looking good there bob!

 

Always count on Bob for a good write-up haha. Thanks Bob I think I will be ordering one of these as soon as I get paid, so perfect timing with a full write-up.

 

awesome work bob! very thorough install write up and excellent pics! im starting to love the 17 over the 15...it really looks alot cleaner...great job fitting it perfectly.

you mentioned the 'seat belt mod'...couldnt find any info on that. what is it? could you link me to a how-to?

thanks!

 

sonny,

its actually 'seat bolt' mod, not seat belt i dont have a write up for that yet. but look at this thread: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ight=seat+bolt

it evolved into a wing nut style and not the original knobs, thanks to reader feedback

and see what steve schaefer made for sale. post #22

bob

 

You really don't want to put weight on the roof for off-road use. When I use my rack I only put sleeping bags and a tent up there.

Also the hi-lift rusts very fast. I would put it in the cargo area.

http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_4r...ount_jack.html

I had it on the roof at one time too.



Hard to see but it's up there.

 

Really?? I understand not putting a lot of weight on the top, but is a Hi-lift by iteslf that much of an issue?? I am just curious.

I would only put it up there when I go wheeling. I wheel with my dogs and wife sometimes, so interior space is a premium.

I like your design, just need to make some dedicated space inthe cargo area. I find all that area used with coolers and tools. That is why I figured the Slee mounts would be great for off-road only

 

Weight on the roof is not ideal.



Trust me, I whish the roof was empty. Also that hi-lift does rust like crazy. Now if you only run dirt roads and never get real off camber sideways, it's really not going to matter. It would be fine up there, but getting it up there and down is a PITA.

 

point taken. I don't run stuff like you, but definately not dirt roads. I like getting off camber, and it might be difficult to get the lift is the side it is on is under 3' of water.

 

Bob, once again you give a great write-up....

Awesome stuff!

 

Just a quick note - the Tacoma install is not like the 4runner install.

 

Yeah, Pete and I did his tacoma TJM17 install at my place a few days ago. Here is a breakdown of the similarities and differences:

Bumper: the 4runner version has a main center bumper section and two wings w/ wing gaskets. The tacoma one is just one piece. The Tacoma version has pre-drilled holes for lights as well as for the license plate. The 4runner version has neither (BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!). i'd say that the Tacoma bumper is superior in this aspect

Brackets: the 4runner version just has a set (2 units each) of brackets. The tacoma version has the same brackets but also have these smaller side brackets. Right now, Pete and I are not 100% sure if we installed them correctly :p. Those side wings make it difficult to....

Bolting up: bolting up the 4runner's and tacoma's center brackets are identical. 4 bolts/nuts on each bracket. However, the Tacoma version is a little different and a little more difficult. There is definitely less hand space on the sides for the Tacoma. You will definitely need two pairs of everything: sockets (shallow and deep), extensions, socket wrenches and combo wrenches. Advantage 4runner version

Bob

 

Bob,

I've been emailing Steve about the TJM bumper and it seems that there is more than one type? Apparently there is a Tacoma bumper with wings?
I seem to understand that's the way it works. I guess I got a more basic version...

 

As for TJM Bumpers for the Tacoma, here is the breakdown:

95.5 to 97: Three piece design like the 4Runner bumpers

98 to 00: Three piece design like the 4Runner bumpers

01 to 04: One piece design with the main beam and wings as one part.

Also keep in mind Peter got one of the "Super Duper Deal" bumpers. So it is possible that the next batch of 01-04 Tacoma bumpers out of the container may be slightly different, form what I understand they are still tweaking that model.

 

As for 4Runners, the breakdown is as follows:

96-98: Three piece design, frame end mount as pictured in this thread.

99-02: Three piece design, mounts to flat end plates and replaces added crush zone.


The 96-98 mounts can be fitted to a 99-02 of you "cut off" the end plates and weld in a 96-98 style endcap with nut, which is a better stronger mount in the end. The end plates on the 99-02 frames were desogned to have force pushed back, not for force to be pulled forward, as in winching.

 

steve,

very intesting info; thanks for breaking it down

bob

 

Well done, you covered all the points and then some.
Perhaps you could include that some people (i.e. myself) kept the stock gey connector because they did not want to cut the OEM wiring. I just drilled out the turn signals that came with the TJM then made a few notches with the Dremel tool and the fit right in. Just for good measure I sealed them with silicone. That way if you must return to stock it's plug and play!
Cheers ,
P

 

I installed a 1998 Tacoma T-17 a few days ago and the Tacoma has the shorter wings, but the same main beam as the 4Runner. This older 1998 Tacoma got the extra side brackets as well. I would imagine the same extra brace Peter got as well.

That is clever, not using the front bolt and triangulating with the body mount. So at this point, score one for TJM as the TJM IS NOW STRONGER. ARB is looking into this on its Tacoma bar; hence all the people doing the front bolt mod.

http://www.wattora.com/mods/endcap/

Really all you have to do is weld in the front plate as the factory only has it spot welded. I could have that thing strong as all heck in 5 minutes, but that's me not you. Add material with the welder and burn it in deep.

So yes, the Tacoma bars have two brackets per side. I would imagine the 4Runner bars may get this update as well, or maybe the Japanese welded frames are better than the Dana-Spicer built Tacoma frames? Don't know.



Parting though is buy your ARB or TJM from a dealer that has the knowledge to help you after the sale. I have been getting a lot of PM's and e-mails from folks who bought TJM's from other dealers and now want help installing them. Sorry guys, but if you bought from someone else, I have no choice but to refer you back to the dealer you bought the product from for support.

 

P,

Did you happen to take a pic of that? or can you send one to me so i can add it to the writeup?

thanks,
Bob

 

Bob,
Off the top of my head, I'll say no but let me look and get back to you.
Cheers ,
P

 

It's not very hard to retro-fit that factory slot, I retro fitted a Toyota stop/tail light to my Honda ATV's tail light to get a brake light.

I cut my front plugs off since I don' plan on going back to stock for a few months.