BigMike’s Big Journey: New 2016 Tacoma

April 27, 2017: Temporary Shifter Install

Next we did a temporary shifter install through my front cup holder. As mentioned earlier, I will be designing a proper remote shifter setup that won't require the loss of a cup holder. I'll need this anyway once the Triple Crawler gets installed. So with Cruise Moab only five days away we really just needed to get some miles on this baby so here goes



I first checked for center console availability (dealer says no problem) (I can't just walk into a wrecking yard for this truck) then had Rocky proceed with the install. A traditional dog-leg shifter was fab'd up out of a 22R(-E) 4cyl head bolt (homage!) and trimming was done only what was necessary so that the cup holder will still be functional once I remove and find a better setup for the shifter.

Even if I don't keep this configuration I was amazed to see plenty of open room here for extra shifters. It's always different between cab configs and shift types, with or without rear passenger climate control such as a 4Runner. Hot water lines and heat exchangers. We've built shifter setups for them all -- see our Shifter Gallery Page here -- but having a nice remote setup that could be mounted in more locations would be welcomed.



The red shift base is our new Push-N-Turn top shift shifter base kit: https://www.marlincrawler.com/transfer-case/shifter-parts/push-n-turn-shifter-base-kit



The outcome was not too shaby!





The next day I replaced the red rag with a black vinyl sound-deadening mat. No shift handle boot. Hoping to have a good winter to get this redesigned and Triples in!

 

Verrrrry interesting. Did yours come out of the San Antonio plant?

 

Why did you not dog leg the shifter forward next to the 6speed shifter?
Like the way FJ 6speeds are located.

 

Thank you for the question. I took measurements of the Automatic console layout and beings this space is not available there plus I had limited time to get to Moab, I just had Rocky stick it out the front cup holder.

We do have a short throw shift kit for our TacoBox that makes dog leg shifters far easier to fit in tight spaces, but there isn't room under the console for it (it sticks up too high).

At the end of the day I'd like to design something different than our traditional shift arrangement, such as a remote cable shift, so that we can cover many more applications without having to modify as much of the interior.

 

April 30, 2017: Extended shift solenoid wiring

Because we are adding the TacoBox in front of the t/case, the t/case is moved back. The front driveline must be lengthened, the rear driveline shortened, and wires to the shift solenoid extended.

My truck has 9 wires to extend. A couple second gen automatic-type t/cases we have use 12.



We are working on a pig tail harness so this can (optionally) be a plug-n-play affair.



Wires only need to be extended 8-inches but I extended mine almost twenty to be prepared for Triples



I then re-loomed, taped up, and rerouted using factory loom holders/clips.

May 1, 2017: New drivelines installed

The rear driveline is a two piece with carrier bearing, and while we do have the option to go one-piece, the carrier bearing arrangement keeps the rear d-line up and out of the rocks so I've kept it for now. (Will most likely go one-piece with Triples.)



Front d-line lengthened (pics before looming/mounting wires).



We normally only balance rears, because why would you need to go over 30 MPH in 4WD, but things are different nowadays with expedition and overland use so we'll be balance many fronts. I'll balance mine but no sense doing that yet as it'll get lengthened again.

At this point the Marlin Crawler is all done and ready for its first action!

 

April 26, 2017: Rear ARB installed

During this time we *finally* got ahold of the new rear ARB Air Locker for non-E-locking 3rd gen Tacomas. Cosmetically it looks very similar to the 2nd gen Taco rear ARB.

So out came the rear diff and in went the ARB.






I now have ARB air lockers front & rear......however at this time I don't have on-board air and nothing hooked up. With only a couple days left before we leave for Utah I plugged off the air lines at each diff and crossed my fingers that my Auto LSD will hold up.

I'll be doing an indepth description and report once I get my on-board air installed and the lockers hooked up.

 

May 2, 2017: Fender trimming & my first ever Turtle Hood sticker!

One day before Moab I finally got my fenders trimmed for the larger 33s rubbers. We only trimmed as lil as needed for now because we must make entirely new cab mount brackets for the 37s/39s to come soon.

The tires are kept on and suspension cycled after each small cut to recheck interference.



I also got some Spidertrax 1.25" wheel spacers installed to help get my front width back closer to stock (the further you extend a lower A-arm down below horizontal (more lift) the more narrow the front width becomes).

 

Hood Sticker install

Hmmmmm Something is missing....



Ohh that is MUCH better



For the first time in my life I now have a rig with our Turtle Hood Sticker!! WOOOOOT



Take THAT you old lame fake hood scoop lol

Our hood stickers measure 36-inches and may be found here: https://www.marlincrawler.com/accessories/stickers-logos/turtle-stickers

It was easy to install:
1. Clean (degrease) hood
2. Spray soapy water using a mist spray bottle
3. Place sticker atop soapy water and reposition as needed
4. Use a credit card or flat plastic surface to squish all the water out
5. After 30 min or so it will be fully dry and might I say most beautiful

 

May 3, 2017: Finally back outside!

