Squeaky Penguin's (Trip Reports) Build Thread

Fabbed up a new crossmember to finish up my ifs skid after I pull it and add a few more bends, and build off of for a new mid skid.

 

It's crooked...

 

Good enough for it's purpose.


Maybe once I smash it against a few rocks it'll straighten out.

 

I say this about some of my welds...

 

Funny is say that about ALL my welds.

 

Adding weight I see. Gonna get fat like the redhead.

And from your experience, who's motor perches would you recommend? It's looking like we will be lifting the motor out to redo the coil buckets.

 

Me too

 

Nope.

New skid plate setup will be quite a bit lighter than the old setup.

Hard to say without having seen the DMZ ones. The Next Venture ones are quite a bit cheaper, but you have to weld them up, and they didn't fit perfectly and had to be modified. Also, not sure the 1/4" is worth it compared to 3/16" as you're welding both to an 1/8" frame.

In the interest of time and knowing they'll work, the DMZ might be the better choice.


You could also plate the stock perches. The biggest problem areas are the ears that the bolts go through, and the frame around where they're welded. So with a little work you could beef up what's already there.

 

I do this but to remove the coil bucket and replace it you have to cut the whole perch off basically. So might as well just do the DMZ ones.

 

True.

And no chance of repairing the old one, Mike? I'm envisioning how much of a pain in the dick it would be to cut that off and get another in. Seems like you could have a piece cut that replaces the top and ties into what's left. Would take lots of measuring and fitup, but certainly easier than replacing the whole thing.

 

If the OEM perch has to be cut off entirely anyway...

on what your suggestion is. Is it to reuse the OEM units?

I have no idea on reusing as I've never really seen them and don't understand their faults. That is why I ask you guys who have seen them and understand their shortcomings.

 

I called new venture to ask about their back order. Had to leave a voicemail. Asked for a call back.

 

I was talking about repairing the coil bucket so you don't have to cut all that off.

 

Ah, I see. We might have considered that is there were no other options. But a replacement is available and has been ordered.

Are you running this kit?

https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/1996-2004-Tacoma-Weld-on-Coil-Bucket-Tower-Gussets-59650

 

Nice!!

And yes get that too while your at it. And do the spindle ones too.

 

Yes, those are the gussets I have. Fit up wasn't great and took a bit of work to get them in. Also increases squeaking as it's hard to get grease between the gussets and the outside edge of the bushings. Best solution would be some heimed uppers IMO.

I think Solo also makes some, and maybe a few other vendors. Don't know if they're any better though.

 

He just won't listen.

https://www.solomotorsports.com/sho...uspension-kit-1st-gen-tacoma-3rd-gen-4runner/


Think of all the money and effort you'll save not having to fix the coil bucket.

 

The product description at all of the places that sell the kit clearly state that the kit only works with TC uppers. Sounds like marketing BS to me. Which arms are you running?

I've been waiting for this. If I had posted in the daily, surely this would have been one of the first responses. Dissapoint. But shouldn't be all that surprised.

That is like going to that EXPENSIVE restaurant. You know, it's the one that doesn't list the prices of the entrees on the menu.

 

TC arms. I don't see why they wouldn't work with your burgs.

There's a price. Scroll down a bit.

 

This looks like it's the solo kit.

https://www.solomotorsports.com/sho...oyota-w-y-upper-control-arm-double-shear-kit/