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50K Miles Down, Long Travel Suspension Up Next: The Journey Begins

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Builds (2014-2021)' started by DesertRat_-, Jan 25, 2025.

  1. Jan 25, 2025 at 3:38 AM
    #1
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    It might be time or maybe not... It's too late now cause the kit has been delivered. I would like to start off by saying that I've never intended on doing this simply because I only use this truck to tow my boat, but I think it's a great way to have some fun so why not send it.
    My initial plan was to build it before hitting 50k miles, but unfortunately I had to drive across the country last minute and I ended up hitting the milestone on the road. Anyways I will be doing a Dirt King LT Setup. I have been searching on the forum lately. Been trying to find a "complete" Start to Finish build with a DK setup, but could not find one, so I guess it’s time to build one for you all to enjoy.
    Current Setup: Bilstein 6112/5160 "Max Lift" on 315/70r17 KO2
    "Icon Wheels" No wheel Spacers, or BMC.
    IMG_1450.jpg
    Yep she's Silver Sky Metallic! I have seen very few builds on this color and they look awesome, but I think it's time to test myself and see how unique can I make this build turn out.

    Build Parts: Dirt King LT Kit, Complete Axle Assemblies, King Shocks Front & Rear ( No adjusters), TRD Pro Grill, Dirty Deeds 6inch Exhaust, Unpainted Hood Bulge & Grill Surround, Hood Scoop, ADV Fenders and more parts to add, but I'll keep you guys posted as the build progresses. TRD.jpg I am no skilled mechanic, but I'm up to throwing some wrenches and seeing where it takes me.
    I took this picture! Not sure who this is, whoever this is took the time to build their truck. "Carbon Fiber Fenders" Sheesh! Left me speechless TRD2.jpg Back to what I have previously said about using the truck to tow my boat. I will not do a full Long Travel Rear Setup unfortunately. I know it's gonna be a bummer for most, but I can't justify spending more than necessary since I won't be jumping the truck or doing any serious off-roading. I do need a bigger boat so I guess I'll save some money for that instead.

    I’ll keep everyone posted as the build progresses. Thanks for following along and I hope you all enjoy this build as much as I will.
    IMG_1106.jpg
     
    TNThunder and 68 RS/SS like this.
  2. Jan 25, 2025 at 4:57 AM
    #2
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140 / 2.5 gen plebe

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    So.Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2017 CrewMax 4x4, 2017 LandCruiser, 2005 Sequoia 4x4
    Demello / SOB Fab Bumpers, SuperWinch, WKOR sliders, RCI skids, Baja Designs lighting, Billy 6112 and 5160 w/ CB +2, JL Audio with Alpine HU, DD 10" Exhaust, LED headlights, Rago fab mounts, 35” BFG, HAM radio
    Are you worried it’ll look off having your front tires so much further out than your rear?
     
  3. Jan 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
    #3
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    I have seen another build like that and i think it looks good so i’m not too worried. I do plan on doing rear Fenders, but would rather wait and find a salvage rear bed that’s in good shape and use that one instead. My rear bed is worth way more now than if I was to hacksaw it to be honest.
     
    AZBoatHauler likes this.
  4. Feb 23, 2025 at 4:05 AM
    #4
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    Update: So far I have already gutted the entire driver side suspension. Haven't installed anything yet, but will start soon after I weld on the alignment cam gussets.
    IMG_1793.jpg
     
    TNThunder likes this.
  5. Feb 23, 2025 at 4:10 AM
    #5
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    Fresh Paint is looking good. I was going to leave the upper part it's original color black, but I really liked this metallic aluminum look. I think it will make the shocks stand out more plus I will add rocklights. The truck is silver sky metallic so it will look phenomenal. IMG_1820.jpg
     
    TNThunder likes this.
  6. Feb 23, 2025 at 4:16 AM
    #6
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    I have already installed the ADV Fender Flares! Got the driver side headlight flush on the first try. Somehow I cut 1 inch off more on the passenger side fender. Huge gap under headlight! Was going to leave it alone just to remind myself every time I see it that nothing is perfect, but ehhh I can fix it. Now I have to deal with fiberglass repair. SMH! Don't want to spend on replacing the passenger side so I will try to repair it. Let's see how it comes out!! I'll keep ya updated!
     
