Unner's Build, 2001 T4R 4x4

[Bandit Runner]

2) I'm considering making a low profile storage/sleeping platform. Something along these lines: https://www.yotatech.com/f2/low-profile-cargo-box-3rd-gen-126267/

I want to be able to store all my recovery gear inside the drawers because the way everything ended up packed it was all packed around the recovery gear and hi-lift since those were the first two things in the truck when I started packing. My only stipulations would be that I still want to be able to access the rear storage compartment on the side, the 12V outlet, and be able to sit up on the platform and not hit my head on the roof when I do sleep in the truck. I'd like to be able to slide the hi-lift into the platform in the same direction as the drawers also to get it out of the way because it is difficult to pack around it in the rear the way I have it now.

I made my low profile cargo storage system similar to what you are thinking. It has two large drawers, and the Hi-Lift jack slides into a pocket also.

This works really well for me as the jack is out of the way, yet still easy to access at any time.

I also wanted to be able to access the side cargo area, so I made a hinged door for it.

Just some ideas for you to think about. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

[Unner]

[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION], thanks for taking the time to post up about your trip. It takes a bit of an effort to document everything and sort through tons of pics! Good on ya! I took my time reading through it twice and will read through it again, before I head out there. It's great to know your rig didn't give you any problems on the long highway drive. That's always a huge concern especially being crippled to having to repair it with limited tools or worse yet, bring it to a garage to work on it.

I like your lessons learned up above as to your future mods to help with your lighting and storage solutions. I'm looking at the exact same type of issues now before I head out to Flagstaff, Canyonlands, Moab etc in May. Lighting is high on my list and I'm considering changing out the PIAA's on my bumper for the 28" RI Combo and move my D2's off the ditch brackets to the rear of the rack and install the RI Scene lights. Expensive, but I think it will be worth it.

As for the cargo space, I'm thinking about installing the "Truck Vault" system as my base and then using "Goosegear" for the second level. Before I do, I'll make an inexpensive temporary solution and explore the various options from the vendors at the Overland Expo in May and see what I like. That's a big chunk of change.

As for your hi-lift, you can install it on your whiten rack for your long trips using the 4x4 brackets that I used. Take the base off because it rattles quite a bit and then add the Bomber products lock for your shovel. It's out of the way and not too bad getting it off the roof, especially if you don't think you'll need it much. Better option for the short day runs I know is somewhere "low" like the bumper or where you have it stored now.

As for the rear cargo lighting, I think you saw my build where I rrelocated the factory light to the side and installed a 1000 lumen engine bay light in its place along with two RI A-series lights in the cargo door. It's an awesome setup as far as rear lights are concerned. It goes along with the meticulous build that you have. One of my favorites mods.

One thing I didn't see you mention was the wires up front for cell phone, tablet/i-Pad, GPS, handheld CB, charging camera and video batteries etc. That's a pet peeve of mine and I'm trying to find out how to organize and get rid of my wires up front near the console and cup holders without sacrificing my center console area. I really want it to be clean up there.

I need to head back to work but wanted to check in with you. Great trip! Again, thanks for posting all the pics and the trails etc.

Thanks for the compliments. Hope your trip goes well too! Those are some really nice products you linked there, unfortunately they're a little out of my price range so most of my stuff will be fabricated or "lower end" for the lighting. Your write ups on the rear cargo lighting will be super helpful if I decide to do that though. I just need to find the time to research exactly what I want to do back there.

I didn't really have a problem with cords. I had my phone charger, my buddies iPhone charger, dashcam cable, and that's about it. I don't have a CB hooked up right now, but my radio is wired into my blue sea fuse box, I don't run a tablet or anything for navigation currently, and I charged the camera at night using my portable charging brick. It lasted just long enough to charge my camera every night for the entire trip without having to mess with charging it in the car.

