MARYLAND TACOMAS

I had planned on buying a new fender just for the snorkel and painting it myself

That way I wouldn’t mess up the midnight black metallic paint when my not so steady hands try and cut shit. Also would have used extreme strength double sided tape for the pillar instead of drilling into that.

 

I never even gave the pillar a thought… didn’t realize that had to be drilled as well. But you’re right, I’d probably just use some industrial/outdoor strength velcro or something. As per the fender, I did consider just salvaging one from a wrecked truck in MGM color.

 

It's a Dobinsons. I was reluctant on doing it at first too but, I honestly like the way it looks on all the Land Cruisers. Even if I don't use it all the time. Peace of mind thing I suppose. I'm not a crazy wheeler or anything.

It cost me 365 bucks for the components. Another 300 for install.

 

The off road shop that installed mine left the pillar drilling out. He told me he didn't want to install it because technically it's not really needed, he shook the shit out of the snorkel and it rocked the truck back and forth. "It ain't going no where". After reading through install of these, most people do the same.

 

I wouldn't get scared off by them, really. There aren't really any cons of having one. My mileage has been a rock solid 19, my scangauge is reading about 10 degrees cooler for air intake and I think my filter replacement will be fewer and more far between now.

 

That’s good to know for many reasons… but my first worry other than the obvious leaking water damage and having to replace the pillar if I ever took it off would be at highway speeds, it tapping/vibrating on the pillar and driving me nuts!!

Keep us posted, let us know what you think… any performance, throttle response gains, MPG gain/loss, ect…

Looks good though. Dobbins makes nice quality parts.

 

just sharing this in case anyone is interested..

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/northern-virginia-roll-call.188512/page-5787#post-29113354

 

Not as much scared off by the part or the modification needed to the truck as I am… scared of my wife if she found out how much I spent for something I’ll never use for it’s intentions. More so, just something I personally think looks cool.

 

So Wednesday, I just did a 700 mile road trip down to Miami and back to where we are on the gulf to pick up my inlaws from the airport (long story), I have noticed a slight bit more acceleration while at highway speeds (around 60+) it has more throttle response, not by large margin but I can feel a difference. As I said before I'm getting around 19-20mpg doing 75-80 on the highway in 95 degree weather which to me feels like a really good average. As for wobbliness or tapping, nonexistent. The snorkel head wasn't affected by the wind in the slightest way.

 

I have the extreme hd velcro on my A pillar.. after a couple years its worn down. Snorkel flaps sometimes, but mine is held onto the fender with 5 bolts, so I know its not going anywhere. I do love it and have never thought of taking it off. Reduces the times that I have to change the air filter

 

they do make capped rivnuts, so you wouldnt have to worry as much about water intrusion.. If you were to buy some, id be interested in 2 for my own application

 

Foggy & a bit soggy atv ride this morning.

 

Tis’ a good life you have up there sir, Tis’ a good life!!

 

How's the back? You're getting those shots Tuesday aren't ya?

 

C'mon up for a visit when your back is better! Or here's a couple properties currently on the market. I know a few members on here asked me to keep a eye out for them.

 

Quick question: How much need do we have in Maryland for doing a coating on our undercarriage? (I happen to be in Annapolis where we didn't see snow at all last year, mostly because I purchased a 4 x 4!) If you have strong feelings it should be done, who do you recommend?

 

I went for a cosmoline coating bc I wanted to hit the beach and just felt itd be safer that way. I wouldn’t reckon you need to if you dont think it will snow. However they do still put down brine even if they think its gonna snow. I just did it myself took a couple hours with some rattle cans

 

I used a can and a half of Woolwax spray. It was $50 for 4 cans, I think.

 

I coat my frames, suspension, gas tank brackets, brake lines, and anything I think is prone to rust except the exhaust every year with Surface Shield/Fluid Film/Wool Wax (lanolin based products). Surface Shield is an excellent product, many long term reviews on YT. I have shopped a lot for Tacomas in years past and I have seen a lot of shot frames. A LOT. With you living in Annapolis, I couldn't stress it more. Cities will coat the roads in salt even for a minor sleet scare.

It's a fairly simple but messy DIY process and you need to dedicate a day or 2 given your location (flat, gravel, lift or not, etc). After you apply it, DO NOT wash your undercarriage for the entire winter.

 

Back is slowly getting better with each day… finally starting to sleep almost completely though the night without waking up with the leg cramp/burn happening. Not sure if I mentioned, but they tripled my steroid dosage and added Gabapentin as a nerve blocker. The Gabapentin seems to be making the biggest difference so far. And yes, Tuesday is my injection date. Can’t come soon enough!!