Ole Red - 1999 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab 2.7L 3RZ-FE 4x4 SR5 All Manual Build

Just a question. What suspension makes you need the cut the stock pipe?

 

Really appreciate the feetback frizzman..

I am leaning towards the mini header from the 01+ so I can keep my sensors working as they should. What is a good set up for redoing the catalytic converter and new muffler with the new mini header? Would you dump the catalytic converter? What is most feasible, longevity wise?

Picked up these wheels (17") and had every intention of using them but they are way to big and heavy. I sold them for what I paid... oh well. 15" or 16" will be better.



Thank you for forwarding a link to this system. It would be ideal to have an entire system in one place. The OME full kit is rising to the top of the list right now. I still haven't given up on LT yet. I just need final convincing one way or another.... Anyone?

I have been reading up on everyone else's choices. So far there are several good options. I am hoping more of the veterans on here will shed some light on multiple experiences instead of single experiences to draw some good direction.

 

I have seen where the OME Dakars would require you to get that out of the way.... They make a "relocation bracket" or I've seen where others have just cut them off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjPmK6LkLTI

 

Ole Red you say?

May I introduce you to Ol' Red: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/madjik-mans-laugh-at-with-him-build.98326/

 

Hey, they could be brothers... At least cousins.

 

saw this post.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7-header-decisions.361562/

also I'd wait and get the skinnies.

super skinny (9.25" wide) is the 235/80-17

regular skinny (10") is the 255/75-17.

with mine I do notice the difference in under-steer(I think) with the slightly taller/skinnier tire but the rims/tire combo I have looks like it pushed them out a bit.

old:



new:

 

First things first in the new year. Get rid of those piss yellow headlight reflectors. Don't keep any love for the old ones,,toss them. No need to try to polish them back to life,,it's a waste because they have many years on them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-00-Toyot...ash=item4642ad98ac:g:adoAAOSwT5tWHA4T&vxp=mtr
Letting you first gens in on my ebay buddy who has set me up with multiple sets for different vehicles. They arrive with new Halo bulbs. First class support from these guys. Had them send me another reflector because I received one damaged. They sent it FOC 2 day ship, with another halo bulb, complete unit. Replaced a set thru these guys about 10 years ago on another car (Mustang),,no yellowing yet. They are out of Texas.

Cheap fast fix for a ugly yellow habit of all 1st gens.

Add it to the list.

 

Got a link for 01-04 years?

 

$46 DEPO 312-1150L-AS Replacement Driver Side Headlight Assembly (This product is an aftermarket product. It is not created or sold by the OE car company)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I0ILE0...lid=2AP5NQN4CXKTY&coliid=I27QC2D2KM58PT&psc=1

$46 DEPO 312-1150R-AS Replacement Passenger Side Headlight Assembly (This product is an aftermarket product. It is not created or sold by the OE car company)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I0MC7M...olid=2AP5NQN4CXKTY&coliid=IGDODQH80HKXZ&psc=1

 

Why are they only $30 each? Are they bright? I just can't believe these are good quality with that price.

 

that's $65 for the set, more expensive than the ones @Mod posted for the 98-00 ones.

also I have heard good reviews on the Depo brand. I have the lower turn signal housings and so far they are the only ones other than the Toyota OEM to not show condensation after a week.

 

Frizzman - I really like those skinnys... How are the coopers working out so far. Road noise, grip, wear, etc..? I like the size and fit.

Thanks for the tip Mod!! I am pretty disgusted with these old headlights. I appreciate you sending these. I will look into this and see if I can't get these coming. You say these come with bulbs too? I didn't see anything on the listing about the bulbs coming with it... just making sure.

 

I will retaliate by saying that the last set I got from them (1993 C/K GMC dually) came with main reflector bulbs, my full set came with bulbs, and the replacement single lens had a bulb shipped in the housings and snapped into there place,,which is the best place for them to be shipped. You also get the rubber boot that surrounds the back of the reflector and seals it all up.

I can't remember if the mustang set came with,,but I suspect they did.

I am sure they are the bargain bulbs, so I am not laying odds, but they say they are the right wattage and make the night life much nicer with a bright pic and clear lens.

Now that I posted this,,,crow pie flys across the stage and splats me in the face(bulbs probably not shipped now).

 

10:4, no hard feelings.... Either way, still nice to get rid of "piss yellow"

 

Looks like a nice truck to build on! I too have manual everything, its a good way to go for reliability. Hell I even have manual ignition cause mine still has a distributor. Only time the manual has given me trouble was when my shifter bushing broke and wouldn't let me into 3rd or 4th without tugging the shifter up super hard. Id say check out my build but I haven't updated it in forever and truck has changed a lot since then. I'm subbed to your build,

 

No biggie. The yellow lens look really bad for some reason on that Sunfire red color,,of which I also have. My 85 SR5 was repainted Marlboro red but never had the problem of yellowing plastic lenses, only shattering glass. Done with red tho', next color,,unknown.

 

So, I am dropping off Ole' Red at a local trusted import mechanic who will do a diagnostic for free. These guys have been watching over my Taco for the last 2 years or so for a good regular oil change (Mobil), diagnosed and fixed first check engine light (belts that lasted 100k+ miles), and replaced the clutch and changed tranny fluids for the first time at 200K miles with all OEM Toyota parts and recommended procedures. They have been fair and have never pushed any service on me. So, what the heck with the regular oil changes and a big clutch service, I guess a diagnostics run isn't too much to ask. I am certainly expecting oxygen sensor or catalytic converter. We will see what happens.

Either way, the current cast iron header has go to come out. Is the header hooked up to any sensors or is it only the lower portion of exhaust system from connection to header back to catalytic converter? If the selection of header doesn't effect "check engine" sensor systems, then I will seriously consider the LCE. But if the header does effect the sensor systems, then I should probably just go with the 01'-04' mini header.

What are the repercussions from deciding to do without the catalytic converter? Does this hurt the truck or just the environment? Ideally I would like to do nice header straight to muffler with quick turn down. Not sure of the best set up and option to accomplish.... any hints, tips, ticks, clues? While I'm working on exhaust, I might as well get it all done and over with so I can move on.

Other discussions on the topic.

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/oem-mini-header-install-2-7l-pics-157752/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7-header-decisions.361562/page-2

 

fit is good. rubs at full turn but not on the UCA. I drove up my street in 2wd yesterday without any slipping so they are already good.

road noise is about the same as my previous Cooper M/S Studded. definitely less than a M/T but louder than the A/T Firestone's I had. I can "hear" them but got used to them already. being a little taller and a little skinnier the steering feel is different (lift helps move up the COG too). slow rolling you can feel that they have lugs tho

 

Well folks, got the verdict... Code: P0420 Message: "Catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1"

I am assuming this is the catalytic converter. Any other thoughts?

 

I knew it.

Try driving it a little with the windows down. Can you smell a natural/propane ish smell?