My 00' Highlander build
- Thread starter TBuzz
- Start date
TBuzz
New member
Thanks. I love it and will not be putting anything else on it as far as gear. I don't want to clutter it up. We're finishing the sides Wednesday and it'll get PC'd on Monday. Also we'll be building the belly skid and bulking up LCA's. Gabbed our own I've got more pics of the build. It took about 10 hours of my buddies time. I was there and helped, cut, grind, design, decide on clearances and everything. But he did the skilled stuff. I am not counting my time as I know he could have done it without me but I thoroughly enjoyed the process and lived being involved. I probably held him up a bit. He has a lot of experience bending tube.
Thanks will be done soon for further review.
TBuzz
New member
Thanks, it's really nice to have such a resource so close. Fun to take a long lunch and go kick rocks chasing brown trout around. As for the rod holder. Although I could come up with something, I would never use it. Around here I travel in stealth mode when fishing not looking to advertise.
Thanks for looking. It's come along way and is a thrill to use..
Progress on the Bumper
We got the back all worked out and mike welded it up. At some point still need to add the lock open pin, a guard for the bottom of hinge bolt, and work out the power for LP light. I'll probably paint it Sunday. I'm really happy with how it has come out.
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TBuzz
New member
I couldn't wait and had to put a quick paint job on the bumper. I did have some sanding and grinding as it has rained here a couple times recently. Along with the bumper plates I had the steel shop cut me some metal for the belly skid. No one local could break the 30 degree bend in it so I cut and Mike welded it. I then measure out, put things where I wanted and he got after it. I do need to add some drop down brackets to it. I used some large nuts to make it work today. Also I think I need to add something else for strength which I'll do when I all comes off again.
Felt a lot better today when I slammed this tank again. Although I thought it was my new skid this has prompted the ordering of a gas tank skid.
Felt a lot better today when I slammed this tank again. Although I thought it was my new skid this has prompted the ordering of a gas tank skid.
TBuzz
New member
Making time...still amazes me that these 3rd gens rip down the highway comfortably then go wheel it up the way they do. I forgot my camera so pardon the poor cell phone shots..
Today's starting group..
The leader, Rick then Robert, new guy, me and new guy. We moved out and I was given much more independence. So much so that I don't have almost any footage or vids of my rig bc there wasn't much stopping initially. We were right ahead of a group of buggies and trying to keep pace. I have some pics I took from the seat of the rigs in front or behind to give perspective. I think there is some footage coming after my friends get their rigs fixed.
The entrance..yes I'm asking for a spot. I end up pressing through and stopping just short of the top. Then they confirmed my line was good a it was on.
This is going up into the garage. These are the vids I took of him, there more on my page if you want to look. It's a very hairy situation. They videoed me as I attempted but I very close to rolling. In fact several of the buggy drivers were on my sliders and holding me down. In was admittedly was scared for the first time doing this and thought I was going over. I backed off and went around but I will be back. Hopefully have that vid someday.
Today's starting group..
The leader, Rick then Robert, new guy, me and new guy. We moved out and I was given much more independence. So much so that I don't have almost any footage or vids of my rig bc there wasn't much stopping initially. We were right ahead of a group of buggies and trying to keep pace. I have some pics I took from the seat of the rigs in front or behind to give perspective. I think there is some footage coming after my friends get their rigs fixed.
The entrance..yes I'm asking for a spot. I end up pressing through and stopping just short of the top. Then they confirmed my line was good a it was on.
This is going up into the garage. These are the vids I took of him, there more on my page if you want to look. It's a very hairy situation. They videoed me as I attempted but I very close to rolling. In fact several of the buggy drivers were on my sliders and holding me down. In was admittedly was scared for the first time doing this and thought I was going over. I backed off and went around but I will be back. Hopefully have that vid someday.
BigFishAllDay
New member
F@%k dude.... slow down a little, would ya?
The more videos I watch, the more nervous I get about going up there. You're rolling with some heavy hitters, and that place has some lines that make everything I've seen in Moab look like child's play.
The more videos I watch, the more nervous I get about going up there. You're rolling with some heavy hitters, and that place has some lines that make everything I've seen in Moab look like child's play.
TBuzz
New member
I can't explain how good it is. You go there for the wheeling though. Unlike in Moab with the stellar views. Every video I've watched of all the trails trails I plan to do in Moab show 2,3 maybe 4 obstacles that require spotting or good camera shots. I know video doesn't get the difficulty across though. I intend not to get in over my head in Moab but plan to run some good trails.
At Glade run you get lots of stuff packed in right when you leave the road. We hit 7-10 things I would call challenges within 3 miles and all in sight of the main road. I'll have gopro footage in a month or so.
I've got trails planned for us and anyone else. To those who are interested in the area more info can be found on 4x4tricks.com maps, trail ratings, video links or you tube search it.
At Glade run you get lots of stuff packed in right when you leave the road. We hit 7-10 things I would call challenges within 3 miles and all in sight of the main road. I'll have gopro footage in a month or so.
I've got trails planned for us and anyone else. To those who are interested in the area more info can be found on 4x4tricks.com maps, trail ratings, video links or you tube search it.
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BigFishAllDay
New member
What's new, Chris?