Finally back outside!



I replaced the 6" Turtle sticker I had installed outside of the Magnolia Market, Waco, TX a year ago with a larger 12" version. (I hastily did it; Should have used soapy water to remove air bubbles.) I also slapped on a TLCA sticker to show my support to the largest international Toyota off-road organization



May 4, 2017: Packing for it's second Cruise Moab event

Over the years I've put together a good trail use and recovery gear that I've had down to a science. All the common issues I see on the trail I've packed and prepared for. But now most of this is out the window as I'm not in my Hilux. Feels reallllllly strange trying to pack for my first real wheel'n event.

This is my usual gear that I bring with me.

With the Tacoma I can place my packers together widthwise. Not possible with the more narrow Hilux bed...



I also have this extra dead space behind my boxes...



Plus I haven't even used this new awesome weather and theft proof space either...



Man there is so much more room here. No wonder these Tacomas are so much larger and heavier....

 

May 4, 2017: 2nd trip to TLCA's Cruise Moab

Finally leaving for Moab!

All loaded up and ready for another 14 hr road trip!



One last sexy pic before hit'n the road



I couldn't make it five miles on the freeway when this white 3rd gen caught up and began cruising behind me. Queue Jerry Reed's 'East Bound and Down' music!!



Ohh man I'm love'n this hood sticker



Fuel mileage has dropped due to larger tires and lift plus my speedometer is reading 4 to 5 MPH too low. 14.9 is probably really 15.5 or so...

 

May 4, 2017: 2nd trip to TLCA's Cruise Moab

Misc driving pics. I forgot to mention how I couldn't get the Taco ready until a day after Marlin and Mrs. Crawler had already left for Moab. So I made the 860 mile solo trip in one shot. I'll tell you one thing, having a truck newer than 1983 that has cruise control is very helpful.

Grabbing lunch in Las Vegas. Haha just noticed I had parked on the line





One entire tank straight without stopping. A 5 to 6% change in speed reading would make it 306-309 miles traveled at 15.4 to 15.6 MPG.





Drowsy driving? No wonder...

 

May 4, 2017: 2nd trip to TLCA's Cruise Moab

Safely arrived back in Moab!

 

I am waiting patiently for this. I know I dont need it, but definitely want it!

 

Come on. Gotta know how they did.

 

I'd like to see some video.

 

May 4, 2017: Fins & Things

Cruise Moab is the largest annual Toyota-based Moab event, gathering over 200 in attendance. We have attended off-and-on since it's inception 20 yrs ago. It is an official TLCA event that is incredibly well ran by the Rising Sun 4WD Club of Colorado. If you've been wanting to run trails at Moab with extremely friendly and knowledgeable group of Toyota gearheads, then this is the event to attend.

The event is typically the first week of May and runs from Tuesday through Sunday. Our usual participation includes officially leading a Thursday trail, setting up our booth for a vendor show that night, run another trail Friday followed by the main dinner/raffle that night.

Knowing we'd have the Tacoma without the air lockers connected, we registered for easy trails both days.

On Thursday we hosted a group through Fins & Things. It was my first time on this trail. For the Tacoma, it was a lot of fun! There were multiple lines I did not feel comfortable taking that Marlin took without any trouble. At one point I forgot I was in the Tacoma and while following behind The Crawler Truck I dropped off some huge ledge and drug the truck on pretty much everything possible including the plastic fuel tank

Here we are having a driver's meeting outside City Market



Marlin talking to the crowd and handing out Marlin Crawler goodie bags which consisted of autographed Marlin Crawler Coffee Mugs, Marlin Crawler Coozie, Marlin Crawler Key Chain/Bottle Opener, and a Marlin Crawler sticker pack.



While looking at the list of rigs registered for our run I WAS VERY INTRIGUED regarding a 2016 AccessCab Tacoma ON 35" TIRES.

35" TIRES.



First, obviously, I was upset that I've been sitting on this Tacoma for an entire year and I don't have 35s yet. NO EXCUSE. Second, I was wondering what suspension kit he was running and was very eager to see it!

After the driver's meeting I walked over and this is what I found. Whew. It is a stock TRD Off-Road with TRD exhaust and intake. Automatic.........of course. Very nice owner named Rich who has been a FJ40 Land Cruiser owner since the 60s and finally decided he wanted to buy a new truck and got a new white AccessCab 3rd gen. I gotta agree it was a nice choice



Here is most of the group entering the Sand Flats Recreation Area. It's gonna be an awesome day!



I took a bunch of photos that I'll be submitting to our official Marlin Crawler Trip Report Gallery, so from here out I'll just try to show only those pertaining to the thread

 

May 4, 2017: Fins & Things (continued)

While airing down a young man walked over and asked if I wouldn't mind him riding along. I said absolutely, I appreciate having a spotter! Now on 33s I aired down to 12 psi. Before I got beadlocks under my Hilux, I had 35" tires and around 7 psi it would begin burping air out the bead. Knowing the Tacoma is both heavier and has a smaller tire profile with 17" wheels, I figured I'd try 12 and see how it works from there.

