[TonyB66]

Left Roy a message. Asked him to get back with or the Matt the guy off 395 he knew about before when we spoke...

Thanks for the a link to those CV clamps. In my cart now. I imagine this tool will do the trick?

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-30800-B...QS3Q3AV49XBWTW

Oh, here's the whole assembly, referencing that U-bolt part #.

341-SS - Pull-Action Latch Clamps | DESTACO

[theesotericone]

Originally Posted by TonyB66

Left Roy a message. Asked him to get back with or the Matt the guy off 395 he knew about before when we spoke...

Thanks for the a link to those CV clamps. In my cart now. I imagine this tool will do the trick?

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-30800-B...QS3Q3AV49XBWTW

Yep. That one will work just fine.

Last time Talked to Roy he gave me the part number for the McMaster Carr replacement u-bolt. If these De-Sta Co u-bolts are stronger I'd give them a shot. I break one every month or two. Thanks for looking them up and getting a hold of Roy. I still cant believe he stopped selling rear bumpers. You probably got one of the last,

[TonyB66]

Originally Posted by theesotericone

Yep. That one will work just fine.

Last time Talked to Roy he gave me the part number for the McMaster Carr replacement u-bolt. If these De-Sta Co u-bolts are stronger I'd give them a shot. I break one every month or two. Thanks for looking them up and getting a hold of Roy. I still cant believe he stopped selling rear bumpers. You probably got one of the last,

I think so, one of the last Savage rear bumpers... The guy is super busy, and it seems that he made a business decision, the time he puts into creating them, all of the parts. The modularity is a beautiful thing, but might have been part of the reason he no longer makes it.

The best I found so far, about 12 bucks shipping to me.

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/08753626

Will order the clamps and tool sometime in the next week or so. Really appreciate you mentioned that to me. If anything else comes-to-mind for this install, do share.

[theesotericone]

Originally Posted by TonyB66

I think so, one of the last Savage rear bumpers... The guy is super busy, and it seems that he made a business decision, the time he puts into creating them, all of the parts. The modularity is a beautiful thing, but might have been part of the reason he no longer makes it.

The best I found so far, about 12 bucks shipping to me.

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/08753626

Will order the clamps and tool sometime in the next week or so. Really appreciate you mentioned that to me. If anything else comes-to-mind for this install, do share.

I was just stopping in to let you know I ordered two of them. From the exact site you linked. 40 bucks for both with tax and 1 day UPS shipping. I'll have them Monday. I'll also have a saved record for easy re-order if needed.

As far as wheeling together goes. Just so happens my wife has a business trip that will give me a free weekend in August. I'm working 4 10's so I'll have Fri-Sun free to play on Aug 23rd-25th. I haven't made any plans to wheel with anyone yet. If you think those dates might work for you let me know. If not we'll make it happen some time. Anything you have your eye on that you want to do?

[TonyB66]

Originally Posted by theesotericone

I was just stopping in to let you know I ordered two of them. From the exact site you linked. 40 bucks for both with tax and 1 day UPS shipping. I'll have them Monday. I'll also have a saved record for easy re-order if needed.

As far as wheeling together goes. Just so happens my wife has a business trip that will give me a free weekend in August. I'm working 4 10's so I'll have Fri-Sun free to play on Aug 23rd-25th. I haven't made any plans to wheel with anyone yet. If you think those dates might work for you let me know. If not we'll make it happen some time. Anything you have your eye on that you want to do?

Still curious what Roy has to say. Will let you know if I hear from him. I imagine these are breaking while bouncing around, as opposed to when you open/close the latch. If this new U-bolt doesn't do the trick, if they make a slightly larger one, I'd consider boring-out the two holes a bit more to receive it. Just a thought... Or maybe a new barrel with the proper spacing and bore size for that U-bolt.

Really appreciate the offer, I think about it much. Nothing in particular, really. As I believe I stated before, I have not wheeled since my FJ-40 days, dare I say about 30 years ago. I feel so ignorant now, but more excited, a bad combo to do silly crap. I totaled my first 40 series. I remember the fun though. Now with a wife and kids, enter the 3rd gen. I'd otherwise have a Tacoma, or maybe even another 40. A shot of me with the 2nd one with my pup Akita.



