What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

r_ben65 · Sep 6, 2023

Today I had some unauthorized spontaneous bodywork done to both bumpers. Car in front of me stops suddenly on the interstate. I was able to stop in time but got rear ended and pushed into the car in front.
Could have been a lot worse. No one was injured. I'm just a bit sore. Overall, it's just property. Insurance will fix it.

Phenom3030 · Sep 6, 2023

Diode Dynamics stealth light bar and ditch lights came today.

killthehippies · Sep 6, 2023

spark plugs and serpentine belt at 125k.

TheFactor · Sep 6, 2023

RichochetRabbit said: ↑

Who would have thought that "orange" works on a muscle-car?

Click to expand...

Yellow worked for me to on
My Supercharged O3 Mustang Cobra AKA 03Yellow Venom

MGMDesertTaco · Sep 6, 2023

RichochetRabbit said: ↑

Who would have thought that "orange" works on a muscle-car?

Click to expand...

I've got an orange 02 Camaro SS. I should have kept the red one though.

TwinTaco31719 · Sep 6, 2023

finethreads said: ↑

Just installed a set of Toyo Open Country AT tires, 265/70/17 Load Range C, on FN FX Pro wheels. Thanks Dustin and @Discount Tire for helping me put this project together.

Click to expand...

Looks great!

TwinTaco31719 · Sep 6, 2023

Phenom3030 said: ↑

Diode Dynamics stealth light bar and ditch lights came today.

Click to expand...

TwinTaco31719 · Sep 6, 2023

r_ben65 said: ↑

Today I had some unauthorized spontaneous bodywork done to both bumpers. Car in front of me stops suddenly on the interstate. I was able to stop in time but got rear ended and pushed into the car in front.
Could have been a lot worse. No one was injured. I'm just a bit sore. Overall, it's just property. Insurance will fix it.

Click to expand...

Sorry OP!’

62CHTS · Sep 6, 2023

Installed my OEM rack. Got it on a Labor Day sale for $239. Planned use is paddle boards and similar lightweight loads.

TwinTaco31719 · Sep 7, 2023

62CHTS said: ↑

Installed my OEM rack. Got it on a Labor Day sale for $239. Planned use is paddle boards and similar lightweight loads.

Click to expand...

Nice!

runmc · Sep 7, 2023

CB350G said: ↑

Installed the KTJO grab handle.

Shipping: Good. Received within a week of my order.

Packaging: Parts, in a box, in a bag. The shipper did they're worst, but everything arrived OK. (Internal packaging could be better / more secure.)

Initial Reaction: Decent, OEM-looking, OEM-feel plastic parts. Hardware was OK, but I'm a bit picky.

I didn't care for the small-ish expanding bolt for the lower mounting point. It just doesn't look like something I want to be pulling on, on a daily basis. I bought an M6 nutsert, but it was too big for the factory hole, and I didn't want to drill. So, I went with an M6 flange nut, attached with double-sided mounting tape.

Removing the side cover was very straight-forward. Disconnect the battery. Pop out the oval plug and remove one bolt. Pull the cover out.

Next is the fun part. Carefully feed the nut behind the bracket and press in place. I didn't make the hole in the tape (for the bolt) big enough, which I found out later. The bolt did not want to thread in. Tip: Test-fit the bolt before installing the nut.

The color-match on the cover was pretty close, but not exact. Luckily, it doesn't butt up against any other matching trim, just the dash and the headliner. The stock trim piece had a small felt patch in one corner and a foam seal on the back side. The KTJO piece did not. The glue holding the felt and foam strip were too strong to remove those pieces, so I left it alone. Hopefully, no rubbing or squeaking down the road.

It took a few tries to get the front end of the trim piece to fit in and lined up with the dash, but I finally got it.

The handle hardware included two aluminum bushings. On one side of the handle, the opening is 'wavy' and the bushing fits snugly. On the other side of the handle, the open is larger. I got new, matching bolts, and a larger washer for the 'other' side.

