What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Finally got my retro TRD shift knob in I ordered on Etsy. It took a while as it came from a seller in Lithuania. Been in customs since 27 Oct. Ordered 15 Oct. Quality looks and feels pretty good. Stich work as well. Installed easy. It feels like the insert is plastic or polymer. I tightened it down pretty good. Went one turn past just snug as I felt that was plenty. It doesn't turn freely even with a hard grab and shift of the knob. I also installed the matte black trim piece below the shifter to cover up the chrome, but it is also needed because the chrome trim has tabs that attach to the OEM shift knob. This black trim piece clips over the chrome and gives the aftermarket knob a better fit and finished look. That piece was for sale on Etsy as well. 3D printed piece. Seller did a good job on it as well.

 

My last truck had a hula girl super glued to the dash but I wanted something new. I got a figurine moose, but my dog ate it before I could get it mounted.

Ended up with this friendly guy. Swings through every bump.

 

I didn't do this today technically, but I got rid of my Diamondback and FrontRunner bed setup and went with RCI Aluminum half-height rack.

 

Installed a gas cap holder today that should have been there from the factory, just one of many things that should have been huh? Oh well they fill some addiction that apparently happens when you first bring your bundle of joy into your life.

 

My Tacoma Lifestyle 3rd brake light arrived in the mail today. This job has had me intimidated because of the headliner. But I did find a YT video where the guy took off the side hook and it gave more room by allowing the headliner to drop down further. So I plan to tackle that this weekend. After watching that video a few more times.

 

A few images I created using AI technology..

 

On another note, I purchased my first set of Michelin light truck tires, and not happy with the amount of lead they used to balance it. I felt it immediately, and had them rebalance it, and they put it in the rear. I could feel it every now and then, upon rotation, it’s more noticeable up front. I think they used 4 ounces or more.
Is this typical Michelin quality? I’m going to contact them on Facebook, and share my thoughts.

 

The drawback of the midsize is that the gas cannisters were too large to mount on the sidebar. I am sure I could have found a way to get it done but went a different route and mounted them underneath the tent. I actually like this alternative since it will make it much more difficult for anyone to mess with them and the cannisters will not be subjected to direct sunlight. They also do not block very much of the view from the rearview mirror.

 

30 years with USAA and not a single ticket or accident. In the last five or so years, rates have nearly doubled. $2,400 a year on a new Taco and a new Crosstrek.

I think this is getting to be like the cable/phone companies - keep raising the rates on the ‘loyal’ customers and offer the lowest rates to attract ‘new’ customers.

OK - on to the ‘What have you done’ side of things, I got the

$17 Stant 10504 Stant Regular Locking Fuel Cap, black

Stant 10504 locking gas cap from O’Reillys (without the ‘S’) and I’ve gone through a couple tankfuls with no issues. Hopefully, no one at Central Services finds out about my mod. I might have to drive my other vehicle.

 

That’s not been my experience. Set I had installed a few months back have 4 each 1/2oz weights on one tire, another has 5 each 1/2oz weights and the other 2 wheels have none.

 

Nope. I have had 4 sets of them over the years and never anywhere near that much

 

We've had multiple sets of Michelins on various vehicles over the years (although I'm running Toyo AT III on the Tacoma). I cannot recall any that took a lot of weight to balance even on some pretty hefty wheels. Is that only on one wheel? It's possible there's an issue with the wheel and you could try having them move the offending tire to another wheel and see how it goes. But if the problem follows the tire, and if your old tire(s) didn't require that much weight, I'd say that it's a manufacturer defect. It happens. That's what warranties are for. If you bought them from Discount Tire they'll replace it no questions asked. If not, I'd press the seller for a replacement under warranty.

My $.02.

 

Thanks! I’m just running Billstein 5100’s with OME 886 coils set at zero. Haven’t done the CMC yet. The viper cut eliminated the rubbing at the front but I still hear some rubbing at the rear of the fender at full lock or close to it when the suspension is compressed. Might need to pound back the pinch weld. Probably going to change out the UCA’s soon which should be a big improvement overall. Don’t have any other pics at the moment. I will try to get some this weekend and I’ll post them then.

 

I actually got call from my agency this afternoon. My auto insurance renewed last week for 6 months. The agent noted the raise in our premium and stated it is due to some sort of raise permitted from the state, whatever that means.

 

How did you do on the sale of your DB? As much as I like mine, every time I see a Alu-Cab I get to thinking.

 

I use 40lb bags of softener salt just in case I need to melt something. Also throw 2 in the trunk of my 07 Corolla and I feel like an indestructible tank.

 

Did the same with doggo.

 

That’s legal-speak for: We’re the insurance company. We -never- lose. Here’s your share of the claims we paid. The state won’t let us stick you with the whole bill all at once, so see ya again in another six months.

 

YEP, the good drivers pay for the bad drivers

 

Concurred! No claims or moving violations and huge increases!