What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

Did the stubby antenna mod

 

Thinkin' about this. What's the word on reception? Looking at this one, pretty good reviews:

$25 AntennaMastsRus Short Rubber 6 3/4" Antenna for Toyota Tacoma (1995-2015) - USA Stainless Steel Threading, Car Wash Proof, Easy Installation, Enhanced Radio Reception with Internal Copper Coil

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9JZBSQ

 

Honestly didn't notice a difference between stock and this. So I say go for it

 

Think I will, thanks. Soon as I get it back from the frame swap.

 

Changed spark plugs at 39k miles. Went with Denso Iridium. Took about an hour working around Volant CAI. I hadn't changed a set of plugs on a vehicle with 4 wheels in 45+ years. Changed last set on a 1966 Chevy II Nova SS L79. If 1mm to 1.1mm is the spec gap range, old plugs were 1.4mm to 1.6mm. Old and new plug pics below.

 

I like it but was curious as to why the switch, is it spring mounted? flex much when driving, ie put much strain on the fender mounting, I wud think its a much bigger wind load then the thin one.....?

 

Those things were a giant killer back in the day, but you know that.
Had a '66 283/glide, looker, but handled like a Radio Flyer.

 

It's spring mounted. The spring is a standard CB antenna spring with a modified bolt configuration at the bottom to allow it to spin into the antenna mast on the truck already. Given that the antenna mast is bolted in place under the skin of the fender, there's no real risk of over-strain. I've driven with CB antennas before (I'll either be adding one to the driver's side or to the rear of the cab for my actual CB radio), and never had issues with whips or fiberglass sticks. In terms of WHY the switch, two-fold, the first being the most important is that any RFI I am getting from various electronics is lessened by the inclusion of a longer loaded coil, and I believe that with the load on the 2ft firestik, it's approximately half wavelength for the middle of the FM range I am wanting, especially with the tip screwed out as far as it will go, and the second being I like the looks of it an awful lot more than the OEM whip.

 

Since the weather is getting nicer (supposed to be 60 today, wow) I figured I'd get outside this morning while it was warming up and install my diff breather relocate. @Blais03 's kit includes enough hose to relocate the diff to the gas cap area, or even the box in the truck bed, but I wanted to put mine in the rear of the truck behind the tail light. Thankfully I have a spool of 5/16" tubing, so I had enough to do the relocate the way I wanted to. Props to BlaisBros for their kit, though, it's a good kit.

At the diff and routed through the brakeline clip


Up and over the frame, following another bundle of wires.


Zips to keep it in place.


Up and into the rear of the tail light area.


And in place. If the water gets this high, I'm swimming.

 

Took a few closer up pics for you. Yes they sit up on the little lip in the bedside. The holes for mounting to the rail are oblong so you can push it down tight to the lip.

 

Yesterday I had the enormous delight to change spark plugs.

 

None broken, I hope

 

None broke.

 

Installed my rtt. Not sure that I like how tall it is, but we'll see how I feel in a few months. One thing is for sure: if I keep the cap I will be buying 2 new crossbars. Getting the hardware installed and my hand under there to do it was...... What's the word I'm looking for? Oh yeah, it sucked.
Then did a quick interior cleaning and drove it by the self car wash.

 

Got my "Don't Tread On Me" Virginia license plates finally. Much better than "Virginia is for Lovers" lol..

 

Hehe.. if a Chuck would Chuck wood how much would a Chuck trim? Asking for Chuck.

 

Such teasing should not be allowed. At least post a Photoshopped render.

 

Something like this. I need to decide on exact placement after I mock up my BushWacker flares
Not what I intend as the yellow color should be towards the front of the vehicle and the red to the rear. The angle is also incorrect.



The stripes will be like this (at least on the pass. side)

 

Unsure if I want to move the stripes closer to the cab like this.

 

I vote for this version.