The Adventures of Ash and Baby Taco

I'll keep that in mind if I ever tear into it!

 

I did a little prying with your engine builder yesterday. None of my business, I just wanted to hear what he had to say about your engine. Just listening to him talk about the problems and challenges made me come to a possible conclusion. When I heard him say something about the aftermarket timing chain tensioner, my eyebrows raised, thinking to myself, "hmmm......I've had problems with those on many timing chains". It may be something to consider, but what about getting one from Toyota? I know they cost more. The reason I say that is because I've had lots & lots & lots of trouble with aftermarket hydraulic tensioners in my career. So much so that one particular engine I absolutely refuse to work on anymore. It's a Daimler product but Mopar doesn't make the tensioner anymore. One is on a Nissan and I strictly get those from the dealer and have no issues. While I haven't done one on a 2.7 Toyota yet, my suspicion is the same. The aftermarket ones made in China with poor components just will not hold hydraulic pressure for extended periods of time. I've seen it on Subaru timing belt tensioners as well and there are some brands that I've had good luck with, and some that are of sub par quality. I'm not saying it's a guarantee, but it might be worth looking at. Same goes for the oil pump, but it sounds like the pressure is bleeding off somewhere.

 

Thanks for looking out. Pretty sure the tensioners I purchased are from Toyota but I could be wrong. Bought them from Toyota of Dallas . Redgardless this was a problem with the original used on the first rebuild. Going to text him and see what he says the way forward is. Seems like my truck was passed around to several people and it was agreed upon that the tensioners are bleeding off.

Ash and I went for a hike today. Feels good to be on break and have some time to get out. We took some pics so I'll upload those tonight.

 

Here is a few of the big guy!

ashdec2016 by Gage McKeag, on Flickr

ashdec2016-2 by Gage McKeag, on Flickr

 

More truck pics, less dog.

 

Lol, if I had the truck I would take pictures.

 

What about some sweet LC pics?

 

Can do that. Not much to show as I baby where it goes but I have one with ash from yesterday.

 

Took a quick trip out of town to let the pups run around.

jan2017 by Gage McKeag, on Flickr

jan2017 by Gage McKeag, on Flickr

coldweiny by Gage McKeag, on Flickr

 

Ash looks likes he has a beard. Is Babytaco back and running good?

 

Good looking dogs. Hope you get your truck all sorted out.

 

@BabyTaco
Just a heads up: All the Pole Mtn road gates are closed and locked.

 

That time of year again, huh? Darn, I always get the itch to get out in the next month or so. Guess I'll be on foot. Thanks for the heads up. Also, I found the jack stand and lever. Feel free to swing by sometime or we can bring them to you.

 

Walking is never crowded. What's your schedule like, sort of planning to be in Laramie next week.

 

Friday are the easiest for me. Monday I will be home around 3:30pm. Tuesday and Thursday I won't be done till 5. Wednesday, I'll be done around 4:30. And Friday I should be done by 11:00 am.

I can always leave them in a easy to access location too if you just want to swing by. Just let me know so I can set them out.

 

Just found out that my cylinder head guy at our "favorite" machine shop has left to go work on wind turbines. So now it's back to Ray doing head work. I guess I'm in the market for a new cylinder head guy. I know another shop here in town that bought all of the machine equipment from our local NAPA, and supposedly he's up and running, so I might give it a shot. Subaru heads are finicky but I'll try them out with a set off of my personal car, as it's due for head work. If I'm not satisfied, I may be using a specialist over in Greeley.

 

Dang. Hopefully the new guy pulls through. I wish we had more options in town for machine shops.

 

Supply and demand. There's just not enough demand, especially since most don't do engine work anymore. Most shops get crate engines or shop online nowadays. The trends have been changing and the writing has been on the wall for about 15 years. Engines are simply more reliable now and last a lot longer. It's usually other component failure and poor resale value in automobiles that drive them (or not LOL) to the salvage yards these days. Gone are the days where someone buys a car and keeps it for 20 years. The big 3 are to blame for building throw away cars starting in the '80s, and with more importation of autos from around the world with better products have driven american vehicles into the world of recyclables. It's why I drive Toyotas & Subarus mostly. American cars are just clunkers waiting to happen, and the trucks aren't far behind.

 

Been awhile since I updated this thread.

Next week I will graduate college (finally . I rode that one out) and I will be moving to northern Idaho to begin work as a fish biologist. Ash is doing great but a little on the chunky side (too many peanut butter treats from my roommate).

Anyways, BabyT has been sidelined for to long. Today I ordered some things to improve my bed storage. I'll post more on that next week when I begin building a basic platform to increase storage space for the move. Ash and I will be fitting everything I own into the bed. Ash will be sitting in the passenger seat with me for the 17 hr journey. I have a few places lined up for rent, but the truck will be outfitted for the possibility of me not being able to find a suitable place to rent.

Once settled, we will begin in to some new mods. Currently on my list is a mid-high rise shell and a complete overhaul on the rear suspension. Any one have opinions on rear suspension for a smooth go fast ride on forest service roads? @Blackdawg has turned me onto the new TC rear suspension...and I am currently leaning towards that.

 

The TC kit will ride super smooth and let you haul ass for sure.

But some custom leafs from alcan or even just some allpros (id skip the Dakar personally) with some well valved rear shocks will be nice too.

My Dad's ADS shocks with his alcans ride is great. Killer smooth.

Not that much cheaper though (custom leaf packs $800ish rear shocks are gonna be 800ish too I think). But is cheaper!

Either route would suit you I think.

The TC kit will take welding though (spring perches and shock mounts).