What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Damn supply chain!

 

Hurry up and wait! Somewhere in all these snowdrifts, is my old trusty 12v block that I got from a tug boat and then sent my 2nd Gen to go meet Jesus shortly after. The thought has occurred to me, that I could in theory, drop the suckered in the hole. I mean, what could go wrong?

 

The mounts you’re referring to are reused after removing the stock tow hook. The huge bolts that actually attach to the frame, one of which is visible, are what makes this a rated recovery point.

 

Is there a video of how to change the driving lights?

 

Installed MESO stage one that I got on black Friday for $75. So far I’m liking it and it’s brighter than oem.

 

I bought one of the Boomer Dash Ram Mounts and got it installed with some Amazon’d threaded ram balls, ram arms and an el-cheapo tablet holder for whatever device the passenger is using. Super easy to install and mounts up nice and clean.

 

Nothing planned but the oil change and inspection on Wednesday

 

Sportsman Guide Mistake

So one day I am on the Sportsman Guide website and I see a sale on an old Vietnam-era flak jacket for $60. I had some loose cash at the moment so I ordered one of them just to have for cover use in case of tornadoes. I received it and to my surprise, the object was not a Flak jacket. It was full of Threat level 111A Kevlar. One of those wraparound-type jackets with neck protectors too. The wife asks where is mine? I informed her that she and the dog will be wrapped in this sucker inside the closet if a tornado occurs. So basically it is hers to start with. I did test it up close with a .357 Magnum, with no penetration, and only damaged a few top layers. They only lasted a few hours on the website.

What has this to do with the Tacoma? Nothing, but it does show that mistakes on websites do happen and some get great deals.

 

I eventually got tired of looking at the scratched instrument gauge cluster in my truck, so in an effort to start fresh I got a new gauge cluster and the Screen ProTech kit. I also added the protector for the gear indicator and the radio touch screen.

A few things to note:

-This is pretty simple to do, and there’s a QR code you can scan with detailed instructions if needed.
-Take your time, especially when pulling the dash pieces out. The plastic tabs can break if you’re not careful. I used a trim tool to gently pop it out.
-I found it useful to position the steering wheel extended out and all the way down, plus putting the blinker and wiper sticks in the down position. This allows for more clearance getting the cluster in and out.
-There are 4 screws that hold the gauge cluster in, plus 2 electronic ports and 1 plastic tab on the back. They’re pretty easy to disconnect.
-To separate the cluster glass you need to remove 8 screws on the back with a T15 bit. These were torqued pretty tight from the factory so be careful not to strip them out.
-I managed to get most of the air bubbles out but there are a few small ones that should clear out in a few days.

Hopefully this may be of help to anyone considering doing this. I’m just glad I don’t have to see that terribly scratched glass anymore! And yes, I did find the Taco easter egg hidden behind the instrument cluster.

 

You got a link for that tablet mount? Looking for one just like that. The only other I like so far is the tackform one. Thanks!

 

Screen protector is that the name on the Amazon site?

 

I tried the very conventional grill lights addition, but chose a non-conventional color (white). And I did them for a stock OR grill; most are for Pro grills.


Then I realized I need a little more knowledge. So if anyone has tips/forum thread suggestions go ahead and DM me. But be kind, I'm fairly sure this is basic stuff for most of you folks.
- What should I connect them to? I thought the fogs would be reasonable but the grill lights stay on regardless (connected with one of those tap a fuse connectors). So I did something wrong
- How to get extra wires into the fuse box (and close the cover of course)
EDIT: @Rocket23 sent some tips; and there is a nice video at Tacoma Lifestyle (https://www.tacomalifestyle.com/blogs/news/how-to-install-tacoma-raptor-lights).

 

ScreenProtech is the product; they have their own site and sometimes discounts (TW doesn't let me post the URL but I'm sure you can find it). Note you don't have to remove anything if you are just adding the film.

 

I received my Cyber-Monday OEM accessories:

• Bed mat ($119)
• Front bed rail (2nd gen) ($27)

The parts guy didn't want to help with the bed rail since it was a 2nd gen part. The holes line up perfectly. However I can't install it for a while as I need to take the tonneau cover off (normally a 5-minute job) but I blew my shoulder out last week so I only have one good arm.

 

Nice write up. I struggle with the clips to the right of the steering column. From the looks of it, you might as well have replaced the head unit while you were there. Is that the entune premium?

 

Picked these up today. They look so much prettier in person.

 

Nice to know it matches.

 

That’s wild because they look so good in that picture. Very nice.

 

Always loved these wheels