

[Heather]

Gorgeous rig; the sliders are beastiful!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Gorgeous rig; the sliders are beastiful!

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad I took pics before this rain started rusting them. I am planning on waiting until we are forecasted to have a few nice days in a row so I can clean them up, prime and paint.

[ILuvtheMountains]

One side painted
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/13/ne2enuve.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/13/ubyzajuh.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Also cut my exhaust down to avoid pinching it closed on a rock
Before:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image1927.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/327709/cat/500)
After:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image1928.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/327710/cat/500)

[glacierpaul]

Nice!

[ILuvtheMountains]

I will post some pics of the frame plates and legs with the gussets to better show how these are attached.

[Java]

looks great, the kickout at the back is a good idea!!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Thanks for the compliments guys! I did lose some clearance under the rocker panels by not angling the sliders up, but I gained some brownie points with the wife designing sliders that could be used as steps. They arent great steps, but that makes them good sliders.
The kickout will protect my bedsides behind the wheels by letting me pivot on large rocks and avoid them with the rear wheels until I can make my high-clearance rear bumper with a spare tire-holder and workbench/table.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Early anniversary present
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/image1941.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/327925/cat/500)

[xaza]

nice!

[glacierpaul]

sweet!

[Rick]

looks like your ready for the Central city run!!!!:D:D:D

[glacierpaul]

looks like your ready for the Central city run!!!!:D:D:D winter or summer ?:)

[Rick]

winterwinter of course

[WDoG]

Those are some awesome looking sliders. I like the kickout too. Very good work. I want a set!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Those are some awesome looking sliders. I like the kickout too. Very good work. I want a set!

If you seriously do want a set, my brother is trying to get a fab business off the ground any would make you a set.

[ILuvtheMountains]

looks like your ready for the Central city run!!!!:D:D:D
That's what I was thinking!

winter of course
Your confidence in the taco may be even greater than mine. Not that she doesn't deserve it ;)

[Rick]

Your confidence in the taco may be even greater than mine.very capable trucks

[glacierpaul]

2 Tacos went on that run with us Travis, both did as good as the rest of us! X2 what Rick said.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Okay then, when are we going?!

[Rick]

Okay then, when are we going?!Im booked w/graduations till after Memorial weekend

[ILuvtheMountains]

Alright I guess...

I will be in Moab from 5/31-6/3 but will be ready to wheel after that. Assuming I don't break stuff too bad while I'm out there ;)

[glacierpaul]

I may run it with my atv, if not the Rubicon tomorrow and possibly Sun to.

[ILuvtheMountains]

I may run it with my atv, if not the Rubicon tomorrow and possibly Sun to.
I would go with ya but I am running sevenmile. Will you let me know conditions?

[ILuvtheMountains]

Traded some extra leafs for my old leaf packs for some custom bedside decals. Not functional but gotta splurge on some fun stuff like this. That and I got these and freed up some floor space in the garage.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/attachments/2nd-gen-builds/213138-iluvthemountains-silver-dclb-build-drop-your-advice-ideas-imageuploadedbytapatalk1368883171.220864.jpg?amp;d =1368883172

[ILuvtheMountains]

Custom decals
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/image2086.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/331128/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/image2087.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/331127/cat/500)

[glacierpaul]

Nice! too bad my head isn't like an owls :)

[ILuvtheMountains]

Nice! too bad my head isn't like an owls :)

Are they upside down on your side?! They are fine on mine.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Sure enough! I will fix it soon.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Quickfist/other stuff Mounts
Didn't have time to fab something more specialized, and these need a few tweaks. Got this galvanized angle steel at a hardware store.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_52431.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/331114/cat/500)
I primed and painted it (waste of time becasue the paint scratched off so easily. Maybe if I had put a clear coat on... Anyway, I used some bolts, rubber and galvanized washers and nuts to put two lengths of the angle material together like so:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_5246.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/331113/cat/500)
I then took off my bed rails and put one side of the angle underneat and reinstalled the bed rails.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_5248.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/331112/cat/500)
I forgot to take a pic with just the quickfists, but I used #10 machine screws with bolts and wingnuts to make them relatively easy to move around as I get different tools.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_52492.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/331117/cat/500)
And here is most of the stuff I need for moab. Since we are't camping, I can save a lot of room for the booze! Might even bring my bike or slackline or something.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_52501.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/331118/cat/500)

[Rob]

Nice and creative. :thumb:

[The StRanger]

I like usein bed rails !!! you can use that shat for anything !!!