I like to keep the hi-lift inside the car to keep the weight off the roof and keep it out of the elements, but it is an option if I need to. I really like how Bandit Runner did his below with the hi-lift built into the storage platform.

Great story and amazing pics! Love your rig,thanks for sharing!

Thanks!

I made my low profile cargo storage system similar to what you are thinking. It has two large drawers, and the Hi-Lift jack slides into a pocket also.

This works really well for me as the jack is out of the way, yet still easy to access at any time.

I also wanted to be able to access the side cargo area, so I made a hinged door for it.

Just some ideas for you to think about. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

I was actually looking through your build thread on the storage platform. I really like how you did the Hi-lift. I think I remember you saying you had to trim it, if so how did you trim the thick metal and how much did you have to trim?

Yours is almost exactly how I want mine to be plus a sleeping platform and a table/tailgate of some sort. Anything you would do differently if you did it again?

Also, what is that hinged cargo door made of? I like that idea as well.

 

[MattJakobs]

Finally found the time to read through all of your Moab posts. Wow, I'm jealous. I've wanted to make that trip for a while and I think that seeing this will give me some more motivation to nut up and do it. Seeing your list of wants and needs after the trip is good feedback as well and will definitely come in handy.

Let me know when you're heading back and I'll follow:biggrin2:

As for storage solutions, there's a video floating around on YouTube with some great storage solutions. When I get back to my computer, I'll edit this post and paste it in here.

 

[Chim]

Good info! You have me thinking more about a fold down table and more lighting now!

 

[Unner]

Finally found the time to read through all of your Moab posts. Wow, I'm jealous. I've wanted to make that trip for a while and I think that seeing this will give me some more motivation to nut up and do it. Seeing your list of wants and needs after the trip is good feedback as well and will definitely come in handy.

Let me know when you're heading back and I'll follow:biggrin2:

As for storage solutions, there's a video floating around on YouTube with some great storage solutions. When I get back to my computer, I'll edit this post and paste it in here.

It's amazing and so worth it. Even with the long haul those of us on the east coast have to make. Haha I'd love to go back right now. If only it wasn't so far.

Sounds good, I'd like to see that video. I've got all kinds of ideas and thoughts swirling in my head about it, I need to sit down and actually make some sort of plans for it and make it happen.

Good info! You have me thinking more about a fold down table and more lighting now!

The table would be super convenient! I was looking on 4Xinnovations website to see how they do theirs and it looks like if you have the jerry can holder it would be easy. I don't have that so I would have to figure out some way to support the table because I can't run the cables on the sides directly up, they'd have to be severely angled inwards which would really cut down on how effective the table can be. It's hard to explain, but a picture would make it much easier.

I'll probably post a thread on fold down tables sometime next week.


Now I need to go finish packing, heading out for a short weekend trip!

 

[Bandit Runner]

I was actually looking through your build thread on the storage platform. I really like how you did the Hi-lift. I think I remember you saying you had to trim it, if so how did you trim the thick metal and how much did you have to trim?

Yours is almost exactly how I want mine to be plus a sleeping platform and a table/tailgate of some sort. Anything you would do differently if you did it again?

Also, what is that hinged cargo door made of? I like that idea as well.

Just used an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel to cut the jack. I think I had to trim about 2" off the end.

Probably wouldn't change much. I really like it and it works great. Also, I made it so I can remove the whole thing in just a minute or two, without using any tools. So that is nice if I need to haul something big in the cargo area. I've made a few changes to it since I first built it. I added hinged wings to each side to cover up the area behind the wheel wells. That makes a flat surface for the entire area, and provides a couple of nice little cubbie areas.

The side compartment door is just made from some scrap 3/8" thick plywood. The bottom half is stationary and the top half is hinged to open above the cargo box.

 

[MattJakobs]

Thanks!

It did spark a few ideas actually!

