elclem21’s 09 Black Taco re-geared to 4.30 build

2012-2017 recap:

The journey started in August 2012. Although I was not shopping for a new vehicle at that time, a quick stop at a Toyota dealership convinced me otherwise. I found this 2009 Tacoma in the back of their lot.



During the following year and a half, I installed a suspension lift kit from Old Man Emu, put new tires and wheels, ProEFX towing mirrors from mach1man001, got a Raptor style Satoshi grill from Homertaco, and the list goes on. Being mechanically knowledgeable and having access to a well-equipped mechanical shop with a hoist made all those installations way easier for me. I must have saved thousands of dollars by doing all this work by myself, with some occasional help.

This is how it was looking like in April 2014.



There was no significant work or mods being made between 2014 and 2017. I was quite satisfied of the work I’ve done at that time and did not had as much time either to think about future projects. I also moved away from Ontario to Alberta in the summer of 2015.

2018-current

In early February 2018, I finally pulled the switch and ordered a Tepui Autana Ruggedized RTT. A few months prior to, in anticipation of the purchase of the RTT, I ordered a set of 3 high (8in) bed bars from Relentless Fabrication. I am very excited of the new addition and can’t wait until I receive the tent to go camping.

At the end of March 2018, I had the truck re-geared by a specialized local shop in Edmonton. I opted for 4.30 gear ratio, with the addition of an Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited slip differential for the rear. Since I originally had 3.73 gears and the new gears were not available in a thick cut for the front, the front differential had to be swapped out with a 3.91 and up carrier.

Mods:

Performance:
TRD Cat-Back exhaust (PT910-89060 for long wheelbase (DCLB));

Suspension:
OME Nitrocharger 90000 shocks;
OME 885 coil springs;

$147 Whiteline W53312 Front Control Arm Bushing, Black

Whiteline W53312 Bushings in LCAs
Total Chaos Fabrication Shock Tower Gussets;
Total Chaos Fabrication Upper Control Arms;
OME Dakar CS047R leaf springs;
Extended length stainless steel braided brake lines.

Drivetrain:
4.30 ratio Yukon Gears;
3.91 and up open carrier at the front;
Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited slip differential at the rear;

Tires and wheels:
Ultra Motorsports Xtreme X-Lok 17x8.5;
Good Year Wrangler Duratrac LT285-70/17 Load Range E.

Lighting & electrical:
NorthStar NSB-AGM-27F Battery;
Eaton Bussmann 15303-5-2-4 RTMR;
Tacoma Pros RTMR bracket;
Philips 30w gy6.35 HIR reverse lights;

Exterior:
Homertaco raptor style satoshi grill;
ProEFX towing mirrors w/heat and LED marker/blinker (PM mach1man001 for info);
Weathertech hood deflector;
Weathertech window visors;
Bentrodder bed supports;
Dodge D-rings (x4) on bed bolts;
Access Original Roll Up Tonneau Cover.

Interior:
Weathertech mats front and rear;
Pioneer AVIC-X940BT head unit;
Vehicle OCD Glove box organizer;
Vehicle OCD Center console organizer.

Gear:
Tepui Autana Ruggedized RTT;
Relentless Fabrication bed bars;

 

This post is reserved for future projects.

For the moment, progression on this project is on hold due to required maintenance items to be taken care of.

 

Sub'd, it's a start for now man!, but I've gotta ask what are some future upgrades/mods you have planned?

 

I am thinking of a 3 in suspension lift, wheels & tires, some homemade custom fab (rock sliders, bed structure). Maybe a front & rear bumper could be nice too.

My gameplan is to take my time, do my research and ensure it will be trouble free.

 

That's all good, and better to do things right the first time! Look forward to your build!

 

In the last couple years, I have been looking around for new gears. The 33in tires are definitely not ideal for the factory 3.73 gear ratio. When I moved from Ontario to Alberta in 2015, I was towing a 5x8 enclosed trailer and for fact, my transmission was constantly hunting for a gear. This was enough to convince me to add a re-gear to the project list. In order to get close to the factory ratios, it was recommended to go with 4.10 gears. However, I wanted some extra power, without scarifying the fuel economy too much. The next best option was 4.56, but it was probably too much of a change in my opinion. In the last year, Yukon Gear came out with an option for a 4.30 ratio.

Although I have good mechanical skills, there is always a few jobs that are better to be done by professionals. I definitely didn’t want to mess around with tolerances and gear contact patterns. I contacted a specialized gear and drivetrain shop in Edmonton, Alberta, and submitted a work proposal to re-gear my truck to 4.30, with the addition of a rear Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited slip. It only needed a couple discussions and everything was set with an appointment.

So far, I am very pleased with the new ratio. I did some driving around the town and went on a long drive the week after. The truck feels so different now.

 

A few weeks ago, I made my truck work hard. I carried some lumbers I got for free for about 5 hours on the road. Those Dodge D-rings are making such a difference when it's time to secure down a load.



Also, those bed supports from @Bentrodder are definitely up to the task as well. This definitely put them to the test and they performed as expected.

 

Last weekend I finally installed my Tepui Autana Ruggedized RTT. Can't wait to go camping with my GF (she is more excited than I am about it ahahah).

 

What do you think of the 4.30's? I've been thinking of going with that option. Any difference in mpg on interstate

 

^^This question also^^

 

Although I have not much data before the re-gear job, I do believe it actually made a difference. I would say I may have gained approx. 1 or 2 MPG back from when I was geared on 3.73.

I made about 16 MPG when I was driving a about 70 MPH on my winter 32's. Now that I have my 33's back on for the summer, I think I may a dropped a little but definitely not a full MPG.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/help-with-4-30-gears-from-ecgs.518811/page-4#post-17572441

You should look this thread up, this is where I got convinced to go with 4.30. For reference, my engine RPM is 2300 going at 70 MPH. Not bad at all IMO.

 

sounds like 4.30's are the way to go for me . Does your tranny hunt at all with hills on the interstate. Right now mine refuses to go up any sort of hill without dropping down

 

It all depends on the hill you're about to ascend. I live near the Rockies and of course when I go out there, my transmission will kick down. However there is not much gear hunting happening anymore on normal driving. the 4th gear have some serious power now for sure.

As a footnote, if you go with 4.30 gears, you will have to replace the front carrier if you have 3.73 gears. The 4.30's are not available in a "thick cut" like the 4.56 or 4.88 thick who are designed to fit a 3.73 and down carrier.

 

OK, time for a few updates here...

First, the installation of my new Fab Fours rear bumper with the tire carrier option:




And of course... some camping !!!

 

My latest addition to my (now) fleet !!!