Chicagoland area members

I was in Jackson (Albion) last week...get a rental from work, if someone hits you it's not a big deal

 

If the rental is a Tacoma, take the rental

 

I was thinking the same thing... A little nervous about the roads but I figured 94 should be clear enough to survive a trip this evening to O'Hare. Should be a really heavily traveled area.

I don't know how you guys fared in general but it was pretty crazy here. I had to push several neighbors out of the road because the snow was so bad. Actually had a moments where I thought I was going to get stuck with the truck (stock rugged fails and no lift)

 

I had to help a few people too. Pushing, gentle tows and full recoveries. My fiance, family and neighbors are grateful for the truck I couldn't imagine another winter on those rugged fails. I bought some duratracs in August and they were great yesterday.

 

I've been kicking myself for not replacing the tires ahead of time. I normally drive a 2004 WRX STI with General Altimax Arctics as my winter car but the power steering pump went out yesterday. I really thought I could get through another year with the car in the winter and postpone a truck-tire upgrade but it's just not happening... I think som duratracs are in my future.

 

pfft. that snow was nothing. i drove to the airport and back yesterday, ran a few errands before retiring to the couch for a bowl. no problemo. well. except for the people doing 20mph in both lanes blocking me. fuckers. if you are going to go that slow, get out of my way.

 

I hate my rugged trails too, cannot decide between duratracs or bfg alterains.

 

I had nitto terra grapplers and I thought they were great. This time around I went with the duratracs.....these blow the nittos away in my opinion. I've also had the bfg at on a previous jeep. I don't think they even compare to the dura tracs. Hope this helps.

 

High-temp coated on the outside and ready to go.

 

I'm surprised my prerunner did fine in this snow. Auto lsd is great....when I'm not in deep snow lol. I drove around mostly with trac off (push n hold). How was everyone else driving around?

 

4wd has been great, this is the first winter I have had it in 8 years but I feel like parts are going to start vibrating off my truck on these snow covered, potholed roads in Plainfield. It took me 20 min to got from Caton Farm and 55 to the corner of 30 and Renwick this morning due to a combination of terrible drivers and bad roads.

 

....I know how you feel

 

Looking good, are you doing all the install yourself

 

Wonderful plowing. There are some streets that still have 6" of slop.

 

Yeah, I will be doing these myself. I have some other things that I am going to take to a shop to have done such as the smaller pulley and the fuel pump. Goodbye 20 MPG!

 

Whats all that do? More HP?

 

Yes, the smaller pulley will add 1 - 2 lbs of boost. Standard rule is 10hp for every 1 lb of boost you add to an engine. Some guys have run the smaller pulley without a fuel pump and had lean code faults happen so I want to avoid that by upgrading the fuel pump. The headers not only have larger runners, but have high-flow cats standard so I will definitely pick up some power there. I am hoping to be in the 13.6 - 13.8 range at the track. Ultimate goal for the truck is a 13.5.

 

Hey guys -
I recently bought a 2000 Tacoma in January in good shape - I'm in Mokena - can anyone recommend a shop that specializes in 4WD work in the SW suburbs that they've had good experience with?

Nothing serious planned, I'd just like to take it to a shop that knows 4WD, and can do some installations for me at some point. Like getting a Detroit locker installed in back, and some suspension work (not a lift).

Thanks in advance.

 

Spend the extra $$$ and get the ARB air locker(s). Check out east coast gear supply, they'll install the diff in a 3rd member with gearing of your choice. Then when it arrives at your door simply replace the old with the new and mail the old back to ECG, and happy motoring.

You might as well do front and rear lockers, best way to go IMHO. Just gotta make sure gearing is the same front and back.

What are you looking for suspension wise that doesn't include a lift? Better ride quality mainly?