2nd Gen Tips, Mods & More

Neet mod. You might consider posting this in a thread specifically about these switches. Such as:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-wiring-after-market-lights.6525/
Also, 1206 smd diodes aren’t too bad for hand soldering, I’m not steady or clear eyed enough to go smaller than 0805 anymore.

 

So after searching not only this thread but also the Cheap Mod's and How-To's, I am not finding the answer to my question. Hopefully this is the appropriate thread for this and doesn't start a purse swinging contest.

Had anyone tried to mod the low beam headlight to stay on with the high beam?

It seems to me that a diode from the high beam positive side to the low beam positive would do that but that is not taking into consideration the total amperage draw on the high beam wiring and relay may not be able to handle both at the same time. Nor does it take into account that the relays may be actually switching the ground; I doubt this is the case however, I honestly do not know..... yet.

Just wanted to see if anyone else had tried and what their success rate was in the end.

 

bad idea all the way around
a) the close light of the low beam kills your far vision that you are trying to get with the high beams (same reson high beam and fogs should not be used together)
b) you would be roughly doubling the heat output in the bulb with both elements being on at the same time, would shorten bulb life and might damage the housing
b.2) would probably over current the ground wire (2nd are source switch not ground switched) resulting in damage to it

 

This is what you desire: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/
Summary: Extra wiring harness connected directly to battery with relays triggered by existing headlight wiring. Stronger wattage bulbs.

 

You’d be better served by adding or replacing fogs with purpose designed driving lights as well/instead. They serve different conflicting purposes and should be kept separate. More close in light will decrease your long range field of view. It will be a compromise, no free lunch. If the idea is to get down range lightning to the sides then aimed, high, rack mounted lights would do a better job.

 

Today I made a phone holder based on the A pillar mod. So far it works great. I still need to run a charge cable but that will happen another day. It took longer to get the angle just right than it does to assemble the mounting stuff. Using the "elbow" mounting arm let me get it into the perfect spot far away from the turn signal with the perfect viewing angle. The sail panel is the only thing being blocked. No windshield blockage at all.

I got a 70mm M6-1.00 machine screw w/ large Phillips head. This bolt is fully threaded instead of the original bolt shown in the mod. I placed a lock washer inside the top of the ball mount and ran the screw through that and a lock washer at the bottom. These were tightened together with the first nut with wrench and screwdriver. By tightening down each nut with the previous lock washer as I built out helps keep everything firm with no chance of the ball mount rotating once the bolt is threaded into the A pillar.

Using the 70mm threaded screw let's you build the length easily by adding more washer and nuts. I first did this with 3 nuts but I decided It was to close to the turn signal if I got the perfect viewing angle. The factory hole has more than enough space to take in any excess bolt.

Home Depot hardware -
-70mm M6-1.00 machine screw
-6mm split lock washers 4x
-M6 1.00 hex nuts 2x

Amazon hardware -
RAM Mounts RAM-B-348U Ball Adapter with 1/4"-20 Threaded Hole with B Size 1" Ball

$28 RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm RAP-B-200-2U Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm
RAM Mounts X-Grip Large Phone Holder with Ball with B Size 1" Ball

 

Getting ready to change my rear diff oil on my 05. It's been awhile, last time I changed it there was a nice tutorial on here done by chrisfix4x4 and another member, but I can't seem to find it on the Maintenance Tutorials list. I also tried searching the threads, but can't find it. I wonder why it isn't on the list? Or has it been deleted? It was posted many years ago before 3rd gens came out. Thanks.

 

Any specific questions? I recall it being a very simple process. Make sure the fill plug will come loose, take the drain plug out. Reverse procedure to install - with new crush washers. If you are parked on flat ground, fill until the gear oil just starts to trickle out of the fill plug

 

Thanks for responding, I just found it a few seconds ago. Thanks though. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

 

Anyone have an idea where I could find these shipped? It’s a disposable box with absorbent meant for oil changes. I’ve used them before when I was stationed in Hawaii, but haven’t found it anywhere in the CONUS.

https://www.citymill.com/700122-the-absorber-5-quart-oil-change-box

 

It gets recycled as is stateside.

 

I have a couple questions. I bought my 2nd gen used and I'm not sure of what services have been done to it (i.e. diff fluid change, trans filter, greaseable u joints etc.). I also recently have a transmission line leak due to rust, i replaced the lines and filled it like you would for any other transmission. Now that i read a post showing how Tacoma's are vastly different, i see that i was sorely mistaken.

just fyi after the line replacement, it took almost 6 quarts.

i have a problem with it missing a gear currently or that's how i can describe it (it revs high and feels like its not pulling the truck anymore, i let off the gas and it goes into gear.). As of yesterday 3/30/24, i was climbing a paved highway mountain road and had what looked like transmission fluid spray the exhaust(i stopped after i saw a big white cloud behind my truck and crawled underneath). i really like this truck but it seems i wasn't as knowledgeable as i thought.

im really at a loss here so any help is greatly appreciated!
feel free to ask questions.

 

I’m not a mechanic but if it’s anything involving dropping the tranny I’d suggest bringing in someone who does it for a living instead of trying to diy your way forward. It’s at least 9 years old and could easily need internal servicing.

 

Thanks for the maintenance light reset, this thread is top notch