Crossroads - 2017 Toyota Hilux build

nuclear_jk

Member
I've been feeling pretty low the past few days. Mostly likely because I feel like the hilux build has been compromised by average workmanship. After much thought I paid a visit to ARB this afternoon to talk to them about it.

I'm glad I did. The manager and sales rep were gracious in listening and have booked it in this Friday to be reworked. I'll be taking before and after pics, but I feel better about it all.

The car feels great. The suspension perfect. Just need to ensure the fitment is bang on and I'll feel much better.

For those in Australia or coming, a public service announcement:

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nuclear_jk

Member
I was poking around the engine bay this afternoon (another wiring plan being hatched) and came across a booboo. The shared gearbox and transfer case breather obviously got a little hot and melted!

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I've popped in another breather (same type unfortunately), stuck some bigger conduit over the brass fitting and line, and zip tied it away from everything. I'll have to monitor this sucker closely top make sure this doesn't happen again.

I'm putting together a video review of the work ARB has recently done. I did take it back to them last Friday for them to fix the issues they'd created. They did some fixes... Not all though.

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nuclear_jk

Member
I still haven't gotten round to the ARB video. Promotion at work and the two kids had been keeping me busy.

I have however been buying stuff (thankfully cheap!) on Ebay to resolve issues. I got some heat shield for the breather. All fitted up and I think it'll do the job.
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I also have worked out how I'll fix the constant power issue to the distribution board. This HUGE relay

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With unning some big guage wires and moving one of the breathers it has all tied in nicely.

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Just need to tap an ignition wire to close the relay.

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nosedive

Observer
That‘s an awesome Hilux! Love the front bumper and the camper choice.

I still hope we will get the 2.8 Hilux in Europe one day. So far we only have the 2.4 and automatic transmission is only availabe for the double cab..
 

nuclear_jk

Member
That‘s an awesome Hilux! Love the front bumper and the camper choice.

I still hope we will get the 2.8 Hilux in Europe one day. So far we only have the 2.4 and automatic transmission is only availabe for the double cab..
Thanks nosedive! Been putting a lot of soul and effort into this build.

Long term I'm hoping to drive this rig to Europe so then at least there'll be one! Do you get the Tacoma?

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nosedive

Observer
Long term I'm hoping to drive this rig to Europe so then at least there'll be one! Do you get the Tacoma?

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That sounds awesome! Have you ever thought about getting rid of the tray and mount the camper onto the frane? I see the pros of a tray/camper combo for a daily driver/weekend warrior. But I guess you could save quite some weight without the tray for a long journey.

Here in Switzerland is one private company who offers the new Tacoma, for almost 50k USD. That‘s more expensive than the Hilux and the payload on the Tacoma is a joke, unfortunately.
There‘s a lot of rumors about Toyota offering the 2.8l in 2019. Or a new 3.0l engine for 2020 in cooperation with another engine manufacturer. There‘s a lot of competition in the European midsize pickup market, so we‘ll see what Toyota comes up with..
 

nuclear_jk

Member
That sounds awesome! Have you ever thought about getting rid of the tray and mount the camper onto the frane? I see the pros of a tray/camper combo for a daily driver/weekend warrior. But I guess you could save quite some weight without the tray for a long journey.

The ute is used for both daily duties and adventures so I really do need the tray. It also houses the water tanks and gives me great storage on a day to day basis. It also means I can continue to fit in carparks with a 2.1m height :)

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nuclear_jk

Member
Sit-rep: the ARB Frontier tank is pretty awesome. 650km and only half a tank gone :)
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I grabbed a few minutes and ripped the rear box off.

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The CKMA12 compressor mounts nicely up inside the box and won't impact loading the inside up with recovery gear.

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Cant even see it when the doors open!

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nuclear_jk

Member
So the day finally came! Whoo! CAMPER TIME!!! Well the day finally came in the form of a 1am start followed by 20 hours of driving to pick it up.
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First up, though not the most exciting, they repaired the drawer underneath. Now I can fit it back in its original position, even with the bigger BP51 suspension.
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And here she is, just need to name and christen her!
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This is Tong Metal's one
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And finally she's clipped on and ready to roll.
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Result.
 
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Tex68w

Beach Bum
Wow, that is pretty amazing! So glad to finally see this all come together for you. I look forward to your future trip reports and videos in that beast.
 

02rangeredge

Adventurer
I vote you give it some space ship style name, because that beast looks like the first thing to drop from the sky on any planet with a viable atmosphere
 

nuclear_jk

Member
Wow, that is pretty amazing! So glad to finally see this all come together for you. I look forward to your future trip reports and videos in that beast.
Cheers Tex68w! I'll grab some more pics and maybe a video this weekend.

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nuclear_jk

Member
A quick tank update.
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I'm getting roughly 1150km (approx 700miles) to a tank. For now, that'll do

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