Desert Dawg build...what a switch!

[gm350reratliff]

That sucks to hear about your bumper. That kind of thing always happens when I order stuff painted/powder coated so normally I order it raw. If you do decide to re-powder coat it, these guys do really good work. Powder Coating, Waterjet Cutting, Precision Masking: ABQ. Mfg.

Or, maybe take it to Smiths Ultimate linings and have bed liner sprayed on it.

Either way, I hope they make it right for you.

 

[toyohtadude]

Sorry to hear about the condition of the bumper coating. If it were me, I'd try and work with them to get the money back for the optional powder coating then have it done by a local on your own. Outside of the coating, it looks like a great piece. Sandblast it and get it coated, install and enjoy!

Now a question for you... Is there any difference between the 2014 and 2015 (that you're aware of) in regards to items like the N-Fab step Nerf bars or Weathertech complete sets? Not a lot of places have anything listed for the 2015 and when I select it, they say "This doesn't fit your 2015 4Runner" I don't think there's anything different, just that the market has not caught up to the new model year.

Last, your original KDSS suspension... what did you do with it?

Still in awe every time I look at your T4R... My first mod is the BORA 1.25" wheel spacers that came of the Tacoma...

 

[Desert Dawg]

That sucks. Sorry to hear it.

Thanks. I actually have some patience with SouthernSS as they launch out and dial things in but will definitely have to let them know that their subs and vendors associated with Endless Horizon and themselves are dropping the ball and will affect their rep and ability to sell more if not corrected.

The timing on this really hits home. My bumper was supposed to be shipped out last Friday with yours, but after numerous calls to Lee for a tracking number and no luck, I finally put on the Rambo gear. Lee said the shipping company wouldn't return his calls, I asked for the information who shipped their bumpers and got the following: Royal Mail & Parcel: Shipping Service Metairie LA, Mailing ...
Shipping Service Metairie LA, Shipping Service, Mailing Service, Mailbox Rental Service, Packaging Supply Store, Packaging Service - Royal Mail & Parcel

Spoke with AJ who proceeded to tell me they were out of boxes so my bumper never shipped, therefore no shipping number. This was six days after EHEO dropped off the bumper and I had requested expedited shipping options. AJ had no answer as to when he would have an appropriate box, but said it would be soon. After explaining this was unacceptable , that I would look to EHEO to find someone else to ship, he explained they were the only game in town that can ship large packages so EHEO has to use him. Pretty sure my BP was 300 over 120 at this point and he knew it, took a deep breath and said I'll find someone out of town to come get the bumper. AJ then replied that he would find away to get a box that day and guaranteed he would ship before end of day and finally provided a tracking number.

It didn't ship that day, in fact it was picked up at 7:02p the following night. AJ explained that only he wraps, packs and ships these bumpers, not EHEO.

Sounds to me like Kevin has designed and built a great bumper, but then it's out-sourced to someone for powder coating (they were backed up so mine was sent plain metal) then shipped by some arrogant A-hole that seems proud to hold EHEO hostage as he's the "only game in town."

So what starts as a great product gets handed down through a chain of careless folk not waving the EHEO brand.

Sorry to hear DD, we pay good money, wait many weeks to get our hands on something special, but once it leaves EHEO it seems contracted help just doesn't have the customers best interest at heart.

Hope EHEO can find better contracted help . . . SOON!

Well that is not acceptable at all. Per above, I think anyone who had any issue with either the shipping or quality of these new bumpers need to let SouthernSS and their suppliers know what is going on so they can address them. Otherwise, they will get a bad rep whether deserved directly or not.

That sucks to hear about your bumper. That kind of thing always happens when I order stuff painted/powder coated so normally I order it raw. If you do decide to re-powder coat it, these guys do really good work. Powder Coating, Waterjet Cutting, Precision Masking: ABQ. Mfg.

Or, maybe take it to Smiths Ultimate linings and have bed liner sprayed on it.

Either way, I hope they make it right for you.

Thanks Ron; I may check those guys out. I am hoping that someone makes good so I can go get it redone correctly. I thought about the spray-on bed liner too but think the powder coat will look better.

Sorry to hear about the condition of the bumper coating. If it were me, I'd try and work with them to get the money back for the optional powder coating then have it done by a local on your own. Outside of the coating, it looks like a great piece. Sandblast it and get it coated, install and enjoy!

