What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

They are the decals that member rrentrop produces. Here's where they can be purchased: http://stores.ebay.com/tacomavinyldecals?rmvSB=true

 

Any idea if he would do custom colors for the tailgate?

 

You can ask him....here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/members/rrentrop.163975/

 

I'll add another aspect to that (not contradictory, just complimentary). Where one comes from (both family and environment) does have an impact, but as you point out it is not insurmountable with the right work ethic. We also have issues, however, with steering kids in the right direction according to their capabilities. For the last 30 years in this country we have been fed a BS message that smarts is measured by grades (specifically in STEM subjects), and successful people go to college and get a good job where you don't get your hands dirty. There is a pecking order of recognized intellect depending on your SAT scores and what school you went to. There is little recognition that there are many types of intelligence and none is necessarily superior to or more useful than others.

I currently teach at one of the top Universities in the country where the kids average over 1500 on their SATs. They have me teach a few subjects that none of their professors are qualified to teach but they feel is necessary to attract the top students. I don't have a PhD, just an engineering degree and an MBA and a lot of real world experience and success. The people I work with directly seem very happy to have me teach there, but I can assure you that many of the professors in the school look at me no differently than they would a janitor (its OK, I don't really care). Some of them are brilliant when it comes to their specific subjects, but some of them are dumb as a brick when it comes to the real world. Most of them could not change a tire if you gave them a manual and a youtube video. Some of them at this point still believe that with enough Facebook posts the electoral college is going to come to their senses and elect Hillary as president. If you asked one of them to go to tech school, learn a trade, then start their own business they would be utterly lost.

My point to the first post regarding what stock one comes from... there are many types of intelligence. Background is a handicap that can be overcome with work ethic, but we also need to quit encouraging the wrong choices (for some) as well and quit being so narrow minded in the way we look at intelligence.

 

Both girls getting some work done today

 

Jeff, I used the H11'same for both and they work great, you'll be happy with them.

 

For everyone installing LED headlights, how do you aim the low beams? I installed them also and the light projection sucks, the stock bulbs threw light further. I think if I can aim them up a little bit, it'll make a huge difference.

 

Been considering the same for a while now too.
Leaning towards the PIAAs.
Seem to have a more "saturated," richer yellow color from what I've read in reviews...

 

Well said. Merry Christmas to you Doug!

 

Do all these LEDs for the headlights and fogs just replace the old bulbs? Don't know much about them been reading about fans and things being loud and stuff like that. Just wondering if you just pull the old ones out put the new ones in? Or is there some other wiring and things to be mounted?

 

Chris, make sure the bulbs are installed correctly. When I installed mine 7 months ago I did not have to do any adjustments to the projection angle. To me mine definitely seem to project further. I'm not sure how you change the angle, maybe another member who had to adjust theirs can chime in.

 

Jeff, yes you just take the old bulbs out and install the new ones. There is a lot of "extra" wire you have to deal with that I just wire tied in place. They do have fans, I have read some members post about how loud the fans are, however the only time I hear mine is if the ignition is on, truck not running and the hood up. I would definitely recommend you doing the swap with the OPT7'S Fluxbeam. If you have any questions, PM me and I'll help as much as possible.

 

Thanks Paul! Still waiting on getting my truck back. I will be doig this after New years sometime. Did you do the license plate bulbs and reverse lights also? And if you did what did you use for those?

 

Jeff, yes I did both. For the license plate bulbs they came with a "kit" I bought off Amazon that included all the interior lights as well. The reverse bulbs were bought separately. I'll have to go back in my Amazon account to find my order, will PM you details later today.

 

Got to test th3 trucks ability and handling in the snow today. Got our first storm. Lived it. Didn't even need to use four wheel drive. One thing is 5he traction control. Is that what's making a weird ass noise when the tires start to spin?? Coming from the engine compartment??

 

Yep it's a very loud annoying sound that sounds like your tires are rubbing really bad. From what I understand it is the anti lock brakes kicking in on one of your tires. The reason you don't feel it real bad in your foot is because your foot is on the accelerator and not on the break when it's happening.

 

How should they be installed? They went in completely and locked in. Not sure what else I should be looking for?

 

Got new tires installed last night...265/75/16 Duratracs.

 

You'll love those in the snow!

 

I turned the alarm on with techstream this morning, I had to replace the hood lock mechanism because my SR5 doesn't come with the hood ajar sensor on it. Of course they don't sell the sensor seperate, I got the mechanism from trdshop.com in Mississippi for $62. Before when I tried to turn the alarm on with techstream it would flash hood ajar the whole time on my dash, so I had to turn it back off till I got this installed. Now I have the factory alarm, it's loud as hell too. It's nice not having to deal with the dealer to change some things up.