Ducmonsta's Build Thread-very pic heavy!

[Alaska_4Runner]

Rigid Industries routing options

So, I've seen the wiring most of everyone has done here. Nothing wrong with going in through the factory location in the lift gate. It's actually a great idea (already has grommets, fairly water tight, etc...).

But, I knew I would be using the rear lift gate multiple times a day. I wasn't overly comfortable with the wire chaffing my paint over time.

I got rid of the factory head unit (went with Pioneer). I no longer needed the stupid antenna inside our shark fins. So, I/we (GotMo37) gutted the interior, ran the wiring through, installed a grommet, used the same ground for the original xm antenna and ran the wiring through the fin. Clean!

[MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] Those brackets look great, certainly clear up the issue of light being blocked by the lift gate spoiler.

Question, (I have not taken apart my shark fin) can you go further in depth about the process of running the cables through your shark fin?

How'd you pass the connector through?
what size hole did you drill in your fin?
did you use a grommet to pass the cables through?

Seriously a great idea, thanks for sharing!

 

[Ducmonsta]

[MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] Those brackets look great, certainly clear up the issue of light being blocked by the lift gate spoiler.

Question, (I have not taken apart my shark fin) can you go further in depth about the process of running the cables through your shark fin?

How'd you pass the connector through?
what size hole did you drill in your fin?
did you use a grommet to pass the cables through?

Seriously a great idea, thanks for sharing!

I'm assuming you are willing to get rid of the factory XM antenna and you'll only need 2 or 3 12ga wires. If not, it'll be really tight to get more than 3 wires through or wires that are bigger than 12ga.

To answer your questions, there is no connector to get through. You'll have to solder the connectors after the wires are run through.

I don't recall what size drill bit I used. But once you get the fin off, you'll have a pretty good idea of what the max size hole can be.

I did use a grommet, but mainly, I relied on the silicone to seal things up. The grommet size will be dependent on what size hole you drill.

If you look further in my build, you'll notice I scrapped the antenna fin idea and went with a bulk head marine wiring system. Ultimately, this is a better idea as you can use pretty much any size wire and almost as many as you need.

You can see better detail from this post forward... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ild-thread-very-pic-heavy-34.html#post1798402

 

[efog89]

Absolutley sweet rig. Sorry if I missed it through your many pages of modifications. I noticed it looks like you have aftermarket bags in your rear coils. Did you add ride height adjust for your teardrop? I'm very interested in looking to do this with a tear drop.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Absolutley sweet rig. Sorry if I missed it through your many pages of modifications. I noticed it looks like you have aftermarket bags in your rear coils. Did you add ride height adjust for your teardrop? I'm very interested in looking to do this with a tear drop.

Wow! I've been neglecting my thread for awhile now. I apologize for not replying sooner.

It's the standard Firestone air bag kit. I don't recall the part number. Its not set up to automatically raise with a sensor. I just add 15-20lbs when towing.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Busy busy busy... So busy, I've completely neglected my trip thread. Not that anyone was holding their breath but I'm sorry for dropping off the forum.

Anyway, quick update...
Got back from my trip in Sept. Missing the road and unbelievable kitchens I had for the summer.




Then hit up Leavenworth, WA for Octoberfest! Super quirky town that's dressed as little Bavaria throughout the entire year. So, Octoberfest is their big party event of the year.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Then pretty much stayed local hanging out with groups like PDX Overlanders, other T4R members, working on their builds in my garage, some beach runs, camping, Christmas tree run, etc...








Christmas tree run with [MENTION=78318]RiDE[/MENTION] and [MENTION=128358]PDXplorer[/MENTION]


We lost one of our own last year to cancer. We had a dedication ceremony for him and had a bench built in his honor.


More PNW hiking.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Helping others within the community has been pretty fun and has led to some good friendships.

The PNW is starting to feel a little like home for me and my family.

The infamous [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] and his booty. Switching over his Rigids to Baja Designs and replacing/rewiring connectors.


Of course, [MENTION=78318]RiDE[/MENTION] and his multiple wiring projects. This one is for a constant 12v source in the center console.



