The Getaway...Crom's build and adventures

At least half of the stuff I've done to my truck was a direct rip-off from @Crom. Smart guy for sure.

 

Not a "rip-off", rather a "re-use" of a good idea.

Semantics matter! LOL

Yes, I'm a software guy...

 

You're welcome. Glad you like it, and hope you find it useful for your build.

I've learned a ton myself here on TW, so nice to give back in some way.

^Pretty much this.

 

I'm pretty sure that were on track to have a "must do mods" list based off of your truck.

 

I think the build appeals to many people because I think it's practical and people can relate.

Sometimes in my head I'll rank the mods in order of what I would do if I was building all over again from scratch.

I think I would do the first parts in order again.

1. Floor mats
2. Seat Covers
3. Window Tint
4. Rock Sliders
5. Truck Shell
6. Off road tires

That's like 80% build right there.

Then branch out from there with enhancements as time and budget allows.

7. Sound Proof
8. L-track, cargo track
9. Suspension​

I think the suspension is where it gets tricky, because there are so many dependencies and hidden cause and effects. I ran the stocker suspension with the TSB 4-leaf pack for 6 years before replacing it. Never once gave me a problem! lol So much win! Truck had limits, but it worked!

 

yeah, im still on the fence about the OME kit i have waiting for the truck and if theres anything else besides the base kit i should have/get/do with the install.

 

So with your lift, you needed the spacer on the front superbumps? Was it to protect the shock, or your upper wheel well? I'm ordering mine and was hoping to hear from you regarding proper spacing. Thx , auggie

 

Spacers were strictly for stopping the tall tires from hitting tops of wheel wells under heavy compression. They seemed to have worked based on last two wheeling trips.

In the not too distant future I'll be doing some front end work... When that happens I'll pull the coil over out and test for clearance all the way around including confirming bump stop height.

 

Ok great thanks. Since I've decided to stay with a 265 tire, I'm going to install the superbumps without the spacer. I'm going to include them in my order anyway as they are 10$ as insurance in case I need them in the future. Thanks again!

 

I found your post six days ago...
It's good to see sunlight again. My legs are so very numb from sitting on the toilet that long.

My photo album on my phone is about 40 pictures heavier since starting to read this thread. I also have about 100 new tabs open on links to other builds you've used.

You have ruined me...and I thank you for it.

 

How to convert the Tacoma to Front Wheel Drive (FWD)!

This mod has the following benefits.

• Increased ground clearance.
• Increased steering response.
• Elimination of drive line vibrations for lifted applications.
• Elimination of vibes from Toyota defective differential needle bearing. No need for ECGS bushing!!!
  
• Completely free!
• Completely reversible!

For this mod you need to be extra careful you don't kill yourself. Lots to go wrong here, details matter.

The first step should be to chock block your front wheels.
Second step is to jack the rear axle and place on jack stands at both ends.
Make sure vehicle is secure by pushing it. Then release parking brake, put the trans in neutral.
Confirm drive shaft can be spun by hand.
Place a jack stand under each end drive shaft with a few inches of clearance.
Loosen and remove four (4) 14mm nuts and bolts on rear drive shaft. Don't worry it shouldn't fall out.
Remove metal bands holding slip yoke cover on
Remove 14mm nuts at the transfer case.
Remove (2) 14mm bolts holding the center support bearing.
Separate drive shafts and remove in two parts. Use a rubber mallet if you need to. Use jack stands to help hold the shaft while you work.
Remove all tools from under the truck, and clean your work area.
Start truck and shift into H4 (formerly 4WD). , Put trans in Park, and shut truck off, apply parking brake.
Remove jack stands from rear axle.
Then go drive your newly converted FWD truck!

Look at all the ground clearance!


Clearance for days!






You can put your old drive shaft on a shelf somewhere and mod is completely reversible!

Since my mod was permanent, rather than trow it in the trash, I donated it!



Hooray for front wheel drive!

 

You've been on the toilet reading this great thread for 6 whole days? Well damn

 

You are one for the books Crom!

 

Im gonna guess you are goin single piece shaft?? Tom woods?

 

I actually drove around in an old Jeep Cherokee I had one time front wheel drive for a week while I waited on a new one to be shipped to me.

 

Nah I'm just messing around. I'm gonna use the stock carrier bearing. I did take it to a shop because I could not separate the yoke. I tried several different ways, but it was not coming apart. Jealous of those that did it without fuss.

 

I ended up cutting the carrier off with angle grinder, tin snips on the rubber.



Here is the shaft, actual bearing, and yoke.


You can see the splines on the yoke and the shaft. I tried two different pullers and even tapped on it a little in a vice. Not budging.


Did not want to F it up, so took it to a drive line shop. I just got to get him the NIB carrier.

I picked up (3)

$36 Spicer 5-1330-1X U-Joint Kit

Spicer 5-1330-1X U-Joint Kit's for $10 each thanks to Amazon Warehouse deals.

Drive line shop guy is going to press them for $10 each and I'll have a completely rebuilt shaft, which should last the life of the truck.

I should note that all of my factory u-joints with 69,500 miles on them are absolutely perfect.

 

Wow - only 70,000 miles on the carrier bearing...

It should last longer than that.

Traditionally, I change u-joints and carrier bearing (if equipped) every 100,000 miles.

Oh well, now it will last you for many more years!