Wife and youngest return from Asia in a couple weeks. They will have been gone 5 weeks. Your Aug 23-25 will afford me some quality time with them. My first college football game is not until Sat Aug 31, so good there too. School years starts mid-August, but no homework support Fri-Sun! No standing biz travel until Vegas in Sep... I think that's possible. My one concern is the heat that time of year (ATF). Maybe I can install that fan you turned me onto prior to that time though.

Thanks much.

[TonyB66]

While I wait for the CBI ditch light brackets to arrive, and before fabbing something to mount the Baja Designs wide cornering lights within the bumper, I first need to figure-out how or where to locate the winch control box. I made some progress. Generally, it will go something like this:



Turned like this, the control box fits well, has good access to it and seems to allow for a decent routing path for the cables.



I trimmed an inside brace for the box.



The hardware to secure it.



A test fit goes well.





Painted.



To protect a couple of the cables, I spliced open a couple segments of hose and siliconed those pieces around the cables.







The control box stays in place very well in that spot. In wedges in there, and it's tight. I strapped it in with 3 large zip ties to better ensure it stays put.



Before doing so, I removed the cover and better directed the cables for improved routing.





I started making the connections to the winch and I made the ground connection near the battery. Not sure yet how or where I'll get the 12 volts. I'll likely read through some threads to see where others got power.

I started a bit of a project inside the 4Runner. Will post on that a bit later...

[Slobo]

Originally Posted by TonyB66

A bit of a milestone last week with the house remodel... My wife and oldest returned home from a month abroad. Along came my wife's twin sister, her two kids, and my wife's parents. The bedrooms and bathrooms are finally getting used. Minus a couple minor leaks which I'm fixing when they are out of the house, all is going well. Her family leaves in about a month, and then I'll have some final bathroom trim and pocket door hardware to install, touch-up painting and the like... As expected, I can get back to 4Runner projects in the fall.

This showed-up a couple weeks ago:





Still need to figure-out what I'll do in the rear...

Also got this:



And since the install is easy/fast...



I didn't do this for any possible performance gains or even throttle response improvements. I like to pull spark plugs periodically for inspection, and this will make that faster. For me, it's worth it. Aesthetically, I do prefer the less cluttered engine bay too... Sound-wise, I have not detected any difference, at least with normal driving.

Probably no more updates for a couple or so months...

Oh, I just realized that I have space for just one more image in the albums here. Drat. I guess I've reached some limit... I was thinking to use Google Photos. Any issues if I were to do so?

Where you get the airaid from, I didn't know you could get it without the filter

[TonyB66]

Originally Posted by Slobo

Where you get the airaid from, I didn't know you could get it without the filter

Slobo, yes, sold, tube only. I just checked, and it was from Low Range Off-Road. On some discount for about 100 bucks...

After my post above with the winch control box, I posted again about 30 minutes later, and that night the post was gone. Damn. I'll try again...

Having seen JZiggy's attic net about a year ago, I wanted to do something comparable. After explaining to him what I'd like to accomplish, he directed me to what rkntoy did here:

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2804089-post7.html

So, I decided to something like that. I want it suspended a bit lower though so I can stuff compressible items above, like jackets, gloves, hats, etc, and still use the underside too...

I began by removing those four clips. They came-out easy with this tool. I probably could have done better not breaking a few though.



The tape on the bit reflects the depth up to the roof skin. That's obviously important. For one, the first selected rivnut, and m8 was too tall. Here, seen next to an m6, which I ultimately selected.



There are pre-existing holes, and the four had be drilled-out a little to receive these m6 nut inserts. I think it was a 23/64th that made for a snug fit.



Drilled the first hole.



While the insert fit well, I needed to trim back some of roof headliner.



This allowed the flange of the insert to sit more squarely on the metal. I used a magnet to clean-up the metal shards.





Rivnut in place.



Did the same for all four (no photo/s)...

