The Truck behind the Wanderings of the RaginTxn

Setting up my "build thread" apart from my journeying/wandering thread in the general discussion (may just combine it all here - we'll see). I had built out a 4runner previously - was going to build out a Taco, but the seat was really messing my already messed up back real bad and in fast order. Had fingers crossed when I test drove the Tundra, and happy to say my back approves. This is my "dream" truck ever since I owned a 1st gen Tundra and saw the 2nd gens come out. For me it's the weekend warrior-mountain exploring-mountain bike hauler-family camper.



Here are the current plans - we'll see where we end up and how it changes:

 

Child access grab handles?? Please explain further.

 

The X20 10K and 12K winches are the same exact size, for what it's worth.

 

They're a paracord handle that goes on the headrest so the little ones have something to clamber up on - I'll be putting up pictures tomorrow for the installed stuffs (I know, I know

 

A couple of things I got done the other day:

SS3 Fog lights


Driverside Grab Handle (why they ever took this out... )


Access Bed Cover

 

To answer your question, I think they decided the safety ratings for the driver changed for the better without the handle/airbag interference. Basically, they applied grease paint to the handle and it rubbed off on the head of the test dummy in a crash test.

 

Got this one done today (no more underhood fire possibilities...hopefully) - it's amazing how much better these are compared to the original halos)

Comparison between the two lamps & fully installed:


Also - one part of removing the front grill, they mention releasing a clip under the headlamp. I couldn't for the life of me figure what they meant until I took it off - here's what they were talking about:


You press down on that and push it out enough to keep it from engaging - also, it's a pull up and out move on the grill.

I'll snip some of the smaller stuffs in the next couple days

 

new shoes for this weekend: FN Wheels BFD 18x9 + Toyo OC AT III (295/70-18)

 

Just a little something to help the little ones

 

The side mirrors the truck should have come with

 

Welp - did the major install this weekend - drives great, feels great, looks great - couldn't be happier.

OME COs (612) w/ 3/8" top spacers - OME rear shocks w/ 2" blocks - SPC UCAs - FNWheels BFDs w/ Toyo Open Country AT III 295/70-18

Front
Before: 37.0"
After: 40.5"
*will be watching to see if it settles back to just under 3"

Rear
Before: 37.5"
After: 39.5"

Before:

After:

 

Best $30 I've spent on the truck - wish yota would have thought this important to be standard on the truck



I actually ended up moving the rear divider forward so the bigger center box was in the back (easier to fit my first aid kit). As well - with the half tray and the interior design of the lid, the tray does slightly lean forward when you put things in the front bins. I'll be adding some wheel weights underneath under the rear bin to see if that counters the slightest tip - I'll show that and how it behaves later.

 

So a couple updates - after going on road trip to Wyoming for my yearly hunting with my ILs - I realized I just don't need the "full hunting rig" as reality crashed in around me with other priorities and the life of my truck (at least for the foreseeable future). Sold the OME setup and tires and went to a "mild" setup - super happy and loving the truck even more than I thought previously could.

OE springs, 5100s all corners (lowest front setting to just even the rake - decided not to go full street mode for the couple times we'll head up some fire roads for remote camping - loving the ride all around), milder (road focused) AT3 4Ss. Will be going with at least the TRD rear sway bar and probably front later this year. As well slowly collecting parts for chrome delete. Will be looking at a bed rug, topper, and some interior refinements as the next focus areas. Love this truck.