What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

A couple of small things from last weekend, added the license glare fix and switched from a Ram X Grip to a Ram Apple Magsafe mount. Never liked the X grip because one-handed use is a PIA. Still irritated by the crazy amount Ram charges for S&H on the MagSafe mount but I really didn't like the X grip.

 

Installed a hidden LED light bar with an OEM switch.

 

Me too brother! They work great.

 

I was debating this as well until I saw a Decked System IRL. So much wasted space. I went with a Diamondback.

 

So how well does the MagSafe hod the phone when going down bumpier roads?

 

Portal to portal took about 2 hrs, give or take 10 mins. It’s super easy if you start with the necessary tools already sorted. Other than taking the time to get my punch measurements dead on, potentially the longest mechanical process is attaching the wind deflector. All the videos I saw had the folks installing the T-nuts into the cross bar channel while trying to line up the screws on the deflector with the nuts in the channel. That’s dumb, frankly. Run the screws through the deflector and thread the T-nuts on about one full thread, then align the T-nuts to proper orientation and slide the crossbar channel onto the T-nuts. I watched several people struggle with this on video for like 30 minutes, while the smart way literally takes 90 seconds.

 

Changed my spark plugs in my 2017 TRD Sport WITHOUT taking the intake manifold off. What a pain but feeling very accomplished.

 

Aside from Ocala it's either Citrus or Richlaom. You also have Hardrock Offroad Park. Richloam is normally under water, so be prepared to get wet.
Hardrock has trials and a track, cost 30 bucks to get in. I'll be there this Saturday with one of my boys. There are a couple random spots in Clermont, manly sand with some gnarly hill climbs.

Florida Tacomas FB group has a ride in Citrus coming up soon, might be Thanksgiving weekend.

 

Is it the camera angle, or is that on the wrong side??

 

I find myself extremely jealous right now. Thanks!

 

I always wonder if blocking that grill (that's made to move air in to the radiator and cool the motor) causes any noticeable rise in heat or temps

 

Always in for shenanigans.

 

not overheating tonight, couldn’t even test em out!

 

I’d say waking up in CA would be a close 2nd…..

 

Story time for anyone interested.

Had seen a few posts about timing cover leaks so it’s been in the back of my mind for a couple months. Got underneath her a couple weeks ago for an oil change and sure enough there was oil residue on the front of the engine.


Called the local dealership and was told to bring it in for an inspection. They confirmed the oil seepage but they couldn’t confirm where it was coming from. Engine oil and power steering fluid levels were normal. They cleaned the residue and I was instructed to drive it for two weeks and return for another inspection. Next time back they confirmed the timing cover leak. After a week the parts arrived so I brought her in again this morning. Stopped by after work out of curiosity and my baby is torn apart. Had to hold back tears and snapped a couple quick pics. All front 4wd components are out as well as the front and top of the engine. Tech said should be done tomorrow.


Moral of the story: Keep an eye on your timing cover. Mine’s an ‘18 with 38k miles. I’m glad I caught this while still under the powertrain warranty I can’t imagine what this would cost. It wasn’t dripping oil so I probably would have just lived with the seep. If yours is leaking from the front of the engine don’t hesitate and take it to the dealership before it’s on your dime.

Side note I have the KDMax tune and it has never come up in conversation with anyone at the dealership. I’ve always heard they have no way of telling a tune has been installed. Now it’s time to have a cold one and try not to stare at the pics of the massacre that is my truck at the moment.

 

Took it to the beach for a November Sunset.

 

Good grief! Did they build the front of the truck around the timing cover?

 

Just in time for the white stuff it looks like

 

Nah. Outside of the cost of everything CA is pretty damn nice.

 

Cleaned my truck and installed my medic kit