Almost forgot, I imagine these rivnuts are in the rear roof braces as seen here.



So, I checked Craigslist this past weekend and saw someone selling retail display racks, 15 bucks each, 6 feet by 2 feet...



I'll follow-up a bit later as I have a call now at the top of the hour.

[TonyB66]

I pretty much cut it in half. A little over 3' left/right, and 2' front/back.



The rack is pretty sturdy.



I measured the holes and from left/right, at about 15 5/8" and front/back, about 12 5/8". I used a piece of scrap cardboard to make sure those measurements were correct.



I got two 36" aluminum angles to assist with the install.







Still need to figure-out the desired spacers, but here it is up with three m6 bolts. The fourth was not threading well, so some slight adjustments will be needed...



I have some longer m6 bolts coming on Friday, so that's it for now...

This came yesterday.







Need to finish the winch install (electrical connections), the attic rack and then get back the install of those various Baja Designs lights and the switch box below the driver's seat...

[TonyB66]

Decided to use some scrap 2x4s for spacers on that attic rack project. The 3 1/2" is a bit tall, so I trimmed them down to a little over 3". The amount of thread coming through looks to be ideal with the M6 100mm bolts.



This color looks to match the headliner pretty well.



I should have time to install it this weekend.

During the week this arrived for my mobile phone mount. Thanks Tim and Sean.



And I decided on this for the co-pilot...



As for mine, the grab handle bolts are indeed tough to remove. I found this to work very well though, pushing into the A-pillar while trying to break it free.



I re-routed the blue USB cable from the head unit to this area.





Finally decided to use one of those blanks.







Using my phone to take photos, here it is holding my wife's phone.





Very pleased with this set-up. It's super sturdy, in a great spot to easily view the screen and access to it also is super easy while still keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

Which is a nice segue into what prompted this, finally. After many years with a ScanGauge II, since it still doesn't support alerts or notifications, I decided to get an UltraGauge Blue. It arrived earlier in the week and thus far I'm glad I decided to get it. I will keep the SG2 for other rides, but I'll sell the Tacoma/4Runner specific mount though...

My first couple attempts at page layouts. Just idling in the side yard...





I already began setting alarms for the coolant, ATF, battery and others...

The wife's set-up was much easier as the black USB cable was already routed to an ideal spot.



The gooseneck installed. The floor-mount via a seat bolt, also very secure.





The flexibility is a really nice feature, and why I chose this over other solutions...

I ditched the dashcam/rear view mirror my wife got me a year or so back. It was so wide that I couldn't use the sun visors! So, I got this much smaller unit on some discount a week or so back.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1



These arrived during the week also. Maybe next week I'll tackle that install...





More money for this build, should I need it... Sold covered calls on AAPL, 215 strike for Aug 16th. I tend to think they'll get called from me this time, and that's the hope. About $4,100 in premium collected. OEM parts, nothing else sold on CL...

Oh, the CBI ditch light brackets arrived today. I'll get those set-up soon.

[4Runner4Leon]

Looks great Tony! I'll try my homemade mounting approach for the UG, but failing that, I'll follow the trail you blazed!

[TonyB66]

Originally Posted by 4Runner4Leon

Looks great Tony! I'll try my homemade mounting approach for the UG, but failing that, I'll follow the trail you blazed!

Thanks Leon.

UG's Blue is pretty slick, especially for those who like to customize their gauges by using overlays, various colors and designs. Not sure when I'll have more time to tinker further, but for now, I'll be using those two page layouts. There are seven pages and I'll likely not use them all...

Users can upload page layouts for safe-keeping, and to share with others. I uploaded my two, but for some reason only one stuck I'll try again later...

UltraGauge Blue Page Templates

As I explained in the other thread, at this moment, this solution is not ideal for us as we use my phone to connect to our head unit with CarPlay, namely to use navigation, displaying the map on the head unit's bigger screen. With IOS 12 however, that does not permit the iPhone's screen to display anything else, like UG. A wasted screen essentially when using CarPlay. I learned that with IOS 13, slated for release this fall, that will change. Confirmed by those on the beta releases. So, not quite the perfect solution for us, yet...

