Cheap/Free Mods

This mod lets you fit a larger spare tire if you run 285's and want a full sized spare in the stock location.

Cut off these tabs to get enough clearance for a 285 (32.8") tire. Probably gives enough clearance for most 33" tires as well.



Have these pieces left over:


Looks like this when done. Just paint to prevent rust and the the spare in place!




How to put a 285 tire as your spare - Arizona Toyz

 

Thanks to slvrAZtaco on TN.

This is a bit involved from the looks, but should be cheap since you only need to buy a resistor and 2 LED's. The rest is manual labor to mod the fog light switch to change colors when the fogs are on or off.

So, you want to know when your fogs are on? - Toyota Forums :: Toyota Nation

 

Updated post on matching color rotors and drums with pics.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods-4.html#post46201

 

Not sure if this is covered somewhere. But i was wondering if there was a way to keep the low beams on while the highbeams are on. Of course this is assuming that there is different bulbs for each. It seems like there might be. But i didnt really look. And is this legal.

 

your high and low beams are all in one bulb. I am sure there is a way of rewiring it to make both come on but I am betting the bulb will get too hot to handle it and burn one out.

 

Yeah, I'm not sure either... It's a dual filament bulb so you might be able to toggle a relay to turn on the other filament. Not sure if that would cause the hi's to turn on with the low's though. Have to look at it, have a beer, and think about!

Then there's the point kristopherl makes. It might heat up too much and burn the bulbs or melt the housing. At around $200/each I don't want to risk melting the housings! I've melted fog lights before by running more powerful bulbs.

 

eeeehhhhhhh come on and just try that mod for me tiger. Let me know if it works. haha

 

I don't think I will be trying it! I ran the idea by one of the master modders over on TN and he was of the same opinion as me. Running both filaments will probably generate too much heat.

 

PT thanks for posting. The pics pretty much show you the deal. But suppose I should put the full details down. 2 years of abuse, and its still working great. I hang on wall when not in use. 5ft Shortbed owners will have 79 inches/ 6.6 ft of space. Regular bed gets 92 inches/7.7 ft.

The wood is solid rather than Plywood. Thickness is 5/8", the height is 16 inches (good match for bed depth), the plank was 8ft long and cut it into pieces.

Measurements: two 17 3/4 inch long pieces for the tailgate sides, and 53 inches long for tailgate back.

Parts: Twelve 1 1/2 in wood screws(six on each side), four 6 inch 'L' braces.
To secure, two gate latches (gravity held through the tailgate latches), two 'O'end wood screws, and two double ended snap clips (not in pics, the clip with string is replaced) to secure the unit the the Bed 'D' rings.

Paint, add refelectors, and put six little rubber pads on the bottom so it doesn't vibrate on the tailgate.

Total cost was about $50. About $200 cheaper than the tube ones and holds more without pipes or skipoles slipping through.

 

Cool, Thanks! I'll update the materials listed in the OP.

 

Here's a link for a rechargeable work light. http://www.amazon.com/26-LED-Workli...?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1200107673&sr=8-20
It's not a mod, but I picked one of these up at Sams Club for $20. It's flippin awesome! I use it for everything. It's bright as hell and holds the charge for a long time. Great for working on the truck. There are some photos in my gallery of it in use, though the camera flash doesn't allow you to see what that worklight can illuminate.

 

Repair manual download added to TOC.
Master Portal - forums.bauchan.org/Toyota Workshop & Repair Manuals

 

like i said before pt.....kickass thread bro!!!

 

Thanks. I changed the TOC link. Would be kinda cool if the mods section had something, but not much. A lift install and that's it. Nothing under electrical mods...

 

OK, I've gone through all 4 pages of the thread and can't find instructions...

Where did y'all find them?

BTW, I ordered a kit from C2C 2 weeks ago and haven't heard or seen it. Are they still in biz or have a bad rep??

 

if you are talking about install instructions for the hoodstruts, these are from Redline Tuning's website...
install instructions for 95-04: http://redlinetuning.com/manuals/QL-TOYOTA-TACOMA_9504-101.pdf
install instructions for 05+: http://redlinetuning.com/manuals/QL-TOYOTA-TACOMA_05+101.pdf

 

My hood struts came with great directions so I just followed them. Since it's been almost 2 years since I installed them I don't have the instructions anymore.

 

Demoncleaner reminded me of this one. I've never done it, so here's what he told me:

 

I made a carpet for the storage area behind the front seats when the rear seats are folded flat in an access cab.

Before:



After:



Click a thumbnail to view bigger picture.

I paid $1.19 per foot at a local Menard's. I measured and cut it to length and made the cut-out for the center by the seat-belts. I put it in the cab with the seats folded down and used a wax pencil to mark the places to cut for the wire brackets that stick up and cut the slots with a razor knife. It slides back under the lip of the seat backs about 1/2 inch. Between the cut outs for the brackets and putting it under the seat back it is very secure. Obviously you can get it in any color you can find a carpet runner in and at the price you can replace it if it gets nasty.

Keeps things from sliding around and protects the back of the seat. If you need the seats up you can roll it up and throw it in the bed.

 

If you have done this mod or have other accessories that are powered on with the key off you might want to buy something like this:

Battery Protector

I plan on getting one since I have the always on mod and a bed light that is powered with the key off. The battery protector I linked to above is the best I have found. You can also find these at places that sell stuff for RVs.