Atwalz
Civil Engineer
Mods in order of installation.
1) Venza aluminum oil filter housing swap. ( deleted) See number 17 below.
2) Tundra Tow Hooks.The second mod was Tundra HD tow hooks. I had some sitting in my garage from a left over because I installed a steel bumper on it, which had welded D rings on both front and rear bumper. So factory tow hooks were redundant on Tundra. Swap was very easy, remove existing factory tow hook and install the Tundra heavy duty tow hooks on the LC. (Deleted this mod after a lesson learned at Moab)
3) Prestigious Society Nav DVD harness. This came with instructions and easy modification. It lets you play DVDs on front screen while driving and also unlock the function for nav and telephone dialing for the passenger use while in motion. Harness and module work as prescribed.
4) Tires and Wheels. I wanted to keep the setup as close to factory setup as I don't want to mess with the CV, front drive shaft, KDSS, UCA and steering tie rod end angles. For now, I am sticking with stock suspension with a slightly larger tire than 285-60-18 that came with the rig. I did lot of research and MScruiser tire and wheel database came in handy to figure out the setup I wanted. I ended up with TRD Rock Warrior rims and BFG KO2 285-70-17. Rims are powder coated in semi-gloss black (murdered look). I got tires from Costco and new TPMS sensors were installed. Stock LC tires are now used on my 2007 Tundra as a second set. Spare tire mounted was trimmed by 1/2" for TRD rock warrior wheel to fit in stock spare tire location.
Now running Nitto trail grappler 285-75r17 on RW. No rubbing.
Switched back to KO2 285-75R17
5) Rock Slider. I wanted to build my home brewed sliders and also gain some experience welding, metal fab work. I have acquired the Rogue Fab Tube Bender Kit ($599). It was weld kit and I added a hydraulic/Air ram to it. Die I order was for 1.75" DOM round tubing with 4.5 CLR. I got my steel supply from a local steel shop (S and K Steel and Team Tube LLC). Most of the steel acquired was remnant pieces. All together the steel cost me $ 455. I bought the slee rivnut tool for M8. Ordered Rivnuts and M8 Bolts from Amazon. another grade 8, 1/2" bolts, nuts and washers from the local hardware store (OSH). I had to buy a cuttoff saw from HD. As you can see tools start adding up. But the enjoyment of making your own stuff is priceless. I already have a shop press, welder, grinder, air compressor, and many wrenches. I just love collecting tools. Given the appropriate tools, one can tackle any job.
List of steel tubing I bought
3/16 plates, 2x3 3/16 tube, 1.75 3/16 DOM tube, 2x2 1/4" tube. I will buy the plate that goes on the steps later.
2x3" tube was cut to 71" length and ends were cut to 45 deg miter to fit the contours of LC cabin body. End cap plates were cut and welded to miter cuts. Grind off excess welds and smooth finish was achieved.
1.75" DOM tube was bent to the outside measurement of 65" to fit between the faces of the mitered 2x3 tube. 85-degree bends were accomplished using the rogue fab tube bender. Very happy with results that came out. I wanted to the outside face of DOM tube to be 5.5" offset from the 2x3 tube's face. Appropriate cuts were made using a metal cutoff saw. Then weld this bent tube to 2x3 rub rails.
Slider legs and frame mating plates are pending. I started with front plates. use 8.5 x 11" paper to trace the holes from frame to plates. The plate was bent slightly to match the angle of the frame behind the front body mounts. six holes were drilled for both plates using traced paper to transfer the holes locations to the plates. Drill press came in handy to drill the holes on the plates. I post more as I progress. (add pictures.) that's it until today.
Finished welding everything. Installed riv nuts to the frame using Slee riv-nut tool and 17/32 drill bit. Rivnuts were m8x1.25 L series. I painted them with Bed-liner Rust-Oleum and applied a few coats of clear Lacquer.
6) Home built skid plates. I removed the factory engine skid plates (metal and plastic). I built the new one with 3/16" steel plates and replicate the similar contours as a factory. All the fasteners were recessed to avoid damage on the trail. All recessed brackets are made from 2" hitch tubing material by cutting mounting holes and slicing tubing in half. Sprayed with semi-gloss black.
7) Metaltech 4x4 Rear Axle Lower Control Arms. Ordered and replaced the factory rear axle lower control arms. Arms are very well built to handle trail contact. They will not bend. LCA is also adjustable in length in case I ever install a lift in the future. This was easy bolt-on modification and cheap insurance and peace of mind. I used the die grinder to trim the rear LCA frame body mount to clear the jam nut on the LCA.
