n0rth's Tacoma build

Current Project-

https://www.tundras.com/threads/n0rths-platinum-build.111460/

 

No relocation so far. This picture was right after the replacement engine was plumbed in, and the small pieces going back together. A dual battery set-up is on the horizon however, of which there's a lot of dead space under the bed that could be used.

As for the engine, while #1 cyl was repaired, I suspect there was minor damage on #4 too. In 2019 it was losing 1qt every 1,000-miles, and by mid-2020 it was losing 1qt every 200-miles. Wet spark plug, and smoked like a chimney. I opted for a 50k-mile block from a 2015 Tacoma as it's replacement.

About 2-months after the engine swap, the SC unit began howling. Gadget couldn't do anything for it, seeing as it was going on nearly 10-years old, so a new unit and oil system went in too.

Various systems were dry or had the incorrect fluid (no oil in crawl box, power steering fluid in SC unit), torque specs were crazy (broken wheel locks, 4ft breaker bar to loosen drain plugs), but all-in-all the truck is going back together nicely and getting a '10-Year Check Up'. Finding this thread has already been a huge help to determine what parts are needed to rebuild it to it's intended glory!

 

I tried the stage 2 Competition Clutch, per URD recommendations, and I'm struggling with it. It constantly smells like burning clutch and likes to slip. Now, I know, I know, learn to drive, right? But I swear, it's not all me. I appreciate finding out that the previous one was an upgrade provided by the shop. I'll see if they still have the details on it, as that clutch worked well.

 

I'm humbled by the effort and time you're putting into the truck, It's a bummer to hear all the things you have to fix it was a solid truck when I sold it to my nephew.

 

Absolutely was an incredible truck, I remember when you told me it was going to Texas to him.
Still looking forward to the new build.

 

Like it was mentioned, I think this was a lot of truck for your nephew, and far too much for a lube tech to decipher. I'm thankful he decided to trade out of it when he did, as things were salvageable at that point.

If it sounds reasonable, I can supplement this build thread with how the truck is doing nowadays, and document it's progression and adventures.

 

I'm really happy to see this truck is still around. Definitely one of the best built trucks out there. @n0rth and I were just talking about it the other day and he mentioned you hit him up on YouTube.

 

Consider the thread yours to post/update anytime, I'm glad the truck ended up with you and I look forward to the updates.

 

It was a stroke of luck that we found his videos. My husband was curious about something URD-related, and was casually Googling the mark 3 kit. The YouTube channel came up, and we were both pretty excited to see it was of the Tacoma.

Combing through this build the past few years, and getting nearly a literal box of accompanying paperwork (funny backstory there), I could tell the 'previous builder' put a lot of heart and soul into what they were doing. These mods weren't done for money (like how a shop would put it together) - This was someone excited to take it to a trail and test, break, upgrade, repeat.

His nephew couldn't remember the user name or build thread however, so I was left hoping that someday 'the previous owner' would recognize it on one of the pages and say something.

Anyways, I'm glad to finally make this connection! This truck is rad to the bone, and I'm happy to finally meet the OG builder of it!

 

Thank you! I'm happy to continue it's story.

 

When we added the SC, I had several discussions with Gadget about upgrading the clutch he gave the same recommendation for the Stage 2 comp clutch. All of the research I did pretty much said the same things you're now dealing with, I don't think it's the right application for the way the truck is set-up. Honestly I really liked the stock clutch and it had no issues with the boost and crawl box it's what I recommended to the shop when it had to be replaced. I can't say exactly what Bearden's replaced it with but it may have been another stock/OEMish clutch?

 

I contacted Bearden today and they are working to pull up some details on what was installed previously. The tech said they only use Denso, AISIN, or OEM for all installs, so we'll see what the details end up being.

I'm convinced life can be better with a different clutch, and will likely pull the comp clutch out in the next season or so regardless of remaining material. I'm real curious to see the current state of things in there.

 

Bearden's clutch was the Exedy KTY-16. I drove and wheeled on that used clutch for 15k-miles and had no complaints.

KTY-16 ordered, and the comp clutch, at about 20k-miles, will be coming out shortly.

 

Howdy n0rth - When you have a moment, I sent you a conversation about the Tacoma. I have a set-up question concerning it. Thanks!

 

You may have better luck messaging him at Tundras.com or https://forum.ih8mud.com/

 

@MrsPib PM replied