[glacierpaul]

Very cool Travis!!

[Java]

Good job, that look really functional. Quickfists rock.

[ILuvtheMountains]

On my way to Moab!

[Rick]

On my way to Moab!Have A GREAT trip and be safe. Bring back souvenirs :D

[ILuvtheMountains]

Will do! They might be in the form of scrapes and scratches on my skids and sliders. But I might pick up a few stickers!

[Rick]

:lmao::thumb:

[The StRanger]

Have fun out there ..

[glacierpaul]

Have fun and be safe Travis!

[ILuvtheMountains]

I ran Kane creek today, what a BLAST! Steep, rocky climbs, lots of water, amazing scenery, it had it all. I wasn't sure the taco could make it up a few of those obstacles, but I had a good spotter and I follow directions well. The locker helped too ;) . I did get a minor scrape on my rear passenger door, but nothing that even dented the metal. I need a good photographer with me next time, but my wife did get a few good shots. Will post them when I get home.

[Rick]

:thumb::thumb::thumb:

[ILuvtheMountains]

Ran fins yesterday and top if the world today. Moab rules! Will have pics in a few days.

[glacierpaul]

Sweet Travis, looking forward to pics!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Moab Pics!!! Top of the World
Cool guy we saw on the way up
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5427.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5430.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5432.jpg
First real 4x4 driving my wife ever did. Needless to say, she liked it. I'm scared.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5436.jpg
Laura drove a bit too!
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5440.jpg
Another desert dweller
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5444.jpg
Me and my little lady
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5445.jpg
Lucas looking tough
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5456.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5467.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Fins and things.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5365.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5367.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5368.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5370.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5373.jpg
THis one needs a meme
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5372.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5375.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5377.jpg
Here is my view doing what the 'runner just did
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5378.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Fins continued
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5380.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5381.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5382.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5385.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5386.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5387.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5389.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5395.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5401.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5404.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5409.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Kane Creek Photos.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5287.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5292.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5305.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5310.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5312.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5314.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5321.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5325.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5328.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5329.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5334.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Kane Creek Pt. 2
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5335.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5340.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5349.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5351.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5354.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5355.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5356.jpg

[glacierpaul]

Very nice Travis!! Cool bunch of Toy's too! I cannot tell how much of a good thing it is that your wife enjoys this whole wheelin' thing:thumb:

[Java]

Thanks for the pics, Travis!! Looks like a great time! I've never seen anyone Hilift a rock before!! :thumb:

[ILuvtheMountains]

I can't imagine how hard it would be to get out to wheel if the wife and baby weren't with me!

That rock just split off one on the side of the trail. We were trying to lift the rock so that we could get a tow strap around it... We ended up just pushing it off into the creek. The part of the group that couldn't see us thought someone rolled off! They came running up the trail so fast, they were pissed until they realized we didn't scare them on purpose.

[dscowell]

looks like a ton of fun!

[ILuvtheMountains]

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/image2386.jpg (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/337325/cat/500)
McClelland Mtn.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Not build related, but cool anyway:
Climbed Mt. Lindsay in the Sangre De Cristo Mtns Last Saturday. Intense.
First View of the summit
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5568.jpg
Starting to get an idea of the route. Had to climb up to then follow that ridge
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5571.jpg
My camera is pointed at roughly a 45 degree angle up, to give you an idea of the ascent angle. Steep and loose, jagged granite. THe crevice to the right of the round mound is where I was headed. about 1k feet up.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5572.jpg
Getting closer to that crevice now. But decided I didn't want to go that way after all. Got kinda hairy after this shot, but exciting and fun too. Went up to the right to get off the loose rock and before I knew it, I was climbing solid rock that should have had me in a rope and harness. Decided not to fall but to keep going. This is what summiting big mountains is all about.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5573.jpg
Decided to take a seat and take a pic towards the I25 corridor
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5576.jpg
I call this "heartbreak ridge" because I thought it was the summit, but turned out to be a false one. The real one was visible once I got up to the top of this and was about 300yds further on a rotten knife-edge saddle that involved a 50ft downclimb only to gain that plus 100 more on the route to the real summit. Good news was that I came WAY further than that, so it wasn't going to stop me from bagging this peak.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5577.jpg
My climbing buddy, Tony, and I on the summit. Everyone has a ceremony at the top. Mine is the Ceremonial Stogie! That is Blanca and Ellingwood in the background.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5579.jpg
My buddy has mutant feet and climbs 14ers in Chacos. My feet are way too bitchy to do that. Received lots of "WOWs" and "HOLY SHITs" from fellow summiters.
Back down in the valley, you can see the smoke from the Huerfano fire :(
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5561.jpg
Abandoned mining site
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5554.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5552.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n279/tsteele1936/IMG_5553.jpg
The Sangres are such a beautiful range. If they weren't so far from home, I would be there weekly.