Now a question for you... Is there any difference between the 2014 and 2015 (that you're aware of) in regards to items like the N-Fab step Nerf bars or Weathertech complete sets? Not a lot of places have anything listed for the 2015 and when I select it, they say "This doesn't fit your 2015 4Runner" I don't think there's anything different, just that the market has not caught up to the new model year.

Last, your original KDSS suspension... what did you do with it?

Still in awe every time I look at your T4R... My first mod is the BORA 1.25" wheel spacers that came of the Tacoma...

Thanks; that is actually what I am going to do tomorrow. I will try calling them and see what they can do. I hope they don't give me the run around by pointing fingers at someone else. Even if they do, I hope they vet out their vendors for their own sake because I do think they make a good product.

I am not aware of any frame/body changes between the 2014 and 2015 models and would expect things like the n-Fab steps. seat covers, and floor mats would be the same. Maybe someone reading this will chime in if different.

I still have and use my KDSS system as the ToyTec BOSS system does not replace it; just the coliovers, rear springs and shocks got replaced. I still have my factory pieces.

Thanks again for the compliment!!!

 

[1engineer]

[MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION] you have been around the block a time or two same as me and we both know that the originator (SSS) is ultimately responsible for how the product shows up on your door step.
The distributor and the shipper are NOT to blame in a situation such as this, only SSS. SSS is who contracts with the distributor and shipper for them to do their jobs. If the can't or do a piss poor job as this was then SSS needs to find competent partners. If my company ships a product (some weigh maybe 71 lbs and cost upwards of $30K apiece list) to a customer and it is late, damaged or anything else do you think the customer calls UPS? Does he call our distributor? No. He call us because as the OEM we are responsible to get the product out on time and delivered. You know as well as I do that SSS, regardless if he is new, or small, or can't get good help. has stupid shippers, has a bad distributor, can't find a decent powder coater, didn't charge enough for quality or any other excuses, is the only link in the chain that can make this right. Sorry about this man. It is a good concept and it looks like the manufacturing is OK. Some OEMs don't realize that they are responsible from concept to the door of the customer.

 

[Desert Dawg]

[MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION] you have been around the block a time or two same as me and we both know that the originator (SSS) is ultimately responsible for how the product shows up on your door step.
The distributor and the shipper are NOT to blame in a situation such as this, only SSS. SSS is who contracts with the distributor and shipper for them to do their jobs. If the can't or do a piss poor job as this was then SSS needs to find competent partners. If my company ships a product (some weigh maybe 71 lbs and cost upwards of $30K apiece list) to a customer and it is late, damaged or anything else do you think the customer calls UPS? Does he call our distributor? No. He call us because as the OEM we are responsible to get the product out on time and delivered. You know as well as I do that SSS, regardless if he is new, or small, or can't get good help. has stupid shippers, has a bad distributor, can't find a decent powder coater, didn't charge enough for quality or any other excuses, is the only link in the chain that can make this right. Sorry about this man. It is a good concept and it looks like the manufacturing is OK. Some OEMs don't realize that they are responsible from concept to the door of the customer.

Thanks Greg....I totally agree with you. I too have my own business and if I didn't stay on top of quality control and customer service (whether or not I use subcontractors, venture partners, or vendors) I would definitely go out of busness; at the end of the day, it's all about my reputation and that of my company. I am all about supporting the small business start up having been there/done that myself and so that is why I am hoping they are responsive and get things fixed right as you say!

To that end, I have already heard back from Lee at Endless Horizon who wants to know what he can do to make things right (so that is encouraging and appreciated); I am waiting to hear from Kevin from SouthernSS as that is who really needs to respond.

 

[Desert Dawg]

Okay, so I am quick to let everyone know about my dissatisfaction with the condition of my SouthernSS bumper; I also need to be quick about letting everyone know that I am getting very good response as well.

Here are the responses from Lee at Endless Horizon:

"What can EHEO do to fix the situation. We are more than happy to help make things right my friend."

"We're working on another shipper, however we have had terrible luck with this. When we used UPS they destroyed two bumpers within one month. We are looking into what we can do about the issue, and appreciate the feedback. I will also let Kevin know about the powdercoating issue."

"Get us a price to get it repowdercoated and we shall go from there"


So hopefully I will hear back from Kevin at SouthernSS soon and will let everyone know as I am sure things will get resovled.

Per Lee's email, it seems they are trying hard to address the shipping issues at least. Thanks Lee for the quick response!