1) I'd like to have some sort of a fold out table, similar to a tailgate on a pickup truck. I got jealous when the Tacoma guys were able to just open their tailgate and they had an instant table for making lunch on. I should have ordered the fold out table when I ordered my swingout bumper, but sadly I didn't. I'm messing around with ideas on how to add one to it without having to weld or do anything too crazy to it.

2) I'm considering making a low profile storage/sleeping platform. Something along these lines: https://www.yotatech.com/f2/low-profile-cargo-box-3rd-gen-126267/

I want to be able to store all my recovery gear inside the drawers because the way everything ended up packed it was all packed around the recovery gear and hi-lift since those were the first two things in the truck when I started packing. My only stipulations would be that I still want to be able to access the rear storage compartment on the side, the 12V outlet, and be able to sit up on the platform and not hit my head on the roof when I do sleep in the truck. I'd like to be able to slide the hi-lift into the platform in the same direction as the drawers also to get it out of the way because it is difficult to pack around it in the rear the way I have it now.

If I do this I would also build some sort of a table into it.

3) Better/more forward lighting. I'd like to get some sort of a flood light out in front of me along with the pencil beam style lights I have right now. The spots are great for shining far, but having better lighting up close for animals, etc would be nice. I'm debating adding a pair of Rigid's or maybe HIDs to the front bumper, or selling my current LED spot lights (Lenses have a little yellowing in them, but they work fine) and going with a dual ditch light mount with Rigid Hyperspots in the middle, and flood lights on the outside. Or Maybe something up in the roof rack, but I'm not sure.

6) Exhaust reroute of some sort. I hit the exhaust and dented it at some point on my trip. Not sure where, although I'm sure the pictures could tell me. This isn't super important either, but I'd like to figure out a way to route it that it doesn't hang so low and stick out. It's unattractive haha

And most importantly I'm gonna get out and use the truck a lot more this year hopefully. Not like crazy offroading, but more overlanding type of stuff, but short 2-3 day trips most likely that I can work in over the weekends.

See this video. At 5:25 in particular can help with your fold out table request. If you watch the video through, I plan on doing the same low profile drawer with tool storage and table. I can use a heavier duty drawer slide and have a more sturdy platform to use as a table.

Similar to what [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] did here, I plan on housing my little 8 inch sub, a spare CV, tow strap, and possibly an air compressor(either there or under hood).

I'll also either take a note out of [MENTION=55891]Bandit Runner[/MENTION]'s build and cut the hi-lift or mount it on the roof rack for trips. Per daily use, I'll just keep it in the back.

As for lighting, I recently figured out (what I think) I'm going to do. Similar to you, I have a set of spots on the ditch brackets and that's all. I love how bright they are but would like something that casts a wider array of light. I went back and forth on CaliRaised's bracket extension here and adding another Rigid Fog light but ultimately decided against it based on looks alone. For close to the same amount, I've decided on This across the roof rack. While I'm not a fan of the huge light bar across the roof, I think this is a little less obnoxious, to say. They make a 36" and 40" bar and I'll do the smaller of the two. Plus it has amber inserts!

For my exhaust, I just chopped it above the bottom of the body line. Keeps it out of the way completely. Without the chop, I think I would've been dragging on plenty of things my last trip. If your inspections are as strict as VA inspections, I just got a bolt on piece of pipe from the local auto parts store that goes on and off for inspection.

 

[Unner]

Just used an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel to cut the jack. I think I had to trim about 2" off the end.

Probably wouldn't change much. I really like it and it works great. Also, I made it so I can remove the whole thing in just a minute or two, without using any tools. So that is nice if I need to haul something big in the cargo area. I've made a few changes to it since I first built it. I added hinged wings to each side to cover up the area behind the wheel wells. That makes a flat surface for the entire area, and provides a couple of nice little cubbie areas.

The side compartment door is just made from some scrap 3/8" thick plywood. The bottom half is stationary and the top half is hinged to open above the cargo box.

