BlackPearl Build/Adventure (DC 4x4 TRD) (Super/Charged 3.4) LOTS OF PICTURES

Last nights oil change

 

Wix? Why not OEM filter for $5? https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-oil-filter-made-in-thailand-vs-the-competition.123608/
I use the same oil.

 

Had time to do the change and didn't want to make an extra drive to the dealer so used the next closest thing.
Wix is really close to same size as the OEM. all the other filters are smaller so went with the Wix. not sure if the design has been updated but the filter I have was bigger then the one in the thread link you sent me.

 

This mod is a little bigger with a side of maintenance.

I will call call this chapter 4.88, part 1

To begin I bought a bunch of parts to do my re-gear. My plan was to pull out the front diff and then to install it while having the rear one to drive on and minimizing the down time. But due to needing extra part in the front diff I ended up getting both done at the same time.
I bought a used front diff with 4.88 gears and arb locker. When I took it apart at home I found one of the pinion tooth chipped. Guy who sold it to me said he had no idea it was like that.
My next step was to order new gears for the front too. Both rear and front I got Yukon gears with master rebuild kit.
Rear I’m keeping stock Elocker and had to get an additional bearing for the Elocker side due to it not being included in the master kit.
Front took me about 2 hours to pull out and rear was about 1.5 hours. Also while pulling the rear diff it was a good time to replace my rear bearings. Tomorrow I’m dropping off the rear diff with axles to get done and hopefully will get it back before the end of the week.

 

More maintenance while I had the front taken apart. Changing out my drive LCA (mine has a nice dent), also replacing the bushings and Lower ball joints. Here are some progress pictures:
Looks like I forgot to take a few picture. I will add more picture soon.

 

Driver lower control arm swapped out. Next I still need to swap out bushings on passenger side. But that’s a project for another day.

 

Finished swapping out the passenger LCA bushings and picked up the diffs with new gears. Only had the chance to install the rear. Will have to do the front diff on Monday.
Test drove the truck with the new gears and it feels much better. Still need to brake in the gears before trying hard acceleration and taking it on the freeway. Will make a comparison video later to show the difference.

 

Yesterday installed the front diff. Took much longer putting it back in then taking it out.
Did also a bench test of the ARB locker and still need to finish wiring it so I can test it out on the trails.
Dropped the truck off to get alignment and will continue with finishing up this part of the project once I get it back.

 

Got the truck back from alignment shop and installed my new Ultraguage.
Thanks to @GLR I can now monitor my transmission temp with the UG. Here is a link to the codes he discovered:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gen-1-2004-tacoma-ultragauge-mx-transmission-temperature.581841/

 

Sneak peek at I’m working on next.

 

Just finished the reading the thread, impressive work. Your truck looks great.

 

Thanks, stay tuned for more mods and adventures

 

Finished installing LUX rock lights today. Some led’s are out but that’s what you get for buying used lights. Will probably by new ones to replace the burned out led’s

 

Took a trip out to Tonga Ridge today. Not enough snow there to get stuck. Made it up most of the way in 2x4. Also got to test out the rock lights. Here are a few pictures.

 

Changed the rear diff oil today at 500 miles, this compleates the gear break-in process for the rear. The front I will change out after a few more light 4x4 trips.
Here are some pictures of the oil

 

I changed mine on Sunday. Looked pretty close to that too after the first 500. What oil are you running now?

 

My diff professional recommended to use fully synthetic 75w 140. Said it will be best for my area and set up. He’s been working with diffs for a while so I went with what he recommended.

 

Did a small thing today but it’s worth the mention. My radiator cap started leaking so I replaced it. Hope this one will hold up a lot longer.

 

I was so confused cause you changed your name, also super jealous of your rad. Seeing as the current caps are off center now

 

lol yea I figured it was about time to confuse everyone with a name change
and yea, I'm glad I got my radiator earlier with the centered cap. Would annoy me if it was off center like the new batch.
Must be a good reason for it since they changed the design. Who know tho..