Prepped Recon 1 for sale. There's going to be a new build with updated suspension and new galley system for our 2017 Recon models. It was time for me to update the teardrop for the upcoming show season.



Also needed to update the truck. So I gave her a haircut and no sideburns.


The Gobi rack with Rigid 40" E series, 2x 6" SRMs, ARB awning and brackets, sun roof insert and Metal Tech OPOR sliders went to a new home. Thanks, Bruce! I wish I knew your screen name to tag you.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Promptly went to visit [MENTION=76752]helocat[/MENTION] at MetalTech 4X4 and proceeded to get fantastic service.

I specifically wanted the top shelf equipment hahahahaha. Ended up with Metal Tech sliders that fit a Trail.



I had to deal with either removing the Limited/SR5 rockers or trimming them. Of course, I opted for the hard way. But there was no way I was going to let it looked hacked.




Bought a few rock lights from Amazon (several donated from @RiDE)


Also got some Rigid A-Series clones and did the cargo light mod. Put them in the factory cargo light area and in the handle. I have two more left to put in for under hood lighting.

Here's a shot with the rock lights and cargo lights on during the tree run where my son thinks he's being sneaky while I'm airing back up. My wife happen to catch this and I thought it was hilarious.

 

[mace.]

Anyone have a link to the rigid clones??

 

[Ducmonsta]

Began prepping for the new FrontRunner full length rack. You know me and this stupid DiNoc. But its for the roof and you'll never see it anyway.


Got my shipment from FrontRunner on Thanksgiving eve! It was going to be a long night.


Wrapped the roof!


I'll spare you guys the details but I installed the rack a little different than the instructions. You're supposed to use a rivnut tool to set the blind rivnuts in the roof. I elected to drop the headliner and use actual nuts inside. Word of caution while drilling.... you MUST be VERY VERY VERY VERY careful. The side curtain air bags are right there. The other key thing is, all of your metal shavings from drilling will end up on your airbag. Not sure how that's going to feel if it actually goes off.



Another delivery from the brown truck! Updating the lighting with an 40" E2 for the front, Rigid Ignite diffused for alleys, a single SRQ2 for chase/eff you light with amber lens.



Also joined OverlandBound and waited for this number. So stoked for them to have such a huge community and finally getting to this epic number!

 

[Ducmonsta]

Anyone have a link to the rigid clones??

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Lights...1-3-spons&keywords=off+road+rock+lights&psc=1

 

[Rock_Rat]

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Lights...1-3-spons&keywords=off+road+rock+lights&psc=1

Love your build. Especially the engine bay lights!! :bounce:

 

[Ducmonsta]

Love your build. Especially the engine bay lights!! :bounce:

Hahahhaa... at first I was like, "I don't have that in my build thread!" Then I realized who you were.

It was nice meeting you and looking forward to more wheeling trips.

 

[chillfancy]

Great writeup. Saved for sure

 

[DannyLlama]

[MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] Hey Bobby, do you have photos of the third row up with the drawer? Do you use the drawer platform for a fridge as well?

Also, what did it cost you in material and time to do that?

Thanks

 

[Ducmonsta]

[MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] Hey Bobby, do you have photos of the third row up with the drawer? Do you use the drawer platform for a fridge as well?

Also, what did it cost you in material and time to do that?



Thanks

I never actually followed through with this project since I now have the Recon teardrop. If I ever need the fridge in the truck, I just put it in the back.

 

[wadle5]

Just wanted to say your most recent video on instagram gave me a small heart attack.....but really, you can't just do stuff like that.

Anyways hope all is well and bumping a thread in need of an update....

 

[SnoRnR]

I just used some Thule crossbars.

Any photos of the runner with the tent on from further away?

 

[Ducmonsta]

Any photos of the runner with the tent on from further away?

Sorry, I'm not very active on this forum anymore. I had to dig way back to try and find a pic with the RTT on.


There have been a ton of changes since I've been in the PNW. From wraps, wheels, racks, trailers, lights, etc.