What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

Unless you're driving in 4WD 24/7 absolutely negligible, if no difference at all.

I didn't know anything about transmission stuff either. I just watched tons of transmission removal videos and studied the A340 series in the FSM religiously and just went at it. Transmission removal and installation is by far the hardest part. Biggest mechanical work before the swap that I've done is probably my Tundra brake upgrade.

 

How did your flexplate shatter??

 

Shatter is exaggerating a little bit, it cracked and the center mounting surface broke into several pieces. I was driving doing about 40 MPH when I noticed the RPM's jumping and I was slowly losing each of my gears accompanied by grinding until the truck wouldn't move anymore.

It turns out the torque converter was warped and spun unevenly. As a result of the stress, the flexplate cracked. The shop didn't know the runout was uneven, and as a result only replaced the flexplate in which it promptly broke again. Only after they measured the runout of the torque converter with a micrometer and referencing the FSM specifications they found out the torque converter had an uneven mating surface.

I believe this is due to the fact that in a front end collision, engines are designed to break off the engine mounts to prevent the engine from flying at you as a safety feature. And where does the entire mass of the engine have to go? The transmission and the torque converter. My theory is that the donor truck I bought this transmission from was in a bad front end crash causing the torque converter to warp like it did. You couldn't tell it was bad by looking at it. It's something everyone overlooks including me and a decent transmission shop.

 

Yes for sure. Besides that I think I gotta take the y pipe and / or the diff out - I'll think about it this week and decide on what I want to do - only the diff really has to come out as far as my build goes so there's that to consider.

 

@Blackdawg how do you like the 4x innovations trans mount? I noticed you wanted to at least inquire about a discount on the bozen solid trans mount so is there something that you see needs improving upon? I got the 4x for $80 on CL awhile back that's just sitting here and I'm probably going to use it... I don't wheel nearly as hard as most guys w/ lt... it's more of a get me to where I want to go vs go as fast as I can vehicle, but long term reliability and lack of maintenance (besides tightening bolts etc) made me interested in the solid mounts.

I'm guessing I could get away with oem ones, but one and done is my mantra for this thing - $400 for the trans mount seems a little steep to me, but again I don't go as hard as those desert guys on most occassions.

 

Does anyone know the part number for the 12mm Allen nut that goes on the rear mounting stud for the front differential? I’ve searched camelbacks diagram but it doesn’t list anything. The differential I got for my swap is missing the nut, and I’ve just realized it.

 

Nice! I've got an 84 as well. Should you need anything from the FSM let me know. I can scan mine and send you some info. I had a hard time finding an 84 FSM online.

 

I could be wrong but I think the nut is welded to the subframe of the truck. Take a look underneath. I tried like hell awhile back to break it loose only to find out it's part of the frame.

Edit: I may actually be thinking of the center bolt and nut on the steering rack, rather than the rear diff mount. Wouldn't hurt to look though.

 

Finished my solenoid relocation and mounted some new switches.

IMG_0143 by Michael Halat, on Flickr
IMG_0146 by Michael Halat, on Flickr

 

Totally agree that this is a good experience, but with a couple of caveats. This is probably not something to undertake without having another vehicle for your daily driver, available for an extended period. You must also consider any and all specialty tools required. Make sure you are starting with a good base vehicle (no frame issues, body rust, good motor, etc) Be aware that your vehicle value will not appreciate to the level of a factory 4 wheel drive. (doesn't matter if you are planning to keep a long time) Just go into with open eyes, and expect wrinkles. When finished, you can take great pride!!!

 

I believed you’re thinking if the center bolt for the steering rack. In that instance, you are correct, there is a welded but. But from looking at the diff, and watching Timmy’s video on removing the front diff, the stud on the front diff is not movable. It sits in the crossmember and is bolted up from the bottom.

 

nope nothing wrong with it.

Id just do bozen mounts on Frank and move the other mounts to a different rig haha

 

Diff shipped, low range wheel bearing kit ordered. Making headway. just need to find someone to to press in/out the bearing.

 

I'm looking for a new Transmission mount, been looking for a while but cant find much! The trucks a Manual 2.7L

 

Not for a while, I have to get the brake situation squared away first (Read as Tundra brakes, relocate the rear proportion valve so I can plate the C channel frame)

 

Is going to be Back to the Future !!! So MOD times in black , etc , to be continue ?

 

Moab trip was successful, nothing broke this time minus my camera haha.





Really didn't get too many pics cause my phone was all I had this trip for a camera. Thanks again @m3bassman for planning this and @turbodb for coming on such short notice, good to see you guys!

 

Search button does wonders... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/96-2-7-4x4-transmission-mount-help.520581/

 

Saw that we got a pile of gravel at work and thought I'd park on it lol

 

Nice! What bumper is that?