Hi All,
After 10 years of owning this truck and driving around kids, going to grocery and to work for over 130K miles, I finally decided to put this truck to the use for what it was built for back in 2000. I looked around for parts, most of the accessories offered for 100 series are from ARB but I decided to contact one of the local fabricator to replace the front and back bumper. First, I was not sure about them especially after reading all the negative comments and sentiments on internet but I crossed my fingers and gave my truck to them. He came to pick my truck from my home and then I only heard from him by emails and phone. All my friend thought that I was crazy to hand my truck to someone in this manner; there were some times where I seriously doubted that I would ever get my tuck back. It took little bit longer than the initial schedule due to weather and other factors but I finally got my truck back and I cannot tell you how happy I am about how good it looks and how nicely the front and back bumpers and done. As far as the reliability and functional use go, I have not really put it to test; once I will have the winch placed, I will know more and will update. The week after, I took my truck to southern offroads where Ross (Sales at southern offloads) helped me out with the ARB heavy lift suspension and high lift; he was great and knew exactly what to put in my truck. The next day he called me and told me that truck lifted really hight (almost 3 inches) and I with the 16 inch wheel it looked really odd. I knew I had to put new wheels but I did not want to go with after market wheels so a quick search on craigslist I was able to find 4, 18 inch tundra wheels with same lug pattern for only $300. The guy was great and we became good friend since. The only thing left now was tires and I decided to put Toyo open country II 275/70/18 from Kauffman tires near my house. I still have few things left but perhaps in few months I will install winch (I am thinking warn or smitty), 5th 18 inch wheel with tires, snorkel,recovery gear and may be roof rack. I am open to suggestions
After 10 years of owning this truck and driving around kids, going to grocery and to work for over 130K miles, I finally decided to put this truck to the use for what it was built for back in 2000. I looked around for parts, most of the accessories offered for 100 series are from ARB but I decided to contact one of the local fabricator to replace the front and back bumper. First, I was not sure about them especially after reading all the negative comments and sentiments on internet but I crossed my fingers and gave my truck to them. He came to pick my truck from my home and then I only heard from him by emails and phone. All my friend thought that I was crazy to hand my truck to someone in this manner; there were some times where I seriously doubted that I would ever get my tuck back. It took little bit longer than the initial schedule due to weather and other factors but I finally got my truck back and I cannot tell you how happy I am about how good it looks and how nicely the front and back bumpers and done. As far as the reliability and functional use go, I have not really put it to test; once I will have the winch placed, I will know more and will update. The week after, I took my truck to southern offroads where Ross (Sales at southern offloads) helped me out with the ARB heavy lift suspension and high lift; he was great and knew exactly what to put in my truck. The next day he called me and told me that truck lifted really hight (almost 3 inches) and I with the 16 inch wheel it looked really odd. I knew I had to put new wheels but I did not want to go with after market wheels so a quick search on craigslist I was able to find 4, 18 inch tundra wheels with same lug pattern for only $300. The guy was great and we became good friend since. The only thing left now was tires and I decided to put Toyo open country II 275/70/18 from Kauffman tires near my house. I still have few things left but perhaps in few months I will install winch (I am thinking warn or smitty), 5th 18 inch wheel with tires, snorkel,recovery gear and may be roof rack. I am open to suggestions