UPDATE: Kevin from SSSouthern called me directly today and was very apologetic and responsive to my concerns and issues. He stated that they have been trying to resolve these very same issues and continue to look into other options. He even relayed some other horror stories with other shippers they have tried using but in the end he is stepping up. I am very happy with his response and resolution with me (and Lee's response at Endless Horizon as well) so hopefully things will improve for others. SSSouthern has a great product and looks like they are trying to match it with responsive customer service. Thanks Kevin!

 

[1engineer]

Not Lee's problem unless he purchases the bumpers from SSS puts them in stock and re sells them. Even if he does it is still SSS's problem as it is their reputation and livelihood. Good that the distributor responds but he is still just a middleman.
If thes guys are reading this let me give them a hint on how to ship stuff like this with no damage: Expanding foam. Put the plate in a box, fill the box with expanding foam and it will be undamaged when it gets to the destination.

 

[Askaltoy]

[MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION] - Sorry to hear about your experience with your SSS bumper. I too had the same experienced with my bumper as with yours when it arrived. It was very loosely packed (if I can even call it that) in the box it came in just like yours was. You can hear parts literally rattle inside when I was moving it around the garage before I opened it. When I got it opened, I couldn't believe how bad it sat in the box. Not enough packing material used to secure the bumper from shifting while being transported. The power coating showed damages not as much as yours but bad enough in places that will be exposed and will definitely need to be repaired. Probably repaint just the same. I told Lee how disappointing this was. Lee was very apologetic and given the same line about troubles they are having with multiple shippers they used. Sound like a poor excuse to distancing themselves from their bad decisions choosing the shippers to use. He told me to take pictures and send it to him. Haven't done it yet. This product started out to be something special as stated by others here before and was patience just like I was to wait because of it. How I got the final end product, it leaves a bitter taste. I thought maybe my experience was just one of those rare occurrence that happens from time to time when dealing with shops and to just chalk it up and may feel better once I finished the install in the end. But after reading what you and others have experienced, this is not the case that is turning out to be at all. Lots of members here admire your build [MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION] like me. That's why I'm also chiming in (hope you don't mind) here on this so other members will be aware of it and let it be known that this not a one time event. Its the experiences of the members of the forums that helps us determine what is turns out to be good or what is bad that will help us all make the right decision.

 

[Desert Dawg]

Not Lee's problem unless he purchases the bumpers from SSS puts them in stock and re sells them. Even if he does it is still SSS's problem as it is their reputation and livelihood. Good that the distributor responds but he is still just a middleman.
If thes guys are reading this let me give them a hint on how to ship stuff like this with no damage: Expanding foam. Put the plate in a box, fill the box with expanding foam and it will be undamaged when it gets to the destination.

To your point, I received a call directly from Kevin at SSSouthern today. He was very apologetic and explained a number of issues they had and continue to have but in no way did he shy away from taking responsibility; he is going to work with me on resolving the issue.

I was very pleased to see how much they do care about this and are trying to resolve things. Both he and Lee put my faith back into doing business with them so now I hope they are able to keep future customers happy and have some great success.

And yes, the expanding foam solution works very well with heavy items like this. That is how I received numerous parts in the past with great success in protecting the product:

[MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION] - Sorry to hear about your experience with your SSS bumper. I too had the same experienced with my bumper as with yours when it arrived. It was very loosely packed (if I can even call it that) in the box it came in just like yours was. You can hear parts literally rattle inside when I was moving it around the garage before I opened it. When I got it opened, I couldn't believe how bad it sat in the box. Not enough packing material used to secure the bumper from shifting while being transported. The power coating showed damages not as much as yours but bad enough in places that will be exposed and will definitely need to be repaired. Probably repaint just the same. I told Lee how disappointing this was. Lee was very apologetic and given the same line about troubles they are having with multiple shippers they used. Sound like a poor excuse to distancing themselves from their bad decisions choosing the shippers to use. He told me to take pictures and send it to him. Haven't done it yet. This product started out to be something special as stated by others here before and was patience just like I was to wait because of it. How I got the final end product, it leaves a bitter taste. I thought maybe my experience was just one of those rare occurrence that happens from time to time when dealing with shops and to just chalk it up and may feel better once I finished the install in the end. But after reading what you and others have experienced, this is not the case that is turning out to be at all. Lots of members here admire your build [MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION] like me. That's why I'm also chiming in (hope you don't mind) here on this so other members will be aware of it and let it be known that this not a one time event. Its the experiences of the members of the forums that helps us determine what is turns out to be good or what is bad that will help us all make the right decision.