Awesome. If it's only 2 inches that isn't bad. I plan to make the entire platform flat as well with hinged sides to store little things down in there. Gotcha, I didn't realize that door was wood. I thought it was some sort of composite/plastic material. Wood is easy!

See this video. At 5:25 in particular can help with your fold out table request. If you watch the video through, I plan on doing the same low profile drawer with tool storage and table. I can use a heavier duty drawer slide and have a more sturdy platform to use as a table.

Similar to what [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] did here, I plan on housing my little 8 inch sub, a spare CV, tow strap, and possibly an air compressor(either there or under hood).

I'll also either take a note out of [MENTION=55891]Bandit Runner[/MENTION]'s build and cut the hi-lift or mount it on the roof rack for trips. Per daily use, I'll just keep it in the back.

As for lighting, I recently figured out (what I think) I'm going to do. Similar to you, I have a set of spots on the ditch brackets and that's all. I love how bright they are but would like something that casts a wider array of light. I went back and forth on CaliRaised's bracket extension here and adding another Rigid Fog light but ultimately decided against it based on looks alone. For close to the same amount, I've decided on This across the roof rack. While I'm not a fan of the huge light bar across the roof, I think this is a little less obnoxious, to say. They make a 36" and 40" bar and I'll do the smaller of the two. Plus it has amber inserts!

For my exhaust, I just chopped it above the bottom of the body line. Keeps it out of the way completely. Without the chop, I think I would've been dragging on plenty of things my last trip. If your inspections are as strict as VA inspections, I just got a bolt on piece of pipe from the local auto parts store that goes on and off for inspection.

I like the way the table lifts up to reveal more storage underneath! I almost built a box like Jim's last summer, but instead I went with a plastic toolbox. It holds everything I need, minus the CV axle and I can remove it. I did have to get another small plastic ammo can to store some more stuff in though, and it seems like I'm always adding more stuff to my everyday carry list... If I do build this platform the goal would be to get all this stuff inside the drawers so I don't have to put the boxes on the roof or anything like that when we go to sleep in the back, but after this weekend I realized it is pretty nice being able to sit up in the back of the truck without hitting my head. That's the biggest reservation I have about doing this.

I like those caliraised brackets more than the other ones I saw. The ones I saw made the other light stick way out. I might just make my own brackets if I go this route though. That should be easy enough. I've been looking at those TRS light bars also, I like that they are all black and slim, but I don't know if I want to run a light bar on the roof. Ever since everyone and their mother got a light bar I'm not too big of a fan of them. I saw a fedex truck with one the other day on the roof...

No inspections in Alabama so I don't need to worry about that. I'd love to cut the exhaust so it doesn't hang down, but I'm worried about fumes collecting up under the truck.




Also just got back from a weekend trip to the Talladega National Forest. I'll post some pics later this week.

 

[Twenman4]

It was nice running into you! It looks like you guys had an awesome time the pictures are great!
Wish we could have run a trail together but hopefully you'll be out here again sometime! :cheers:

 

[Unner]

Talladega National Forest

We made a short weekend trip down to the Talladega National Forest this weekend. I intended to run the entire Skyway Motorway Trail, but we only did the southern section. The northern section was really washed out bad, and too much wheeling for what we wanted to do at the time. We turned around and just took the scenic way back. The southern section was a little more challenging than my pictures make it out to be, I didn't get any pictures where the trail was a little more torn up, but it's still a pretty easy trail. You should be able to do it in a stock 4Runner.

The southern section was nice though, it's a rough gravel road with some washouts, some mud/murky water, but nothing deeper than 12". There's a few pull offs for nice views, and lots of other Forest Roads back there to explore. I wanted to camp off of County Road 621, there's supposed to be a creek crossing at the end of the trail and then a large rock obstacle to drive over. Then the trail goes a little farther until you get to a small lake/pond that's totally secluded and also a natural habitat of bald eagles apparently. Unfortunately this road was closed as were several others in the area. It's a shame all those roads are closed, and they were harvesting lumber inside the national forest which doesn't seem right...

