Trash To Treasure... Trying to build the BEST Tacoma in North America...The re-Girth of Girth Brooks

[@chublez]

Interior suggestion. Replace that rear passenger door panel with more Molly paneling. No need for that passenger oriented setup with no passenger back there.

[@lynnrunningdeerB4]

He did say his children would be back there.

[@DegenerateFabricators]

@@lynnrunningdeerB4on the driver side. The passenger side will all be moly. So he can eliminate the rear passenger panel

[@saschafischer5654]

Check out trailrecons gladiator rear seat battery build. Very clean

[@trashandtrail]

If you're doing a dyno run get some numbers on those snorkel options and test a couple of air filters...dirty, clean, with and without the foam...

[@lynnrunningdeerB4]

@@trashandtrail K&N aren't effected by dust and dirt. That's why they use them on Baja builds. They were flow tested before and after. There's a science behind them😊. Not to mention there's a million mile warranty, rinse and repeat😁.

[@kelvinelrick807]

@@lynnrunningdeerB4 K&N doesn't actually filter out the dust. They just let it pass through the air filter... then through the engine. It's not so big of a deal for race teams because they rebuild their engines so often they just want something to filter out the larger particles that will do immediate damage to the engine. They don't clog with dust because they're not catching the dust. BTW, the warranty is for the air filter itself not the engine you use it on. If you want to see some video proof of 3rd party testing go watch Project Farm's engine air filter video.

[@lynnrunningdeerB4]

@kelvinelrick807 Thank you for incorrecting me. Perhaps you should take up your false claims with the independent engineer who flow tested these for them. Then perhaps you should tell every last Baja driver their filters don't work. Let me know how that turns out🤣. Also their science and data says you're wrong too. Are you one of those science deniers🤔? Also the independent engineer even showed and gave a full explanation on how they work. The flow the same amount whether it's clean or fully loaded, flow benches don't have opinions and neither do dyno machines🙄.

[@kelvinelrick807]

@@lynnrunningdeerB4 K&N prioritizes air flow not air cleaning. I cannot put it in any simpler terms. K&N markets these filters for air flow. Not how good of a job it filters out the dust. BTW do you know how small dust particles are? Most of those particles are just going to pass right through the air filter. And the ones that get caught in the filter K&N doesn't want it to impact the air flow. So the less particles the filter catches the less restriction to the air flow. I'm gonna guess the flow testers don't tell you the particle count on the back side of the air filter. Like I said in my previous comment, if you'll actually read, the Baja guys don't actually care about the filtering performance. They want the air flow. They just want something to filter out the larger debris so it doesn't immediately damage the engine. Because, they'll just rebuild the engine if there's too much wear from the dust it's ingesting. Watch these videos then get back to me and tell me how good of a job K&N actually cleans the air. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6rTp3d7ht6BeLs kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXuWfWB7YtqZj9E And this one if you're interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJXFd3R9at2Vr7s If you don't care about the longevity of your engine by all means use K&N.

[@shanenorwell8580]

Toyota air boxes are renowned for leaking around the seal, here in Australia dusting of Land Cruiser engines is a huge problem. There’s numerous companies that supply bolt together air boxes that take the factory filter element.

[@timmy_monaz]

@dirtlifestyle I was just about to type the same comment! Leaking Toyota airboxes are a massive issue here in the Australian delivered vehicles, and given that the Tacoma is very similar, I'd suggest that the most of that dust is coming in around the seal and NOT through the filter. Especially once it becomes blocked. As you know, the air flow will always find the path of least resistance.

[@adventureoverland2984]

It seams like it might be a good idea to me to put a foam head rest type pad at head level to protect your kids head from hitting the Molly panel incase you get in an accident that I HOPE is never needed. it hopefully would be used for naps.thanks for the awesome videos Nate.

[@hwi7114]

Glad you're keeping the IFS. Solid axle has benefits, but a well built IFS has benefits as well and can still be very strong.