  7. Feb 23, 2025 at 4:22 AM
    #7
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    Worst trimming ever! Couldn't sleep without thinking about fixing it. I'll post an update on the repair soon. IMG_1828.jpg
     
    smokint likes this.
  8. Mar 15, 2025 at 1:32 AM
    #8
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    Build Update: After 2+ weeks of sanding and fiberglass work I finally got it to fit right. Took me forever! I know for sure this fender came out warped from mold because it still takes so much force to make it sit right and you have to bend it so much. I hate fiberglass work, but I got it done. This is how it looked before restoring it back. Yeah I almost completely butchered the entire fender. Worst experience at working with fiberglass. Will post a complete updated look of its current state soon.
    IMG_2050.jpg
     
  9. Mar 15, 2025 at 1:50 AM
    #9
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    To be honest it took me longer to repair that damn fender than install the entire LT Kit. Here is how the suspension is looking at the moment. As of right now I can't even drive it. Need to fix the camber and steering before driving it to the alignment shop. Unfortunately the closest one is about 20 miles away. I took it for a drive around town and it was the worst experience ever. Won't ever do it again until I fix the steering stop issue [ The instructions provided with the kit doesn't explain how to install the steering stops correctly] I install 2 large steering stops on the driver side and none on the passenger side since the instructions doesn't specify anymore information. Come to find out why my steering is so wobbly and I can't fully turn to the left side without it rubbing and making horrible noises. Apparently after doing my own research 1 go on each side. Will need to fix that tonight. And yeahh I just realized I opened a can of worms I did not want to open, but since I've invested so much Moolah and time I will push through with the build and enjoy the experience. My wheels are so off and the alignment is trash at the moment. I will try to adjust it as much as I can until it feels safe to drive on the road so I can take it to the shop. Worst case scenario I will just call a tow truck and tow it to the shop:)

    IMG_1990.jpg IMG_1994.jpg
     
    TNThunder likes this.
  10. Mar 26, 2025 at 1:50 AM
    #10
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    Update: Made some DIY type of alignment plate and managed to pull the camber enough to make it drivable. Woke up the next morning and took her for a spin..... 3 days later I got the alignment done.
     
    TNThunder likes this.
  11. Mar 26, 2025 at 2:03 AM
    #11
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    She lookin too good! If ya'll need some work done.....BajaRex Motorsports!!! They Gotchu!
    IMG_2107 2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2025
    TNThunder and 2014 Black tundra like this.
  12. Mar 26, 2025 at 2:04 AM
    #12
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    Had to remove the bumper because it was rubbing bad, but I enjoy the aggressive look. I will run it like this until I make a bumper for it.
     
    TNThunder likes this.
  13. Mar 26, 2025 at 2:05 AM
    #13
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    "DIY Custom Front Bumper" Coming Soon!!!
     
    TNThunder likes this.
  14. Apr 9, 2025 at 3:37 PM
    #14
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
    Hood Scoop Installed! Will update more..... Starlights done and now working on rocklights.

    86CAC97F-4272-44BB-BE71-427716E04297.jpg
     
    Ghosty, BillyB and TNThunder like this.
  15. Apr 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM
    #15
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    Haven't done much yet, but I have some rock lights on the way. Will post install here.
    IMG_3618.jpg
     
    2014 Black tundra likes this.
  16. Apr 27, 2025 at 7:43 PM
    #16
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    Amazon Rock Lights! I went "White" since it's the only legal color and I live in California.
     
  17. Apr 27, 2025 at 7:45 PM
    #17
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    I will do 3 on each wheel well. I'm using 14g wire. Switch I will mount near dash. Will show layout when they arrive.
     
  18. Apr 27, 2025 at 7:50 PM
    #18
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    Forgot to update on the Starlight install and finish, but will post pictures soon. It was 800pcs and it took me 3 days. Easy but very time consuming puncturing the holes and glueing each one. I would say the most difficult part is installing the headliner back and properly tucking the 2 giant rolls of light and making sure you have enough to reach the light box hidden location.
     
    2014 Black tundra and AZTundra like this.
  19. Apr 27, 2025 at 8:09 PM
    #19
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    For the "Custom" front bumper I will be trying to DIY something like this. I've seen so many option that I could just buy but, to be honest most are super bulky looking and I am leaning towards a more slick look.

    IMG_3622.jpg
     
    AZTundra likes this.
  20. Apr 27, 2025 at 8:11 PM
    #20
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    Never done any custom bumpers before, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
     
    AZTundra likes this.
  21. Apr 27, 2025 at 8:13 PM
    #21
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    2017 Toyota Tundra Trd Bilstein 6112/1560
  22. Apr 27, 2025 at 8:13 PM
    #22
    DesertRat_-

    DesertRat_- [OP] New Member

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    I'll keep ya updated! Rock lights first then I'll start on the "Front Bumper"
     
    Florida AF and AZTundra like this.

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