[dscowell]

Where is Mt. Lindsey?

[ILuvtheMountains]

Between Walsenberg and alamosa

[dscowell]

that's quiet the trip. What level hike is it?

[ILuvtheMountains]

Strenuous. It is short but extremely difficult. And rewarding!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Stickered the **** out of my truck and toolbox today.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/29/9unetuja.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/29/ynapajup.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/29/jytahuna.jpg

[glacierpaul]

Cool!

[Rick]

atta boy!!!!! now we have two on here plastered with stickers:thumb:

[ILuvtheMountains]

I should put this here too. The quarry (upper) on Moody Hill.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Picked up something new (to me)!
I ordered urethane rollers for my fairlead too so as soon as they get here I can throw this baby on!

[Rick]

That'll look great:thumb:

[ILuvtheMountains]

Thanks Rick, I think so too. Was going to wait for the rollers before I install but I have some interest in the bumper I have now so I have to get it off in case someone wants to buy it this weekend.

[AdventureReady]

Nice pick! I dig the way the ARB looks on the 2005-2011.
Put up pics when you put it on! :thumb:

[ILuvtheMountains]

Bumper installed. Pics tomorrow with better light.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Will get better photos, but this will give you the idea.

[Rick]

looks great!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Thanks Rick! I hope I left enough gap between the bumper and fenders for flex.

[alexb]

Nice.

[The StRanger]

I hope I left enough gap between the bumper and fenders for flex.

Ya, That looks kinda close !!

[glacierpaul]

Looks good Travis! If you rub, it is easily fixable :)

[Java]

ARB/Warn/Tacoma... doesn't get any better than that! :thumb:

[ILuvtheMountains]

Looks good Travis! If you rub, it is easily fixable :)
Thanks guys! She is coming along really well. Will probably be building a High clearance rear bumper with tire carrier and fold down table this spring in hopes of having it done by summer.
Oh and Paul (glacierpaul) Fixable by adjusting the position of the bumper or by trimming the bumper? I don't want to go up any further (it is about 18mm gap, which was the recommended amount) but have friends with Tacos with the same bumper and they said that 33" tires will require me to trim the bumper. I am going to try it out with my tires first (once I put them back on, I run 31" ATs during the winter to save the mileage on the KM2s) and find someplace to try and tuck the fronts to see where I need some alteration.
Oh, and the rollers (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daystar-RED-synthetic-winch-rope-rollers-KU70054RE-/330604431372) showed up last night, so I can fit them to my fairlead and install that this weekend. Just need someone more experienced with winches to help me look at my synth line to make sure the integrity is good and that the thimble is sufficient. THe d ring shackle that was holding on the hook did not look big enough, so I am exploring other options. I really like the factor 55 Prolink (http://factor55.com/product/prolink/) but I can't get myself to spend $150 for a thimble. Maybe I will ask for one for my B day here in a month!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Rollers replaced, fairlead installed, winch line inspected. Finally got the bumper finished off.

[ILuvtheMountains]

ARB/Warn/Tacoma... doesn't get any better than that! :thumb:
Can't believe I missed this post before!

I totally agree. :D

[ILuvtheMountains]

Have a rear bumper idea that I want to start fabbing up here in the next few weeks. THis is a quick sketch of it (there are a few details that I need to go back to after taking real measurements from the truck. What do you all think?

[Brucker]

Have a rear bumper idea that I want to start fabbing up here in the next few weeks. THis is a quick sketch of it (there are a few details that I need to go back to after taking real measurements from the truck. What do you all think?