[@krover01]

Only if you spend big $$$

[@bc30cal99]

Morning from the snowy south Okanagan, thanks for the update on the rebuild. As a former farmer and lifetime guy who has played with and repaired all manner of diesel and gas motors, please know I fully support your attempt to get clean, filtered air into the combustion chambers. I shall be following your results with interest for sure. A tip of the hat for checking the air filters regularly too - good example for the rest of us. All the best.

[@nicholasculp1294]

Add some rock lights to your storage in the back seat or some sort of lighting on a switch panel

[@nksmith86]

For me two quickest solutions to interior molle panel mounting have been using nut-certs/rivnuts in the plastic trim holes (given the oem hole and the cert are compatible in size) AND removing the trim entirely to gain enough access to use nuts, a fender washer to distribute the clamping force and the appropriately sized bolts. For my tie down/bungie rail and heavy duty molle table I made steel mount plates using flat bar that run the width of the panel/rail so that multiple mounting points needed to fail in unison, essentially ripping out the entire trim panel thus preventing the mounting locations/holes from failing individually and from a smaller lod forces.

[@bobjackson7516]

That's a great idea, I hope Nate sees this. He has done rivnuts before, so it should be easy for him to incorporate.

[@nksmith86]

@ he asked for feedback/ideas in the video, lets see what happens. I can’t imagine how full his inbox gets with comments and messages.

[@bobjackson7516]

@@nksmith86 That's no lie! He does seem to be more attentive to the comment section that most channels I follow. But yea, that's a part time job going through all that.

[@offroad6309]

Anyone that has run heavy equipment in the dirt understands the importance of a snorkel and dust separator. Hate the look but love the practicality of them. For those that think they are only for water really miss the point. Can you use riv nuts to hold the molle panels in?? Appreciate how you are using the K truck. Perfect use.

[@connersmith9711]

so happy to see you rebuilding it again!!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Me too! I can't wait to get this truck back on the road

[@connersmith9711]

@@DirtLifestyle hope i run into it on the trail one day!

[@shauncelli885]

​@@DirtLifestyle I'm in puyallup I have a 4x8 cnc plasma table I can cut stuff out for you

[@Jan-pw4po]

Tacoma for the win

[@bj4explore]

Here in Australia, one off our most installed items is a snorkel. It is a game changer for most of our country roads are dirt and the dust is horrible especially if you're following someone. The ram heads are great to get cold air in when your on bitumen roads at high speed cruising. You will see the difference.

[@georgivladimirov6965]

A year ago I had a similar accident, not with an elk but a cow :). I hit the poor animal with my Land Cruiser Prado 120, exactly in the same spot as you. Unfortunately, I did not have a steel front bumper, and the damage was ugly. The repair was very expensive to do by professionals. Your channel makes me confident that I can do it by myself, and this is what I did. Now my Prado is back on the off-road :) looking as new!

[@mattyork2230]

I put a thin layer of grease on both sides of the filter and the intake flex tube. I've done this on my off road motorcycles for years. It will also accumulate dirt at your trouble spots so you can fix the problem.

[@vdub5818]

Pros and cons to everything of course, but if you haven't tried a diesel heater for winter camping it's pretty amazing. I have been thoroughly impressed and am happy to no longer need electric blankets. We still bring em of course but as a backup.

[@elikultgen4853]

I've been using Renogy's 50A version of this RedArc for a few years. Apart from having the electrical oomf of a Class C motorhome, the best part is always having a perfectly maintained starter battery. I've also got a flatbed Tacoma with a RTT and 200Ah- you wont have to worry about battery levels ever again.

[@krover01]

Yep. I have the same charger. Works well

[@searchBLOC941]

A sliding drawer in the back seat area is a huge upgrade. They make small enough ones to be minimalistic yet have enough capacity for real equipment.

[@DRockDreamin]

I always used a bit of grease around the rim of the filters on my dirtbikes. Really seemed to help.

[@michellonergan8517]

I am really happy to see the rebuild of your Toyota. If you put your battery in the remote location, you should have a jumper station, easy access point on the side of your truck in case of dead battery. Keep up the good work.

[@austinlittle924]

So stoked to see you guys working in the Tacoma again!

