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

Use a large pair of channel lock pliers. You're going to reuse the filter. I've been told that if you need to use a tool to take the filter off then it was on to tight or I need more grip strength in my hands.
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I don’t reuse my oil filters, and I try to only hand tight but when it’s time to remove they’re always pretty snug and my feeble arms have a hard time

 

I mean, if you really just want to take the filter off, a screwdriver punched into it is appropriate leverage. But I stick the tool on it to untighten, and hand tighten a new one on. I seat it enough that I can do it by hand if I want to, but given the overlarge nature of it, it reduces your grip strength when you try to whole hand it anyway, so why fight it?

 

Thanks!

 

I have owned nearly every style of oil filter wrench over the past 50 years. By far my favorite is the one pictured. It is small and can be used in the tightest spots. I generally grab the huge channel locks but ultimately use this smaller tool. Don't know who makes it. Don't know where I bought it. All I know is it has been my go-to filter wrench for at least 10 years now. Has tons of grip and plenty of leverage.

 

I have one exactly like that i mainly use on my riding lawnmower. think i got it in the garden section at home depot or Lowes

 

Yes I use it on the riding mower too. Had the wrench way before I had a riding mower. It works on everything. Especially handy when hoses or pulleys are an obstacle.

 

Jumped on the bandwagon:

 

After sitting in my toolbox for nearly 11 months I finally installed my Spiker hood struts. One rivet didn't pull completely flush, on the hood side, so will have to be careful. Maybe drill it out later and replace it. Real simple install. Did the competitors more expensive stainless Elite on my 3rd gen. Now looks like I need to detail my nasty engine bay. Coated in dust from getting hood and roof painted. Next is to get it in my garage and swap to the 3rd gen suspension with a lean spacer.

 

Every time i see this truck I get a little more envious

 

I've been looking for these for two door version and the illuminated passenger door lock/unlock switch. Are they available yet?

 

How secure is the base of the mount?

Do you need to remove the radio and then AC vent bezels to install it? Any hardware on the backside on the webpage it looks like it's threaded for set screws.

Can you still fully open and close the vent louvers?

I did something similar, drilled through my aftermarket radio bezel and put a thin stainless plate with nylocks on the back, doesn't move at all even over mild whoops but I have to admit it looks pretty freaking clean.

Is it rated for a specific weight? I have a 8" LCD screen I'd like to mount for my camera system and might go try this route over the tech deck mount just for better positioning.

 

Just 12-15 and 4 door right now. My understanding is they're looking at other options

 

Would be nice for my '10 access cab, auto down only and only on the drivers side is kinda annoying, I miss my '00's auto up and down on both fronts.

 

Wowwwwwww, thank you for the kind words.

 

Of course I didn't get any after pictures but I did clean out and "refresh" my K&N air filter.




Cabin air filter mind you; the only K&N that should be ran on vehicle.






Getting easily 2x the airflow now at each fan speed, it probably hasn't been cleaned in over a year and was pretty plugged after spending a day running sand trails with a buddy recently.

Smells fresh too.


I tapped out a pile of detritus on the ground then stuck it in my d̶i̶s̶h̶w̶a̶s̶h̶e̶r̶ parts washer and it came out looking new.

Engine airfilter could stand to be changed more so for the age but it really doesn't get very dirty with the snorkel being on.

 

When you planning on finishing up the front bumper? Last time we talked you said it might be a while.

 

I’d like to get some new leaf springs next and then will likely pay GMG fab at some point to do the tube work. I’ve never done tube work and I’d like it to be as tucked and tight as possible. I don’t trust me inexperienced ability to do that

 

I use a socket type oil filter tool. It sits on top of the filter like a socket and use a 3/8 socket wrench to break it loose. I hand tighten but this give you just enough torque to loosen the filter.