8) Homemade rear bumper with dual swing arms with JCR off road bomb proof spindle. All brackets are made of 1/4" mild steel and main bumper body and gussets with 3/16" steel plates. The rear main bumper is formed by 66" (66"x 18.5") long plate to bending 8" OD section, another bend 5.5"OD to 90 degrees, another bend 3" OD to 135 degree and final bend 2" OD to 135 degrees. Two wings were built from 30"x30" plate to 1.5"OD flange to 90 degrees, 12.5" OD to 135 degrees, another bend 3" OD to 135 degree and final bend 2" OD to 135 degrees. Started tack welds all pieces to the desired location. internal gussets were added for additional strength and rigidity. Swings arms are build using 2x3 rectangular tubing and 2x2 hitch receiver rem pieces. Jerry can box was made for 14.5"ID square, which is welded to the 2x3 tube using addition 1/4" brackets. Bearings used for spindles were Timken LM48548, Timken bearing outer bearing cup LM48510 and Timken 5121 seal. Trailer spring load pin latch was used for both swing arms for locking action. Relocated 7 pin connector to the bumper. Parking sensor hole was cut. Two LED lights were also installed. Two jacking point was incorporated on both ends of the bumper. Bumper stops for swing arms were also accommodated to restrict over travel of swing arms at open and closed positions. Bumpers were powder coated by Class A powder coating in Sacto.
9) Suspension Lift. Tundra IFS parts for front suspension lift. Parts include Tundra lower control arms, camburg 1.5" uniball upper control arm,Icon 2.5 coilover with resi and adjustment knob, tundra axles, Crown Performance extended ss brake lines and Eibach 700# spring. Switching to tundra 4.5" BDS drop bracket and steering knuckle lift.
For the rear, it is tough dog tour flex heaviesOME 2723, Icon 2.5 series with resi and adjustment knob, Metal tech rear LCA and Tough Dog adjustable pan hard bar. Taller spring on the passenger side and shorter on the driver side for US spec rig.
10) Cruiser Outfitter Rear Door interior switch and handle. 200 Series Rear Exit/Handle Kit Update
11) Group 31M X2Power RV/Marine Battery, Slee Main, and secondary battery trays. Everything is included in the Slee main battery tray kit. They are military battery terminals and slee aluminum battery terminal extensions. The battery is X2 Power Group 31 Marine and RV Premium part number SLI31AGMDPM. I order it online with 10% off (Coupon Code CDP10047) and $20 mail-in rebate. Its got 1150 CCA and 4-year full replacement warranty.
12) Spidertrax spacer on the rear axle. Installed a pair of spidertrax spacers on the rear wheel to match the tundra track width of front tires.
13) Resonator deleted.
14) Ironman 4x4 front bumper and a winch.
15) Homemade Shock guard armor.
16) Diode Dynamics Smart Tap relay.
17) Jowett Oil filter Housing and Futomo oil drain valve.
18) Safari Snorkel SS87HF
19) STEDI led fog lights for Ironman 4x4 bumper. 28” Stedi led bar on top of bull bar.
20) Front Runner Full Slimline II rack with Wind Fairing.
21) 40 Gallon LRA fuel tank with homemade armor.
22) Portable ARB twin compressor with tank
23) Frozen Rotors and Hawk LTS pads
24) TC skid plate, added proeagle jack to bumper swing arm.
25) added snomaster Ex85d fridge/freezer
26) cutting fenders and body mount chop.
27) ARB front and rear lockers, and 4.88 Nitro gears.
1) Venza aluminum oil filter housing swap. ( deleted) See number 17 below.
2) Tundra Tow Hooks.
3) Prestigious Society Nav DVD harness. This came with instructions and easy modification. It lets you play DVDs on front screen while driving and also unlock the function for nav and telephone dialing for the passenger use while in motion. Harness and module work as prescribed.
4) Tires and Wheels. I wanted to keep the setup as close to factory setup as I don't want to mess with the CV, front drive shaft, KDSS, UCA and steering tie rod end angles. For now, I am sticking with stock suspension with a slightly larger tire than 285-60-18 that came with the rig. I did lot of research and MScruiser tire and wheel database came in handy to figure out the setup I wanted. I ended up with TRD Rock Warrior rims and BFG KO2 285-70-17. Rims are powder coated in semi-gloss black (murdered look). I got tires from Costco and new TPMS sensors were installed. Stock LC tires are now used on my 2007 Tundra as a second set. Spare tire mounted was trimmed by 1/2" for TRD rock warrior wheel to fit in stock spare tire location.
Now running Nitto trail grappler 285-75r17 on RW. No rubbing.
Switched back to KO2 285-75R17
5) Rock Slider. I wanted to build my home brewed sliders and also gain some experience welding, metal fab work. I have acquired the Rogue Fab Tube Bender Kit ($599). It was weld kit and I added a hydraulic/Air ram to it. Die I order was for 1.75" DOM round tubing with 4.5 CLR. I got my steel supply from a local steel shop (S and K Steel and Team Tube LLC). Most of the steel acquired was remnant pieces. All together the steel cost me $ 455. I bought the slee rivnut tool for M8. Ordered Rivnuts and M8 Bolts from Amazon. another grade 8, 1/2" bolts, nuts and washers from the local hardware store (OSH). I had to buy a cuttoff saw from HD. As you can see tools start adding up. But the enjoyment of making your own stuff is priceless. I already have a shop press, welder, grinder, air compressor, and many wrenches. I just love collecting tools. Given the appropriate tools, one can tackle any job.
List of steel tubing I bought
3/16 plates, 2x3 3/16 tube, 1.75 3/16 DOM tube, 2x2 1/4" tube. I will buy the plate that goes on the steps later.
