The cheap DIY mods thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Krust
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Front receiver hitch has been one of my most useful mods. And if you have metal fab tools, you can build one for about $40. You need about 18" 2x3x1/4" angle, 24ish inches of 2x2x1/4 wall square tube, and go to HF and buy a receiver tube for $15. That plus a couple little triangles of some medium thickness 1/4" or so steel plate from the scrap bin, and you can weld up a front receiver hitch that mounts into the original tow hook location. I re-used the original bolts too. Been about the handiest $50 mod I've done. I use it regularly. I have a little goal post that matches the roof rack height for carrying long stuff. Makes a good tow point.
I also use it for a winch and snowplow mount, but neither of those are really cheap.
I also use it for a winch and snowplow mount, but neither of those are really cheap.
In order to re-use the original bolts, you'll need to cut the hook off the original tow hook and use the body as a spacer (it's about 1" thick) or make new spacers. I just cut the hook off. My buddy who built the same one did the same thing. Works like a charm. I hope you have a band saw though. Otherwise it's going to be a lot of sawzall blades... Also mine requires removing the splash guard under the engine to put it on. Not a big deal. Just easier to get it out of the way when your mocking it up anyway. (The splash guard goes back on after installed just fine with no interference or modification. Just cant quite fit the hitch up in there with it in the way.)
This is very close to how I designed mine - the main differences being that I added a "web" in each side of the receiver tube to strengthen it because I have a winch for mine and a sideways pull would stress it alot. Unfortunately to clear the bottom of the radiator cross member it needs to drop slightly below the frame rails. Maybe 1/2" or so, so you need that side of your angle to be greater than 2" I think 2.5" would work. I used scraps for mine and don't remember exactly what size it was. I can measure it. It also tucks really nicely up under the bumper. Not quite invisible, but painted flat black it's hard to notice.
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I had a pad eye made for my missing hook. It's 1" plate cut out like a letter 'P' and drilling out to hold a 7/8" shackle. So I got a 7/8" shackle on one side and the hook on the other. Both have their uses. The tow hitch would be handy, too.
Replaced the rear brake line on my Taco with one from a nonABS Tundra.
This guy has them made for 3rd gen 4runners and I assume 1st gen Tacomas. Ignore the stickers and scroll to bottom of page Trackdecal.com - Road Course Decals and Motorsports Graphics
You use your factory bolts.
Like that, but no step down for the second bolt and it is round, not angular. I had to buy some grade 8 bolts from NAPA, because no one else around this hick town had any.
That looks like a new part. Do you have a part number you can share with the rest of the class? What did it cost you?
BeratE said:
I picked it up at Autozone. Everybody else had to special order it with a 7 day turnaround. I don't remember the part #. '02 Tundra non ABS. The end that has the keeper near the BPV needed slight retrofitting to get it to fit snug like the original hose.
hey
hey krust: good idea there! i like it with the dark name badges on the white paint. it really stands out. something a little differant
hey krust: good idea there! i like it with the dark name badges on the white paint. it really stands out. something a little differant
body side modings
i think the cheapest DIY thing i'v ever done was buy some really cheap stick on chrome body side moldings for my doors. They were so cheap the chrome overlay started to peel off the plastic.
i think the cheapest DIY thing i'v ever done was buy some really cheap stick on chrome body side moldings for my doors. They were so cheap the chrome overlay started to peel off the plastic.
my son blacked out his entire grill and painted the emblem white then clearcoated, looks pretty good....the truck is all white.
Not a mod but a cheap fix. My door wouldn't open from inside. One of the plastic guide that hold the linkage for the door in place broke. Fixed it with a zip tie
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1377855382435593/permalink/1476746545879809/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1377855382435593/permalink/1476746545879809/