My 00' Highlander build

I met up with local forum member, Tacokiller "Alex", and his friend and e headed to chokecherry last weekend.
Small obstacle at the top of second playground





:jaw::jaw::jaw::jaw:
 
Chris... I need you to introduce me to your friend.

I'll head up there with a couple cases of whatever beer you like... PBR... you name it. Building a roof rack has been on my short list for a long time and you guys made quick work out of it.

The rig is looking awesome, and I'm glad to see you're not afraid to use it for the intended purpose.

Last week got busy, but I saw your post in the Moab thread, and saved your contact info. We'll make it happen sooner or later. Runoff is just getting started and the high country is still frozen, so fishing is pretty much crap (imo) until June... maybe I'll see you at the TW meet.

I could do that although I'm sure you could build you're own. I don't really drink at all and I did pay $100 for his welding. I gladly tipped him $100 so, don't want you to think its free free. Outside of a welder all we used was a hydraulic bender, a notcher, a grinder and drill. I would even be willing to help you if u had those tools being as I 100% helped, measured and cut everything. He made pretty short work of the welding and laying it out to make it square. Building it in a jig really helped. It was a lot of fun and I'm going back for more on Monday...need something to weight down these new 861's

I would be more afraid of damaging it without the killer voice of confidence you here in my videos. My buddy Rick has got me through some stuff I would not have considered. Also one of the coolest things is that he suggests bypasses or easier route rather than just breaking my stuff. I have conceded to the fact that I am getting desert pinstriping though

Yea I had an itch an went up to silverton last sunday afternoon real quick and it's aways out..my friend sent me some pics of 30" plus pike their getting on vallecito...so headed there sunday afternoon

I look forward to meeting up...i need a tune bad I thing,,, installing the innovative afr tomorrow. We'll see how much differently it reads than the scangauge..
 
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2nd attempt, I still needed to go passenger but that was hard to make myself do with the tire in the air..
 
What do you guys think of this? The new OME 861's I ordered came in and after pulling the Superflexes for a comparison before install I see this. Side by side as for height they are basically the same. The diameter of the wraps is the same along the body.

IMG_0464.jpg~original


However where the coil sits on the axle the Superflexes are 2.75" across and the OME is 3.50". So the OME doesn't sit in the cup quite as snug.


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After looking all over to see id there was a difference in models then calling the supplier, reassured it was ok I installed them. Man these things are very tall brand new and I had no weight for the moment. Measurements went from 39.25" ground to fender with zero weight(no hitch, tools or receiver) to 44".
I threw 180 lbs of sand in there and went and got another 180lbs. It settled a little and came down to 42" and the front was still at 38.5". I cranked up the front to 39"(thought I went further) and took it for a flex. Yes major stinkbug look but there will be weight back there soon and I don't DD it. Also I didn't go ut to push it just to try and settle the springs a little, knowing the suspension was still out of tune.

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Glad I stopped where I did the shocks were at the end.

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Looks like I may need to extend the bumps but maybe not after I get the back loaded down.

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Laundry List

Hard to believe that with everything I've done there is so much more to do. Here's the list to be done before next Thursday

The List
1)Install extended rear brake line-DONE
2)Fab some rear sway bar relocates like the SS ones
3)Fab bump stop extensions
4)Coolant flush and thermostat change
5)Flush PS again
6)Check belt tensions
7)Adjust headlights
8)Replace bushings on rear LCA's
9)Fab rear bumper
10)Fab belly skid
11)Install some expanded metal on roof rack
12)Install Innovative AFR gauge
13)Reboot OEM cv as spare
14)Receive matching spare and rim today, need to get mounted
15)Install stereo
16)Install CB

Sounds like a lot when I write it all down.:pout:
 
Damn that's a long list! Good luck.

Nice pictures and videos, looks like a fun area. What did the silver 3rd gen break?
 
What do you guys think of this? The new OME 861's I ordered came in and after pulling the Superflexes for a comparison before install I see this. Side by side as for height they are basically the same. The diameter of the wraps is the same along the body.

IMG_0464.jpg~original


However where the coil sits on the axle the Superflexes are 2.75" across and the OME is 3.50". So the OME doesn't sit in the cup quite as snug.


