Cheap/Free Mods

Would putting a lock on the back wheels be tough? I have a 2wd and am stuck on keeping it that way (I don't want the extra weight up front). Would this mod help me?

 

Adding a locker to the rear will double your traction, so YES it will help.
HOWEVER, it is not a cheap/free mod. Depending on the locker you choose it will cost anywhere from $500 to $1500 to have one installed. I'm not sure what is even available for a 5-lug axle.

 

I think that's going to be my biggest obstacle here. I want to make the truck better for offroad and I don't want to get rid of it (it was my dad's and he babied it for 244k). Would the slip diff screw me over off road? I have decent tires, now I'm searching for my next (not very costly) step in this process. Can't afford much until my insurance sales start to take off.

 

A locker would definitely help. I have really seen people put locked rear end trucks in terrific spots....just a slightly different driving approach is needed. Even a good limited slip will help, but I am not sure what is available for 2wd 5 bolts. How about an ARB air locker? Expensive, but groovy!!

 

Haha ARB would have to wait at least another couple years. Would I be able to put a locker on a stock axle or would I have to get a whole new set up? If that's the case I may as well get a TRD rear axle. If you can't tell I'm brand new to the off roading world and getting used to the lingo and such.

 

Do they normally only offer the locker for 4 bolts or 6 bolts or something? When you refer to bolts, what exactly would you be referring to?

 

Bolts in this case is really lugs, the ones that hold your tires.... The 5 bolt/lug is the lighter rear. I am betting they make a locker of some sort. Is your rear end fully open? (insert seedy joke here...).

 

I have a 6 lug in that case. and no, I don't swing that way hahah.
But really, I have no idea what that means. Are you asking if I have a limited slip diff? If so, yes, maybe, I actually don't know. I think I do but I just sent a request to Toyota to get a print out of all the options my truck came with. There are too many different combinations to keep track of it all.
I'll come back to you with an answer soon.
In the meantime; and please let me know if I'm asking too many questions....
Do the stock control arms work just fine for mild off road performance? I'm considering replacing these as well (I know all this ain't gonna be cheap.)
Adding a leaf to the springs and replacing bushings with polyurethane. Are these the best next steps you think?

 

there are never too many questions.
the control arms are fine until you get up to and over 3 inches of lift then it becomes an alignment issue when you have Maxed them out. There are so many ways to go, you will have to research the hell out of it. As it is 2 wheel drive I would suggest either getting a longer front spring and shock combination like an old man emu or simply get a spacer for now and go the cheap way

 

I did the same thing except I screwed it to the floor, through the carpet so I could pull the light off and use it without opening the door.

 

70 bucks worth of rubber mat. Thought it would keep stuff from sliding around. Cheaper then a real mat.

 

Does this work on a 15? Already did the Fog anytime mod without bending any prongs on the relays and then did this mod. It doesn't seem like both lows/highs are on at the same time. Anyone do this mod with success to a 2012 and above?

 

Has anyone done the mod to have the lights under the cab come on with the door on unlock and when opening the doors? I was looking for a little more information on the wires to use.

 

I'm planning on connecting my bed lights to it but I won't get to it until august

 

I am not doing it right away my self but just looking into it now, I basically just want them to come on with the door un lock and when the doors are open with no secondary switch to control them to come on when ever. So I was wondering what wire/wires to tap into.

 

This link may help.
http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/install/00016-00069-TACOinst.pdf

Also, love that pic attached to your signature. Do you have a full size copy of that to share?

 

Great thank you. I did the raptor lights this weekend.

 

This is the first post I saw when I clicked on this thread. I didn't read and just saw the flashlight sitting on the floor. I thought that was your cheap mod. I about spit my chicken and rice at the screen. Caught me off guard.

 

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Soooo many mods to do when I get home to my Tacoma.