It started about a month (4/15/14) ago when I picked up my 1998 SR5, V6, 5-speed, 4wd with E-locker. It was just the truck I had been waiting for. Found it posted for 15 minutes on craigslist before calling and driving for a few hours to pick it up.
When we first got it.
The first "mod" I did after getting some issues fixed up was getting my Tepui RTT mounted. I built a rack using uni-strut loosely based on the write-up given by Tepui.
I planned to use this section of rail in front of the tent to mount a Hi-Lift but am not 100% I am going to have enough room. If I can't find a functional use for it I will probably cut it off flush.
Love my tent and had fun doing this project to get ready for camping season. My goal was to keep both cost and the center of gravity as low as possible. I think I accomplished both. Tried it out for the first time on the T4R over the weekend at San Rafael Swell and the tent and truck performed great.
Today I started getting the truck ready for the lift and tires. Last pic pre lift/tires.
I took all 4 wheels off and dropped them off at Discount Tire to get new rubber and came back home to start the fun. Pulled the front struts to make room for the new Toy Tec Boss Coilovers that came over the weekend. Once the struts were out I trimmed the plastic valence to help clear the new treads.
Then it was time to go pick up the tires.
Then I test fit the tires and started the clearance process. Did a tiny bit of trimming where the fenders meet the rockers and had to remove the inner fender/splash guards.
Just barely clears the washer bottle at full bump/lock.
Today my LC coils and shocks should arrive and I'll be building a bracket of sorts for the parking brake. Then the install of shocks/springs on all 4 corners will start.
Should get aligned on Wednesday and be ready for the trail minus my bump stops (Should arrive Wed. or Thur.) and some gear. Still need a compressor and jack to be truly ready.
Started trimming but making this cut out at the base of the fender.
Pinch weld prior to trimming.
After trimming and hammering.
Did both sides like this until tires did not rub anywhere lock to lock at full bump. The second side went much quicker with less test fitting.
Then I installed the Boss coilovers got everything torqued down and started in the rear. Didn't take any pictures of the rear install since I was running out of time and it pretty straight forward. Pic of the old next to the new:
LC Purple Green White 8 wrap and Double Purple Dark Blue White 8 wrap with new Tokico LC shocks.
Finished Pics:
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