What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

Today dropped off the Taco at the doctor's (4Wheel Parts)...she's getting new front shocks (Rancho)...that makes it Team Rancho , all 4 corners..They're also gonna look into the Diff Lock, it just blinks, probably hasn't ever been engaged, prior to me owning it..After this, real trail miles to follow..

 

The reason for the dual electrodes is Toyota's hemispherical (hemi) head designed combustion chamber, the spark plugs thread straight over the top of piston as opposed to most engines that are "angled" plug design, the spark isn't vertical from electrode to firing tip, spark is thrown across (horizontally) ARCing between 2 electrodes for a bigger/slightly longer spark for better fuel combustion on compression stroke, so I think I'd use the dual denso's...

 

Dang straight, tidily wink.

 

Knock it off with the pet names, homos. Not that that's a bad thing. The homo part I mean. If you're into it. That's fine.

 

u , Chester Cheetah?

I have no idea what you're talking about

 

Replaced my newish single electrode NGK spark plugs with dual electrode NGK plugs. Started it up after but haven't taken it for a drive yet. Hopefully this cures my bad idle

 

Also, I bought this Redline additive that goes into the radiator. It's supposed to make engines run cooler, typically around 10 degrees cooler. Since I've been running around 204-210 degree range I figured I'd give the redline additive a try. Also gonna do the jiggle valve mod at the same time. Anyone used the redline antifreeze additive before? Did It work or help?

 

What's that?

 

I've been using Redline's "Water Wetter" for 20 years. Mostly due to having overcarbed, overcammed, & undercooled hot rods in South Texas...you try everything to keep the engine temps down. The Redline stuff never made a noticeable difference to me on the gauges, even with high dollar digital gauges, but I still put it in anyway to atleast keep everything lubricated in the cooling system and it keeps the air bubbles down.

The "Jiggle Valve" is a check valve to bleed air out of the cooling system that is built into most thermostats. Some people think that when installing a new t-stat, the valve, or pin, needs to be installed in a certain position, but it doesn't make much of a difference if you bled the system properly and filled it with the right stuff. Others claim that clipping the jiggle valve off will help reduce temps. Kinda the same thing as drilling holes into the flange of a thermostat. I've done both, I couldn't ever tell a difference.

 

Played tow truck for a solid 25 miles. A buddy's transmission took a crap up in the hills. Glad I bought a fairly long tow strap. haha.

 

Toyota says the reason is thus. The dual electrode plugs are used in the Taco for longevity reasons. The "wasted spark" system of 3 coils/6 plugs fires each plug every rotation instead of every 2. Thus a single electrode plug would last only half as long. That's straight from Toyota.

Toyota says put the valve in the 6 o'clock position on the 1st gen V6. Countless folks on this and other forums have documented an average 10 degree running temp increase from putting the valve in the 12 o'clock position. The increase returns to normal when the valve is returned to the bottom. This does not follow historic wisdom but is is non the less the case. They also have a specific position for the 4 cyl that is different than the 6, near but not 12 o'clock.

 

last time I played tow truck... i had a 20ft strap

I have since bought additional straps!

 

hey you guys I keep getting mixed reviews online. I have axle wrap on my 01 4 door taco and I just broke my tough country traction bars. Would you go with bud built or pro comp ladder bars? Also I hear that people put on bilstien 5100's and the stiffer shocks do away with ale wrap is this true? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

5100s are shocks.

shocks won't really help axle warp..they provide no lift..

getting a new leaf pack will..and judging form you sig pic..your suspension is shot..

 

Took some sick poser pics

 

For the first time since I bought my '02 Xtracab 5-speed stepside 11.5 months ago, the dash is cleared of all warning lights.

Today, thanks to cmack and his thread here http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/44039-emergency-brake-fix.html and a few of the other links off this thread, I fixed my e-brake so the light doesn't stay on. Took a quick spin around the block and I kinda miss the ( ! ).

 

Now on the hunt for a quality portable air compressor
If anyone has suggestions, I'd like to hear pro cons

CO2 is out the window cause I don't want to worry about re-filling the tank, even though I'd love the very fast refill time.

I was thinking these two looked purtty good...

VIAIR 450P/45043 Automatic Portable Compressor, Tire Inflator Kit, Air Compressor for Truck, Jeep, SUV, and Car Tires, Portable Air Pump Kit, Car Accessories, 100% Duty Cycle, 150 PSI/1.80 CFM, Silver

http://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-Automat...1382383409&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=viair+450p

VIAIR 440P - 44043 Tire Inflator Portable Heavy Duty Offroad Air Compressor for Large Trucks & Jeeps | 12V On/Offroad Tire Pump Air Compressor, 150 PSI, up to 37" Tires, Alligator Clips

http://www.amazon.com/Viair-44043-VIAIR-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9BXQS/

 

C02 FTW!

Just kidding. I plan to get a compressor as well. Mainly for air locker, but a good back up as well.


Between those two I recommend the 440P. Faster air up times.

 

also on the hunt for one, after the meet yesterday I had to borrow someones to fill up

 

There is a lot of win w/ CO2.
Compressor is nice if you're not racing to air up w/ your pit crew.
My pre-boot camp Xmas is looking oh so nice, it's nice to experience a little bit of heaven before you knock on hell's door