What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

I might be off base (no scientific proof) but I think keeping the weight more toward the CG, like @InfernoTacoCO illustrates, would make for a safer handling vehicle. More predicable. Sort of like positioning a boat correctly on a trailer. Living in NE Ohio for many years this is how we all did it. Or like @Rocket23 stated, just forward of the rear axle. Not to mention, if you are on dry pavement and have to get on the brakes hard, where are the sand bags going if they are placed at the tailgate. Plus if you've got to put something in the bed of your truck and there are sandbags stacked at the tailgate? YMMV. Peace and Love.

 

Purchased 2 spare H9 low-beam bulbs (BP1265/H9N) at NAPA. Just installed first pair a couple of months ago, not sure how long they last ... 6 months? 1 year? 2 years?

Local constables do not stop vehicles for "no lights" at night here, but seeing the road ahead seems like it might be useful.

 

When I had to. I cut to fit 2x6’s to use a makeshift bulkhead. Anything breaks thru that , you would have bigger problems than shifting sandbags I would imagine

 

Suki got a carport! This counts because my Tacoma is the reason I finally got off my ass and got this project done. Spoiled truck!

 

Very nice!

 

Any recommendations on how much weight for winter driving? I’m currently using 2x 60# sandbags plus my 2x 80# sliders. Plus about 40# in gear.

 

5100s, wheels and tires slapped on today.

 

Not done today, but over the last week and a half, I think I got her where I want her to be... for a while at least.

- YotaVerse grille
- Softopper
- RCI sliders

Not shown:
- Seat jackers (wow!)
- AJT Design replacement radio knobs

 

Good form!! *chef's kiss*

 

I've ran plenty of years without weight and the truck skips around like a rock over water.
I can say what you have listed is enough to make it ride better.
Even a 75# sandbag next to ea. wheel helps.....or as mentioned, near or in front of the axle.

 

Awesome that you let your pup take your Taco for a drive... although I hear they have a lead paw! Berners are the best!

 

Man all you guys talking snow and traction and adding weight, it would really help if you'd post tire width, because it will make a difference. Someone running 235's will have a different experience on a snow covered road than someone running 285's.

 

my winter setup is 285/75r16 general grabber atx. currently best winter rated all terrain ive ran over ko2s and duratracs. as for extra weight i just let the pan fill with snow. mostly because i havent invested in a tonneau cover yet

 

You want the weight ON the axle. The goal is to keep the tires down on the pavement or surface of the road be it snow, ice, wet pavement.

But what do I know? I'm just a commercial truck driver with 1.5M miles of hauling trailers, freight and dangerous chemicals over some of America's highest mountain passes like Loveland Pass, Vail Pass and Eisenhower in heavy snow, ice storms and rain.

200-300 lbs will be ample. I have 5 in mine. 4 would probably suffice. I like extra protection and traction for the peace of mind.

 

My crew! Poppa Finn in the middle and two of his daughters flanking him! So much energy!

 

Finally got around to installing my new JBA HD upper control arms and some new OEM tie rod ends. I replaced my SPC upper control arms with these JBAs since the SPCs developed play in the bushings at around 20,000 miles, which is ridiculous in my opinion. The new JBAs are awesome - really excited to test them out. The installation was straightforward since I had already installed control arms before, but the driver's side was a PAIN to get the inner washers between the control arm bushing and the shock tower bolt path. I had to use a pry bar to open it up and tap the washer in. Also, I ran into the issue of the driver's side jam nut on the tie rod being so tight that I had to run to Home Depot, snag a couple of pipe wrenches and a propane torch to get it loose. Luckily, it came loose because I had reached a point of no return when I hammered the ball joint out of the spindle and messed up the old end's thread.

 

praise the lord

 

What did that run ya. And is it anchored well ??