Anyway, here's a few pics.

The first night we didn't get in until late so we found the first decent spot and called it good. This was like 30 yards off Skyway or so. Not a bad spot, only a few mountain bikers and jeeps passed through in the morning before we got moving around noon.
DSC07291a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07289a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

First overlook:
DSC07296a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07307a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Walking down the Pinhoti trail for a few hundred yards:
DSC07312a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07335a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07339a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07338a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Large powerline overlook.

DSC07340a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07344a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07346a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07343a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Fire observation tower, currently under restoration.
DSC07370a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

This building is said to have been built to withstand a nuclear blast, it was built during the cold war at some point. I'm not sure it's true purpose.
DSC07374a by Unner Unner, on Flickr


The second night we made camp off of County Road 616 in the Forest. Around midnight a group of 4 Jeeps came by, they were quiet, but had some very bright lights. Then around 1 AM some tool in a F250 came through and either revved his diesel super loud, or blew his horn. I wish we could have gotten farther off the road where you couldn't see us at all, but it wasn't possible.

DSC07375a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07378a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07377a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07382a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07380a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC07393a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

 

[MattJakobs]

I like the way the table lifts up to reveal more storage underneath! I almost built a box like Jim's last summer, but instead I went with a plastic toolbox. It holds everything I need, minus the CV axle and I can remove it. I did have to get another small plastic ammo can to store some more stuff in though, and it seems like I'm always adding more stuff to my everyday carry list... If I do build this platform the goal would be to get all this stuff inside the drawers so I don't have to put the boxes on the roof or anything like that when we go to sleep in the back, but after this weekend I realized it is pretty nice being able to sit up in the back of the truck without hitting my head. That's the biggest reservation I have about doing this.

I like those caliraised brackets more than the other ones I saw. The ones I saw made the other light stick way out. I might just make my own brackets if I go this route though. That should be easy enough. I've been looking at those TRS light bars also, I like that they are all black and slim, but I don't know if I want to run a light bar on the roof. Ever since everyone and their mother got a light bar I'm not too big of a fan of them. I saw a fedex truck with one the other day on the roof...

No inspections in Alabama so I don't need to worry about that. I'd love to cut the exhaust so it doesn't hang down, but I'm worried about fumes collecting up under the truck.

The reason I did the side box is because I can fit an amp in the factory storage compartment and a sub in the box I'm building. This keeps both items safe and out of the way. Having the added storage for a CV and whatever else is just an added benefit. The side box storage and low profile storage drawers will carry everything I need as far as tools and things I need on a daily basis. Keep in mind, it will narrow your sleeping area which may be a problem if there's more than just you back there.

Are you trying to keep everything you may need on a trip in drawer storage or just day to day tools and parts?

Not sure if this idea helps you or not but now that I've added a full length roof rack, I plan on picking up some Pelican cases (not sure on sizes yet) and having one for surfing, camping in woods, camping on beach, etc. It'll keep things out of the back on a daily basis and it'll keep me more organized when preparing for a trip. The pelican cases are padded on the inside and weather-proof so they should hold up just find.

On TW, [MENTION=136692]SixthSnail[/MENTION] turned me on to those light bars. He's running one on his roof with pictures here. I agree with you about the lightbars on top, its becoming a 'bro' thing. The low profile look of this helps stay away from that look though while giving all front lighting needs.

As far fumes adding up, I haven't had any weird smells since cutting my exhaust and it's been close to a year now. If you go on my build, there's a picture from my trip on March 27th(ish) showing exactly where I cut it.

 

[SixthSnail]

The reason I did the side box is because I can fit an amp in the factory storage compartment and a sub in the box I'm building. This keeps both items safe and out of the way. Having the added storage for a CV and whatever else is just an added benefit. The side box storage and low profile storage drawers will carry everything I need as far as tools and things I need on a daily basis. Keep in mind, it will narrow your sleeping area which may be a problem if there's more than just you back there.

