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

Thanks - I'll try to do a write up when I put them back together and get it stickied. Most guys who work on their trucks could do it themselves I think!

 

hmm maybe i should give rebuilding my icons a go.

 

I replaced the automatic shifter bushings in my truck today with these great 3D Printed PLA bushings from @Brice.

When I did my 4x4 conversion, I used a shifter console out of a 1996 4Runner with about 300,000 miles. Unbeknownst to me, the bushings were absolutely shot. For almost a year, the truck would pop out of gear, and indicate you’re in Neutral when you’re really in Drive. Usually I’d have to rev the engine to test if I was really in Drive versus Neutral. In general, there was just so much slop in shifter.

Found out it was the long disintegrated bushings at fault. Upon removing the shifter from the truck and cleaning out the lateral shafts from the mechanism, this is all that was left of the factory bushings. They crumbled when I tried to take them out.



The main lateral shaft under the shifter was completely missing a Bushing on one side. The remains were nowhere to be found, all that was evident that a Bushing once existed was this chalky blue residue.



Since I’m using a 4Runner shifter, there is a metal tab intended for the 4Runner trim I didn’t need and interfered with my center console. I just had it bent back when I first installed it, but now I actually took the time to drill it out.



Here are the bushings in place. Installation is very straightforward. I used synthetic Super Lube, as petroleum derived lubricants would’ve dissolved the PLA plastic. I had a hell of a time trying to find Silicone Grease, so the synthetic grease had to do.





New Bushing versus the remains of the Factory Bushing



While I was at it, I completed my dual transmission conversion and I now have selectable Manual or Automatic transmission — depending on your mood.

Kidding, the shift knobs have the same thread pitch.



First impressions, WOW! It shifts like it is brand new. No more slop, sharp and deliberate movements, properly indicates the current gear, and most importantly — doesn’t pop out of gear anymore.

Just like the bushing on 5-Speed trucks, replacing the bushings on Automatic trucks make a profound difference on the shifting of the truck.

 

Wanna do mine tyler

 

A write up would be amazing

 

Not too concerned, as these are BMW factory seats/heaters.

 

Missed the rollover itself but finally hit 200K. First of any of my vehicles actually.

 

Why are they better??

 

My opinion on skids if you're buying them. Buy the cheapest ones, they're going to get the shit beat out of them and dented no matters what. They all need some reinforcement with angle iron. Bamf has a solid design with the gussets for the ifs but Idk if he's making 1st gen skids.

I'd hate to dick around with pulling 1/4" skids off and putting them back on on the trail, not worth the weight imo.

 

They’re a PITA to do haha.

 

Agreed, unless you have a dedicated trail rig I cant imagine putting 1/4" skids on my daily...it's enough of a pain to take the 3/16" on and off all the time for maintenance. Plus the power loss in weight alone with full 1/4" skids...gotta be substantial I imagine though truthfully I've never run anything but 3/16

 

[Burns down in German]

 

Cuz 1/4 inch.


My dad has a press at his job. So he puts the 3/16 back into place. But i rather have 1/4. And they are pretty cheap. To yall saying they are too heavy, you need to hit the gym more

Or work smart not hard.....a jack does wonders. I was able to install my skids a few weeks after back surgery....dont tell my doctor...

 

Edit...Now that i have those ugly reinforcement plates, i havent bent them. But i'm still gonna go with the 1/4 inch from 4xinnovations

 

I work out almost every day ...I'm just lazy with my truck I guess lol. But full 1/4s on a DD would make my shitty mpg's even worse that's for sure

 

What do you have now and did you reinforce them yourself?

 

Its probably like having one of your big freinds jump in the truck. Im sure mpg is minimal

 

One of my wheeling buddies that rides with me is a big dude...6'4" and probably close to 300#. So yeah I can relate to that analogy lol

 

Just last night finished up my under hood LED lighting for night work. so happy I finally did this, like $30 of stuff.

 

I have big corn fed buddies too..lol