TheCochese's Project Con Queso

Now they are back.

 

Squeaking/creaking update. Before I take anything else off I decided to torque down my cab mounts (not too bad) and U-bolts (holy shit).

Still there. Going to try looking at the radiator bushing next, then the front skid plate.

E: I take that back. While the sounds are still there, they seem to be reduced. Will keep listening.

 

With about 95% certainty I can say that I have identified the noise problem, and about 50% that I have fixed it.

The front fascia, or more accurately, the vinyl edge strip, is rubbing against the edge of the bumper. I played around with the fit some, but I do need to trim some more off the offending side. I may also switch to a rubber edge trim.

 

Creaking? Bumper.

Squeaking? Not bumper. I think I might be replacing my radiator mounts soon.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rad-front-body-mounts-shot.440118/page-2

 

Ordered a set of the universal body mounts. Also tried a bit of dry lube on the UCA with no result.

Planned steps going forward:

1. Replace radiator body mounts. I might be taking the bumper off to do it.
2. Have dealer check UCA when I get the fuel pump done at the end of the month
3. Have dealer check for sheet metal cracks around the power steering reservoir.
4. If none of that works, I don't know. It's getting a lot worse.

 

Just nuke it and get a Ridgeline. I'm sure that unibody beast doesn't squeak.

 

Funny thing is I don't really have a need for a truck anymore, now that I've nearly given up woodworking.

 

Don't give up! It'll cool off and you'll be able to woodwork again.

At least that's my story since my shop is my garage.

 

I'm so annoyed with the sound I want to do this right now.

But it'll have to wait until at least tomorrow if not Saturday.

But maybe I'll try to go through the wheel well instead and see what I can accomplish today.

 

It's fixed!

I couldn't get any purchase to get the body off the frame to remove the top bushing, so I buttoned everything back up since I couldn't see any damage. It turns out just torqueing it back to spec did the trick. I already did the cab mounts and U-bolts, but didn't think to also check those.

 

With the squeaking fixed, I moved on to other things.

I ordered a set of ditch lights and brackets to finally make use of my switch I installed a few months ago.


I accidentally ordered the wrong brackets at first, so had to overnight (not from Japan) another set. Since I was returning the first set, I decided to return the bushings I didn't use.

The lights are

$45 Auxbeam 4" Side Shooter LED Pods 19W 2Pcs LED Light Bar Off Road Light Pods with 19pcs * 1w Led Chips Spot Flood Combom Beam (Pack of 2)

Auxbeam, and probably on par with what I'd get from someplace like Caliraised. Very bright, still working on the aiming. The ditch brackets are

$23 GREATUS LED Light Pod Metal Hood Hinge Ditch Mount Bracket Kit Hood Light Brackets Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2016-2021 - Black

GREATUS, and surprisingly solid. Around $50 for the set. I fabbed up the wiring from what I had left over from my aux panel, and I did it as close to pro-quality as usual.

Unfortunately, it's not all good news as I stripped/crossthreaded one of my bolts going into the hood, so it's currently only attached with three. No movement or anything like that, but I should try to get that fixed in some manner before I put too much stress on things. No issues going around town. Hopefully it doesn't cost too much and isn't too much of a hassle to get sorted out.

I finally ordered the SOS fuel tank skid to complete the set, and I think is the next to last piece of the armor puzzle. I also finally ordered a couple of tree savers and a replacement snatch strap. The old one died a hero's death.

I'm hoping to get the Meso interior stuff installed while the kids are at school tomorrow, unless I get another bullshit work assignment.

 

Some updates.

Truck is undergoing the fuel pump recall today.
SOS Gas tank skid is in production, need to order straps when it gets here. Will need to prime and paint like the others.

Still debating about further steps. I have ideas, but nothing concrete at this point. Still think I'm on track for a roof rack next year. The rest of this year I think will be slow, because I just bought a PS5 and have an Xbox on order for November. Plus I'd like to pay some things down/off.

Did just take a short road trip for the first time with all the mods I added since last year, averaged low to mid 17 MPG on the highway. A bit disappointing, but it is what it is.

 

Truck is back, took about 3.5 hours to complete. Gas smell in the cab, per prior reviews.

 

Gas tank skid arrived yesterday, going to start prepping it today for a this weekend install. Have the studded straps in my Amazon cart. Preorder in for 2x Low range, and my AOB buttons are ordered for it and for the far off into the future roof lighting. Figured I'd save on shipping a little bit.

Also fabbed up a trick USB port for the wife's Ody in about twenty minutes, so I'm pretty pleased with that.

 

Received on Monday, painted on Thursday, installed on Friday.

 

Bit of an exciting week.

Received my Meso v2 map lights today, the v1s are way too bright for me and I might sell them on. These are dual color as well, which matches my dome light.

The AOB buttons were installed a few days ago, and my 2LM module should be here on Friday. I also impulse bought a

$103 Viair 88p Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88p, as I don't know when/if I'll get around to purchasing the ARB dual compressor I want to mount under the hood. This buys me a ton of time for a really cheap outlay.

I am starting to look longingly at a lift. Not until 2022 at the earliest.

 

2LM was installed on Saturday, but I honestly can't tell the difference between 4 low and 2 low. I'm hoping to hit a trail on Saturday.

Two easy projects on tap for Thursday or Friday - the rear diff breather relocation and the AC drain mod. Should have enough line to do both, just need a fitting to attach to the stock AC line.

 

Comms inbound.

Ordered a

$165 Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio – 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone – Overland Caravanning Tractors – Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

Midland MXT275, and bit the bullet and applied for a GMRS license. I was waiting for the fee changes to go into effect, but alas. I'll just use the temporary antenna, etc until I use it some. Then I'll come up with perma antenna and base mounting, etc.

 

I too have some super annoying squeaking. Pretty sure I know exactly what it is though. Stupid poly bushes everywhere and no zerk fittings.

https://youtube.com/shorts/LSc4l9pmVBc?feature=share

 

Lots of stuff popping.

Got the near final install of my GMRS comms, the

$165 Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio – 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone – Overland Caravanning Tractors – Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

Midland MXT275 base in the console, wires snaked through the bottom. 3D print button insert with an ethernet connector and extension. Super clean setup, just need to get some extra molex to hardwire. Midland Ghost on a Caliraised ditch light extension. No drilling, just like I like it.


Also finally got out on a trail, even if it was a mild one.