What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

Trying to chase down a clank in my front end when the suspension seems to hit full extension then engage again like when going over a speed bump or dropping off a ledge. Wasn't consistent and seemed more noticeable when turning in different directions. Could feel the clunk in my steering wheel. Finally videoed the front end dropping off the driveway ledge on both sides and narrowed it down to the driver side. I have had it on jack stands, placing a pry bar everywhere I could on 3 different occasions when I finally noticed while cycling my suspension on the driver side my strut top bushing was expanding and contracting. then noticed the washer on the inside of the top hat wasn't in continuous contact with the top hat at full droop. Compared to the passenger side there was also half the amount of threads showing above the strut top nut on the driver side than there were on the passenger side. Tightened, noise gone. 3 weeks of freaking out every time I heard a clank just to have the nut on the top of the strut back out half an inch.


Added some paint pen markings on the nut and the strut top so I can see if it starts backing out again.

 

I would check the torque on the upper and lower control arms. They seem be be a major source of similar clunking issues. If the torque is good use a jack to see if the bushings move in the arms as well.

 

Do you have a write-up on how you did it?

 

After a full detailing day took her out to play in the snow ( not my choice )

 

So your truck is one of those that identifies as a hybrid….

 

I don’t I just looked up some videos online. I did it from the bottom making everything way easier to access. I also didn’t change the whole tensioner assembly, just the pulley.

I basically jacked it up to get it higher in the air, took the skid plate off. Then I took the tension off the belt and locked the tensioner with an Allen key, removed the belt, then swapped the pulleys out.

The tensioner pulley is reverse thread 40 ft lbs
Lower number 1 idler 40 ft lbs
Upper 2 number 2 pulleys 29 ft lbs

 

Yep. I live in Oregon, where anyone can identify as anything.

I did it for two reasons. 1. Some people will think it is really a hybrid. Which amuses me. 2. It’s a subtle troll of the dirt worshippers that know it isn’t a hybrid and will be annoyed when they see it.

 

I thought that was mainly a Portland thing when it came to Oregon…
When I’m up in Grants Pass I don’t see anything of that nature.

 

even better for this than paint pens you have this
Tamper marking compound or whatever
Paint marker = draw on metal

but this stuff drips on better

 

Installed some Cali Raised molle console panels. Keeps everyday things within arms reach.

 

How do you like that EPS carry?

 

it mostly is, also Newport, Eugene and Salem.

 

Who makes the unit?

 

So far so good. Only have about 200 rounds through it. I like the compact size for a carry gun and the reticle is nice and bright. Can't say much for battery life yet. Time will tell.

 

Sound deadening on the roof. Next need to build a box for the 8” sub behind seat and rearrange my amps.

 

that was one of the first things I did, I also paint pen'd the bolts there too. I assumed the clack was so loud it had to be one of the arms but they checked out just fine. I drove it to work yesterday and there was no clack going into a parking garage like it normally does so I think I pinpointed the main issue. Gonna re torque everything else in a week or so just cause I was wrenching on things and don't want anything else to back out now

I havent seen this before Im gonna go look at it now.

 

Nice, I'm looking to upgrade from my 407k. Went shooting in the rain and it was awful. Honestly for living in the PNW, an enclosed reticle is a must I feel.

 

Added Craigslist Smittybilt 3” running boards, $50! Replaced cracked, sunbaked tail lights with Amazonian el-cheapos.

 

Good score on the running boards. I am handicapped and put them on every truck. Excellent door ding protectors.