That sucks and I do hope they can figure things in the near future (per my response above). Thanks for sharing and the support!

 

[Doc_Fry]

Paul,

Going from an FJ highly modified to a 4Runner, anyways I was looking at your install and became interested to see how your solution was in the end for installing the power distibution, fuses, and switching for the lights and winch. There was just not enough there o see how you did it. In my FJ i used a blue line fuse block fed from the spare battery to a custom laser cut switch panel to control all lihts, winch, fridge, etc.... I would like it to be a better solution than the blue line and want to retain the factory look. If you would be so kind as to share.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Desert Dawg]

Paul,

Going from an FJ highly modified to a 4Runner, anyways I was looking at your install and became interested to see how your solution was in the end for installing the power distibution, fuses, and switching for the lights and winch. There was just not enough there o see how you did it. In my FJ i used a blue line fuse block fed from the spare battery to a custom laser cut switch panel to control all lihts, winch, fridge, etc.... I would like it to be a better solution than the blue line and want to retain the factory look. If you would be so kind as to share.

Thanks,
Steve

Hey Steve,

To be honest, I haven't decided on the fuse block I want to use. I don't have the actual winch yet (I just mounted the switch to see if I liked the location). So right now, I am using separate relays for each light set and tapping the factory fuse block; everything is hidden in wire loom within the engine compartment so it looks factory and clean, but if you pull along enough you'll find where I stuffed things...lol. The AoB switches that fit into the existing dash locations look factory so that part is working out well inside the cab. I need to figure it all out by the time I am ready to hook up the winch.

 

[Doc_Fry]

Got approved for my financing today, still trying to kocate a Pro in Inferno in a reasonable area, then After I get it I will strip some of the FJ mods IE second battery, etc and transfer them over to the 4runner, when I sell the FJ it will keep it Total Chaos and suspension walker evans etc I will purchase the rack, lights, winch, and figure out a switching system. I know there have been a few different things to come to market since I completed mine. I like to have ideas before hand instead of being the guinnea pig. Thanks again for your response. Ver tasteful so far in your mods.

 

[kpd1999]

My Marcus 4 dash cam arrived faster than I had expected. Didn't take too long to mount. The packaging and instructions seem first rate; high quality unit.



The unit comes with the suction mount (I have to get the quick mount bracket with lens separately) and a very long power cord that plugs into the power outlet at the bottom of the center stack. So I ran the wire from the mount underneath the mirror up into the headliner, across to the passenger side A-pillar (carefully removed so I can run the wire inside the A-pillar cover but behind the air curtain), down under the dash beneath the glove compartment, under the center console, and over to the power outlet. I zip tied the wire coming out of the headliner to the rear view mirror mount to both hide the wire further and prevent it from pulling out when I install or remove the dash cam.






So except for the tad bit of wire from the unit to the headliner, there are no exposed wires hanging down. I didn't buy my memory card yet so did not have a chance to actually try it out. But at least I know it powers up...lol.



And it is not too obnoxious looking in the windshield.



Thanks again to [MENTION=1032]NoDak[/MENTION] for the recommendation and heads up that the new Marcus 4 was available.

Did you hook up the external GPS? If so, where did you put it? Im looking at the Marcus 4 as well as the DOD LS430W. I like the fact the LS430W has built in GPS, but the Marcus 4 seems to have slightly better optics. Decisions....

 

[Desert Dawg]

Did you hook up the external GPS? If so, where did you put it? Im looking at the Marcus 4 as well as the DOD LS430W. I like the fact the LS430W has built in GPS, but the Marcus 4 seems to have slightly better optics. Decisions....

No, I didn't like the external "mouse" feature and having something else to try and secure with more wires dangling about so I didn't order the GPS.

 

[Desert Dawg]

Another great day 4 wheeling out at the Rio Pureco with my brother while he was in town for the holidays!

 

[Desert Dawg]

 

[Desert Dawg]

 

[Desert Dawg]

 

[gm350reratliff]

Great shots as always but I sure like seeing Mt. Taylor in the background getting some snow. It has been sooooo dry up there.

 

[Desert Dawg]

Great shots as always but I sure like seeing Mt. Taylor in the background getting some snow. It has been sooooo dry up there.

Thanks Ron! Yeah, it was actually snowing when we started but then cleared up for the rest of the day. But definitely good to see some snow up in the mountains including the Sandias by us!