MStudt's 01 SR5 Build

Onto the next small project.

I've had a 4xInnovations rear bumper for the last couple years, and love almost everything about it. I decided to get the fold down cook tray, and the latching system is the only feature that I never cared for. It doesn't latch very well, has a ton of play in it, slaps the rear hatch, and make noise.

I decided to give it a little update last night. I pull off the old hardware, and mocked up a new system that utilizes magnets to hold it closed. I had a couple extra T4R brackets that I use on antenna mounts, and those will be welded to the tray. Each bracket has a small bend edge that can be used for hanging a bag, or anything else that might be needed around the cooking area.

This is just about complete, but will need to get it powder coated next week before I put it back together.

 

The tray for the tire carrier is now powder coated, and installed. I really like the way it turned out, and now I get to see how durable the powder coat right is.

 

Moving onto the next rear bumper/tire carrier mod. There have been a couple times that some sort of lighting would have been great, and that leads me here. I picked up some microphone stand parts along with some Cat Eye LED's, and a waterproof switch that I plan on mounting to the tire carrier.

Below are the parts I'm using for the lighting. I'm still waiting for a couple access covers, screws, drill bit, tap, sealant, and hole saw in order to make this work.

 

Got my access covers cut this morning for the cooking light setup. Tonight I'm going to try to drill the 2 larger holes for the light, and switch. In addition to those I should be able to drill, and tap the additional 8 holes to secure the access covers. Then I should be able to powder coat the covers tomorrow, and put everything today before this weekend.

 

We've been getting the 4runner out more lately, and we've both realized how much we missed it. This past weekend we did a short 1 night trip to an area that's been closed for the last year. I guess people haven't heard that it's now open, and because of this we didn't see a single person.

 

Headed out on a small adventure this past weekend. While we didn't find a camping spot on the lake we were hoping for. We did find a better camping spot on a lake that was amazing.

 

What lake is that? Looks like over east.

 

It's Meadow Lake up new Hoodoo.

Mike