:bump2:
:bump2:
TBuzz
New member
Working my A.. off trying to keep my weekends free. I've been hard at it maximizing my time outdoors. The hardcore wheeling has been on hold a few weeks as I run around in the high country.
Picking up where I left of with only a few mods and upgrades from the end of May. None of which I really have any pictures of since they aren't that noteworthy.
1) I changed to a 170* stat
2) I added a second 70624 tranny cooler
3) Swapped new bushings into the rear LCA's
4) New Safari steering rack
5) Steering column tack weld mod
5/29-5/30 Moab-
6/1 Ophir pass, Engineer pass & Cinammon Pass
6/2 Random Lake
6/9 Gladiator trail
6/12 Assessed undercarriage damage
this was moab
6/14 Father's day run with some local 4wheel enthusiasts
These guys were in for the alpine loop. I ditched them at cinnamon pass and dropped back to go check some spots.
BigFishAllDay
New member
Glad to see you're staying busy man! I'm jealous that you're so close to all those high country trails.
So how are your temps after ^^^^ all that stuff? Those mountain passes are a great way to see if your rig has enough cooling capacity, especially coming up the east side of California. And did the new rack & tack welding the column tighten up the steering as much as you'd hoped?
Putting a tack weld on the steering column is the last steering related fix I need to do on mine. Just have to sneak in a few more hours in the garage.
So how are your temps after ^^^^ all that stuff? Those mountain passes are a great way to see if your rig has enough cooling capacity, especially coming up the east side of California. And did the new rack & tack welding the column tighten up the steering as much as you'd hoped?
Putting a tack weld on the steering column is the last steering related fix I need to do on mine. Just have to sneak in a few more hours in the garage.
hugo2go
New member
What type of bushings did you use on your Rear LCAs?
NateMob
New member
A page or two back he said he was using OEM bushings. You can get cheaper ones off Amazon but i can tell you they wont last near as long before the rubber tears.
TBuzz
New member
Been a minute, time to catch up
I haven't posted much lately but a lot has changed. I've got pics of some and am going to try and get this up to date. A lot of the things I do, someone else has already done. I try to only do them once but I usually learn the hard way. I have learned a lot from people here and thus followed their lead. thanks again to all those who contribute to the community.
Back at the end of July Nick came up and we hit the trails. First stop was Choke cherry in Farmington. That was a great time but my rig wasn't running well and encountered problems.
It sounded like a rotational clicking metal noise. We heard it happen on an obstacle about a quarter of the way in and I just nursed it from there. I was already playing it safe as my gas tank was eating my driveshaft at the time. Being hobbled at that point I just showed Nick around then we booked for the high country. I didn't take many photos as I was a little worried about the rig. feeling my rig was highway safe we took it up with us.
The next day when we returned to town. Hit the local BBQ place.
I took a corner in 2 wheel drive and it was obvious the front diff was done son and I needed to head for the barn. I am really lucky it didn't bind like that on the highway. We peaced out and I went to drain the front diff.
At that point it was time to make plans..I pulled some strings and started ordering some parts. Then contacted my excellent friend Bigfishallday and discussed my plans with him. He kindly offered me his most pristine rear axle housing to use with my replacement diff. A few days later off I was to ABQ
Jumped in the DD and made time...the scangauge will read the 03 tundra as well. Got to admire and envy Singtoe for that swap. Tranny temp is always low and mpgs aren't much different than the 4runner.
Parts started coming in from places like, Poly performance, Mud Dawg, Underglow, etc
Day 1 with some parts
F&R 4.88 ARB's
Lucas 85-140
SS limit strap brackets
Poly Performance straps for F&R
I haven't posted much lately but a lot has changed. I've got pics of some and am going to try and get this up to date. A lot of the things I do, someone else has already done. I try to only do them once but I usually learn the hard way. I have learned a lot from people here and thus followed their lead. thanks again to all those who contribute to the community.
Back at the end of July Nick came up and we hit the trails. First stop was Choke cherry in Farmington. That was a great time but my rig wasn't running well and encountered problems.
It sounded like a rotational clicking metal noise. We heard it happen on an obstacle about a quarter of the way in and I just nursed it from there. I was already playing it safe as my gas tank was eating my driveshaft at the time. Being hobbled at that point I just showed Nick around then we booked for the high country. I didn't take many photos as I was a little worried about the rig. feeling my rig was highway safe we took it up with us.
The next day when we returned to town. Hit the local BBQ place.
I took a corner in 2 wheel drive and it was obvious the front diff was done son and I needed to head for the barn. I am really lucky it didn't bind like that on the highway. We peaced out and I went to drain the front diff.
At that point it was time to make plans..I pulled some strings and started ordering some parts. Then contacted my excellent friend Bigfishallday and discussed my plans with him. He kindly offered me his most pristine rear axle housing to use with my replacement diff. A few days later off I was to ABQ
Jumped in the DD and made time...the scangauge will read the 03 tundra as well. Got to admire and envy Singtoe for that swap. Tranny temp is always low and mpgs aren't much different than the 4runner.
Parts started coming in from places like, Poly performance, Mud Dawg, Underglow, etc
Day 1 with some parts
F&R 4.88 ARB's
Lucas 85-140
SS limit strap brackets
Poly Performance straps for F&R
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