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Baja Series Tacoma

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Travlr, Feb 16, 2021.

  1. Feb 16, 2021 at 7:41 PM
    #1
    Travlr

    Travlr [OP] Lost in the ozone again

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    I recently came home with a 2012 Baja Series Tacoma and have been searching the threads for mention of them with little luck. Is the Baja Series anything special? The one I have is damaged but repairable, so any information you know that might help me would be appreciated.

    For instance, I've measured a few things and it appears the Baja is a couple of inches lifted compared to the base model, but I don't see any lift mods. The rear shock height is 21" instead of the base 19". I don't see any differences in springs, shackles, etc, so where does the additional height come from?

    DSC02513 (1).jpg Baja 4.jpg Baja 7.jpg
     
  2. Feb 16, 2021 at 9:44 PM
    #2
    mabepossibly

    mabepossibly I know enough to make an ass of myself

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    Skids, Sliders, Lights
  3. Feb 16, 2021 at 10:06 PM
    #3
    Taco-Obsessed

    Taco-Obsessed Wildlife Peeping Tom

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    The second post likely answered your question of where the lift comes from for the front, and provided a thread to review with a lot of information, and if you have more questions I'd ask in there.

    Per the rear lift, you probably already know this, but the lift comes from the leaf pack, not the shock. You must have a larger leaf pack (more leaf(s)) than the base model.

    Congrats on your new truck.
     
    Travlr[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  4. Feb 17, 2021 at 6:53 AM
    #4
    Travlr

    Travlr [OP] Lost in the ozone again

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    As far as I can see the leaf springs are stock. Three and one, just like my base model. Back mount appears to be the same. I haven't checked the front mount, but a quick look gave me the impression that it is the source of the added height.
     
  5. Feb 17, 2021 at 8:58 AM
    #5
    Taco-Obsessed

    Taco-Obsessed Wildlife Peeping Tom

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    Huh, wonder what it is. Ask in that other thread of owners of that model.
     
  6. Feb 17, 2021 at 9:08 AM
    #6
    Travlr

    Travlr [OP] Lost in the ozone again

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    What thread is that? I did a search using the word Baja and found fog lights, suspension, yada, yada, yada...
     
  7. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:01 AM
    #7
    Taco-Obsessed

    Taco-Obsessed Wildlife Peeping Tom

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    Thread linked in second post above.
     
  8. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:07 AM
    #8
    Travlr

    Travlr [OP] Lost in the ozone again

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    :thumbsup:
     
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  9. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:31 AM
    #9
    Travlr

    Travlr [OP] Lost in the ozone again

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    I'm stumped on something.

    As you can see in the pictures the truck was hit hard enough to break the left rear wheel.

    Is there any kind of seal or gasket involved when you remove the four bolt hub and axle from the differential?

    Any tricks to replacing the axle that I should know?
     
  10. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:35 AM
    #10
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    No tricks. You just undo the abs sensor, hard brake line, and the 4 bolts and it slides out. May have to gently tap the back of the drum with a dead blow hammer.
     
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  11. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:38 AM
    #11
    Travlr

    Travlr [OP] Lost in the ozone again

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    No seal/gasket where the four bolts separate the hub?
     
  12. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:42 AM
    #12
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    There’s a rubber seal but it’s pressed into the axle. It’s not like a rubber gasket where you have to forcefully break a seal.
     
  13. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:48 AM
    #13
    Travlr

    Travlr [OP] Lost in the ozone again

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    So a fresh axle removed at the wrecking yard should have the seal already in place?

    Just insert replacement axle, tighten nuts, and good to go?
     
  14. Feb 17, 2021 at 10:49 AM
    #14
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Probably, but it’s cheap and easy to replace so if you’re rebuilding the axle I would put new seals on.
     
  15. Feb 17, 2021 at 11:34 AM
    #15
    Shaeet

    Shaeet Member

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    Ouch, that wheel! I love how those wheels look & didn't realize they were the OE Baja ones. Truck looks like it could be alright otherwise, grats on the pick-up!
     
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