2015 TEP Build complete....for now....

[Keith_PDX]

I just wanted to take a minute to share my progress, as I haven't done a dedicated post to the rig in it's completeness. She's ready to rock and roll for the summer! Done two shake down trips already and heading to Overland NW next weekend for a 4 day shakedown there. Pretty happy with how it turned out!

• Baja Utility Rack with Sunroof Insert, Ladder and awning brackets
• Bilstein 5100 w/Toytec 112-620 & SAW Coils
• ST MAXX 255/75/17
• Spidertrax Spacers
• James Baroud Evasion RTT
• Fiamma F35 Pro Awning
• Various interior tie-down improvements
• Rear hitch Hi-Lift Mount
• Front LED light bar

Next up will be some core battery and electrical improvements....

 

[Mistaken]

That thing looks bad ass!

 

[Jono.ful]

hitch mount hi-lift carrier is pretty nifty for sure. how do you find the Baja ladder so far?

 

[Keith_PDX]

how do you find the Baja ladder so far?

The ladder was a bit hokey mounting it for the first time. The directions sucked to say the least, they did not show it overlapping in the pictures nor did they say that but its impossible to mount it without overlapping them. I am not a big fan of the silver bolts but it is VERY sturdy and useful. More function over form there. I also installed the heavier struts at the same time from Lift Support Depot, which was absolutely necessary.

 

[High_Country]

Very nice, clean build. I love the look.
What's your thoughts on the wheel spacers? Clearly they improve the look / stance but I'm curious about driving nuances? Feel any more stable? Planted?
I too have a lift, stock wheels, and those same tires and have considered spacers. Not a big fan of making the truck any bigger (want a small footprint for the backwoods) but if there's stability or drivability improvements to be had, then....

 

[GSPRunner]

Very sweet.

 

[Keith_PDX]

What's your thoughts on the wheel spacers? Clearly they improve the look / stance but I'm curious about driving nuances? Feel any more stable? Planted?

With the higher COG due to the RTT/Rack/Awning the wheel spacers made a notable improvement in the stability of the vehicle. I didn't care about the looks at all. I did it to get back the lost track width when lifting and increase stability. It did that.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I want to know and see more of your awning.

 

[Keith_PDX]

I want to know and see more of your awning.

Been using them on RV's and Westfalia camper vans forever. Very nice unit. Manual roll in and out. Pretty high quality in my opinion and no silly bag to deal with. A little more expensive but worth it.

Fiamma Inc. - Products

 

[manofsteele2003]

Have you been off road with the hi lift hitch mount? Just curious as to how solid it is, don't want it bouncing all around while on the trail.

 

[Keith_PDX]

Not yet but it has a threaded hitch tightener on it for stabilization. It's quite solid.

Hi Lift Jack Mount for Hitch Receiver Powdercoated | eBay

 

[mc813]

I'm curious-how'd you mount the lightbar? I'm looking at putting something behind my grill in the near future.

 

[96r50]

Looks good! We'll be at NWOR next week too and I'd be interested in checking out the tie downs and the RTT when you're around.

 

[Keith_PDX]

I'm curious-how'd you mount the lightbar? I'm looking at putting something behind my grill in the near future.

Its hard to see but here it is from the front without the grill.

Here it is with the camera pointing towards the front of the truck from inside the engine compartment with the fan shroud removed. The corrugated black aluminum is the light. I used some 1/4" thick aluminum and mounted it to the light bar feet. I then found some 1" aluminum tubes (they were actually BMX axle pegs that I had laying around) and cut them down to the appropriate length as spacers. I then ran long bolts through the radiator brace >spacer> aluminum flat stock>large fender washers>small washer>nyloc nuts. It's VERY stable. I used existing holes in the factory brace so I didn't have to drill a single hole in the vehicle. I only had to remove the grill insert and fan shroud to gain access. The pictures are from the test fit. My intention was to paint them black but you cannot see them at all from outside the vehicle or from the engine compartment when the fan shroud is back on so I didn't bother. I can actually reach the 5mm allen key in between the mesh to adjust the angle just fine. Washing the lens without removing the grill is tedious but possible. Hope that helps.

 

[marshal]

sure do like that RTT

 

[manofsteele2003]

Not yet but it has a threaded hitch tightener on it for stabilization. It's quite solid.

Hi Lift Jack Mount for Hitch Receiver Powdercoated | eBay

Great thanks. I was looking for an alternative to mounting it to the roof rack or just throwing it in the back.

 

[ATLQuicksilver]

I was wondering if you thought that the metal bar sticking out would be strong enough to hold two led pods. It is the black tube.

Its hard to see but here it is from the front without the grill.

Here it is with the camera pointing towards the front of the truck from inside the engine compartment with the fan shroud removed. The corrugated black aluminum is the light. I used some 1/4" thick aluminum and mounted it to the light bar feet. I then found some 1" aluminum tubes (they were actually BMX axle pegs that I had laying around) and cut them down to the appropriate length as spacers. I then ran long bolts through the radiator brace >spacer> aluminum flat stock>large fender washers>small washer>nyloc nuts. It's VERY stable. I used existing holes in the factory brace so I didn't have to drill a single hole in the vehicle. I only had to remove the grill insert and fan shroud to gain access. The pictures are from the test fit. My intention was to paint them black but you cannot see them at all from outside the vehicle or from the engine compartment when the fan shroud is back on so I didn't bother. I can actually reach the 5mm allen key in between the mesh to adjust the angle just fine. Washing the lens without removing the grill is tedious but possible. Hope that helps.

 

[Keith_PDX]

That black tube has fluid going through it. I would not recommend mounting anything to it that could increase vibration or energy. If it cracks or breaks you have a whole different problem on your hands.

 

[Rob71]

Nice Rig!!!
Did the lift cause you to loose MPG. I am at 18.1 MPG now with no lift. :first:

 

[DesertCanyons]

PDX build

I like your build out a lot. The Baja Utility Rack and ladder look great. That's the one I'm looking at for my T4R TE. I like the functional, sturdy ladder attachment better than the Gobi ladder. The bolts could easily be painted black to blend. I imagine they are SS bolts.

Do you have any plans for rock sliders? That's item #3 on my list, after floor mats and the roof rack (maybe before the rack). Here in So Cal we drive a lot of desert canyons and the rocks can eat up the rocker panels without warning.

How did you improve the interior tie downs? Last weekend I hauled a very heavy vibrator compaction plate and tied it down using the available loops. My back seats are still out so I used two of the forward anchors where the seats clip in to tie down the plate. I had the plate on boards over a tarp to protect the floor but was concerned it might slide forward if I had to stop hard.