Does anyone have the Trail Tailor rear lower arm skids?

[Hammeredsole]

I just got a set in, and I'm trying to decide how to coat them. Paint, powder coat, electroless nickel... Has anyone installed them bare? I don't want a rusty mess, but have no experience with the HSLA that they're made of.

Thanks!

 

[T4Runner]

I don’t have them, but I’m always a fan of PC. Can always rattle can over it down the road if it gets chewed up.

 

[RobW0]

I just received a set today as well as a set of rear shock guards. I was planning on getting them powder coated in black.

 

[TonyP]

If you're going to bash them, I suggest paint for easy touch up.

 

[Hammeredsole]

I just received a set today as well as a set of rear shock guards. I was planning on getting them powder coated in black.

Did you get the TT shock skids? Apparently bud built was going to have some stainless ones available soon, still haven’t heard anything about those. I’ve got some motorcycle accordion style shock boots that are working very well to protect the shaft, but the end is still exposed.

 

[RobW0]

Did you get the TT shock skids? Apparently bud built was going to have some stainless ones available soon, still haven’t heard anything about those. I’ve got some motorcycle accordion style shock boots that are working very well to protect the shaft, but the end is still exposed.

Yes I got a set of the rear shock guards.

 

[nwfl4runner]

rustoleum hammered or steel-it. They're for bashing, don't waste the money on powder coating. I used rustoleum on the shock guards but steel-it on the LCA mounts for ease in welding them on.

 

[afgman786]

I used the rustoleum flat black that's supposed to be rust preventative. Didn't see the point in paying so much money to powder coat anything like that, for something I'm going to have to paint over and over again from scraping it

 

[empty80]

I have the rear LCA guards and the shock guards. They pretty hearty pieces of protection.

Krylon enamel is a good option. It’s a really good match to most fabricators’ matte powder coat. I’ve used it for a few years now, and is very resilient. As long as you do some prep (sand rust down and rub area with mineral spirits or alcohol) it bonds well.

 

[RobW0]

Thanks for the advice. I will be painting them now.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

As Jeff Foxworthy says.... "SAY IT WITH LOVE.... SAY IT KRYLON!"

Like @TonyP said; if you are going to bash, paint is the way. Just the road salts and detritus will chip and destroy powder on these.

J

 

[Hammeredsole]

I ended going with Powder Coated satin black. I sanded with 150 grit, degreased, primed, and sprayed with roll-bar black VHT. It ended up not adhering well. They look awesome, and the primary concern was eliminating rust propagating from the creases, folds, and unexposed areas. I can touch up with paint if they get scraped or chipped on the underside. It cost $31.05 after tax.

 

[Hammeredsole]

Just getting ready to install these things, and it looks very straight forward. Any advice on the install? I read somewhere that it is super easy, just unbolt one side at a time, and the axle should basically stay in place. Metal tech instructions mention a ratchet strap to "help", but once the bolt comes out does the arm want to deflect?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Just getting ready to install these things, and it looks very straight forward. Any advice on the install? I read somewhere that it is super easy, just unbolt one side at a time, and the axle should basically stay in place. Metal tech instructions mention a ratchet strap to "help", but once the bolt comes out does the arm want to deflect?
[/QUOTE


ratchet strap is wrong and a PITA, IMO... just put a jack under the pinion flange and adjust up or down; super easy.

 

[Hammeredsole]

Which side is which? They both basically line up on either side.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Which side is which? They both basically line up on either side.

They follow the RLCA bracket..

 

[Hammeredsole]

=)

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Ears are usually bent straight. Most others just torque the bolt and "form" the bracket to the mount.

 

[terdrocket]

I ended going with Powder Coated satin black. I sanded with 150 grit, degreased, primed, and sprayed with roll-bar black VHT. It ended up not adhering well. They look awesome, and the primary concern was eliminating rust propagating from the creases, folds, and unexposed areas. I can touch up with paint if they get scraped or chipped on the underside. It cost $31.05 after tax.

View attachment 2019112

I also had bad luck with the VHT paint. It reacted poorly when I applied a 2nd coat to my bumper. It bubbled and wrinkled. I had to chemically strip the whole thing and start from scratch. BTW - The Majic Tractor Truck and implement spray paint from Tractor Supply is awesome stuff and matches a black powder coat in look and texture.

 

[JZelnick]

@TRAIL TAILOR any idea when these will be back in stock?