New TW Member - Longtime Owner/Lurker

I have decided to join and contribute to TW after years of lurking on this awesome forum. This site has been important to me for maintenance, build inspiration, and general entertainment. I am the proud owner of a gen 1 Tacoma (2004, 4x4, 2.7, 5sp) that I have owned since 2006 (~30k miles). Fast forward 15 + years - what a work horse; I now am pushing 300k mostly trouble free miles. This vehicle has been one of the best purchases I have made. Last year I was at a crossroad; 1) sell it and get a new vehicle, 2) invest into my beloved truck. Easy decision, new clutch (original still had grab), full OME lift (coilover/leafs), re-gear to 4.88 (ECGS), rear arb locker, rock sliders, swingout rear bumper, TG front bumper, winch, wheels/tires, uniball UCA, and other random mods. Also, I will be picking up a GFC camper soon. I have no regrets and my family and I have logged more than 1000 trail miles since starting my build. Thank you TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Good looking ride! Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Sweet rig! How are you liking the 4.88 gears? How noticeable is the difference between loaded and around town?

 

There are tradeoffs but 4.88s are essential for the amount of drag, weight, tires, and lift I have added. The gearing makes the rig functional going up and down mountain passes without getting the bird from antsy folks. I can cruise on the freeway at 67 at 2700 rpm all day. Had to get used to being the slow guy but get lots of thumps up. Around town it is peppy. You just have to basically relearn how to drive the truck as far as up and downshift timing. The tradeoff of freeway speed for power and functionality was well worth it and my rig setup would not be possible without the upgrade.

 

Thanks for the notes. I might go with 4:56 because I see myself staying on 31's for the foreseeable future but re-gear for sure.

Btw, who did you gear swap? I'm in the Bay Area but am willing to drive for a trusted shop.

 

I bought my gear assemblies (3rd members) from ECGS and had hot metal fab (HMF) in sac area do the install. If I were to do it again, I would have had Caleb at HMF do the gear swap. HMF is my go to but they are swamped right now but worth it if you can wait. Their fabwork, auto mechanic skills, and customer service is off the charts.