Looks good for a rough sketch. Shows you have been putting some thought into it. After a quick glance, my only suggestion would be to move the tire mount to one side or the other, and not directly in the center. Having the spare off the bumper is great for space but can really hinder your line of sight out the back. With it off to one side or the other, it provides a bit more clear viewing area.

Good luck with the project!

[ILuvtheMountains]

A little something was on my doorstep today. This will help me to start the rear bumper ASAP

[AdventureReady]

The ARB looks great on the truck!

The sketch for the rear is coming along nicely. On the sides of the bumper, is the angle of the 'sliders' near 90 degrees or more curved? Are they like sliders, sticking past the fenders?

[ILuvtheMountains]

The design has actually changed quite a bit to follow a lot more design cues from my sliders. I will be keeping it secret until it is finished. However, the bedsides will be cut but the bumper will stick out a bit further than the fenders to provide some protection from objects contacting the body. I am trying a few things I have never seen in a bumper so I hope my ideas translate to a functional and somewhat visually appealing product.

[AdventureReady]

Interesting... I'm eager to see what you come up with!

[Chris]

Looks good for a rough sketch. Shows you have been putting some thought into it. After a quick glance, my only suggestion would be to move the tire mount to one side or the other, and not directly in the center. Having the spare off the bumper is great for space but can really hinder your line of sight out the back. With it off to one side or the other, it provides a bit more clear viewing area.

Very true and something to seriously consider. I have dual swing-arms with the spare on one and it still interferes with my line of sight. I have had my swing-arms off for quite a while after taking them off to grease them up and preferring the visibility. I think I'll be adding them back on after a few small modifications though since it's nice to have the room inside.

Dual swing-arms also allow for opening them up in a much smaller space. With a single you really need quite a bit of room. Just my :2c:

[ILuvtheMountains]

I definitely moved the spare over in the new design after reading your comments (thanks Aaron). It will actually swing OVER left to right in an arc. This will be because the spindle will be mounted horizontally. It should still be able to suck the tire over to the right and be able to clear the tailgate. Still working out details for how to support the arm FULLY when in open and closed positions since this spindle is not double-shear and with it mounted horizontally it will experience some some significant lateral (relative to the spindle) force.
The design means if I am in a parking lot and have someone parked behind me I won't have to have much room behind me. I will need room next to me but my rig is long enough that rarely do I have a vehicle next to me that sticks out farther than I do (when I pull in forward) and I think there is plenty of room in the "neutral zone" between rows if I back in :) it won't have any jerry can or rotopax holders, so no need for dual arms. Just one short one on the right. I have a different plan for cans.

[ILuvtheMountains]

I have some work to do turning this pile into a bumper.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Okay, so I suck at keeping secrets. Here is the product of the first day of bumper building. That main piece is a 3"x5" 1/4" thick rectangle tube that will be an air tank that I can prefill before I go wheeling and will be able to route my air up kit from the ARB compressor to refill as needed.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_59921.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/401738/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_59941.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/401737/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_5998.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/401740/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_59971.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/401739/cat/500)
http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_5995.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/401736/cat/500)
Still need to finish weld and grind, then start building the rest of the back and sides, which will match the design of my sliders with angular, two-tiered 2x2 square tubing. I will also try to incorporate much of that into the air tank reservoir. The tire carrier spindle will go on the right side and will be mounted in the 2x2 structure.

[ILuvtheMountains]

I used all 10 factory bolts for my brackets. Not going anywhere.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/04/6u2ydeme.jpg

[glacierpaul]

Sweet Travis, lookin good!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Another little bit of progress. The hitch. The main body piece is 3x5 and the oem hitch had the hole for the hitch pin at 2.5" so after wrestling with some ideas I decided to just recess the front of the hitch receiver tube.
First I had to cut out the notch for the tube to get welded in:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/3abuny2y.jpg
Then I cut steel to sleeve the notch and got it welded in:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/uhumy9a6.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/9umyrybu.jpg
Then drilled the hole for the hitch pin and welded the receiver tube in.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/7y3avypy.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/7e4epyry.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/7yma2use.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/ahabe2eb.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Went to my buddy's machine shop to do some of the more precise cutting I needed to proceed on the bumper
Starting the swing arm
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/6ava9a3y.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/6a3eqype.jpg
Then cut my shackle mounts
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/4epyby2u.jpg
And added a little shout out to my brother's fab company, Mr. Fab
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/hytahahe.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Got a little bit of time, pretty much finished up the hitch. Other than safety hook loops. Those will go on soon.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/07/a7udugu5.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/07/4uzu8e2a.jpg