[@dvnvaughan]

Since you are going through all the trouble to add such a huge house battery set up. I would add a set of battery cables from your house battery to the truck battery with a 12v relay, you will be able to jumpstart your truck

[@DirtLifestyle]

I need to research jump starting with a battery of this type a bit more. Lithium can be pretty scary, so I would definitely want the blessing of the battery manufacturer before using a deep cycle battery for a high cca job. I'm probably just being paranoid lol but the last Sema show I was at had 5 or 6 cars pushed outside due to Lithium batteries starting to smoke in the show...

[@krover01]

​@@DirtLifestylesome lithium can be used as starting batteries, but not all. Definitely err on the side of caution

[@ronthompson2366]

There was Custom Jeep Willy's Truck at SEMA. Aside from the crazy suspension. They engineered separate air intake and flow for the engine intake (your snorkel), radiator to channel air in and out, power steering and transmission cooling... everything they wanted cold air intake.. so it was all isolated from each other coming and going out. Look it up for inspiration. It's something you know, but seldom done. But it eliminates dirty air, adds forced air, and produces better cooling.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Coming along nicely! I’ve watched many late model hilux oversea have dust ingress past the air filter. For them, the dust destroys the turbo. People said it was that particular air box design flexing over long corrugation and let dust go around the seal.

[@MS-kh2je]

You should engineer some rear passenger door hinges that open to almost flat in the passenger front door for good access to the storage area

[@craig5306]

My friends Tacoma intake kept uncoupling during hard offroad and creating running issues due to sensor readings, a few times completely disconnected, but mostly just gapped connections and allowed air to bypass the filter. keep the vids coming!

[@SpaceCowboy5555]

Having dirt like that past your air filter is caused by a leak somewhere after the air cleaner. A dirty air filter will clog up before letting that much dirt in, even the crappiest air filter wont let that happen is everything is sealed correctly. Yes, a pre cleaner is a good idea, but make sure you have a good seal around your air filter element every time and there are no other leaks after the air filter element. great video!

[@dylanlangham9566]

Suggestion for the Interior creature comfort for the rear passenger. On the molly paneling you could add an arm rest. That alone could add a lot for back seat comfort. Love the build, keep it up!👍

[@jason.hartson]

Great episode, looking forward to this build. I feel like a small drawer on the bottom of the molle rack pulling out the door would be incredibly useful for small gear. It could even be foam lined for extra camera gear, batteries,drones, etc.

[@hotshtsr20]

Another option for air filters (though large) are Donaldson filters. I run the B080080 on my desert buggy. It has a restriction indicator on it (sold separately) and an internal color changing filter for when the main element is too clogged. In 3 seasons of 100% desert use, there’s no dust in the intercooler piping, no change in filter color, and barely a difference in restriction from new. $175 on Amazon, replacement elements are like $30.

[@smileyguyz]

Another option (though messy and a bit of a hassle) would be an oiled foam filter from Uni or similar. They're the standard on dirt bikes and ATV. IMO they're the best option for extremely dusty environments.

[@hotshtsr20]

@ I ran one on the buggy. Clogged to the point of nearly choking out engine (maybe 1/4 throttle) within a weekend. The air demand of the larger engine, pumping effect from the tires, open inlet (dirt bike is usually under the seat with maybe the lid removed), and number of miles you can cover in a car don’t work well for it. The Donaldson is meant for ultra heavy dust environments with dirt-moving equipment and use the same spin effect to remove a lot of dust before it enters the filter. Same thing as a UMP, just meant for OE applications and way cheaper.

[@smileyguyz]

@@hotshtsr20 Yeah that probably works much better for your use case. In a truck with an airbox (granted, it would have to be custom) routed to a snorkel, an oiled foam filter would be a much better option than the factory paper filters.

[@hotshtsr20]

@ Same goes for my Jeep. Paper filters are what all the dirt equipment and SxSs use for a reason. Pretty sure Nate talked about it in another video, but my personal experience is the oiled filters first let dust by, then become mudballs. Spin filters (either like Nate shows here, or the Donaldson filters) are key to keeping the (paper) filter from clogging.

