TahoeTrails build

WFO in Auburn.

4x4 labs in Grass Valley.

@Brown Bear Any other fab shops you recommend?

 

solid !

I like the boots on the ADS bypasses. where did you get them ?

 

The problem with getting a fab shop to guarantee a tow rating is more to do with geometry than anything else. As soon as the receiver is moved away from where the engineers put it, the rating is gone. No matter how beefy they make a bolt in or weld in member between the frame rails or whatever, the ball location is going to move and therefore change the leverage of anything attached to it.

I don’t think that means a high clearance tow option is untenable, but no one is ever going to rate it or probably even give a ballpark estimate of capacity.

(Credentials: I know a guy who had a friend who knows a guy that does tow ratings. Maybe or maybe not for Toyota.)

 

I spoke with both wfo and 4x4 labs. They are backed up right now and the reason for the bumper build right now is because of a little hit n run in a parking lot up here during a snow storm. Nothing major, but enough insurance money for a custom bumper.

I had greg from R&R order them through ADS. Its not on their site. I chipped both shock shafts on the bypasses and had to get the replaced. Hence the boot order

 

Exactly, Im ok with no guarantee, just need a shop that is confident with their work, and has experience with high clearance hitches built into the bumper.
I tow 2 different trailers that average 5-7k lbs through rough mountain roads

 

@jberry813 @jlee
Might have some rear pelfrey bumpers available.

 

He wants to relocate his hitch.

 

Ah yes, I just read that. Disregard that post.

 

Has Milo started on a design yet?

 

I’m not bothering him until he finishes JPs truck. But he did mention he saw JPs bumper and said building one similar is probably going to cost more than he originally thought.

 

That is nice of you. So $8 instead of $7?

 

@tahoetrails Good luck with your rear bumper search. Let us know what you find.

 

There is absolutely no point in getting an aftermarket bumper if it doesn’t relocate that damn hitch. Well, except to look cool.

 

Total Chaos has a skid plate for our hitch now, problem solved

https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/2007-2019-Tundra-Rear-Hitch-Skid-Plate-48420

 

@tahoetrails @GodlessPro @joonbug

I built a high clearance Bumper utilizing the factory tow hitch mounts and I’ve pulled a 25ft pontoon boat w no issues!

I’d be willing to start making them I just need the factory both as a donor for the side plates... I’m the only one who’s done this.

 

Hahahahahaha yeah you can’t steal my name! Lmao

 

I want one! And I’m not stealing your name. You’re SavageFab. I’m MoreSavagerFab!!

 

I should have more information by the end of the week. Im confident it can be done and designed safely for towing.

Can I see a pic of the bumper connection to the frame? Im interested in the lateral tubes to the sides of the bumper. Btw that turned out great! Really similar to what I'm looking to do. I really liked the high clearance bumper someone on here had. I think his truck was the black pearl? but I don't want any weight hanging off the rear bumper. so just the hitch and some pod lights.

 

Theres a good chance I'll be having the auxiliary tank built at the same time. Ive gone back and forth on this for a long time. What I've decided on is getting one fabbed up to mount to the front of the bed behind the cab. Dimensions will be around 48"x3.5"x18". This should give me 18-20 gallons of fuel. I'll be it connected to a micro pump that plumbs into the stock tank. Waiting to hear back on final cost.

 

Completely different.

 

I want your bumper and Zac's bumper to get together and have a baby.

 

I can make that...

 

I’ll get some more pics today when I get home from work.

 

Ok great thanks. Ill be snapping a few more pics here shortly.

 

Here a quick shot of the skid plate underneath.
Attaches to the transfer case cross member with some grade 5 bolts in the back.

Also, meeting with chris from rockhound in auburn tomorrow. Going to get a timeline for the bumper. It’s looking like I won’t be getting the aux tank done this time around. Little too far out of budget. Would rather finish up the skids.(fuel tank+ rear diff)
And just to not have to start a new thread. Has anyone put on the PnP shock skids?? Seems pretty interesting

 

Alright,
truck goes in on the 11th for the bumper as well creating rear wheel space. The plan is cutting about 3" off of the bedsides and adding 1/8" hdpe board for replacing the liner. Im tired of the rub I get in the back, and didnt want to go with fiberglass due to the truck being used for work. I am a little too worried about breaking the fiberglass.

 

I might need to swing by and see what they are doing

 

Little update. it was time to do some maintenance on the Tundra.
I'm tackling spark plugs today as well as regressing the T-case driveshafts. But unfortunately to do this I had to remove the skid. So i though id show the skid plate design on here. Also the engine bay got a wash.
As for the skid. everything attaches to the DOM frame. Minus the wings in the picture which the fabricator welded some tabs to the frame. the wings bend upward to keep a low profile.

 

Also, this wasn't from, this year, but last year went wheeling in about 40" of snow. Truck handled like a champ. heres a pic. the tires were on top of a foot of snow and the snow level still came up almost to the mirrors.