The day has officially started!





This lil climb was fun because Marlin got into a wheelbase hole and struggled. It took him a while to finally get up it and then when I came along, beings I am a good twenty-inches longer, I walked right up this...



...and on the very first obstacle my very first time using the Marlin Crawler Dual Case TacoBox I performed my very first Walking The Crawler!

It was awesome. Sure, 235:1 is not as impressive as my Hilux's 511:1 nor anywhere nearly as impressive as The Crawler Truck's 1,148:1, it was still cool to see. I got out of the truck during the steep section but only have this pic from my mother....who for some reason has a weird hue filter enabled (sorry in advance for the strange color from her pics!)

My new co-pilot was especially amazed that a truck could do that at a complete idle without an operator. Went up it with ease + got out of the truck. Afterwards Marlin looked at me and said, "Gee thanks a lot!" haha



Oh man what a night and day difference having the Marlin Crawler installed!! This truck has 1,000% been transformed and the same with my confidence level -- I feel like I could go anywhere, traction limiting. The invincible feeling you get from the Marlin Crawler. Man oh man how long has it been since I've felt this way. This is so awesome to be building a new truck!!

After Walking My Crawler, I ran back down the hill to get some pics of my 3rd gen buddy. Here is a shot looking at the steep but short climb that my truck walked up on it's own



I walked over and asked Rich if he wouldn't mind me jumping in so I could experience Crawl Control. He said no prob and I hopped in.

Instantly I noticed this. WHAT IS THIS?!?!?!



THAT IS AMAZING!! I am assuming this is only offered on Off-Road models but I'd surely like to know if there is a way to get this for my truck. I also have a genuine Toyota clinometer in my Hilux and this would be great. (The only option I have for this tab is to show tire air pressure.)

He enabled Crawl Control and we proceeded to go.

My Opinion on Crawl Control

I am sorry but I have to call it out and state that it is a complete gimmick!! More than that it is highly annoying and the truck literally bucked forward and backwards in a highly uncomfortable manner. I get it okay, and I'm sure the first rebuttal will be "well at least it works". But I argue that it's only going to work for close to stock tire sizes and for only moderately steep climbs. I can NOT see such a system working with 35"+ tires fully loaded down and trying to get up trails say out at the Hammers. Surely the brake system will overheat long before you'd be able to finish even a couple difficult sections.

It is difficult to explain in words just how annoying Crawl Control is. I am highly looking forward to a full comparison of Toyota's Crawl Control with Marlin Crawler's TacoBox Dual Case setup. The TacoBox is so far and away better than the Crawl Control they shouldn't even be in the same sentence. It will be an entertaining video I'm sure.

Fins & Things has a few nice steep climbs. Moab slickrock traction combined with the Marlin Crawler meant that my Auto LSD was not used at all the entire day. I never got stuck and never had the LSD system kick in. The few times I lost forward progress were simply remedied by finessing the truck with the Marlin Crawler and letting the tires work and find traction. Honestly Moab is an amazing place to showcase just how much a difference the Marlin Crawler can make to my nearly stock truck.

 

Very happy I got rid of that fake hood scoop



Thanks to the Marlin Crawler, my engine compression braking has been amplified by a factor of nearly 5 so I never have to touch my brakes no matter how steep or how large the drop-off is. Just focus on driving and let the low gearing hold the truck back naturally and calmly.

 

May 4, 2017: Fins & Things (continued)

Thank you Rob Meredith from Facebook for the following pic









First time Rock Crawling and the 2GR-FKS

Ok guys! By this time we were a couple hours into the trail and I had a firm opinion on the new 3.5-liter engine and Rock Crawling.

I am extremely pleased to report that this engine is the best, low-RPM lugging engine I've ever experienced. I can get the truck moving so slow and steady at approximately 250 RPM and it not only won't stall but it doesn't even shake -- it is entirely smooth at sub-400 RPM engine speeds for as long as needed. I was most impressed by this!! All I have to do is take a slightly steeper line and not give any gas and let the weight of the truck load the engine down for a continuous & steady low engine speed. This is the control I've been preaching about when you install a Marlin Crawler.

For comparison my Hilux's 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE can lug down to and sustain about 350-400 RPM before it gives up the ghost, but at this RPM it is shaking and rattling quite badly. The new 3.5 V6 is extremely impressive. A 6-cyl engine has a power stroke 30 fewer degrees of crankshaft rotation compared to a 4-cyl, but no doubt progress in modern engine's Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) is really shining here with the 2GR.

 

Pics from Mrs Crawler's camera ....and her strange hue setting

The Tacoma following The Legend





I thought I would use this shot to mock-up a new windshield sticker. It should be finished any day now









First time ever wheel'n with All Terrains and I was impressed. They hook up very well here in Moab. I thought they were grabbing better than Marlin's IROKs, which are probably better suited for lose rocky terrain.