TKGN1 '98 build

Added some fender flares this past weekend, picked them up cheap, still need to get the double sided tape for them.
Gonna install a lock right locker this weekend (rear), I'll try to get pics and add a little insite along the way.
Also gonna add an oil filter relocation kit this weekend, filter changes on these trucks blow ass. I'll get pics on that as well.

 

Like the flares, I'm looking forward to seeing how that locker install goes. Sure doesn't look like much in that tiny box.

 

I've been talking about doing the locking diff also. My cousin said it would cost $1000 just for the diff. Let me know how it goes and how hard it is. I have experience as an aircraft mech but haven't gotten much work done on cars/trucks, can't be any more difficult than what i've already done on helicopters. Just out of curiosity, how much did all this work cost you so far? My truck is just about to hit the 200k mark and I want to do some maintenance to it to keep this truck for a very long time. Keep up the good work!

 

I'll post up on the locker install.

I paid $365.00 shipped for the locker, cheapest I found.
1615 model for the rear (8.4" ,open diff, V6), front is the 1610 model, if anybody needs the info.

I ended up with around $900.00+/- in the drive train maintenance, oil (fluids), seals, belts, hoses, bearings, ect.
$675.00+/- in suspension (AALs, shocks, struts, balljoints)
So with $1500.00-$1600.00 worth of upgrades, I got a pretty good running, reliable truck. Of course thats with no bill for labor, but everything I fixed I did it in my garage at home.
There are other items I'm doing that is not a "necessity", the locker for example, but it sure makes life easier when out wheelin' around.
HTH

 

Here are pics of the oil filter relocation kit. I went with braided -10 AN lines instead of the rubber lines. Installation was easy, a little pain getting the adapter onto the engine block with the lines attached but doable. I'll add a biggie oil filter at the next oil change.

 

And, a few pics of the lock right locker install.
Notes:
I did not have to disconnect the brake lines, I unbolted the clamps that hold them to the axle and just stretched them a little to get the clearance needed for the axles to clear the center section when it was pulled.
Swapping the spider gears with the locker was fairly easy. Mark everything for location and side, pull everything apart and install the locker. Directions are a little vague on installation in certain areas (illustrations mainly), but with a little help from Yotarob we got things figured out and back together. This is a pretty simple job for what you get out of it, anyone with a little mechanic skills I believe should be able to handle it.

 

A little feed back on how the locker is working since install:

Wet road driving:
It rained the first two days after install, wet road driving was no issue. What I noticed was the "inside" wheel during a turn would slip a little, basically there was not enough force to cause the locker to ratchet thus slight wheel spin when making a turn under slight acceleration (on wet pavement), no negative effect there. I did not get into the throttle hard on curves or turns to swing the rear around, I drove normal and saw no difference between the open diff and the locker.

Dry road driving:
Little to no difference from the open diff with normal driving habits. I hear the most "noise" when making turns off throttle/decleration, light clicking noise can be heard with the window down, windows up I could not hear it.

Off road:
This is where I noticed the most difference. I drove through the same trails I drove through two weeks prior, places that previously forced me to go into 4wd because of one tire spinning I was able to go through in 2wd with no problem at all. I noticed a few times I would have a split second of tire slip before the locker would "engage" and pull right through without anymore tire spin. Huge improvement driving off road with the locker, I'm sure it will be even more noticable once I get in a situation that 4wd is required (or I'll just get stuck even worse).

Hope this info helps those that might be on the fence about a locker. In my opinion, if you have an open diff and want a cheap(er) way to get full traction that is relatively easy to install, this is definately a good investment.

 

What do u think of an electronic locker? I like the idea of being able to turn it on only when I need it because I like to drive hard sometimes.

 

Selectable lockers (electric or air operated) are great, but when you consider what you are going to have to pay for one, the draw backs to having a lock-rite seem very minor.

 

What's the dif in cost!? (no pun intended)

 

I believe true lockers such as ARB runs around $1200 for the kit. Finding a e-locker from a salvage TRD truck usually is around $750. Both require quite a bit more labor, but there are a few more benifits that go along with those.
Lots of opinions of whats best, but for MY situation I felt the lock-right was the better choice at the time. But I think you can "drive hard" with the lock-right and still be OK. One thing to keep in mind, if you don't like the lock-right, its not but about 2-1/2 hours to pull it out, put the stock parts back in and sell it. You can then turn to an e-locker or ARB type set-up, not a big loss if you dislike the lock-right.

 

Either of these will bring the value of the truck up?

 

Was that due to the old plugs being worn out? I thought the performance claims made by premium spark plug manufactures was compared to plugs that were either damaged or worn out?

I have the same model taco and was wondering if you would mind posting more details on the oil filter relocation kit and/or the fender flares?

I was also wondering if I understood the info on the 5100's correctly. Can you really lift your truck with stock springs and just replacement shocks? I'm looking for about 1" on the front to level mine out.

 

I believe the intention is to increase the performance of the truck. I guess when the time comes it is a good selling feature, but that is just not the point.

 

X2, its like anything else you do to the truck that is not stock, you will be lucky to get 20% of anything back out of it that you "add" on. An ARB locker might increase the value, but I doubt it will increase it the amount that you spent on it (make sense?). I guess you could say by adding a locker it would might help the truck to "hold" its value better.

 

Can't answer the first question first hand, but any plug with over a 100k on them will benifit by being replaced.

Parts used for the oil filter relocation kit, all from Jegs:

TRD-1028 Filter adapter http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/KeywordSearchCmd?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&langId=-1&N=0&Ntk=all&Jnar=0&Ne=1%2B2%2B3%2B1147708&searchTerm=trd-1028
TRD-1013 block adapter http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...l&Jnar=0&Ne=1+2+3+1147708&searchTerm=trd-1013
-10 braided hose http://www.jegs.com/i/Earls/361/303010/10002/-1?parentProductId=749410
fittings:
2ea - http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...Jnar=0&Ne=1+2+3+1147708&searchTerm=555-110110
2ea - http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...Jnar=0&Ne=1+2+3+1147708&searchTerm=555-110150
4ea - http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...Jnar=0&Ne=1+2+3+1147708&searchTerm=555-110003
4ea - http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/110003/10002/-1
Only thing I added was an extension to get one of the 90*s to clear the other when installing in the filter adapter (seen in pics), I made this piece though, didn't buy.
Installation is simple. Only one thing to make sure is correct, that is hose routing (in/out) on the adapters. The middle ports connect to each other and the outer ports connect to each other


Fender flares I bought used. Pulled the factory chrome strips off, used the same screws to put the flares on. Very simple.

5100 shocks: Yes, you use the stock springs (front), the strut(shock) is what is used for the raise, they are adjustable.
link: http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...acoma-pre-runner-4wd-pre-load-adjustable.html
These are definately an upgrade from the stock components.

Hope this answered some of your questions.

 

Damn dude, way to spell it out, very informative!

 

Thank you, that was exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

 

Good point, I don't intend to sell my taco even if I buy a new one.

 

LOL me verses a sumo wrestler