Texascrane Build Thread

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I kept the rubber track that comes up from the windshield molding and mounted over the top of that. However I did take off the metal pieces that run down the length of the "track". I took those off simply because I wouldn't have been able to get to the correct mounting holes otherwise. There seems to be a lot of variation in how roof racks were installed at the port, which I think makes it a bit difficult for a one size fits all approach.
 
nice yeah i'm getting the rest of my rack today and rtt i liked the rails better than the oem but there is a space towards the front. the spacers helped along the rail as well! Your rig looks well i'm building mine for family adventure but definitely like some of the touches you put on it
 
Nice rig! I don't think my LX will be getting quite as much swag, but we'll see how consumed I get.

How has the plastidip held up on the wheels? Seems like an easy solution, but am curious if it requires a lot of maintenance?
 
It's held up fine so far. I haven't touched the wheels since I put it on in October. Since then they've been rotated at the shop twice, gone through car washes, and driven around in the dirt and mud. Up close they look a little dirty, but otherwise it's held up much better than I expected.
 
Finally got around to installing my Yeasu 8800R. I used a gamiviti antenna mount on the drivers side of the hood with a comet 2x4SRNMO antenna. I used a larsen NMO cable along with some 10 gauge powerwerx zip cord.

I ended up putting the radio body in the passenger side of the rear trunk area that holds the first aid kit. I drilled some holes for air flow - I don't think it's going to be an issue mounted this way.

I mounted an external speaker up in the passenger footwell and then put the radio head just in front of the ashtray. I'm pleased with how it turned out and it appears to be functioning really well.

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I doubt you're interested but there is a clamp for the Yaesu antenna that allows you to mount it on the rear door.
 
cainventure said:
did you have the DVD system behind that part in the third row?
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I did not, but I don't have the dvd entertainment system. I' do have the nav DVD under the front passenger seat and the cd changer in the center console, but the only thing in that cubby in my vehicle was a lexus branded boo boo kit.
 
Recent pic from Big Bend on Black Gap Road:

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I added Hella Rallye 4000 Euro Beam lights up front. I really like them. They have a good combination of spread and throw for general driving. The amount of light they throw is impressive and makes the lo/hi beams look dim when you turn them off.
 
Replaced my 2866 springs with 2864 springs purchased from @cruiseroutfit . I went from 20.75" or so in the rear to 23.25". I upped the front to 21.25" from about 20". That was as far as I felt comfortable cranking the front while maintaining sufficient droop.

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I think the 2866 springs were just compressed too much with the weight of my bumper/fridge etc. I was expecting the ride to be really rough with the 864, but honestly I think it's actually driving a bit smoother with the heavier springs - certainly not any stiffer than it was before.

The 864 made sense to me over the 863 in part because everybody treats the 860/865 as a "medium" spring. If you look at the specs, the 863 is only 30# heavier. That just didn't seem like it would be enough for me.

My only "complaint" is that OME uses different length driver/passenger side springs with the 864. I suspect that's due to the 80-series application. I don't think it's really needed on the 100-series and has introduced about 3/8" lean. It's not too noticeable though so I'm going to drive it for a few thousand miles and then assess if I want to install a small spacer on the passenger side.
 
sweet build! I think I am going to copy you on the ARB switch locations. That never crossed my mind before!
 
TexasCrane said:
Replaced my 2866 springs with 2864 springs purchased from @cruiseroutfit . I went from 20.75" or so in the rear to 23.25". I upped the front to 21.25" from about 20". That was as far as I felt comfortable cranking the front while maintaining sufficient droop.

su9d4Sql.jpg


I think the 2866 springs were just compressed too much with the weight of my bumper/fridge etc. I was expecting the ride to be really rough with the 864, but honestly I think it's actually driving a bit smoother with the heavier springs - certainly not any stiffer than it was before.

The 864 made sense to me over the 863 in part because everybody treats the 860/865 as a "medium" spring. If you look at the specs, the 863 is only 30# heavier. That just didn't seem like it would be enough for me.

My only "complaint" is that OME uses different length driver/passenger side springs with the 864. I suspect that's due to the 80-series application. I don't think it's really needed on the 100-series and has introduced about 3/8" lean. It's not too noticeable though so I'm going to drive it for a few thousand miles and then assess if I want to install a small spacer on the passenger side.
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Thank you!

I'm not shocked to hear you enjoy the ride quality over the 866, they work really well for others but with heavy loads, the 864's are the true winner.
 
TC- nice build going on.

How are you liking the slee rear bumper? Would you buy it again or consider another option?
 
Hi,
I like the Slee rear bumper. It's taken some fairly hard hits and just shrugged them off. The only negative about the bumper in my opinion is that it can't really be opened and closed one-handed. The benefit though is that it's a very secure system and isn't going to ever open or close on accident. I've been keeping track of some of the other bumper options on the market and if I were buying again today, I think I would make the same decision.
 
Hi, I really enjoy you build. I'm local and just starting, but I find myself in need of a mechanic/shop. Would you mind sharing the name of the shop you use? I need them for service/repairs but also for adding things like sliders/bumpers etc
I'm not really impressed with the shop that did my lift......
Thanks in advance
Cheers
 
TC-

How is the spring height settling in? The Ironman springs I installed also had a longer DS spring- and similarly introduced a 3/8"-1/2" difference between DS and PS.
 
B3A5T said:
Hi, I really enjoy you build. I'm local and just starting, but I find myself in need of a mechanic/shop. Would you mind sharing the name of the shop you use? I need them for service/repairs but also for adding things like sliders/bumpers etc
I'm not really impressed with the shop that did my lift......
Thanks in advance
Cheers
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Tandem Automotive over in the Fort Worth area is good. I've also used JP Euro in Garland for work. They're good mechanics, lexus certified (used to work at Park Place) and honest. They're my "go to" shop now for work that I don't want to do myself.

I've also had pretty good experiences with Toyota of Dallas. They can be a bit pricey (like most dealerships) but they've got a big off-road parts business (trdparts4u) and a lot of experience installing equipment and working on modified 4x4 toyotas.
 
TexasCrane said:
Tandem Automotive over in the Fort Worth area is good. I've also used JP Euro in Garland for work. They're good mechanics, lexus certified (used to work at Park Place) and honest. They're my "go to" shop now for work that I don't want to do myself.

I've also had pretty good experiences with Toyota of Dallas. They can be a bit pricey (like most dealerships) but they've got a big off-road parts business (trdparts4u) and a lot of experience installing equipment and working on modified 4x4 toyotas.
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Thanks! I live in W Plano so I think I'll give JP a call. It's funny you mentioned Toyota of Dallas bc that who I bought the OME torsion bars springs and Iron man shocks etc from but to instal they sent me to Baertrax.
Cheers
 
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