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

I replaced the needle bearing that supports the axle shaft on the drives side of the front clamshell with an East Coast Gear Supply Bushing. ECGS sells a tool to remove the old needle bearing but wasn't paying $45 for something I made for free and will probably never use again. Pretty common replacement though. Search ECGS Bushing and you will find more info.

 

This bumper is made by Relentless Fabrication. Hopefully it keeps me from doing too much damage on trail.

 

Anyone have a write up on dropping the drive shaft in order to grease the slip joint? At least I think that's what its called.

 

Just the four bolts that go to the diff, pull the back piece out and grease everything up real good. Use a chalk pen thing to make sure it’s lined up right again.

 

Got my LCA, UCA and coil bucket tower gussets burned in this weekend.

Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr
Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr
Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr
Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr

Also made another version of my no need to remove wheel spacer cv removal setup.

Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr

 

They sold a kit that extended the wiring, it was pretty cheap

 

If you're ever planning on running headers or a GM alternator, you may need to modify those TC gussets a bit. Learned that this weekend as well:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wyoming-b-s-thread.146555/page-2498#post-22097879

I like the easy CV removal mod, did you just cut the center out of the dust cover on the hub?

 

I already have a GM alternator in there, my clearances are tight but fine. And that's only the clearance to one of the wires. Looks like the header was easy enough to work out though.

And yeah I used a hole saw to cut a hole, and will use a body plug to close it up.

Untitled by Michael Halat, on Flickr
Stuff and things by Michael Halat, on Flickr
Stuff and things by Michael Halat, on Flickr

The only difficulty I saw was getting the old cotter out. So I think if I cut the old cotter, and swap with a new custom shortened one, it will be easy.

 

You think I can get away with using a socket to drive the bushing in? I just bought two for my trucks.

 

Awesome job. Say goodbye to easy oil filter changes. Just found that out last night. For me next oil change is going to included a oil filter relocation.

 

Shit I'm due for one too... I should have done it before I did this.

 

That snerk life

 

Can you guys with custom rear bumpers and swingouts post a pic of how you mounted your plate? What did you do for lighting? My rig is getting a rear end make over. Im thinking of attaching it to the tailgate. Just wanna get some ideas.

Thank you

 

I just used self tapping screws and put the plate right in the middle. Never bothered with the plate lighting, though I probably should considering you can get pulled over for it in CA if they want to pop you for it. But in 3 years it hasn't been an issue for me yet.

 

As if they were easy before, other than easy to dump oil everywhere, every time from out of the filter since it's pointing downwards.

 

I can't post pics from work 'cause they block smugmug here, it's dumb. But check my build thread, I just installed rivnuts into the tailgate and bolted it on there. Not running a light as I guess it's not required here in AZ but I will eventually just run a couple LED bolt lights for it.

 

I flush mounted LED back up lights directly in the bumper (lights are on a switch, not connected to the reverse lights so I can have them on any time)

The License plate is just bolted to the bumper (for now). I drilled and tapped for the bolts. I will be mounting the license plate with a hinged bracket, but haven't gotten around to it. I want the plate on a hinge because the plate hangs down lower than my bumper and if I catch it on something the hinged bracket (should) allow it to flip out of the way.

The license plate lights are just motorcycle LED lights that I mounted in the bumper. The LED back up light holes allowed me enough access inside the bumper to wire them and tighten the nut that holds them on.





Give me a few minutes and I'll link some of the stuff I used to this post.


License plate lights
Rupse 2PCS White LED Motorcycle Car License Plate Screw Blot Light

$8 RUPSE 2pcs License Plate Light,12V Waterproof LED Bulb,License Tag Screw Bolt Lamp for Car Motorcycle Truck RV ATV Bike (White)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RIEQXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SKc3DbKB0NJP2

LED backup lights
https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/272919051953

These are the lights I mounted in my boxes. You could also use them as the lights mounted in the bumper. They are white and/or yellow / also multi flashing.
https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/142274120508


Bracket I will eventually mount the license plate on.
Rugged Ridge 11233.02 Black Powdercoated License Plate Bracket

Rugged Ridge 11233.02 Black Powdercoated License Plate Bracket

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FAGJEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3Oc3DbX9QQPAG

 

Here's what I mean by the LED lights I mounted in my boxes.

 

Oh they are required here in AZ, DPS loves to pull people over for no license plate lights.