Are you trying to keep everything you may need on a trip in drawer storage or just day to day tools and parts?

Not sure if this idea helps you or not but now that I've added a full length roof rack, I plan on picking up some Pelican cases (not sure on sizes yet) and having one for surfing, camping in woods, camping on beach, etc. It'll keep things out of the back on a daily basis and it'll keep me more organized when preparing for a trip. The pelican cases are padded on the inside and weather-proof so they should hold up just find.

On TW, [MENTION=136692]SixthSnail[/MENTION] turned me on to those light bars. He's running one on his roof with pictures here. I agree with you about the lightbars on top, its becoming a 'bro' thing. The low profile look of this helps stay away from that look though while giving all front lighting needs.

As far fumes adding up, I haven't had any weird smells since cutting my exhaust and it's been close to a year now. If you go on my build, there's a picture from my trip on March 27th(ish) showing exactly where I cut it.

I have my exhaust chopped to fit my rear bumper as well and I have no issues. BTW the lightbar under the rack like mine would work much better if I had a full rack. I still like the added distance lighting though.

 

[Unner]

The reason I did the side box is because I can fit an amp in the factory storage compartment and a sub in the box I'm building. This keeps both items safe and out of the way. Having the added storage for a CV and whatever else is just an added benefit. The side box storage and low profile storage drawers will carry everything I need as far as tools and things I need on a daily basis. Keep in mind, it will narrow your sleeping area which may be a problem if there's more than just you back there.

Are you trying to keep everything you may need on a trip in drawer storage or just day to day tools and parts?

Not sure if this idea helps you or not but now that I've added a full length roof rack, I plan on picking up some Pelican cases (not sure on sizes yet) and having one for surfing, camping in woods, camping on beach, etc. It'll keep things out of the back on a daily basis and it'll keep me more organized when preparing for a trip. The pelican cases are padded on the inside and weather-proof so they should hold up just find.

On TW, [MENTION=136692]SixthSnail[/MENTION] turned me on to those light bars. He's running one on his roof with pictures here. I agree with you about the lightbars on top, its becoming a 'bro' thing. The low profile look of this helps stay away from that look though while giving all front lighting needs.

As far fumes adding up, I haven't had any weird smells since cutting my exhaust and it's been close to a year now. If you go on my build, there's a picture from my trip on March 27th(ish) showing exactly where I cut it.

I'm just looking to store everything I normally carry with me day to day in the storage platform. All my camping stuff I keep in rubbermaid containers that I just throw in the back when I go. It would be nice to get all the recovery type stuff I keep in the truck into the drawers though. I carry a good bit of stuff with me, you never know when you're gonna find a good dirt road, or a Jeep that needs a tug.

That was another thing that drew me away from the side mounted box was it would cut into the sleeping area. In Moab I camped in a tent, but if there's a chance of rain or I'm with my girlfriend we stay in the truck. It's a little more comfortable I think.

I've thought about something like a pelican case too, but if I can fit everything in the back I will try to just to keep it out of the elements and keep weight down off the roof. I would actually consider mounting something like the Gobi toolboxes on the roof as a permanent storage area, but they're too expensive for my taste.

I'll have to go and check out where you chopped your exhaust.

I have my exhaust chopped to fit my rear bumper as well and I have no issues. BTW the lightbar under the rack like mine would work much better if I had a full rack. I still like the added distance lighting though.

Very nice, I remember when I was looking at those light bars a year or two ago there were no reviews on them. Hows it holding up?

 

[SixthSnail]

I'm just looking to store everything I normally carry with me day to day in the storage platform. All my camping stuff I keep in rubbermaid containers that I just throw in the back when I go. It would be nice to get all the recovery type stuff I keep in the truck into the drawers though. I carry a good bit of stuff with me, you never know when you're gonna find a good dirt road, or a Jeep that needs a tug.

