3rd Gen Maintenance Maps - Get 300k+ miles

gentlemen, as always I appreciate the words. It’s just what I need to get off my ass and finally do my brakes (which are soon to be due)

 

Really nice job with the videos. You just got a new YT subscriber.

 

Thanks! It’s been a great little side-hobby. I know I keep saying it but I’ll have brake videos soon enough (soon as they are due)

 

Awesome stuff. I haven't been mechanically inclined, but recently looking to get away from someone doing it and taking the responsibility myself. Its a good skill to have!

I was thinking about getting a poster laminated with it for the garage. Appreciate all the time and hard work!

 

Just watched the tire rotation video. Fantastic work. Thank you for posting these.
Nothing in the video scared me except....1) I've never done it before. 2) I don't own the cool racing / floor jack. 3) I've never done it before.
How hard is it to get the tires aligned? Aside from being patient and tightening the lug nuts a little bit at a time in rotation (not one all the way, then move on to the next) are there other things to look out for? I guess this is what worries me: am I too clumsy that it would be worth it to pay to have it done?

 

Assuming your truck is in proper alignment (since it’s a new 2023 that assumably wasn’t lifted in your driveway), you don’t have to be concerned with alignment. All wheels are shaped exactly the same and can be put on any corner of the vehicle without a change in handling. The only time this would not be the case is if rotating was neglected for many many miles and the tires wore down unevenly, which again won’t be your case. Follow the manuals rotation pattern (front to rear/ rear to front) or my rotation pattern every 5k and you will be just fine for the entire life of the tires. As for re-installing a wheel, it’s simple and pretty fool-proof. Unbolt, remove, put back on, tighten bolts down evenly until properly tight.

Add: the most common way to mess up alignment is by lifting the truck. In this case you go to an alignment shop and get it put back in proper spec and usually not worry about it again.

 

Thank you. Very helpful. Do you have recommendations for jacks, torque wrenches (I have a lead on these) or other tools for the job?

 

Honestly that jack is the premium Walmart option I bought in a pinch. It does it’s job well. The torque wrench is a 3/8” Dewalt which I’ve had great luck with and use for most torquing. It’s a middle ground priced option. I’ve used real cheapos before like the amazonian ones and they were a waste of money.

 

Just got my 10K service done. Had them check the alignment - was off! 10K and alignment off - but had to pay myself.
And this is what they put as recommendation at 10K: cabin air filter and AC cleaning - for $44 and $64 plus tax. Immediate action! The regular cabin air filter change is 20K and I have a K&N air filter installed. Since I have an organizer in my glove compartment and know my chaos there, I can with certainty say that they did not even look at the cabin air filter.

 

I don't do much maintenance on my Tacoma, but I change the wipers and both filters. I do the same for my wife's Highlander. There is no reason in the world NOT to do it myself. Like you both our cars have full glove boxes and I have an organizer in mine. I'd know if they actually looked at the cabin filter.

 

All of this is very questionable to include the alignment “off” at 10k. Did they give you the detailed print outs covering caster, camber, and toe? Sounds like a dealership being a dealership.

 

Yep, got the print of the alignment. Front right was worse. Rear was ok.

 

Hey man just wanted to thank you , im hitting 30k and this was very handy

 

My pleasure brother!

 

Same here! Muchas Gracias yet again hometown.

And super glad I used me bro’s shop, as my torque wrench wouldn’t allow for the hex bit to sit flush. This Mac did the trick

 

Killin it!

 

Good stuff. Took it around the neighborhood on these long straights that are abound here, and the 4WD engages with a quick click. Feels brand new! Been lagging a little lately on engagement.

Curious if the actuator uses the gear oil in one of its sensors, if it has one?

 

iirc, the actuator motor itself should not come into any contact with gear oil and should remain sealed from the outside world, lubed only by its factory-applied grease. Best way to prevent it from seizing is to enage it for a short stretch (a couple of hundred yards) once a month or so. I actually have a calendar reminder to do this and it even happened to be today on the way to work ha!

 

Good to know that info, thank you.

 

I said a couple hundred yards when in reality the distance driven does not play into lubing/preventing the actuator from seizing. Thats just the average of how far I drive before switching it back into 2wd ha! Happy driving