Tacoma Confessions

[Caribou Sandstorm]

Picked up my sliders and front skid plate from RCI Wednesday.

I choose RCI because I really liked their sliders and skid plates when I saw them at the FJSummit in Ouray this year.

I also wanted to support an FJSummit vendor. RCI is just getting their stride and nice bunch of young guys that wheel the Colorado trails and fab up some cool stuff.

As far as function, I have had the straight sliders for a while on the LC and thought I would give a kick-out version slider a shot.

The RCI shop is pretty legit and looks like a great set up. Pallets of Aluminum stamped skids waiting to be shaped, nice warehouse organization with lots of skid plates, sliders, bed racks, etc.. on the shelves ready to ship. I was a bit like a kid in the candy store..

All in all, easy install, really looks like quality fab work and powder coat finish is very nice, as well.

I highly recommend considering RCI as a great option for your Tacoma.. I am saving up for the tranny skid and a rear bumper from RCI, as well..

 

[Townsend]

Those sliders look great. Love seeing the new ride come together.

 

[Caribou Sandstorm]

Hey all,

Posting up my bumper install.

The directions for the install are very similar to the earlier models but thought you might want to see what is involved in cutting and removal.
-Remove Grille
-Next step tape off cut line on either side
-That helped me determine how much plastic wheel well to cut
-Then it was time to cut the straight line (attempt to cut the straight line..)
-Next I removed the fogs and the fog frames
-Then the bumper essentially was easy to pull apart
-Next removed the aluminum crash bar from frame
-I was able to install bumper myself by balancing the bumper on a tall wiffle ball bucket
-The bolts provided worked great on the upper bolt assembly but I opted for picking up shorter 4" bolts for the lower bolt assembly to avoid contact with radiator/AC piping on right side
-I also opted to wait on my winch install, as it is on my land cruiser still and I need a new Syn line and re-grease on winch, plus still running stock suspension for now
-I was able to reinstall OEM fogs by cutting mounting holes off of fog housing, wrapped cut area with electrical tape (so not to scratch bumper inside fog holes and then used large c-lamps to hold in place

All in all pretty easy install, bumper fits great! I really like the profile and the quality is very good on the bumper. Highly recommend this as a solid option. If you have to install front license plate, do that before you install. I could not get my "nuts on the bolts" (to tight for my fingers), so I used large washers and centered on the "D O" on the front. Sorry about that Jason!

 

[Shark Bait]

Looking good, Chris! My All-Pro sliders look a lot like yours. My DO bumper does not have the hoops, but is otherwise very similar.

 

[rover67]

dont start stealing parts off my 100.

 

[Caribou Sandstorm]

dont Start Stealing Parts Off My 100.

oops, you read that...

 

[Romer]

Beautiful truck Chris. Nice job on the bumper

 

[84cruzer]

How much did that bumper change the overall length of the truck? Does it still fit in your garage? Do you have any plans to change the rear bumper?
Looking good Chris, your making it hard for me to keep my Tacoma a stock daily driver....

 

[Caribou Sandstorm]

How much did that bumper change the overall length of the truck? Does it still fit in your garage? Do you have any plans to change the rear bumper?
Looking good Chris, your making it hard for me to keep my Tacoma a stock daily driver....

Hi Gary, it is pretty close to the front. Not sure you have seen the ARB but that thing adds a lot to the front end.

I can measure it but I think 3-4" max, maybe less.

Yes I still fit in the garage, barely..

Rear bumper.. Eventually, yes, but I really want an aluminum version. I really don't want to add any more weight.

I like the RCI guys rear bumper and Expedition One make a nice one.

They are all trying to figure out the side sensor issue though.

What year is your Taco? pic?

 

[FJCDan]

Looking good Chris.

 

[Shark Bait]

Here is mine today just after upgrading to 17-inch rims and 285 70 R17 BFG T/A KO2s. The front bumper is Demello Offroad and the sliders are the All Pro APEX sliders. I think maybe I need spacers in the front.

 

[Caribou Sandstorm]

Looks great Chris!!

 

[Caribou Sandstorm]

Beautiful truck Chris. Nice job on the bumper

Thanks Ken, it is coming along.

 

[CBone]

I'm lovin' all these gray Tacos coming into the club.

Maybe we do a Taco's only Run in the spring

Let's get a few Tacoma's out for the 8th Annual Tree Cutting Hootenany!!

 

[AxleIke]

For all you new Tacoma guys, Uncle Ben and I have a buddy from South Dakota who has started making some really nice stuff for the newer tacos and 4runners. Check him out.

He is an exceptional fabricator, and I can guarantee you that his stuff is built and built right.

http://www.c4fabrication.com

 

[84cruzer]

Here is a picture of my tacoma:
2014
TRD Off road
Six speed manual/TRD quick shifter
I already have 50k on the odometer
Replaced the rugged fail tires with 265/75R16 BFG KO2A
I bought this truck after blowing up my 2.5l 2001subaru leagacy engine.... (twice)
Really love the truck.

 

[Caribou Sandstorm]

Forgot I had this view to share also..

 

[Townsend]

Must. Make. More. Money.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Must. Make. More. Money.

Yup.

 

[L43dean]

Must. Make. More. Money.

Or fix more rust.