[@DarrellCoslin]

Please add padding to the vertical Molly panel to protect your kids in case of a side impact collision!

[@kevermt]

I can’t believe you don’t have your own CNC plasma table, it’s a game changer. Great build! Thanks Nate!

[@misterrc51]

Sweet can’t wait to see what your newly built Taco going to look like 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Mountain_Made]

Fun fact about the air cleaner, this is how chainsaws run without an air filter system. Using centripetal force from the rotating motor, all the particulates stay to the outside of the housing and are ejected, while providing clean air to the intake. Love engineering

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Right when I thought you couldn't make the Taco any better, You go and do this and totally redeem yourself! lol

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol. I'm old enough to appreciate this reference 😁

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

@ lol Right on 👍 Excited to see Garth on portals

[@jadebrecks]

I'm not going to lie. When you originally said you would probably get rid of the Toyota one day it hurt bad. I love this truck and would not be able to be the buyer. Glad to see we get a lot more from this truck! Looking forward to all that is to come!!!

[@BudgetBuildBureau]

I have the Langmuir crossfire pro plasma table and it’s crazy how often you will use it if you buy one. Decreases downtime waiting for parts, decreases cost, and lets you do whatever you want for custom parts. So worthwhile for what you do for around 5k with a cutter.

[@johnhall9645]

The molly would be also be good for making a pet kennel. Look forward to watching the build

[@ktm215609]

As a backseat suggestion, maybe you could use the two, three or four drawer Milwaukee pack out boxes for all of your laptop and camera gear. Then it would allow you to quickly remove the whole toolbox from your backseat in tear garage without having to remove everything from the box. Then you can also stack them two high.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Very good idea 👍. I'm going serious consider something like this!

[@ascentoffroad]

Im so glad to see girth brooks take life again! Its my favorite of your builds. Its definitely going to be one of a kind.

[@Greg-oo1zm]

Interior suggestion, be able to access a portion of the shelving setup from the front seats. Like to grab a GoPro battery.

[@thejourneyretold]

FINALLY!!!!! The most badass toyota build!!

[@thetake864]

Old Toyota grill somehow is so cool on newer trucks.

[@badshot1401]

STOKED for this build. I'm also really liking the new fenders. Don't get me wrong, I liked the last ones, but the stock fenders show just how girthy this thing actually is.

[@taurota1554]

Outstanding and awesome content as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along.

[@juliolopez8145]

that’s why I love your concept. Everybody else is making anything into a jeep and making every jeep into a tractor😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheOffroadCamper]

We used to run into the overhead trim clip issue when we were building motorsports vehicles the solution we always did was to build a blanking plates that pop rated over the existing holes with nutzerts in the blank plate to attach we needed to attach. Sometimes you can use square nuts with little eclipse on the back to replace the plastic clips..

[@hotsaucejunkie]

two things that you absolutely need for the interior, 1. one of those little hula girls that you stick on the dashboard and 2, fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror

[@TriStateOverland]

I put the Sy-Klone on my third gen Tacoma snorkel and have been really impressed by it so far. I’d agree it’s worth the $200 bucks!

[@DynamicDesign144]

To keep your air system clean - use grease liberally at all the joints. Silicone (dielectric) grease would probably be the most compatible with all the plastic/rubber, though any grease would be OK with most modern underhood components. It's been quite a few years but I remember reading a very well done filter test for dirt bikes and they found that almost all of the particulates that made it past the filter were sneaking in around the edges of the filter rather than through it. It's messy, but a nice goober of grease around the filter rubber top and bottom, as well as at each of the pipe connections would ensure you can't pull anything in except through the filter itself.

[@hodad200]

Agreed about the air intake design. Same problem with the 200. I hate how the snorkel looks but I’m getting tired of changing paper filters!

[@mattcombs8219]

My molle panel for the ceiling used nut zerts to mount it.

[@bow3022]

Make the shelving fold or drop down. When you don't need it, fold it back up, vice versa.

[@ionich]

I went the same direction with my electrical power system (ecoflow alternator charger). I highly recommend going with a CIGS panel as your small support solar. Very flexible, come in 2 mounting versions, and literally indestructible. Bonus is they have great performance in partial shade (tree coverage and whatnot).