[ILuvtheMountains]

Got some more done last night
http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=36867&d=1402150117
http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=36869&d=1402150117

[ILuvtheMountains]

Looking more like a bumper after today. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/09/sy2a9e2e.jpg
My bro puts down some pretty welds
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/09/azeduhe5.jpg
Some unique supports for the butt welds
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/09/e5urade6.jpg
Small bit of plate work and lateral supports
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/09/e4aruda3.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/09/7azehy8u.jpg

[glacierpaul]

Sweet!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Finally got around to throwing a quick couple coats on the bumpers to hold off the rust over winter. Got way too busy to finish it but hope I can still do it sometime this winter.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/12/a0c044a3b7b95fa2f895a1874a5c35fe.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/12/187be3e8d58045f801e4233c72c5757a.jpg

[dscowell]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! Am I next for a rear bumper?:)

Looks greats!

[Jackie]

It's looking great, Travis!

[ILuvtheMountains]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! Am I next for a rear bumper?:)

Looks greats!
Thanks man! I just saw you are in Montana, when did that happen and for how long? And hell yeah, let's start drawing up some ideas for a bumper for yours!

It's looking great, Travis!
Thanks Jackie! Wish it was done but I work with what life leaves me, time-wise. I really just want the spare out of the bed and onto the tire carrier, but the closure and lock system is confounding me.

[Brucker]

I really just want the spare out of the bed and onto the tire carrier, but the closure and lock system is confounding me.

What's holding you up? If you have any questions, post them up. There are a few on here who could probably help ;)

[Java]

Tough looking setup!! I like that sticker with the compass.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Thanks Paul!

Aaron, here is the deal:
I need something that will take the weight off of the spindle when it is locked and closed and hold it securely so that it doesn't rattle. BUT it also needs to be low-profile enough to open the tailgate. And I don't particularly want to spend much more money on it, the bumper (while much cheaper than buying one) is way over what I budgeted both in $$$ and weight.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Just so that you have a bit more to work with, here is what the bumper will look like with the tire carrier on ithttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/14/3f811e4cf5dd37a9e9a193ceacc1d7a7.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/14/23322b014e77cb087698ac11256917fa.jpg

[dscowell]

I just saw you are in Montana, when did that happen and for how long? And hell yeah, let's start drawing up some ideas for a bumper for yours!

I'm up here for college but will be back for all the breaks.

The bumper you have is what I want. Trim some off the bed for better angles and some armor along the bed to keep it from getting dinged up.

[Fordguy77]

You could use a small chunk of UHMW with a bevel on it so the arm slides up it/holds pressure against the spindle.

[ILuvtheMountains]

I'm up here for college but will be back for all the breaks.

The bumper you have is what I want. Trim some off the bed for better angles and some armor along the bed to keep it from getting dinged up.
Well okay then. Maybe next time you are back you can swing by and we can look at how your bumper mounts to the frame and start looking at a few details.

You could use a small chunk of UHMW with a bevel on it so the arm slides up it/holds pressure against the spindle.
That is an option I thought about but need to find a way to lock it in place once it is closed. Been trying to find a design that I can fabricate but I may just go with a locking lever that I see on other swing out bumpers.

[Brucker]

I may just go with a locking lever that I see on other swing out bumpers.

This will be the quickest and easiest option. Check out www.McMastercarr.com (http://www.McMastercarr.com)or www.mscdirect.com (http://www.mscdirect.com)for different off the shelf options.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Did a bit of work today.
Filler plates cut. Unfortunately no time to weld.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/09/8a73e0800b37a6a2fc5fa0b4fcc7e707.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/09/a27f089eebd7d13d83fb98d8e0bd2bc3.jpg
Got the bearing races pressed into the swing arm so we could finally assemble the hinge and measure for cutting the spindle down to size.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/09/ee6f52b857bdc330ff11e74daa7e7bda.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/09/9c8389fab806d802245479ca43d3d320.jpg
Some parts Bob threw in with the coilovers I bought from him. A swaybar relocate bracket became a leveling shim for the arm when closed.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/09/ec06785a9c75522b5549fef7f279c824.jpg
A few more pieces to cut, a weld day and a grinding day then ready for final coating and finally done with this *****.