That was another thing that drew me away from the side mounted box was it would cut into the sleeping area. In Moab I camped in a tent, but if there's a chance of rain or I'm with my girlfriend we stay in the truck. It's a little more comfortable I think.

I've thought about something like a pelican case too, but if I can fit everything in the back I will try to just to keep it out of the elements and keep weight down off the roof. I would actually consider mounting something like the Gobi toolboxes on the roof as a permanent storage area, but they're too expensive for my taste.

I'll have to go and check out where you chopped your exhaust.



Very nice, I remember when I was looking at those light bars a year or two ago there were no reviews on them. Hows it holding up?

Sorry my notifications on this site don't work so I just saw this.

It's great. I'm not a huge fan of having it so far back, but I like the low profile. Protects against theft as well as looking like a dick.

 

[_TD_3_]

Do you by chance have a weight for your rear bumper and swing out?

I've got Superflex springs in the rear now and don't want to give up too much lift with a heavy rear bumper and swing out.

 

[Unner]

Do you by chance have a weight for your rear bumper and swing out?

I've got Superflex springs in the rear now and don't want to give up too much lift with a heavy rear bumper and swing out.

Maybe 150lbs or so without the tire? Not sure, but it's heavy. From what I've seen the Superflex springs don't do too well with extra weight in the back. Most of us with rear bumpers and heavy trucks are running 861s in the rear.

 

[Unner]

I believe I mentioned that my Carquest alternator starting making noise somewhere around Kansas on my Moab trip. It stopped at some point and didn't make the noise all the way back. Then when we went to Talladega National Forest it started again. I got sick of it making that whining noise, and worrying about it leaving me stranded somewhere since I already had one Carquest alternator die on my at 30k miles. This one had maybe 15k miles and was worrying me.

I went to Advance Auto to talk to them about maybe getting some sort of a credit for this one towards a Denso. The GM was great to deal with and he straight swapped my Carquest one for a new Denso one. The Denso one is silent, and Seems to be putting out better voltages. 14.2ish on a cold start, and then upper 13's once it's warm. I went on a short road trip last weekend and had 13.8-14 V on the interstate. This is right in the Toyota spec. The Carquest one was putting out way more volts, which is maybe why it was whining. I had like 14.4V all the time with that one, cold or hot, idling or interstate.

Moral of the story. Rebuild your Denso alternator if it dies, lifetime warranties are garbage if the parts can die and leave you stranded and you spend multiple hours having to swap it out everytime it dies.

2017-04-29_10-48-43 by Unner Unner, on Flickr


I've also got new tires on the way! I went skinny 33's. 255/80/17 Cooper ST Maxx. Can't wait to get them on! Pictures to come once they get here and I get them installed.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I didn't know AA could even get the Denso. Do you remember what it selles for?

Auto parts house parts are just hit and miss, often the latter. Don't get me started on Dorman. Usually if the OEM supplier is the remanufacturer, such as AC Delco for GM/Delphi parts, the quality control is a little better.

 

[fightman80]

Is this the Caddy Alternator that I see people installing?

 

[Unner]

I didn't know AA could even get the Denso. Do you remember what it selles for?

Auto parts house parts are just hit and miss, often the latter. Don't get me started on Dorman. Usually if the OEM supplier is the remanufacturer, such as AC Delco for GM/Delphi parts, the quality control is a little better.

If you look online it says something like $225 I think, but it doesn't let you buy it. It says "Quantity of 0 is available for this item". In the store he had to pull it up through his "secondary source". It showed the exact same price as the Carquest one, like $125 or something like that before the core. That's a good price for a Denso one too. It was there the next day, they had to get it delivered from a larger distribution center in Birmingham I think.

Is this the Caddy Alternator that I see people installing?

Nope, just stock replacement. I've never found a need for more amps, LEDs draw hardly any power, and the only other large electrical drain device I have is the winch.