Ronin Build (2016 PLTUNDRA BBP)

Finally starting the build page for Ronin. Spent the past 8 months researching and deciding on the parts and mods. Ordered in April. Ordered most of the parts and accessories in June. Finally received the truck at the dealership on July 19th, and got to work.

 

First to go on was the TBL U.S. Flag and Blue Carbon Fiber Tailgate Inserts.

 

18x9 Black Rhino Selkirks wrapped with 285/65 Nitto Trail Grapplers, loaded for the 3-1 Lift and mounting.


Of course I had to open one up to catch a glimpse of what she'll look like!

 

Installed Wade In-channel Wind Deflectors, Husky Xact Contour Mats, and dropped her off for the lift and wheels.
Came out better than I had visioned all these months.

 

I LOVE that color. I've only seen a couple in person. Looks good man! wheels, tires, lift combo on the truck too

 

Had the front windows tinted (legal - VA. Sucks but at least it'll keep some UV out) and a quick photo op.

 

Back to it. Installed 2 ESP Rear Underseat Storage units; One in my friend's '14 Limited. The install was pretty easy and had taken about 40 mins for his. Mine had taken a little longer because I wanted to keep the Husky liner tucked under, but still maintain removability of the rear mat, without having to remove the storage unit.


First I lined up the template over the Husky liner and measured/marked 1/2in and 1/4in lines from where the edge of the storage unit would be. Then cut the liner using a framing square to keep it straight.



Placed the template back into place with the liner cut out, to mark the box cutouts.



Ready for install.




One of the bolts would not go back in. Seemed to be factory stripped. Since I didn't have a tapping set, and didn't want to purchase one just for this, I took it back to the dealership. They checked it out and retapped the hole.

 

Appreciate it TNT! I wasn't sure on the color when I ordered it, but I absolutely love it.

 

I like how they are finally color matching the center plastic of the front bumper! Sharp looking truck!

 

You most likely put the wrong bolts in the wrong spots and thus fucked up the threading. IIRC, one or both of the center bolts are a different thread than the outside bolts.

 

Yeah 100% sure I did not; I watched the video on the install prior to and saw that the driver rear center bolt is different; it's physically wider and won't fit in any of the other holes. Plus I actually placed all the bolts in their respective spots on the floor board to prevent any issues to begin with, but I'd agree that one could fuck up the threading doing so, which is why I didn't push it and why I think it was a factory issue.

 

Instead of the stubby antenna, I opted for a 13in Metra Carbon Fiber. No issues with reception in the cities, but have to take a road trip to really notice any difference with reception or range.

 

While my broheim and I were installing the rear storage units, a UPS truck pulled up and delivered the bull bar! Of course it had to go straight on.




What I didn't know about the Venum Bull Bar is that the mounting brackets were designed so you can still keep your tow hooks mounted. They turn out 90 deg, and bolt in with 1 of the OEM bolts and 1 bolt provided with the hardware. Haven't decided on a LED setup yet.

 

I don't peticularly like the almost overwhelming Brake lights on the blue, so I ordered the 3rd brake light and Rear Brake assemblies. I thought that replacing the 3rd brake light would be a simple unscrew/screw in with the Recon smoked. Come to find out I need to get into the headliner to get to the two bolts. Decided to look into it some more before doing it, and shifted to the rear assemblies which were easy plug and play - Spyder Auto LEDs Smoke.

 

Linex'd the bed.

 

Nice!

 

Looking NICE brother!! Loving the bull bar!!

 

Thanks! Now I got to get tail lights because The red ones never bothered me till now. Lol
If I may ask what did they cost? I've found several different sites selling them ranging from $312-414$

Oh and now I have a little buyers remorse! I went with black but had that blue one in the driveway twice!!
Nice looking truck sir!

 

Looking real good...that bull bar is sick!! I love the paint matched everything too. Man I need to get rid of my chrome fast.

 

Thanks man.

 

Thanks brother! Just waiting on the matching side steps to get finalized and cut. First time Spyder Industries is making them for the CM. Should have them in a couple of weeks once they get done tweaking the right mounting distance.

 

Thanks Okie! I found them for 345, so if you've found them below that, good stuff.

I've always had charcoal color vics, initially I was thinking black, but blue's my fav color and I don't have the time on my hands to do justice in keeping the black clean all the time.

 

Appreciate it man! 9/10 dudes would agree that it's a sick bull bar. The remaining 1 has a vagina.

The paint matching is another reason why I went with the platinum. The grill and side emblems are satin so they don't scream out like the chrome. I like a little chrome to tie everything together, but I'm going to do something with the mirror covers and also plasti dip the 4x4 emblem on the tailgate.

 

Always a smart move getting matching steps to go with your Bulls!! You could get ICI magnum steps. Those look similar with the same sharp edges if you don't want to wait! (Getting mine sometime soon)
I'd love that bar on my 12, but the grill aesthetics just wouldn't mesh well IMO.

 

BBP is an awesome color. Adding black/color matched stuff really makes it pop.

 

You would know, brother!

 

Ronin wouldn't be complete w/o the Katana! (Well, the Katana and Side Steps.)

 

That's awesome