"Taz" - ProfHobbit's Build Log, 2007 Access Cab 2.7l

Hi Snowshovel, sorry the link didn't work. It looks like they aren't making that exact one, but here's something almost identical to the kit I bought:

DNA Motoring DL-T4-2B-BK Black Door Power Lock Conversion Kit w/Remote

https://www.amazon.com/DNA-Motoring...VNAXK14YPWV&psc=1&refRID=T942PJZ4SVNAXK14YPWV

And this is the kit I bought with the adaptors to make it work for the cable-locks.

$13 Install Essentials 524CL Cabled Door Bracket Kit - 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PF7VCU/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Hey @ProfHobbit ,

Terrific thread you have here! Subbed for sure

I noticed at one point you were considering the steering rack. With all the rust you encountered, makes sense. Also makes sense to hold off until you see signs of it failing.

I came across these guys in another thread. Looks like a much more robust product as compared with the typical re-manufactured you might get elsewhere.

http://www.cvjreman.com/

Their product list is impressive...

Thanks for bringing us along!

 

@PzTank - thank you very much! It's been interesting, but I've got a great truck that I'm really happy with.

Thanks for the advice on the steering rack. I appreciate the link - I've found that sourcing products well is the key to getting through having service done without losing your shirt with a Toyota. I've got a great mechanic who lets me get my own parts, unless he can get them cheaper.

 

Thank you very much for the link. I run into this website today. I'll order the kits you recommended and use the "tube method" to convert it for our cable locks

https://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f9/adding-power-door-lock-actuators-easy-way-42935/

 

Best if luck - it’s a pretty straightforward mod if you take your time.

That’s a great thread you found - the more info, the better!

 

A couple of updates, and a question...

Santa brought along a Dashcam setup. I went with the

$95 REXING V1 - 4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam 2.4" LCD Screen, Wi-Fi, 170° Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder with G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording, Supercapacitor, Mobile App, 256GB Supported

Rexing V1, wired in to a spare slot on the fuse panel using this

Rexing Mini-USB Hardwire Kit for V1, V1P, V1 3rd Gen, M1, M2, M1 PRO Dashcams

Hardwire Kit. Pretty simple run up the A-pillar on the Driver's side, over to an install behind the Rear View Mirror. With the increasing insanity of drivers here in MA, it's becoming a necessity.

Santa also brought along a 4' Firestik antenna, the Fire-Flex cable, and Firestik SS-3H Spring. I had picked up a Uniden 520XL off a forum member a while ago, which has been sitting in my basement, waiting for the antenna. I mounted it using a CaliRaised tailgate mount. I used 10AWG wire to a ground behind the driver's side tail-lamp assembly.

After tuning the firestik - a frustrating process which ultimately required removing the tuning tip altogether, I get 1.05 on Channel 1, 1.1 on Channel 19, and 1.4 on Channel 40. Measuring the Radio-side coax shield to a cab ground reads 0 resistance / complete continuity. There is no continuity (absolute resistance) between the coax tip and shield. There is only about .4ohm resistance between the antenna tip and the coax tip at the radio end. In other words, things look pretty good overall.

The first problem is with the mount - it rubs against the side of the tailgate. I've pulled on the metal, to push it to the side, and it still rubs. Kind of frustrating in a purpose-built part.

Next problem is that I simply can't get any signal on the CB. Understand that I live less than 3/4 mile from 495 outside of Boston. Drove the truck over beside Route 95 and parked it for a while. Got nothing on Channel 19, even after multiple Radio Checks, and working with the RF Gain and Squelch. I've been using CB's since I was in High School, and I've never had a problem like this. I got a couple faint and shaky transmissions last night while testing it, but they sounded like skips - not local traffic. They didn't respond to requests for a radio check.

The question is this: Is there a known issue with this Uniden radio, or was I sent a DOA unit? It was owned by another member, so I can't vouch for the radio. I gave away both of my earlier units, so I have no other rig to test the antenna on. Or, is this an antenna problem that none of the readings are showing me?

Any advice would be helpful. I figure I can pick up a Lil' Wilson type magnet mount antenna, and try the radio with that to see if I can get it to work. Or, I can pick up another radio, and try it with my existing setup. I really don't want to remove the Firestik and return it, and I really, really don't feel like crawling under the truck and removing the coax that I so carefully ran to the cab.

 

I’m certainly not an expert but could you hook up the cb outside of the truck - different power and antenna- to see if the radio’s ok?

I’d contact Caliraised about the rubbing problem- it’s something they might have encountered before.

Otherwise, congrats!! Seems like the truck is going strong!

 

Thanks, PzTank! This truck is a real treat to drive - I absolutely love it.

I finally got over to my buddy's place, and picked up his spare CB and roof antenna. Tried them in the truck, and didn't raise more than I did on my setup in the cab. Put the roof mount antenna and the spare CB in the Prius, where my wife stayed in the driveway, and I drove around the block. On my Uniden and current Firestik setup, we were able to talk for 1/2 mile before everything was just static. Not the best range, but there were high tension wires, houses, hills, etc between us.

So my conclusions are:

1. The radio does work. The antenna's range on my truck is limited to less than half what I'd like, but it does work.
2. I will probably return the CaliRaised mount and get a hood mount instead for the Firestik, or a Wilson.
3. Almost nobody talks on CB anymore on 495. So strange to me, but the last time I messed around with CB's was 15 years ago, before Cell phones were what they are now. As a co-worker and I tried to explain to a younger person in the office today, CB's were the original "texting".
4. There are few things in this universe that look more odd than a Prius with a CB antenna on it. Not saying it's wrong, but it ain't normal.

 

Just to complete this saga - changed the mount around to a Firestik hood mount, and picked up a President Johnny III CB. What a difference! Incredible improvement, and I'm so grateful to Patrick from Right Channel Radios, and the folks on this forum, for helping me get this all straightened out.

 

A couple of items by way of update. I have now officially tripled the mileage on the truck - we're at 30,000!


Unfortunately, the Johnny III radio display just died. Not impressed, I have to say. Will see how well they respond to their email, I guess.

 

Just another quick update, to keep the log current. I had a tie rod end replaced (that makes two now, I believe).

And, last November, I had a new clutch put in. Now why did the truck need a clutch, with less than 35k on it? Mainly because the inspection port for the clutch came off at some point, and therefore the bell housing filled up with crud, and the clutch blew out on I-95 about 20 miles South of Bangor, ME.

So, add a new clutch to the list of repairs, as well.

 

Truck is now listed for sale: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ma-2007-access-cab-4cyl-manual-40k-miles.772902/

Price is $14,000

 

Here's some photos for your viewing pleasure...

 

Taz sold today. I'll greatly miss my wonderful truck, but I couldn't be more thrilled with the new home to which it's going. Thanks again to everyone on the forum who sold me parts, gave me really helpful advice, and general encouragement.

 

Congratulations! Thanks for taking us along

 

Thanks for your advice and support!