What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

I had drilled ones installed in the spring. will see how they hold up over the winter.

 

Little side quest I finished today. I’ve always wanted onboard air, and as much as I like the Decked system, there is a lot of wasted space on the sides. Decided to install an ARB single under one of the hatches. Made a plate to fill the gap and mount the switch and air chuck out of a piece of Kydex. Definitely not precision manufacturing but it works well. The recessed mounting plate is made by ARB, I just randomly found that and coincidentally it fits perfectly.

I’m pretty happy with how this turned out. I have e-lockers so this is just utility air, I think this location is good for that purpose.

 

Friday post.

 

Since I blacked out the fender flares with plastidip, the bright machined surfaces of the TRD Sport wheels really stand out now. I don't feel like plastidipping them, so I may go fo those vinyl overlays until I can get some aftermarket rims. But before I even bother with the vinyls, I wanted to see how much of a difference blacking them out would make, so I used a dry-erase marker to color one of them in. Yes, I know it's janky AF, but it give me an idea of what it will look like. I think it looks better than silver, so I'll probably go ahead and order the vinyls. Any thoughts on gloss vs satin? Gloss would match the rest of the black on the rims better, but satin might look nice for just a tiny bit of contrast.



Don't laugh.
Actually do laugh.



Alternatively, I was going to put some black electrical tape on them to try out the look, but figured that might be a PITA to clean off it it leaves behind any sticky residue.

 

Sending off my oil for analysis at Blackstone Laboratories.

111,000 miles. 0w20 advanced fuel economy (mobil 1)

Interesting, I was getting some insane gas mileage on this last 7400 mile trip. There were parts of Arizona and New Mexico I was getting 27-28mpg. When that happens I always look at the weather and see if I'm getting a push from the wind.

For anyone wondering; the kit from Blackstone is sent out FREE, standard analysis is $35, check or credit card.

 

Were you tucked behind tractor trailers or even trucks pulling enclosed trailers? I can really up my MPG if I can find a large vehicle to draft from. Helps a lot if I'm towing a trailer too.

 

Not typically no, I've had enough chips in my windshield for a lifetime. I've had 3 on this truck. I have probably 3 in my lifetime on other cars so I avoid trucks for the most part, if they have mudflaps, sometimes I will try to draft.

But usually whenI get 25+ I notice the wind is blowing with me. The other odd thing is, it was HOT, in the 90s. I thought good gas mileage usually comes in cooler temps.

 

I went with the matte vinyl and I like the contrast. Very happy with the way they turned out.

 

This. This is exactly why we're all here. Creative solution. Looks great, thank you!

 

I went with matte vinyl and like the result of the slightly contrasting textures. Also thought that the vinyl might scuff more easily and matte shows that less.
Only you will notice the subtle difference so go with your gut.

Do be prepared to spend some time on it. It took me about 1 hour per wheel on my OR using the vinyl from TVD Vinyl.

 

Yeah, mine was one of the first made. Maybe they've updated the design. I'd call them and ask if that's a feature you want.

 

You can replace with whatever pad/rotor combo fits your make and model. Drilled rotors have a tendency to crack with heat and aren't recommended. Slotted rotors along with a higher friction pad are a popular choice.

I'm planning on staying with oem pads and rotors though.

 

i called dash designs and coverking and they both dont cut out speakers for anyone else wondering. about to place an order for mine right now.

 

Ah yes, just checked mine; no tweeter cutout. Actual speaker is forward of the vent cutouts. Hmm, I may create a cut out

 

Suede looks good. I should have gone that route.

 

Sunglasses should fit. I’m not sure of the use of the compartment. The opening is at the top and once you put something in there it will be at the bottom with the console open. It’s kindof tight to get your hand in there to reach anything. Doesn’t appear to be a convenient place to store items you’ll be using regularly.

 

It uses double sided tape. Bought from Amazon.

$23 JKCOVER Center Console Hidden Box Organizer Compatible with 2016-2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma Accessories Armrest Hidden Storage Box Secret Compartment Press to Open and Close (Patent Design)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBBYL1JQ

 

I had one for a short time in my truck. I’m sure yours is better quality, it looks it. Every time I would lift up the cover of the center console my insert would fall right out. Even with nothing in it.

 

Alien Tape (yes, it does work and twists off easily).

 

less money in the wallet