Whats parts would you like to see

I recently gained access to a fairly well equipped machine shop (Manual and CNC) and I am also a certified welder. I was curious as to what parts or mods you guys wish existed. I personally have a first and second gen and I can pull measurements from them as needed. If anyone comes up with something I end up making, I'll send them one on the house! Anything goes!

 

Very cool! I have a decent list of thoughts. First few...bolt on suspension limit strap brackets for mounting an adjustable clevis and limit strap at each corner to limit droop when springs extend beyond shock limits. Fold down hitch mounted spare tire carrier/rack that has a spring loaded quick release and essentially transforms the spare tire into a step stool for stepping up onto the tailgate. This could be made adjustable for different size tires or made to self adjust to allow the tire to sit flat on the ground when extended/folded down. Extended wheel lug bolts with about 4 more threads for various aftermarket wheels. These can be be ordered from a supplier in Japan, but maybe you could supply them too. Anti rodent guards to prevent rodent entry into the HVAC fresh air intake ports located under the windshield cowling. Not sure about this one, it might be better suited for a plastics injection moulding specialist. However, it certainly needs a "fix". I used 1/4" grid hardware cloth to screen the ports on my truck. I'm always open to further collaboration about these and other items. Good luck and most importantly....be careful, machine shop accidents are often very serious!

 

The bolt on limit strap bracket seems really cool, I'll start digging into that.

 

Bed stiffeners that work with the OEM bed extender.

 

Link for adjustable clevis:
https://offroadalliance.com/SpeedSt...flG3efaAaRgMlS7B1L6wUk4lYkTgLup8aArqrEALw_wcB

 

What model year?

 

I have a 2018 but 2007 to 2021 should all be the same.
I believe that at the 90° angle it was flat and no tie down holes/mounts it would work. Or just a flat L shaped bracket with just the mounting holes would work perfect.

 

@snivilous maybe some machining options.

 

Maybe best to give OP some idea about the thickness that you have clearance for if using a flat bar design. I'm thinking a 3/8" thick flat bar would be rigid enough, but I don't have or need a bed extender to check for dimensions. Maybe post some pics unless you have sent them via PM. Posting would be better because then others might also see the issue and try to solve it.

 

A heavy duty tailgate protector plate and/or heavy duty tailgate cap might be something worth exploring. Basically, the plate would prevent dents from heavy items like firewood, landscape rocks, etc. It would also help distribute loads from heavy motorcycles and help prevent ATV damages.
Another one I plan to eventually investigate is possibly fitting a 48" hi lift jack in the engine bay in a disassembled state. Mainly for secure and out of the way storage. Even if just the smaller components could be nicely stowed in there, the main post wouldn't be terrible in several other locations. Good luck!

 

I think removing what I circled would work.

 

May work to fit, but once you cut that corner marked in green, it loses the ability to stiffen. I think you might be able to go with the flat bar "L" though. Really need to see what it looks like with the bed extender properly mounted, but you might not be able to provide a photo if you currently have this stiffener in the way. Maybe there's a photo online???

 

Not great, but it might help ID it.

 

A flat L shaped would be perfect. I'll take a picture in a little while.

 

Hi Jim,
Have you seen the Total Chaos bed stiffeners? These are on my wishlist for my Taco. They seem to be a bit more low profile with more of the L shape that you are looking for. They are pricey but perhaps OP can use this as a sample.

https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2007-2021-Toyota-Tundra-Bed-Stiffeners-48677

 

If the tie down circles were removed those would probably work. I think they would be in the way.

 

If OP isn't interested in this, you should be able to share some of these photos with just about any machine/weld/custom fabrication shop in your area and have a solid pair made for a fair price. If it was me, I would use 3/8" steel plate welded at the 90 deg. with stainless countersunk mounting hardware. For coating, I would just prep and prime with cold galvanizing spray followed by Rust-Oleum textured bed liner spray. Shipping would be expensive as they would be on the heavy side.

 

The best option for that looks like it would be the thickest plate as practical, and as big as a gusset as I can get away with. Something that would be easy to add on is some sort of folding tie down. I've had a few situations where i needed to tie something down and the factory tie downs are just too high to do anything. I'll look into this one. Is this something people would want to see?

 

A hinged or even possibly a pop up tie loop would be an awesome added feature. I would be interested in a set, even if it was a rough cut and unfinished prototype version.

 

A solution for tie-down points on the tailgate when it is in the down position would be freaking sweet.

Ford has these on their tailgates and I love it for securing long material with the tailgate down.

The bed stiffeners look like the next best option currently available but I don’t really need them.

 

Yeah, that would be another good one. Maybe a tailgate protector or even tailgate cap with recessed and/or hinged loops. I Currently use my rear bumper (Ranchhand) internal bracing for anchors. It works, but an alternative would be great too! Thanks for your suggestion!