The top bolt went in fine, but the excess tape on the bottom nut didn't play nice with the bolt. Removed everything, trimmed the tape, tried again. Success. Add the two trim covers in the handle and you're done.

The installation was not difficult at all. As mentioned, the color match is not exact, but it's pretty darn close. I don't think anyone else is going to notice. The fit and finish are OK/acceptable. The finish is very similar to factory. You would be hard-pressed to see the difference unless the two sides were right next to each other. The fit, however, is not quite as good as factory. The handle on the factory side fits snugly down in the side trim. The KTJO handle has a visible gap. On the factory handle, the two plugs fit nicely into the handle. The KTJO plugs are slightly exposed. Minor details, but FYI. Overall, I would give it an A-/B+. I'm glad KTJO has this available, I'm happy with my purchase, and I know I'll be using it every day!

Click to expand...

Excellant write up!

Nate88cool · Sep 7, 2023

Phenom3030 said: ↑

Diode Dynamics stealth light bar and ditch lights came today.

Click to expand...

Hey what trim piece are you using for the Auxbeam control panel?

Nate88cool · Sep 7, 2023

New 2" lift, Stage 2 Deaver springs, Accutune UCA, Fox Elite DSC front and rear, Westcott designs rock sliders

Phenom3030 · Sep 7, 2023

Nate88cool said: ↑

Hey what trim piece are you using for the Auxbeam control panel?
Click to expand...

I’m using the Guild Outfitters panel.

TVphotog97 · Sep 7, 2023

CB350G said: ↑

Installed the KTJO grab handle.

Shipping: Good. Received within a week of my order.

Packaging: Parts, in a box, in a bag. The shipper did they're worst, but everything arrived OK. (Internal packaging could be better / more secure.)

Initial Reaction: Decent, OEM-looking, OEM-feel plastic parts. Hardware was OK, but I'm a bit picky.

I didn't care for the small-ish expanding bolt for the lower mounting point. It just doesn't look like something I want to be pulling on, on a daily basis. I bought an M6 nutsert, but it was too big for the factory hole, and I didn't want to drill. So, I went with an M6 flange nut, attached with double-sided mounting tape.

Removing the side cover was very straight-forward. Disconnect the battery. Pop out the oval plug and remove one bolt. Pull the cover out.

Next is the fun part. Carefully feed the nut behind the bracket and press in place. I didn't make the hole in the tape (for the bolt) big enough, which I found out later. The bolt did not want to thread in. Tip: Test-fit the bolt before installing the nut.

The color-match on the cover was pretty close, but not exact. Luckily, it doesn't butt up against any other matching trim, just the dash and the headliner. The stock trim piece had a small felt patch in one corner and a foam seal on the back side. The KTJO piece did not. The glue holding the felt and foam strip were too strong to remove those pieces, so I left it alone. Hopefully, no rubbing or squeaking down the road.

It took a few tries to get the front end of the trim piece to fit in and lined up with the dash, but I finally got it.

The handle hardware included two aluminum bushings. On one side of the handle, the opening is 'wavy' and the bushing fits snugly. On the other side of the handle, the open is larger. I got new, matching bolts, and a larger washer for the 'other' side.

The top bolt went in fine, but the excess tape on the bottom nut didn't play nice with the bolt. Removed everything, trimmed the tape, tried again. Success. Add the two trim covers in the handle and you're done.

The installation was not difficult at all. As mentioned, the color match is not exact, but it's pretty darn close. I don't think anyone else is going to notice. The fit and finish are OK/acceptable. The finish is very similar to factory. You would be hard-pressed to see the difference unless the two sides were right next to each other. The fit, however, is not quite as good as factory. The handle on the factory side fits snugly down in the side trim. The KTJO handle has a visible gap. On the factory handle, the two plugs fit nicely into the handle. The KTJO plugs are slightly exposed. Minor details, but FYI. Overall, I would give it an A-/B+. I'm glad KTJO has this available, I'm happy with my purchase, and I know I'll be using it every day!

