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

Removed factory spring mounts on my 97 to fit a set of Deaver j59s

 

U-JOINTS

so I’m getting the rear u-joint replaced on Tuesday since I’m having the driveline squeaks again. The shop I’m taking it to, (extremely reputable shop. They specialize on Toyota’s as well as other makes), said that more often than not it’s the rear u-joint that needs to be replaced.

Is he right? I don’t have the funds to replace all 3 joints right now or else I would but it would suck to get the wrong u-joint replaced that didn’t need to be. How often have you guys needed to replace the middle and front joints?

 

my double cardone (the middle joint) lasted 290k before i had to rebuild it. the others they seem to be good for 170-200k typically.


going off what i see at work and on the multiple tacomas in the family

 

Super pro makes some i used on my last truck. AU tested and approved. I hammered on that thing and never had issues
I've got whitelines in my lower control arms (would not recommend; super stiff)
But they could be better for the steering rack. i don't have any xp on that though.

I've stood on mine. but yeah it doesn't seem as solid as if it were on some channels in sheet metal like the later gens.
Do you have photos of underside install? I wound up having to take the interior out to back some of the bolts out, few of the plus nuts started to spin on install
I wound up getting them all in and lined up with a support brace so its not just sheet metal holding them. I'll see if i can find some photos. i wish i had talked to more people about the rack before hand, but overall i like the ability and versatility of being able to put gas, a light bar, and eventually a solar panel on it. the 80/20 and molecularity is a wonderful thing.

 

I love my Prinsu rack. No regrets on and I’ve had it on for over a year now. But I also never intended to use it to carry heavy weight such as a camper or anything like that.

I think your level of happiness with it is highly dependent upon your intended use for it.

 

Aren't J59's stock length replacement compared to something like the F67's?

 

He has a 95-97 frame, though I am confused, cause you have to move the rear mount too.

 

I will if I must but I am going to try and use a longer shackle 1st.

 

You can do that but your shackle angle will be pretty far off

 

Shouldn't it be 45°?

 

Ideally, with weight on it that should be the resting position yes. You moved your front mount how far forward of the old one?

 

I was just about to post the same thing..

I don't think that'll work out so great honestly.

 

I went 2 inches forward, the front mounts are going to be in the factory position of the 98+ leafs.

 

Man your truck has the perfect stance. What lift and tire size you running?

 

I just had the same situation on my 2nd gen. I jacked the truck up and was able to spin the rear tires slowly and hear the rear u-joint making the squeaking sound. Try that and see if you can hear it.

 

I could try that but the thing is is that it doesn’t squeak 24/7, just periodically throughout the day and only for maybe 5 seconds. I’d have to be lucky for that technique to help but maybe it’s worth a shot anyways. Thanks!

 

Also starting to notice some vibrations around 50 mph so guess we’ll see.

 

Half way there installing bilstein 5100 lift kit. Just need to install the rear. Or should I leave it with the Carolina lean lol

 

Are you using the Bilsteins adjusted on the highest setting or with new springs and the shocks on lowest setting? I'm trying to decide what I want to put on my '98.

 

I ordered it assembled highest setting from toytec with new springs.