2x3" tube was cut to 71" length and ends were cut to 45 deg miter to fit the contours of LC cabin body. End cap plates were cut and welded to miter cuts. Grind off excess welds and smooth finish was achieved.
1.75" DOM tube was bent to the outside measurement of 65" to fit between the faces of the mitered 2x3 tube. 85-degree bends were accomplished using the rogue fab tube bender. Very happy with results that came out. I wanted to the outside face of DOM tube to be 5.5" offset from the 2x3 tube's face. Appropriate cuts were made using a metal cutoff saw. Then weld this bent tube to 2x3 rub rails.
Slider legs and frame mating plates are pending. I started with front plates. use 8.5 x 11" paper to trace the holes from frame to plates. The plate was bent slightly to match the angle of the frame behind the front body mounts. six holes were drilled for both plates using traced paper to transfer the holes locations to the plates. Drill press came in handy to drill the holes on the plates. I post more as I progress. (add pictures.) that's it until today.
Finished welding everything. Installed riv nuts to the frame using Slee riv-nut tool and 17/32 drill bit. Rivnuts were m8x1.25 L series. I painted them with Bed-liner Rust-Oleum and applied a few coats of clear Lacquer.
6) Home built skid plates. I removed the factory engine skid plates (metal and plastic). I built the new one with 3/16" steel plates and replicate the similar contours as a factory. All the fasteners were recessed to avoid damage on the trail. All recessed brackets are made from 2" hitch tubing material by cutting mounting holes and slicing tubing in half. Sprayed with semi-gloss black.
7) Metaltech 4x4 Rear Axle Lower Control Arms. Ordered and replaced the factory rear axle lower control arms. Arms are very well built to handle trail contact. They will not bend. LCA is also adjustable in length in case I ever install a lift in the future. This was easy bolt-on modification and cheap insurance and peace of mind. I used the die grinder to trim the rear LCA frame body mount to clear the jam nut on the LCA.
8) Homemade rear bumper with dual swing arms with JCR off road bomb proof spindle. All brackets are made of 1/4" mild steel and main bumper body and gussets with 3/16" steel plates. The rear main bumper is formed by 66" (66"x 18.5") long plate to bending 8" OD section, another bend 5.5"OD to 90 degrees, another bend 3" OD to 135 degree and final bend 2" OD to 135 degrees. Two wings were built from 30"x30" plate to 1.5"OD flange to 90 degrees, 12.5" OD to 135 degrees, another bend 3" OD to 135 degree and final bend 2" OD to 135 degrees. Started tack welds all pieces to the desired location. internal gussets were added for additional strength and rigidity. Swings arms are build using 2x3 rectangular tubing and 2x2 hitch receiver rem pieces. Jerry can box was made for 14.5"ID square, which is welded to the 2x3 tube using addition 1/4" brackets. Bearings used for spindles were Timken LM48548, Timken bearing outer bearing cup LM48510 and Timken 5121 seal. Trailer spring load pin latch was used for both swing arms for locking action. Relocated 7 pin connector to the bumper. Parking sensor hole was cut. Two LED lights were also installed. Two jacking point was incorporated on both ends of the bumper. Bumper stops for swing arms were also accommodated to restrict over travel of swing arms at open and closed positions. Bumpers were powder coated by Class A powder coating in Sacto.
9) Suspension Lift. Tundra IFS parts for front suspension lift. Parts include Tundra lower control arms, camburg 1.5" uniball upper control arm,
For the rear, it is tough dog tour flex heavies
10) Cruiser Outfitter Rear Door interior switch and handle. 200 Series Rear Exit/Handle Kit Update
11) Group 31M X2Power RV/Marine Battery, Slee Main, and secondary battery trays. Everything is included in the Slee main battery tray kit. They are military battery terminals and slee aluminum battery terminal extensions. The battery is X2 Power Group 31 Marine and RV Premium part number SLI31AGMDPM. I order it online with 10% off (Coupon Code CDP10047) and $20 mail-in rebate. Its got 1150 CCA and 4-year full replacement warranty.
12) Spidertrax spacer on the rear axle. Installed a pair of spidertrax spacers on the rear wheel to match the tundra track width of front tires.
13) Resonator deleted.
14) Ironman 4x4 front bumper and a winch.
15) Homemade Shock guard armor.
16) Diode Dynamics Smart Tap relay.
17) Jowett Oil filter Housing and Futomo oil drain valve.
18) Safari Snorkel SS87HF
19) STEDI led fog lights for Ironman 4x4 bumper. 28” Stedi led bar on top of bull bar.
20) Front Runner Full Slimline II rack with Wind Fairing.
21) 40 Gallon LRA fuel tank with homemade armor.
22) Portable ARB twin compressor with tank
23) Frozen Rotors and Hawk LTS pads
24) TC skid plate, added proeagle jack to bumper swing arm.
25) added snomaster Ex85d fridge/freezer
26) cutting fenders and body mount chop.
27) ARB front and rear lockers, and 4.88 Nitro gears.
Last edited:
is half the fun. I just picked up a welder myself and have a list of projects in mind! 
