Chicagoland area members

Correct, mostly ride quality. I mean, it's 15 years old so there's only so far ride quality can be improved, but I think theres room for improvement.

I don't do a lot of wheeling - when I do it's only related to hunting, camping and fishing, I know a air locker front and rear would be the most effective combination, but I think it would be over kill for me. I think the torsen limited slip rear would be a welcome improvement without breaking the bank.

I won't be making any changes immediately, but want to have plans to make the changes when I have the $ to pull it off.

 

An LSD would make a decent improvement. The only reason I brought up the air lockers is because you mentioned a Detroit locker. I guess I just assumed you were thinking about an automatic locking diff.

The cheapest way to improve ride stiffness that I have done was put sand bags in the rear and let out done pressure in the tires. But there is always a trade off. My teeth don't take out of my skull now, but she's a little floaty now.

You could always check out some stock length Bilstein shocks, probably a little better than stock.

 

I was thinking of an automatic locking diff - a Detroit locker would fit that description as well correct? At least that's my assumption - but let me know if I've got that wrong.

I'm trying to improve traction without breaking the bank. I read a few things on the ARB air lockers as well, but the cost and complexity seems to be substantially greater. I'm open to suggestions if I'm missing something.

Also the reason why I was looking for a shop in the area to do the work ...

 

If you want a selectable locker i would look into finding a complete elocker rear end out of a TRD. I love mine and have had zero problems with it wheeling since 2005 with huge gear reduction going through it and 33's and almost 200k on it. People here will tell you they suck, but most are parroting what they read, or are dealing with the flaws that the 2nd gen elockers have. You should be able to pick up a used TRD elocked axle for way less than either option you are considering.

Also its 4 ubolts, two shock bolts, some brake lines, and 4 pinion flange bolts to swap it in. You can easily do that yourself in an afternoon with a buddy with minimal tools and experience. Wiring it up may take some time, but that can be done in increments as its not critical to the operation of the truck once the axle is physically in.

 

Can't really help you out with that one bud, the only thing I haven't done to my two myself had been alignments and getting recalls taken care of since I got back from Japan :-/

There is a place called the truck stop in Schaumburg I believe, but Idk if that's just a store or actually has a shop. But like it was mentioned in the post before this it's pretty straight forward and easy swapping in a rear end.

There is a place called I can fix this, in Gurnee. Has everything there you'd need to DIY for way cheaper than what a shop would charge.

 

We have lots of Chicago Members, and have a local group that we are getting together! Join us for our next meet and greet!

 

The Group sponsor is also running a Raffle for new members as well! Free LED headlights!!

 

Anyone wanna meet up @ Tilted Kilt in Oakbrook on Sat Feb. 28th? Have some brews and talk Tacomas.

 

I may be in for that!!

Juan

 

anyone going to the chicago auto show tomorrow? i'll be working there at the Marine booth so stop by and dont be shy to say hi if you guys do =]. I have a feeling looking at all those 2016 and future vehicles is going to make me want one =(

 

I would agree makes me want to buy a new one.

 

Soooooo I traded the long bed away for 14 TRD T/X PRO BAJA 6spd. I've been thinking how cool it would be to get into a manual and then I found this rare gem. I know BAJAS are out there but I don't really see very many of them much less with a 6 spd. It only had 11,400 miles when I found it so it so I said fuck it!!! " you only live once". So I went ahead and got it.
I was able to get most of my stuff off my long bed for the new truck and have been working on putting it all on. I was extremely happy to be able to put my 295's on with very minimal trimming of the plastic in the wheel wells and removing the mud flaps. So far my rubbing of the cab mount. It's close enough though that I'm still gonna get it done so NwiTaco let me know when your good so I can come see ya. .

 

That is awesome, I always wanted the manual but like you said hard to come by. Enjoy it brother, what mods did you transfer over?

In other news, so since I went to the auto show.... I bite the bullet got a 5th Gen trail! as I was at the dealership I saw one red Baja, I also saw a 2013 xrunner!?!? I thought they stopped making those?

 

I wish I could get a new one like you guys but mines paid for and its almost like I want it. Congrats on the new purchases. With that said I have a question in regards to features we or I have.

1.) does the rear diff lock work in 2 wheel drive? Mine just stays blinking. The only time mine comes on is when Im in 4 low.

2.) i do have A-Trac but I have been reading about this yellow wire mod and by passing the abs trac ans vsc with a kill switch. Is it worth it to do that?

I posted these questions and PM'd a cpl guys and still have no response. I did post on What have you done today thread too but no response.

 

On my post I meant to say no rub of the cab mount!!!

My wheels, my wet okole seat covers, weather tech floor mats and window shades, led hood mounted pod lights.

Before I found this Tacoma, I actually had a deal made through email on trd pro 4runner. I was literally a few minutes away from calling to put a deposit on it when I found my Baja online.....and the rest is history

 

Yeah as far as I know you need to be in 4low for the diff lock.

I did the anytime fog mod on my last truck and probably will do it again....other than that I'm too paranoid to start messing with the electrical system. I wouldn't personally do it.

 

Any pictures?

 

Not yet, I've been too dam busy. Soon tho.

 

Cool, thanks for the info. I just hate when my wheels spin and loose half power cause it a precautionary thing that Toyota has to not tear anything up. I have pullled a few people out of ditches but had a lot of wheel spin in trying. Also I hate my ABS, so I figured in trying it but maybe not now.

 

No way, is that your 3rd Tacoma in 3 years? Congrats on the Pro Baja!