What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Rated for what?

 

Originally started yesterday morning out with the intent of installing the hard wire kit for my Escort radar, because I hate dangling wires and the direct kit is so much cleaner. The kit came with the add a fuse and several sizes, and however I selected the correct size, I couldn't get the add a fuse plug to go into the slot. It made no solid connection at all. I then started venturing around at what else I can tap into for power and decided on a power wire leading to one my relays for the other lights I have. I did not want to use the hot side of the relay as I would then have to have that switch on for my radar to work, so I figured just better to grab main hot wire and wire in the inline fuse of course. So started to do all that and got wire cut to length and stuff, then realized I had no lighter of any kind where I would be able to melt the heat shrink tubing after I solder connections together. So goal now is to pick up a bic lighter at next gas station stop lol. Meanwhile I am temporarily looking at the dangling radar power cord again that goes down to the 12V plug. Also washed the truck for the first time in a while and found water spots. So I worked with my Rupes and medium grade polish. I still got some to do but ended up looking ok. It's supposed to rain today so at least it looks good for a little while.

 

For recovery

 

Depending on how you value your time and for perspective, it took me an hour including gathering tools and cleaning up when installing my RCI skid (which requires removing the OEM brackets). And I'd never done anything like that before.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...3rd-gen-today.399305/page-13098#post-28870187

 

KTJO driver side grab handle. I taped a nut and washers to the lower fastener location and used a bolt that matched the upper bolt.

 

Got the ARB UVP installed, now just need the ARB rear bumper and I’ll have the full protection

 

Instead of repeating that, an explanation would be helpful.

 

Bolts need to be done from the bottom up while being pushed up

 

Was up the west side of Stave Lake on Wed and they are involved in putting in a rider training area for ATV?

 

A little over a year into ownership, performed its second oil change and rotated tires, along with a bath. The amount of paper towels for clean up, sheesh (my fault). Made sure I torqued the oil filter to 18 ftlbs last oil change, the housing was still pretty snug for removal this time.

 

Mine's supposed to be here on Friday so I'll report back. After buying my truck I flew to another job almost immediately so I'm playing catch up on mods. I have a bunch of stuff arriving this week - hard tonneau, DS-18 tweeters, the skid plate, and other stuff. Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be warm enough I can install the OEM door sill protectors. Saturday I have to get my license plates (I bought my Taco in another state and the temp plate runs out soon). Then I have to consmoline the bottom and finish prepping it for winter. Hopefully the next 2 weeks are decent.

 

Soooo... whataya gonna do after lunch?

 

Still trying to figure out how to replace the bolts for the lower struts so I don't chew up the bushings. Lots of people have done it. Lots say how easy it is. Nobody actually fully explains how to do it without screwing it up.

"Jack up car, check. Remove tire, check. something something... FINISHED!"

I know there's still pressure on the bolt and some say lift the tire (huh?) and others say push down on it. I don't want to do anything until I know for sure. All of the videos of people replacing struts and control arms are sort of helpful but not really because they aren't swapping a bolt and keeping everything the same. They're all removing everything so steps are skipped.

If I somehow manage to get all that done, I have the parts for the rear diff breather mod I would like to do before things start to get rusty. If not, it can wait until spring. I don't anticipate my subdivision flooding until then.

That reminds me, I need to call DS-18 back. Someone was supposed to get back to me and they didn't. Grrrrrr.... Maybe today after lunch.

 

i gotta do this to mine also. have the bolts waiting just havent found the time.

 

I really want to get them done this weekend so if I figure it out and don't screw something up I'll report back. I searched TW and seriously most of the comments are "just did this this weekend. took 10 minutes!." I've seen 30 minute videos and pictoral descriptions for washing a winshield. Nothing on this one.

 

Went with the Recon Grapplers

 

Installed my fog lights.

 

I'm not sure. Haven't heard that. I don't see it on their web site atm.

 

No pictures, but finally narrowed down my annoying squeak in my rear suspension to my driver side shock. I couldn't figure out what it was for the longest time and no matter how much I cleaned/lubed my leaf springs (which everything pointed towards being the culprit) the squeak never went away. Well today I thought I'd try the shock (TRD pro fox shock), I lubed both ends with no change, then thought I'd go crazy and poke a small hole in the dust cover and spray some lithium grease in it... the squeak instantly stopped! I'll take it for now, even if the squeak comes back I now know EXACTLY where it's coming from and can either replace the shock or figure out why it's squeaking.

 

Unfortunately the vast majority of folks don't understand and/or exercise this.
It winds up driving inflation at a faster rate and punishing those who save.

Look where we're at now....that pretty much explains it....too many people just living for the moment in a heap of bad debt