What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

How do they ride comparatively to thr stock bilsteins?

 

Smoother, especially at speed. Still firm under braking, in corners, and static. Not Cadillac floating, but seems to handle the small stuff way better. Definitely to my personal liking, but to each their own.
Old bilsteins were the 5100s and matched rears w/OME springs+add a leaf, so my lift remains the same and the old shocks were pretty beat. That said, huge improvement over those and from stock (standard sr5 4x4 setup before the bilsteins).

 

196k miles on the truck. Did a smoke test, replaced the valve cover gaskets and breather hoses. Surprisingly, no leaks! The old gaskets literally felt like plastic. If you’re approaching 200k miles and haven’t replaced them yet, I’d highly recommend doing so.

 

Not even a cookie? (Don Rickles)

 

Did the smoke test prior to replacing the gaskets indicate a leak?

 

What “breather hoses” did you replace?
I have to get my Valve Cover Gaskets replaced soon so, I’m attempting to learn all I can prior.

 

All you gotta do is press each rubber hose - replace it if it does not not flex like rubber should. Don't squeeze too hard or you’ll break it. At 230K, I have to replace mine also.

 

Replaced my third brake light that was leaking.

 

Today I replaced: 1) wiper blade assembly and blades, 2) upgraded the key to a one piece that is digitally printed off Etsy (buttons are on the bottom; you gotta cut the key out), and 3) installed a new hood scoop (which actually looks far better than expected.

Small haul but fun after 3 weeks out of town to get back into some truck work.

 

I cleaned and then painted my tube doors from 4x Innovations. These doors sure make it easy to see where you're going and how close you are to certain rocks. I also don't have to worry about hitting my door on a rock when I don't have doors.
The 4 tube doors also offer a weight reduction of 166 lbs. 4 stock doors total weight 235#. 4 tube doors 69#

Installed The flag today for some wheeling tomorrow on Independence Day! Happy Birthday America!

 

How is the fitment on the hood scoop? More pics? Im definitely interested in an upgrade if fitment is like OEM

 

So, it’s very good. But I banged the front (closest to bumper) connections in a tad with a hammer (and of course sealed them after) to make it more flush with the hood itself. It looks great now.. but it’s a bit of an art and I’m very particular with things. Definitely moved it around a bit then anchored one of the connected before fixing the others to ensure it was right.

 

Got my Truck back from Maaco (3k respray)

Overspray on a few points, but honestly a massive improvement and no more rust concerns.

Jobs left to do:
Replace headlights and taillights
Replace mirrors
Respray front and rear bumper, I’m thinking bed liner might be a good option
Replace Grille
Reinstall front camera.


I have all the parts just need to make the time over the next few days.

 

Gave her a bath and restored her headlights today

 

I like the red truck with the white shell. Looks good together.

 

The shadow from your spanish tile roof makes it look like a really interesting paint job

 

When I first got the shell I was really considering paint matching. but it’s grown on me and now I’m pretty happy with it. Maybe when I hit some sort of milestone I’ll consider it again

 

You just figured out your next business venture

 

I don’t like your truck ngl

 

And that’s totally fine. Can’t please them all