[@Chris-zp6eh]

I’ve been looking forward to Girth Brooks 2.0.

[@PROXIMO22]

my ecodiesel gladiator sucked up way too much dust on the WABDR last july... i was shocked at how much dust made it through. so... i now have an AEV snorkel with a Sy-Klone pre filter. its the most controversial modification or addition ive added to any of my jeeps in the last 30 years. it is also the most misunderstood. people love it or hate it and don't even understand what its for...i sure do appreciate your comments, i will point them here!

[@rogernelson9442]

Since you had the fenders off, it would have been great to replace the inner fenders with new ones from JD Fab. You should also check out their lower control arm pivots. That would really beef up the front suspension!

[@Brood_Master]

I'm loving where you're at with this build. Can't wait to see it on portals... My recommendation is, try to fit 200 watts solar on top of your roof top tent. I've been running a very similar house power system on my truck for a little over 2-yrs and am loving it. I started with a 30 amp dual input charge controller, 200 watts solar and 12v 200Ah LIFEPO4 Battery powering the usual camping stuff (lights, 12v e-blanket, M18 chargers etc.) However, I have an ICECO VL60 dual zone cooler that I run 24-7 365. My house power was enough for summer and part of the shoulder seasons but during the winter season, I've found that my solar and driving wasn't enough to keep up... I ended up upgrading to 400 watts solar and 400Ah LIFEPO4 Battery. Now, even when the truck sits under the trees in the cloudy, rainy Washington winter weather. My cooler will run two weeks and only take my batteries down to 50%... I just added shore power charging and at this point, I'm planning to upgrade again by replacing my 30 amp charge controller with a 50 amp and upgrade my 1000 watt inverter to a 2000 watt so I can run bigger power tools like my 12" miter saw and airless paint sprayer...

[@krover01]

A dc to dc charger is the way to go. Solar is good for when you're parked

[@average-joe-citizen1]

If you ever find the need for a tool to check square look at a body shop tool called a Tram gauge. They are used by frame guys. Simple tool with a lot of useful benefits in a build shop.

[@vetguy2562]

Hey Nate and Nick 🤘 Could a little washer with a riv-nut in it be welded in for those molle panels ? I'm so glad to see Girth Brooks back in the game, THE TIRES BWA HA HA HA 😂 Awesome Karma out to you two 🤘

[@DirtLifestyle]

I was definitely considering using a weld washer or something! But I personally hate welding in the interior of trucks. Little sparks like to find their way into seats and carpet 😁

[@bwhartman1]

Interested in how you mitigate vibration. Looks sweet, but can totally see that thing driving me nuts down a washboard road😂

[@DirtLifestyle]

I'm hoping I can just bolt the crap out of everything with a bunch of custom brackets lol. Maybe I can use some sound deadening between the panels. I'm glad you brought this up, I'm going to focus on this a bit more now. 👍

[@lowe-landeroutdoors0407]

I did a seat delete and removed all the factory plastic u gain almost 5inchs of room. You also then have a flat back the stays true top to bottom . I used plywood worked great

[@is6566]

Well you are starting from the previous gen so you are already 90% there. 😃

[@krover01]

5 or 6 years ago I went with the Renogy 50a dc to dc because it was the only one that trickle charged the starting battery. Interesting to see Red arc finally catching up.

[@thedevilstears1]

9:55 Isn't it a raised air intake, not a snorkel. I know its semantics but I do believe some people think that because something is branded or marked as a snorkel it just magically increase their wading depth while this is not always the case.

[@kelvinelrick807]

I have a suggestion for your air box. You know those vacuum checkers that (at least) Caterpillar, Cummins, and Ford use on their diesels? What I did was I plumbed one of those from my intake pipe to inside my cab so I can check to see the vacuum behind the air filter. Not sure how well it'll work on a N/A engine, I put an R2.8 Cummins in mine so it does have the suction to pull it down. And it does work, I live on a dusty road in Colorado. I'd give it a shot, It's a least worth a try. Then you'll know for sure when you need to change the filter rather than checking it a bunch of times.

