Build 2017 Hilux touring/working build

[serenity]

Did up a new switch panel at work! I left space for future expansion as I may install an inverter down the track. I’ll mount this above the fridge. I’ll have to see if the shiny arses in the office have a label maker I can borrow.

 

[serenity]

I also actually got to use it and go exploring the other day. Went and checked out an abandoned mine site.
At the moment I have the roof rack and solar stripped off as well as the tray sides in an effort to reduce fuel consumption. Takes all of 10 minutes to do and I can lift the rack off easily by myself.

 

[Sirlongrod]

nice ute, get the dpf delete and egr plate asap!! that way it will last.

 

[serenity]

nice ute, get the dpf delete and egr plate asap!! that way it will last.

I'm holding off on the dpf delete, the people who seem to have dramas are those who mainly drive around town. I do about 80% of my driving on the highway at 110kph.

I have noticed its fickle with fuel though, it runs like s*** on shell diesel but good on BP ultimate which has a much higher cetane rating. Seems that the cetane numbers have an effect on the injection timing in these things, which in turn effects fuel economy and dpf function.

 

[Sirlongrod]

your call, even when they are working fine they still impact the economy, performance and the life of the engine. if you get rid of the emissions s*** you can run regular diesel engine oil to which will save $$ each time you service it.

 

[serenity]

Did a little bit of work on the wiring today, starting to look a little less bogan now.

And this is where it will sit.

And made it a little more bogan with a divider made from cheap mesh fence paneling.

 

[serenity]

Got new boots on Friday, 265/70r17 Hankook MTs. I’m keen to try them out now. Also have new suspension ordered and on its way.

Showing off the LED lighting.

Actually used it for a 2000km trip around Carnarvon Gorge last month with my parents. I’ll post more of that in my Travel thread though. (Dad’s rig in the background, Nissan Patrol and Kimberly Kamper)

 

[serenity]

I also upgraded the headlights to LED units that plug straight into the H4 housings. It’s made a huge difference for night driving.

And the only drama so far is the poor quality paint on my bullbar, I’m currently going through a warranty claim to get that fixed.

 

[serenity]

1 year on and I’ve made slow progress on building this thing but I’ve at least been having fun in it.
Over Christmas I did a 6000km round trip to my parents place with a few side adventures included. Including a few romps up into the alpine region. Had a blast on that trip, spent over a month away, saw lots of family and new places.

 

[serenity]

I’ve also been doing some local trips, spent a day going back to some favourite spots of mine.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Gorgeous country!! Nice to hear about the truck, better to use it than spend all your time working on it.
That looks like snow, but I'm thinking it's old fire burn!

 

[serenity]

And more recently I’ve been sorting out that rusty bullbar. Got it powder coated white then hit it with colour matched 2k paint.

The bash guard that comes with the Ironman bar is flimsy as, and this model Hilux has a lot of front end over hang which is a bad combination. So I had my local sheet metal shop bend up a 2 piece replacement. The lower section is 1/4” and the upper is 1/8”.
At this stage I’m undecided whether on not to cut any holes in them for air flow.

 

[serenity]

Gorgeous country!! Nice to hear about the truck, better to use it than spend all your time working on it.
That looks like snow, but I'm thinking it's old fire burn!

Yeah those are snow gums, we’ve had some devastating fires roll through the alpine regions over the last decade that have taken their toll. The other picture in that post which looks vastly different is actually just across the valley on another ridge line.

 

[serenity]

After a heap of drilling, grinding and painting and then repainting the bullbar is finally complete. From now on I’m painting everything in 2k paint, expense be damned.

The wing pieces look a bit dicky with angle they are bent at, my ocd wants to make new straight ones to replace them.

 

[serenity]

It’s been a while but I ramped up the build in the last 2 weeks.
Built 3mm aluminium wing plates, still need to be painted, unfortunately the powder coat on the bar didn’t cure properly and needs to be re-done so I’ll do it all at the same time.

Got UCAs and a 35mm diff drop in preparation for a rear coil conversion and remote res shocks, I’m thinking Icons at the moment. I have a sway bar ordered to compliment the increased spring rate.

Also installed DBA rotors and pads.

 

[serenity]

We’ve been enjoying the beach lots too, specially with the arrival of a puppy.

Next 2 jobs on the list is building new underbody protection and adding a little clearance in the wheel wells.

 

[george_tlc]

Nice project!

Those new hiluxes have a crazy amount of front overhang, front wheels are stupidly positioned way back from the front of the vehicle. What was toyota thinking??

cheers,
george.

 

[serenity]

Nice project!

Those new hiluxes have a crazy amount of front overhang, front wheels are stupidly positioned way back from the front of the vehicle. What was toyota thinking??

cheers,
george.

Yeah they have a horrible approach angle, that’s why I built the heavy front bash plates. The bullbar makes it look worse as it adds extra length, there are a few other options which don’t stick out as far that I’ve considered going.