Bigwapiti's 2011 Tundra build - Big Nambe
All,
Well it's been over 7 months since I changed vehicle platforms. As you know I had a 3generation 4runner that was an exceptional vehicle. This rig owned me nothing because it was an excellent vehicle that served my family for 10 years and 170,000 miles. I'll always have fond memories of this vehicle not only for the years and miles, but also for the introduction to overlanding...
Anyway, here is one last pic of the rig on the way to the dealership...Farewell my old friend :dunno:
Why the platform change? It boiled down to 2 things: room and power. In early May, my son and I participated in a Central Overland rally. It became obvious that the V6 was underpowered in hilly terrain. Our route took us through the Buffalo River in Northern Arkansas, and some of the passes were steep. Nothing compared to passes out west, but it was enough to make me aware and concerned that the rig was struggling...We had 2 in the rig towing a loaded Outlander Sherpa II (10 gallons of fuel / 15 gallons of water / food in the engel 45 for 2 days...).
I did consider a Land Cruiser 100 and 200 series, however, I really missed the utility of a pick-up. My previous rig before the 4runner was a pre-Tacoma p/u, and after consulting with my wife (CFO) I called my auto broker and was able to get a GREAT deal on a Toyota Tundra...
Here it is. 2011 Tundra CrewMax / 4x4 / 5.7L ~ 381 hp / 401 ft/lbs of torque. My broker lined up a great price for my rig and a great price on the Tundy. I found a tundra grade with a sunroof / upgraded stereo with BT technology / backup camera and some other stuff...Most Tundys with this setup retailed for 10K-12K more...:D
Anyway, on to the pics...
I sold my Wet Okole seat covers and ProComp wheels seperately, and I have some money...Let the mods begin...:laugh:
Regards,
BWJ
Re: Bigwapiti's 2011 Tundra build - Big Nambe
Well, things are not as they seem...I went back to the 'factory' store for ATC shells, and found out that the shell will not be available for quite some time. Also, the price seems to go up every time I talk them...:bang:
Moving on...I found another dealer that sells both the ATC and Snugtop lines. It looks like I am going to pull the trigger on a Snugtop SnugPro series. I chose this shell for the following reasons:
1) Commercial grade shell altogether with a 500 lbs roof rack capacity. I will have them put on Yakima tracks for the time being ~ only ones available. Then I will change that up later on.
2) Only shell that has a fiberglass side doors as an option instead of 'windoors' ~ more security. Comes with a T-handle 3 point locking system. Each tool box has a 100 lbs capacity.
3) All upgrades will be done at cost! :D
4) This shell is $800 less here...:eeek:
5) The quality of the Snugtop is markedly better than the other brands that I was looking at...Leer, ARE, ATC, Unicover...
As usual, I was not able to find any pics of Tundras with this kind of shell...Closest pics I could find was a Taco...
I have since upgraded my mirrors to tow mirrors. They are the bomb. So solid doors on the sides will no longer be an issue. Eventually, I will add the Frontrunner rack overhead and slap an awning on it as well...I'm going to go see one of these in person in a couple of weeks. If I like it, it will be ordered.
Regards,
BWJ
Toytec Ultimate lift and Nitto Terra Grapplers...
All,
I recently got a Toytec Ultimate lift installed in Big Nambe. Ride is much improved and the components are beefy! I also had some 17" TRD forged alloy rims laying around and laced them up with some Nitto Terra Grapplers. Here she is with the 33s aligned. According to the tire calculator ~ http://ejelta.com/tiresize/, the 295/70 r17 is bigger by 1.69% than the 285/70 r17factory tires. I feel as though this tire size fills out the lifted 3/1 Tundra rather well. Alot different ~ AND BETTER than the stock wheel/tire combination.
Stock:
32s: Caveat ** These tires had 40% tread left on them...**
33s:
Stock:
32s:
33s:
Stock:
32s:
33s:
Enjoy!
Regards,BWJ
Shelf project continued...
All,
I knocked out some smaller tool projects that I had in the works along with my cabinet project. Mild midwestern weather (Upper 60's) in early November, I'll take it!...**If you have any additional suggestions for tools, please let me know!**
As stated earlier, my tool shelves are such that they are 13" at the base and 5" at the crest. I found a tool bag from Home Depot and a Pelican 1450 case that fits this shelf to a tee. I also have enough room to mount my level / wrenches behind this bag ~ bonus. My planning did not account for this, it was blind luck and coincidence...:bike_rider: It pays to be lucky at times...
Home Depot bag ~ This is the hanging tool bag. It is made with 1600 weight Cordura, and has a 5 year warranty. Here it is opened up...Plenty of slots and pockets for everything.
Pelican case ~ I made a divider and added some 'Old Style Mini QuickFists' to hold my wrenches. The divider is 1/8" masonite material sprayed with anti-skid coating...
I considered some Knipex wrenches however, I think these Irwin Groove lock wrenches are going to be just fine (and cheaper too)...
I also found these new Craftsman 'universal' wrenches / sockets that will grip six different types of nuts and bolts (Hex 6pt, Square 4pt, Hex 12pt, External Torx®, Spline, and partially rounded hex 6pt). I bought both metric and SAE sockets. These are also the max axxess design so I supposedly don't need shallow and deep sockets. I got some ratcheting wrenches in metric as well...
Plano hard case ~ I picked this XL Plano gun case up at the Bass Pro Outlet for $50! (Kicking myself that I did not pick any more...) This case is ideal to use for my recovery gear. Pick'n'pluck foam is great!...Not bad for a Cheap solution, and it fits just inside my shelf...
Soooo Enjoy!
Regards,
BWJ
Next up: Custom Baja Rack / ShadyBoy awning / Stihl Cant hook...:D
Re: Bigwapiti's 2011 Tundra build - Big Nambe
Very cool project! Looks great!