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

Finished up some LED s for the front. Installed them over the weekend and got them wired this evening. They are just enough for me as far as extra light without replacing my OEM headlights. I know, they aren't retina blasters, but the really do a good job of supplementing since I don't offroad this truck. Counting the relay setup I have less than $25.00 in this these. I have had them on my other truck for almost a year. Still going strong.

However, the ones I just bought don't have a good bracket like my originals. Had to make them. Sorry, forgot to take pics last weekend. Just simple "L" brackets.

Lights:

$13 Nilight 2PCS 18W 1260lm Spot Driving Fog Light Off Road Led Lights Bar Mounting Bracket for SUV Boat 4" Jeep Lamp,2 years Warranty

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G620ZVU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Switch:

$10 APIELE 19mm Latching Push Button Switch 12V DC Angel Eye Halo Ring LED Metal 0.74" 1NO1NC SPDT with Wire Socket Plug (Blue)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07931ZKC1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found an unused option plug behind my left cowl trim (kick panel) and tapped a 12V unkeyed supply. Second pin from the bottom, left side was continuous 12V. There was also an unused weld nut that made a good ground for the light ring.
I put the fused relay in behind the left headlight and zip tied it to the HL wire harness.





Due to some reinforcement behind the blank, took some dremel action to get the lock ring to fit in this slot. Just maybe 3-4mm too small. To make the main hole, I just drilled 1/8" holes around the perimeter of the circle, then used the dremel to connect the holes.


Edit:
Just walked out and took pics. Obviously they need adjusting, and the intensity of my outside light, make the shot kinda bad. But, you can get an idea of the brightness.



Also, light ring is pretty bright

 

Oh man, I hope you get it. Took me 3 years to find a used one.

 

I just think it's funny he's calling the OTC hub tamer a specialty tool, any shop that does 4WD or FWD wheel bearings has one, or a clone of it at least. Super common tool since you don't have to remove spindles (a time wasting procedure in a shop, especially in the rust belt) to go use an upright press. But if that's the best point he has to argue, I guess it's be one we'll keep hearing...

 

Is that the one I see Eric O on the SMA youtube channel using? That dude can fly through a wheel bearing job while in the rust belt.

 

He has both of them (grappler and tamer) I think, and a couple Astro clones that seem solid too. That man plies his trade like no other.

 

Im considering a trip to Buffalo this May, Im tempted to make a stop in Avoca and say hi but its kind of out of my way .

 

I'm gonna play the devils advocate for a sec but don't you have to remove the spindle anyways to pull the CV's ?
I'd rather use a specific tool it usually makes it easier to do the job. But if you have to take it off anyways and you have a press.

 

It seems from his channel he doesn't really appreciate that. I think he prefers YT folks just join in on patreon or the live stream chats.

 

Just pop the lower BJ stud and swing the axle outta the way.

 

Id schedule some easy service like an oil change or something so Im not wasting anyones time. But its doubtful that I go since Avoca is kind of on the other side of the sate from where I wanna be.

 

On this Episode of 1st Gen Master Debation: Wheel Bearings

 

Oh... my buddy says his truck needs wheel bearings and until now i though the ONLY way was to take the spindle off and press it

470 is a bit steep for a tool id only use 2x but if it saves a lot of work

 

It's a tool you'd only use two times if you only keep it long enough to do those two bearings. It's not a specialty tool, it applies to just about every RWD, FWD, AWD, 4WD vehicle with pressed sealed unit bearings

 

Oh i see

 

No, but I did get them dirty!

 

How was the trip?

 

I actually used my truck for the AZ BDR this weekend.
All packed up and ready to go.

First stop on the Cascabel/Redington road to air down.

Dusty trails

Stopping on the side of the road near Mammoth for a short break and photo op.

Trail to Mammoth

Group pose

Driving to our camp spot, nice stream flowing down the canyon.

First nights camp spot.

Back on the road, back side of the Pinal's.

Short halt on the back side of the Pinal's

Back on the trail winding up the mountain.

Crossing the bridge near Roosevelt lake.

First real water crossing.

Another night under the stars.

Beautiful desert sunset.

Stopped on the trail to check out the Sierra Ancha Cliff Dwellings.

 

It was a blast, I can't wait to finish it someday.
I completed sections 1 last year and sections 2 and 3 this year.

 

wait, you went to the car wash after or before the mall?

 

Shoot if your not doing it both times your not doing it right. Also who wants to keep mud all up in their truck. I was out there with the power washer getting that shit off.