Click to expand...

Very detailed write up and easy to understand. I put one of these in my Tacoma two or so years ago. I also encountered some of the same struggles you did. One in particular from my experience is the top cover piece for the handle itself never wanted to seat properly. Even if it looked and felt like it was in place, it would fall right back out pretty quick. I ended up putting a dab of super glue in there and that did the trick. Not enough to totally seal it permanently, but just enough to keep it in there. Given others' experience with these KTJO products, it's possible I got one that wasn't made exactly to 'spec'. Otherwise I've loved having it in my Tacoma. One of the more worthwhile additions in my opinion.

afgixxer · Sep 7, 2023

2k2 said: ↑

I got rear ended last year. My receiver saved me from a lot more damage. I would make sure nothing moved.

My plastic step pad got all marred up, my driver's side bumper cover got creased, my receiver and the actual metal "bumper" were both pushed out of place, my tailgate got dented pretty bad, and the top stamp of the bumper got all bent.

I replaced the stamp and nothing else .. I loosened all the bolts and used a jack to get my metal bumper and hitch receiver back into spec and I super glued the plastic clips that wound up getting busted on the bumper cover and the step pad. I pocketed the rest of the loot. Total repair was about $400 (paintless dent removal guy got my tailgate fixed good enough).

I would check all the bolts underneath.. it'll take a few minutes, but if you get under there with a flashlight you'll see how it all goes together.. the bumper is like 7 different pieces, but there is only one part that is really a bumper....your receiver is attached to that along with the frame.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that info! I will be sure to look over everything again. How hard did they hit you and what were they driving? This car was so low it didn’t even touch my bumper. That was originally what had me pissed off bc I posted last year a door dash driver backed into me and ruined my tailgate, taillight and side panel but this time my bumper didn’t even look scratched.

afgixxer · Sep 7, 2023

CB350G said: ↑

Installed the KTJO grab handle.

Shipping: Good. Received within a week of my order.

Packaging: Parts, in a box, in a bag. The shipper did they're worst, but everything arrived OK. (Internal packaging could be better / more secure.)

Initial Reaction: Decent, OEM-looking, OEM-feel plastic parts. Hardware was OK, but I'm a bit picky.

I didn't care for the small-ish expanding bolt for the lower mounting point. It just doesn't look like something I want to be pulling on, on a daily basis. I bought an M6 nutsert, but it was too big for the factory hole, and I didn't want to drill. So, I went with an M6 flange nut, attached with double-sided mounting tape.

Removing the side cover was very straight-forward. Disconnect the battery. Pop out the oval plug and remove one bolt. Pull the cover out.

Next is the fun part. Carefully feed the nut behind the bracket and press in place. I didn't make the hole in the tape (for the bolt) big enough, which I found out later. The bolt did not want to thread in. Tip: Test-fit the bolt before installing the nut.

The color-match on the cover was pretty close, but not exact. Luckily, it doesn't butt up against any other matching trim, just the dash and the headliner. The stock trim piece had a small felt patch in one corner and a foam seal on the back side. The KTJO piece did not. The glue holding the felt and foam strip were too strong to remove those pieces, so I left it alone. Hopefully, no rubbing or squeaking down the road.

It took a few tries to get the front end of the trim piece to fit in and lined up with the dash, but I finally got it.

The handle hardware included two aluminum bushings. On one side of the handle, the opening is 'wavy' and the bushing fits snugly. On the other side of the handle, the open is larger. I got new, matching bolts, and a larger washer for the 'other' side.

The top bolt went in fine, but the excess tape on the bottom nut didn't play nice with the bolt. Removed everything, trimmed the tape, tried again. Success. Add the two trim covers in the handle and you're done.