I will say that the A-pillar mount, on the grab handle's lower bolt exceeded my expectations. Damn perfect spot. I'm not one to dork-around with my phone while driving, believe me, but I can have one finger reach thee screen easily if need be while maintaining a firm grip on the wheel with both hands.

Best to you on the MX install Leon. If for any reason it doesn't go as planned or hoped, I'd bet the Blue would serve you well though.

[TonyB66]

Not much to report...

On the UG, while waiting for dinner to be served at a restaurant last night I tweaked my main page. One is allowed up to ten "gauges" per page, and I had nine before. I added an oil change reminder, for now at least...



I got the ditch light brackets from CBI finally. Took over three weeks...

The fender lifted to gain access to the hood's hinge.



Used a piece of wood to limit shifting of the hood when removing the bolts. I traced the hinge locations with a pencil so I can put them back in pretty much the same place.



Some trimming of the cowl is needed. Looks like more will be needed later when I route the wires, but this what I removed so far.



Both brackets in place. Rock solid.





And, I just realized that the Baja Designs spot lights to go there are not the ones I ordered! Dang. They have a choice between a round and squarish face, and I got the later (wanted round to match the others). So, maybe next weekend...

Got a Sunday delivery.



Was thinking of tackling the RCV axles in about two weeks, but as matters would have it, maybe not until September or later. Looks like I have about two more weeks of light wrenching, and then I'll need to take a break for a while. Family health matters will be a priority...

[TonyB66]

The rear attic storage rack is complete.

Not knowing how much weight it might support at times, I felt it wise to have steel "washers" as I don't feel comfortable with the bolt heads solely on the aluminum angle. Had some scrap steel that I cut into lengths, a little over 4", enough to span a section of the rack.



Got holes marked, drilled and the pieces cleaned-up for some paint. Had some silver from a project on the MINI's interior years ago...





Had to elongate the holes a little with a Dremel so they would fit or line-up with the holes in the aluminum angles. Got them in place and snugged...



Except one... Going through those reduced 2x4 spacers threw-off my alignment a bit. I could not get one to thread into the rivnut. Instead of taking the rack down (not easy to get up there alone), I decided to enlarge that one hole. Not wanting to damage the headliner with the bit, I used a Simpson Strong-Tie "protector'. These are used on new construction, or remodels under drywall to protect pipes or Romex from intrusion, typically screws or nails...



Worked great. Got the hole enlarged enough to get the last bolt in place, and everything tight. Found a few compressible items to get an idea as to how much I can fit up there.



Looks like those took-up about half the space.



By design, luggage-friendly for the airport runs...



Also, I can sit-up back there (no photo), and my head won't hit the underside of the rack. Also checked that before deciding upon how high/low to position the rack.

I will have a few hooks on the sides to hang things like gloves, namely for the kids. They always seem to misplace them, or they get lost amongst other stuff on the floor. Will also have a few of the flat bungee cords, also along the sides only, for larger stuff like bulkier jackets, etc. I don't want items hanging down in the middle, blocking the rear view. EDIT/ADD. Just added four flat bungee cords, 2-footers...



Overall, happy with the results.

With the two weeks left before I take a break for a while (mentioned above), I aim to:

1. Finishing-up the winch install - secure routing of electrical connections, spool it, fairlead, and torque the mounting bolts to spec within the bumper

2. Install the Baja Designs wide angle ambers in the bumper

3. Install the Baja Designs spots on the CBI ditch light brackets

4. Complete the electrical connections for those, and the Baja Designs combo/driving lights already on the bumper, all going to a switch box below the driver's seat.

Maybe a bit much, but I think doable...

[4Runner4Leon]

Originally Posted by TonyB66

During the week this arrived for my mobile phone mount. Thanks Tim and Sean.

Tony, looks like UG has a mount that's directly compatible with our M6 handle screws, so it seems like it'd be easier to implement than adapting an M8 mount:

RAM(R) Tough-Ball™ with M6-1 x 6mm Threaded Stud