[@Noahlochner0]

4:21 reminds me of that scene from liar liar when he gets his car back. “what am I gunna do? I’m gunna stand here, piss and moan, and take it up the tailpipe” “You’ve been here before haven’t ya?”

[@pyrostwistedride4821]

I really love the fact that you are keeping the IFS up front, and I can't wait to see where this build goes. Until I have a place to build something really capable, my dirtbikes and SxS are my off-road toys. That being said, I know how capable IFS/IRS. Before the keyboard warriors get started, I know the Lil yota is solid rear axle.

[@terrencecapps5064]

Would love to see some in depth content on the front bumper build with some tube work!!! You do great work!!!

[@number1yota]

Snowbound customs has upgraded alternators for the Taco's, factory Taco alternators aren't known for really pumping out the juice. I would highly recommend mounting some kind of light system on your shelf, I had a similar rack system in a patrol car and at night it get really dark and the regular interior lights don't cut it. I threw in some cheap HF touch lights because my PD didn't wanna pay for it.

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

I installed the JD pump kit on one of my friends 3g Tacoma and it was a fun experience. That fucken small washer/spacer thing was fun to keep in place. Man you guys had it easy with no radiation on the way. Keep up the good work guys!

[@jake_berry]

I pulled down the headliner in my 18 Tacoma to put in soundproofing and those stupid clips were such a pain to get back in!

[@DirtLifestyle]

I hate that so many manufacturers are turning to this type of solution. A good old-fashioned riv nut and bolt would have been nice 😁

[@autoglassmike]

Your a very talented guy Nate looking forward to seeing the taco on portals. I had a 17 Tacoma. I bet the 200ah battery will fit where the inverter is that way you can still put the passenger seat way back if needed.

[@jasonterrian5248]

Next time try a rivnut. Basically, a nut that is a rivet. You can use what ever size bolt you want.

[@commbubba1990]

As a dad, my only concern with that rear panel is injury risk to anyone sitting in that rear seat. A side impact on the drivers side would have their head into the panel. If the panel stays, maybe move to a 4 pt harness instead of the factory seat belt. Regarding the air filter, it may be an older filter and new ones have the fluffy pre filter. I’ve seen more and more cars with the fluff.

[@jordang94]

missed this truck , frig i need a 4x4 , in canada everything is expensive , i was young and stupid and F'ed up my credit , im 30 . but anyway yes i miss having something to go off road and enjoy the great outdoors ! love the yoda ! my mother has a 1988 4runner restored , been trying to buy it for 15 years lol she had it since new, so been a yota fan my whole life !

[@boogy087]

Very common in Australia to replace the factory toyota airboxes with aftermarket options that seal better, even with a snorkel

[@coreyblutaco]

Glad to see the taco is back!

[@lit_taco4x4]

That JD Fab Howe TC pump is a game changer. I also recall that you had issues with your engine blowing white smoke on steep inclines, check out J&L oil separator or RM engineering, they have the PCV reroute kit. Can’t wait to see this on portals with the long travel.

[@jeremystedman1942]

I think you should try better quality filters for the drop in. Like a K&N or other reusable filters. Stock ones even oem toyota ones were never designed for the amount of dust you're subjecting them to. Toyota probably engineered them for very little offloading and higher fuel economy. With a reusable one you'll oil it which I would guess would help a fair amount. You could have 2 filters. 1 to swap in so you have some time to clean, dry, and re oil the other. Probably save money in the long run doing that as well. Truck looks good!

[@matt6986]

Another build I'll follow closely. Looking forward to hearing your opinion on the portals. Those things are expensive but they sure are nice to have the extra clearance under the axle/IFS

[@goodfight12]

I’ve been waiting for you to start on this again wooooo!!!!!!

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

super glue for that cut! Works awesome. Loctite makes some of the best superglue, and I have had to use it a couple times on myself and the superglue does such a great job of sealing it and holding it together I can't hardly tell the cuts were there, and they were deep cuts. I keep a bottle around! Great Fist Aide kit item!

