Calling all Virginians (Tidewater area)

saw this TRD Sport running down I64E this morning.
full hoops on his front bumper.

Is this anyone on here?

 

Call JLT in Chesapeake. Ask for Jay as he is the leading CAI for mustangs.

 

$400 bestop topper for a long bed second gen

https://norfolk.craigslist.org/pts/d/virginia-beach-bestop-topper-for-tacoma/6946096659.html

 

I seent this yesterday and was clicking to compose an email when I realized, long bed. F. Great deal.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations of places to get safety inspected? You know, places that won't nitpick over every little thing. Feel free to PM me if you like.

 

another week of reading forums on lifts.

any input on AAL brands? are they all generally the same with performance or are there some that are better than others, i.e. any known issues?

can someone also explain to me the needle bearing and the need for ecgs clamshell bushing that i'm seeing on all the bilstein threads? i see that by not replacing the bushing, you introduce the chance for vibrations later on. whats the mechanics behind all that?

 

Wheelers 3 leaf aal seemed like a good product but I have only installed it one time. A dakar pack is a better alternative and not too costly. The needle bearing is hit and miss. I never had a proplem with mine but I regeared around 100k miles and had ECGS add the bearing. You can wait on the needle bearing until you have an issue in my opinion.

 

what exactly is it and why is it an issue for some? i'm just curious at this point

 

I haven't replaced one but from what I recall it's the bearing that your inner cv goes in on the passenger side clamshell. After you lift your truck it puts more stress on it and it wears prematurely causing a vibration that goes away when you engage 4x4. I'm surprised toyota is still using the same one after all this time. Replacing it requires special tools and some have had issues with seals leaking after. In my opinion if it isnt broke then dont fix it but if you are pulling a cv or regearing it makes sense to get it done while you are in there messing around.

 

They’re all the same. 3 leaf aal can be a pain to install, I prefer single aal. Cheaper and increase payload a little (since it firms up the pack). Some people say the ride with an empty bed and a single aal is a little rough, I disagree, but it’s all subjective of course. I prefer wheelers off-road for any aal.


ECGS bushing. Where the drivers cv enters the diff, it rotates on this needle bearing. Once lifted, it’s not uncommon to get a cyclical humming noise/vibration. The fix is to remove the cv, pull out the needle bearing, and hammer in the ECGS bushing. Not a terribly difficult job. Only time I’ve seen that cause a leaky seal is when people go ahead and replace the seal preemptively. They’re finicky so it’s hard to get it right.

Source: I’ve owned two Tacoma’s, and have installed countless lifts for members over the years. Probably done 10-12 aal’s of different kinds and maybe 6-7 ECGS bushings.

 

In VB off Lynnhaven Rd, kind of near VB Blvd - there's a shop called "Art Walkers" - thats where a lot of modded cars go. Ive taken my cars there for years and never been denied (no cats, etc....). Never taken one of my truck/jeeps though

 

Excellent, thank you. I’ll give them a try this week. Haven’t been anywhere yet so not sure there’s anything to get denied over, but want to stack the odds in my favor.

 

Slapped some 5160's on the rear this morning - huge difference over stock, but still a cheap otion compared to the 8112's up front

 

dang I wish I would’ve known you wanted a set. I’m getting ready to grab some 12” smoothies and I would’ve given you a deal on my 5160’s. Nice improvement over stock for sure.

 

Are you gonna do the BAMF or archive relocation?

 

Does BAMF have 3rd gen relocates? I saw 2nd gen on their site.

 

It’s the same thing, it’d work on y’alls truck too. At least I’m 99.99% sure. It’d be easy to verify. It's the kit I'm running and I'm happy with it. IMO the archive one is a superior product, but to capitalize on the extra expense you should be running a 14" shock, which is definitely a viable option if you have the HH too. It also allows you to run a larger body shock (2.5") and add bypasses and stuff.

edit: If you read the description it says 2005-2020

 

Yeah looks like it does fit third gens as well. Much more cost effective relocate for sure.

 

Yeah, all depends what the goal is. Their relocate and some 12"x2.0 king smoothies can be had for under $800. Good travel and a good ride. Or Go archive and some 14"x2.5, maybe some bypasses, etc. and would allow you to do some faster speed stuff, but pretty much double the price, if not more depending on shocks.

 

I think I’m leaning towards the archive relocate with the 2.5’s with adjusters. If I’m gonna do the suspension right, might as well suck it up once to get it the way I’d want it.