The Getaway...Crom's build and adventures

No, I ended up going with OEM. I am sorry to say that I cannot recall why. Maybe I wasn't up for futzing with it at the time.

It's odd to me how some of the rubber has worn out so quickly on my truck. I had to replace the front main bearing seal last year and I've replaced almost all of the door seals. I wonder if it is the heat and ground-level ozone hear in So Cal. On the other hand, my mechanic friend who does a lot of work on my truck (and wheels and explores with me) thinks the repeated exposure to desert sand and water crossings is a recipe for rubber fatigue.

I am looking forward to hearing your results.

 

Random question of the day: have you seen any spreading of your bedsides relative to your tailgate? I had a shell on my truck and experienced around +1/4" within a year at the top of both bedsides. Also, the tailgate latch functioned less well because of the spreading. I also developed small cracks in the steel brace at the end of the bed.

 

Yes. One way to keep that from happening is to ratchet strap the two sides together using the factory 'hoop' dealibobs.

 

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/2005...nnel-bed-stiffeners-by-total-chaos-48675.html

 

Back 2004 when I had my '04 4x4 Tacoma I purchased the Toyota Truck Owners Bible by Moses Ludel. I learned from reading this book about 303 protectant for the first time. He suggested to use it on all suspension rubber and all the other rubber parts on the truck. I use 303 and silicone spray on those components on my truck. It seems to help in the Florida heat. Here's a picture of the front and rear cover of the book. It doesn't cover 2gens but it's loaded with good mechanic info.

 

Did I read somewhere that you used a bottle jack to press the bushings?

 

I love TC folks but that gusset is a bit small - it may work. Better than nothing.

 

I almost went with the factory OE center support bearing. Only $53 and don't have to make a bracket, or play spacer games. Really not a bad way to go depending on how long it's expected to last on an owners truck.

Interesting you had issues with the seals. I've not heard that before.

My OE door seals have been great. I clean them after every trip after washing the exterior. I just wipe then down with a damp cloth to get the dust off, and like @JD'STaco use some silicone spray on a rag then wipe them down. They are EPDM as far as I know.

I also use 303 aerospace protectant on plastic exterior stuff. I discovered it after four years of ownership so I think lots of UV rays were soaked up beforehand. lol

I generally avoid water / mud if possible. It's fun to mess around but the cleanup can take months.

The last water crossing I did was in Death Valley, the Amargosa river (more salty than Ocean). Let me tell you... My truck rusted faster in 7 days, than in 7 years prior. Holy shit!!! I am glad we don't salt roads in So Cal. that's all I gotta say.

I'll take a close look at my truck and report back.

Those TC bedside stiffeners look great.

One solid report so far in the Overland Expedition pics/specs with bs thread

As far as OE design, Toyota has made at least one change to the structure of the bedsides that I know about.

I put this comparative photo together in 2010 when it was discovered in the forum that the relief radius was different from 2005 and newer trucks. The 2005 trucks get hairline cracks forming from the small cut.

I like the way you think!

Yessir!

Pressing LCA bushings, with bottle jack and torch, June 2016

 

How much is that poly carrier bearing?

 

@HBMurphy i actually did the ratchet strap thing for awhile. Then I got over it. I stopped caring about imperfections and, well, trail patina, when I made the last payment.

Then last week I came across the Total Chaos brackets that @nfs257 mentioned above. I picked up a pair a few days ago and I'll report back after I install them this weekend. Whether or not they correct the gap, the extra tie downs and light/whip mounts will be nice.

 

The IEDLS poly bearing can be had now for $75, use part number: TGB-0816 and this order form site: https://www.iedls.com/?a=Online_Store|1#Search_Results

They make them in small batches. Last batch was said to be quantity=30. When they run out price goes back to $125.

@MonkeyProof put one in his truck and posted pics over here. @nfs257 Chris has one in his as well.

I did some searching on other forums the carrier bearing was vetted by others I think as far back as early 2015.

 

I feel like buying one but I have a NIB Toyota one that I was given. I do like the idea of them. Did you notice much of a difference?

 

Not installed mine yet. Hope to knock it out within two weeks.

 

Standing by for your install report. Like you I've felt a take off shudder since adding the aal's (no other vibes except front diff which ecgs bushing took care of). When towing its more pronounced so i cant wait to see if that takes care of it.

 

On a side note, just perused the first page...those trips!
This is one of the best pages on not only this forum but the interwebs. So much info. Well not for a non-taco owner.

 

Have one of these waiting to go in also.

 

Knowing you and your rig, I'd say you would most certainly benefit from a poly CSB.

Thanks a lot.

Once in a while I'll get a PM from someone who just joined TW, post count zero, they joined just so they could say thanks or ask a question.

You going to DIY?

I might have a shop help me out. Was gonna have them drill, tap, and install zerk fitting for slide yoke. If going through all that trouble, i think I'll give them the bearing and new u joint too. Still have to get idea of cost though.

The best write up for DIY install was by n4spd in Rob's IEDLS thread.

 

Was going to get some help with it. I agree, if it is apart, put a little preventative in there too.
Have three new U joints to go in with mine. Just made the top bracket a few minutes ago. Going to POR15 for a little rust prevention.

 

I just did this a few weeks ago. The growling in the dif subsided, but Allowed me to hear the upcoming demise of my drivers side wheel bearing. So that's next on the list...

 

That's great!

I'm right there with you. I suspect one of my front wheel bearings may be going out as well... I may order a pair just to have ready when i do the spindle gussets.

Crazy that our OE bearings are crap shoot with longevity. Never know how long they going to last...