The installation was not difficult at all. As mentioned, the color match is not exact, but it's pretty darn close. I don't think anyone else is going to notice. The fit and finish are OK/acceptable. The finish is very similar to factory. You would be hard-pressed to see the difference unless the two sides were right next to each other. The fit, however, is not quite as good as factory. The handle on the factory side fits snugly down in the side trim. The KTJO handle has a visible gap. On the factory handle, the two plugs fit nicely into the handle. The KTJO plugs are slightly exposed. Minor details, but FYI. Overall, I would give it an A-/B+. I'm glad KTJO has this available, I'm happy with my purchase, and I know I'll be using it every day!

Click to expand...

Why did you have to remove the disconnect the battery? Does it impede with your line of sight ?

WaitingOnMyR1T · Sep 7, 2023

afgixxer said: ↑

Why did you have to remove the disconnect the battery? Does it impede with your line of sight ?
Click to expand...

That’s typically done to avoid any accidental airbag deployment.

WalkingTornado · Sep 7, 2023

CB350G said: ↑

Installed the KTJO grab handle.

Shipping: Good. Received within a week of my order.

Packaging: Parts, in a box, in a bag. The shipper did they're worst, but everything arrived OK. (Internal packaging could be better / more secure.)

Initial Reaction: Decent, OEM-looking, OEM-feel plastic parts. Hardware was OK, but I'm a bit picky.

I didn't care for the small-ish expanding bolt for the lower mounting point. It just doesn't look like something I want to be pulling on, on a daily basis. I bought an M6 nutsert, but it was too big for the factory hole, and I didn't want to drill. So, I went with an M6 flange nut, attached with double-sided mounting tape.

Removing the side cover was very straight-forward. Disconnect the battery. Pop out the oval plug and remove one bolt. Pull the cover out.

Next is the fun part. Carefully feed the nut behind the bracket and press in place. I didn't make the hole in the tape (for the bolt) big enough, which I found out later. The bolt did not want to thread in. Tip: Test-fit the bolt before installing the nut.

The color-match on the cover was pretty close, but not exact. Luckily, it doesn't butt up against any other matching trim, just the dash and the headliner. The stock trim piece had a small felt patch in one corner and a foam seal on the back side. The KTJO piece did not. The glue holding the felt and foam strip were too strong to remove those pieces, so I left it alone. Hopefully, no rubbing or squeaking down the road.

It took a few tries to get the front end of the trim piece to fit in and lined up with the dash, but I finally got it.

The handle hardware included two aluminum bushings. On one side of the handle, the opening is 'wavy' and the bushing fits snugly. On the other side of the handle, the open is larger. I got new, matching bolts, and a larger washer for the 'other' side.

The top bolt went in fine, but the excess tape on the bottom nut didn't play nice with the bolt. Removed everything, trimmed the tape, tried again. Success. Add the two trim covers in the handle and you're done.

The installation was not difficult at all. As mentioned, the color match is not exact, but it's pretty darn close. I don't think anyone else is going to notice. The fit and finish are OK/acceptable. The finish is very similar to factory. You would be hard-pressed to see the difference unless the two sides were right next to each other. The fit, however, is not quite as good as factory. The handle on the factory side fits snugly down in the side trim. The KTJO handle has a visible gap. On the factory handle, the two plugs fit nicely into the handle. The KTJO plugs are slightly exposed. Minor details, but FYI. Overall, I would give it an A-/B+. I'm glad KTJO has this available, I'm happy with my purchase, and I know I'll be using it every day!

Click to expand...

So is KTJO good now? Was interested in the power folding mirrors but after reading all the drama with KTJO decided not to.

batcat420 · Sep 7, 2023

WalkingTornado said: ↑

So is KTJO good now? Was interested in the power folding mirrors but after reading all the drama with KTJO decided not to.
Click to expand...

I got the auto up/down window switches from KTJO last year and they've been great.

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