[Brucker]

Looking good Travis! Be sure to leave enough room between your filler panels and your lights! The bumper will still "flex" some. I am sure you have taken that already into consideration. Just making sure as that can easily be overlooked when building your first bumper.

[ILuvtheMountains]

I did try to do that but I'm not sure that I left enough room. Probably .25" maybe 3/8". It will be close.

[ILuvtheMountains]

(Already in separate build thread but belongs here too for archival purposes)
Done. 4/28/14-6/17/15
417days
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/43ee708db2579f50431a43f564d10422.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/3953a67700f690f15d034a91a4b9abd0.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/95e7f689fd003cf8ed4cc8e4ff27141d.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/df1159d59d2df2dd9739ab1aa88d3697.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/c1b3f81ab46ff642fcdc405861dc92dc.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/4d3fc6f5071dfecc5737a2b670aa3501.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/ce42d0b0c60f71d7e93dac84ae1c7ad7.jpg

[The StRanger]

Nice !!! I like it...

[ILuvtheMountains]

The bumper has worked great after about 6months of use. The Bedliner has held up well, even with a few good collisions with trail side debris when snowbashing a few weeks ago.
I recently picked up a set of lightly used maxxis bighorns 255/85/16 because I needed tires but couldn't afford a whole new set of 5. Found a guy selling 5 for $450. Couldn't pass that up.
however I went to get them mounted and the techs at the shop didn't lock my tire carrier swing out and when I pulled out of the lot the arm swung open and bounced off of the bedside until I was able to pull over and lock it. Thankfully there was no damage to the spindle or my bedside. Pretty happy with this spindle I ordered from AtoZFabrication.com.

[Jim]

pfew!

Looking at the angles, the latch, under normal use has never un-latched itself? Do you insert any "lock" to keep it from popping open (going past center)?

[ILuvtheMountains]

The latch has a trigger-style lock that has never come unlatched by itself. There is no stop for the arm to keep it from opening past a certain point, if that's what you are asking.

[Jim]

I was looking at the latch - but didn't see the trigger catch at first look.

As the latch is in the same swing plane as the tire, I could see the tire carrier trying to pull the latching assembly "open" / past center. The trigger catch is but another item keeping it from getting loose on ya. Perhaps it never would (even without the trigger catch) - it's something I wonder about.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Hey everyone, I'm back! Nothing new on the rig to report but just glad to be back on here!

[ILuvtheMountains]

I got my cab mount chopped yesterday at Insain Fabrication in Commerce City. Corey is a great guy and does incredibly good work. Keep him in mind if you need any custom work done, or if you have a Tacoma that you are looking to modify. He does lots of products for Tacomas but does beautiful fabrication for anything. I need to get a good picture of the work but will post it up, probably later today!

[ILuvtheMountains]

Here are the pics of the cab mount chop! Insain Fabrication did a great job, and quickly with almost no notice.

[cnstaco]

Nice work!

[Jim]

cab mount chop

What is this? Purpose?

[FINOCJ]

What is this? Purpose?
x2 - I drive a taco and don't know either...

[ILuvtheMountains]

What is this? Purpose?

The place where the cab mounts to the frame just behind the rear tires is larger than it needs to be and 33" tires rub pretty bad when fully tucked. This trims the cab mount but reinforces it in a way that clears the for tires up to 35" (although other mods are needed for that) but keeps strength in the mount point the same or better.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Sorry, I meant to include you in my response to Jim! ^^^

x2 - I drive a taco and don't know either...

[Java]

Looks great! Glad to see you back, Travis! Your OEM leaf springs are still working perfectly on my trailer. :thumb:

[ILuvtheMountains]

Looks great! Glad to see you back, Travis! Your OEM leaf springs are still working perfectly on my trailer. :thumb:
Great to hear! Glad to be back. I’m excited for this summer and the adventures. You heading to the dunes again this year?

[Java]

Yes!! :thumb: As soon as all the roads between Horsetooth and Walden are open.