[@Heeman5]

Your son is going to get a preview into what it feels to be in the back of a cop car. 🤣😆😂🤪

[@DirtLifestyle]

I was thinking the same thing lol. Hopefully not... 😁

[@abecar17]

Gotta look into the new arc Droid extension. I think they are having issues with big complex file cuts but the ability to have a decent sized easy to use cnc plasma table in half the foot print of a traditional table would be invaluable for a small shop/ home diy guy

[@johnclint691]

You could do Goose gear in the rear for storage. Buck overland also makes a bed rack that has more capabilities and would add storage space.

[@59eurobug]

I believe they sell a solar panel that mounts on the hood of the Taco. That would look so cool and work for your setup.

[@BrianW2979]

It would be nice to have drawer slides on the shelves inside the cab. That way you could open the door, slide out the shelve, put on or take off whatever you want, then slide it back in. It seems to me like it would make it easier to organize stuff if you had full access.

[@noah786]

I would put the shelf about 8 inches higher and divide the space underneath in half vertically. Then have tall storage on the right and maybe cubbies on the left.

[@Chris-ob8ok]

I run 400AH of batteries in my chevy overlander and 5000W inverter. I run a solenoid than engages when the engine is running to send power back to the batteries to charge. I also use 200A breakers on both ends in case the wires get pinched and possibly cause a fire (been there). I then have the solar charger on the back batteries only. I can bypass the solenoid in case the truck battery dies and I need power from the rear bank. I use my system to cook with a griddle, and have 120v for pretty much any power tool. I think you'll find that 200A is decent but dies pretty fast with heating elements, and 2000w will leave you wanting more.

[@vince5048]

Maybe I'm off base here but something I thought of is if that if someone is sitting in that back seat and god forbid you flop that thing on it's side wouldn't they be kinda stuck in there? Sick build. Looking forward to following the progress.

[@jbrizz99]

If you're getting dirt past your filter your airbox may not be sealing. A snorkel helps keep the filter clean sure, but it's not a fix for preventing dirt getting into the engine, it'll still happen, just at a lower rate. If the airbox is anything like Landcruiser 79 and 200 series it's a really common problem to let dust past and this has been the reason for many engine failures. I would seriously look at an aftermarket airbox (or fabbing something) that uses bolts to clamp against the filter seal.

[@lynnrunningdeerB4]

*Can we say K&N🤔? You never throw them away. Not to mention that they use them on Baja trucks and never have any problems😁.*

[@phoenixblack2303]

I'd really suggest adding a PCV reroute to the engine while you're doing all of this. I'm surprised you haven't had issues with it but the 3.5 is awful with sucking oil out of the valve cover and blowing the rods out on steep inclines especially leaned to the drivers side. I've had 2 friends have it happen to them within the last year. RM Engineering makes a super nice kit

[@tortoiseoverland]

I would use 2 100ah batteries. That way is one battery craps out, you still have some capacity to continue your trip/get home. I use a Renogy system, with a CORE and a 50a DC-DC charger. It works well. Might consider this Kyle.

[@matthewschneider2089]

Dude!!! Nice to see you working Yoda!!! ✌️

[@leelynndean4153]

For your shelf make one a slide out with wiring that you can put slim stuff in and put them on chargers

[@MyShadowblue]

You need an Arc Droid. The stuff that Ethan from Grind Hard Plumbing builds on his is just shy of genius.

[@gwood69]

Sorry to laugh at your pain nate. But all I can think about is Monty python “tis nothing but a flesh wound!” And the dudes hoping on one leg and no arms 😂😂😂

[@jfloydsea]

Don’t use the inverter to charge stuff if you can help it. If you’re just converting back to DC with wall warts, use DC to DC buck converters if 12v isn’t sufficient.

[@obedm.6627]

To be fair a factory Tacoma has liners under the bumper and fender liners so the tire isn’t directly throwing a constant blast of dirt / rocks / dust and water into that hole. That was al caused by removing the factory liners .

[@deadgameguns]

I’m Down syndrome kid meeting his favorite pro wrestler level of excited for this build.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol Jesus dude 😂