BigFishAllDay's Truck Thread

I like the Toyota decal on the tailgate!

 

I got the truck out on the road again this weekend... good times checking out some scenery, history, and nature.

 

Another trip in the books...





Temps came up in the afternoon, and the snow started to melt.



I knew I was in for a nasty drive out. Greasy clay mud. The truck slid into a big gully on the way out and almost layed over on the driver side... took both lockers to drive out. There are parts of this truck that will never be clean again after this weekend...

 

Mmmm, mud. The worst.

 

Love seeing the pictures of the truck out on the trail, getting used. Was a little concerned it'd end up sitting the driveway with the 4Runner your main choice.

I'm just waiting on the King coils to arrive so I can do the front suspension. Then I'm ready to hit the trail.

 

Thanks, Matt. I think it turned out well.

It sucked. I had to spend 30 minutes and $25 at a self serve wash in Taos to get it clean enough to drive home. While unloading all my wet gear, tons of mud clods fell off the truck, so my driveway is covered in mud too. I was hoping the snow would hang on until the afternoon so I could get out clean, but no dice.

The '01 4Runner is still my main choice for the harder trips, but the Tacoma was intended to be a replacement for my '97 4Runner. That vehicle is used mainly for lighter duty fishing/camping trips, general hauling, and DD duty. I've been taking the Tacoma out mainly to judge it's suitability as a replacement and see if it meets my needs. It has required some adjustment to get used to changes in the format of the vehicle versus the 4Runner, but so far so good.

Downsides so far are that 4Runner has a better interior layout and storage pockets, better fishing rod storage without the need for an additional carrying device, and a much better heater. Also, I'm still trying to figure out how I can fit the whole family in the Taco for camping trips.

The dogs like riding in a 4Runner much more than the Tacoma, too.

At this point, I've decided I'm going to give it a year and use it well, then decide from there whether it's worth keeping long term. I hope to see the FJ on some dirt soon.

 

Now I fully understand. Be interesting to see where it lands up next if you do decide to let it go.

Speaking of the FJ and dirt, the lighter coils are on the Kings now. Chris and I are going to install the front suspension this Sat, Apr 30th. Should be able to bang it out quick. Always welcome. Just let me know so I can be sure to have some beer/water/coffee on hand. Will probably call out for food at some point as well. Then alignment. Then dirt!

Past couple of garage jobs have been making me feel so cooped up. I'm a bit of the attitude that once I get the suspension done, if it doesn't just bolt up, it ain't happening. Really want to get out into the wild.

 

First dibs on the tacoma!

 

going to have to meet Nick's asking price. Don't think it'll be as nice as the one I was asking for.

 

Dammit! You're right Tom, probably the best deal ever!!!

 

Only time will tell. I'm glad to hear you got the coils swapped. I'd stop by to lend a hand on Sat, but I'll be at work. Maybe I can stop by afterward, around 18:00 if you guys are still at it.

You've gotta balance the wrench time with the wheel time, for sure. The wheel time tells you where you need to focus the wrench time.

Speaking of wrench time, I was installing the Warn on the 4Runner on Sunday and while spooling the cable the damn thing nearly took my finger off. It was a stupid mistake on my part, but a very close call nonetheless... I was kind of shook up. The right hand needs some downtime now.

Tom definitely made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I've sunk a couple grand into the truck since then, so I would definitely be looking to recoup my investment. One of the reasons I bought the truck was the fact that I could sink some money into it and still break even on a sale down the road. Play for free, you know?

 

How did you de-pin Pin 1 out of the DRL harness? I'm having trouble de-pinning it. Any assistance would be great. Thanks!

 

It has been too long since I last got outside, and the weather was great today, so the Tacoma got to stretch its legs.

Mechanically, there is nothing new to report other than oil changes and a new sway bar link.

 

i like this build

 

Looks awesome Nick!

 

If a build could like somebody, it would like you too.

Gracias! It may be for sale again before the year is over.

 

Glad you got to enjoy some trails, Nick. Looks like a fun place to revisit.

 

Sick build bro!

 

How do you like that bumper?

 

ARB?