IMG_0466.jpg~original


After looking all over to see id there was a difference in models then calling the supplier, reassured it was ok I installed them. Man these things are very tall brand new and I had no weight for the moment. Measurements went from 39.25" ground to fender with zero weight(no hitch, tools or receiver) to 44".
I threw 180 lbs of sand in there and went and got another 180lbs. It settled a little and came down to 42" and the front was still at 38.5". I cranked up the front to 39"(thought I went further) and took it for a flex. Yes major stinkbug look but there will be weight back there soon and I don't DD it. Also I didn't go ut to push it just to try and settle the springs a little, knowing the suspension was still out of tune.

imagejpg1.jpg~original


Glad I stopped where I did the shocks were at the end.

imagejpg5.jpg~original


Looks like I may need to extend the bumps but maybe not after I get the back loaded down.

imagejpg1-1.jpg~original


I was thinking about switching to the toytec superflex. What are the differences between the 861 and toytecs? Also, where do you get the 861?
 
This rig looks even better in person!!! [MENTION=95069]TBuzz[/MENTION]

Thanks again for letting me crash, and for lending me the fishing gear. Good times, buddy. I'm still jealous of the clearance you've got on those bumpers.

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Damn that's a long list! Good luck.

Nice pictures and videos, looks like a fun area. What did the silver 3rd gen break?

You're right the list proved too great but I got a lot done and it did pretty well on the trip. Re- silver truck it broke at least a cv which we drilled and tapped to remove. When engaged in 4wd it wasn't locking up, I'm not sure he has worked it out.

This rig looks even better in person!!! [MENTION=95069]TBuzz[/MENTION]

Thanks again for letting me crash, and for lending me the fishing gear. Good times, buddy. I'm still jealous of the clearance you've got on those bumpers.

Thanks for the compliment on the rig. You are one of the ones who inspired me and whose build I followed, learned from etc. Anytime on the pad and gear you know that, more of that to come.


Here's some pics and vids of the Moab trip.

Group Line up on Seven Mile
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Tough line out of wipeout hill, if you've been there you know it's tougher than it appears
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Later on Baby Lions back


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Kane Creek

Started off in the rain which made the first obstacle stcky for most everyone..

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Cleared up just in time for lunch

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Then the next obstacle proved to much for the Jeep. I pulled him up through one spot than made room for the double locked rig to move in.



Next time going to make a better effort at documenting the trip.
 
My HYbrid rear bumper

Wanting a high clearance bumper of a design that I didn't see out there. My buddy mike and I embarked on the custom design that follows. It slightly mimics two other brands but has several features I couldn't find. Also I didn't want to buy one. We came up with a plan and $120 in steel later got to work. The first afternoon got us through the initial frame.
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You are going to need to post some more photos of that rear bumper! Clean and functional! Next time hopefully ill be part of the group, looks like a great time!
 
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I have plate for the sides that has been cut and ready for pickup. We'll be adding that adding building belly skid Thursday.
 
Been getting after it lately...Here's a different angle of one of yesterdays bonus lines. The kid was holding my camera and did a good walk around that you don't see in other vid. Also some great front stuffage at the end.

 
Today I went and ran around the river for a bit.. bumper and roof rack served a different purpose for a minute and gave me some ideas.. what about you fisherman out there. Pretty obvious what the natural progression would be now.

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oh yeah ...Mr. Brown

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I want to do that one! :shocked:

Nice brownie!!! Is the water coming down yet? That would definitely make a good spot to stash the rods, and it would be easy to come up with some mounts.
 
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I want to do that one! :shocked:

Nice brownie!!! Is the water coming down yet? That would definitely make a good spot to stash the rods, and it would be easy to come up with some mounts.

I plan on taking you through that one.

The brown was pretty happy to see me through big ugly in front of his face. Nothing like when your streamer gets into to sight in the murky water. Then right when your about to lit it here comes "mr Brown" for a snack. They like to chase the sculpins up towards shore. Being a freestone river, the animas, also known by locals as "the animal", fluctuates a lot during this time of year. It is going down now quick because it's been snowing again in the mountains and melting has currently subsided. Fish get get aggressive during these times seeking opportunities to feed and store protein when they can see.
 
That is awesome. How long did it take to fabricate the bumper and did you use the original brackets or did you also make new ones??
 

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