CAZ's Standard Cab Build

I like to keep my tires looking good, and pressure washing alone does not get rid of the coal mud stains from Rausch.

I've been using Bleche Wite on my tires for years, it is so good I am amazed every time I use it and thought I should pass on the tip.




Here is after pressure wash only....




After Bleche Wite and pressure wash...

 

Working on the next generation of Toyota lover....

Adam 10y/o. Yes, it's a manual!

https://youtu.be/lQGej4yyovI

 

lol. That’s pretty awesome. He learned pretty quick how to crawl off that little obstacle

 

He figured it out after the front wheels went over!

We went out in a field and learned how to use the clutch in 4 low about 20 minutes before that. I want to get him comfortable enough to hit some minor stuff on the trails this fall.

 

I'm in the market for a new clutch. I was trying to hold out until I could do a crawler, but it started slipping yesterday.

I've always used LUK clutches with good results but read some bad things about them in Tacomas.

Anyone have a recommendation?

Not going to pony up for a Marlin clutch. Too rich for my blood...

 

On my previous truck, I did a "custom" set up that is basically like the Marlin setup but cheaper. I used a 3rz Aisin disk, mated to a 5vz pressure plate. For the TO bearing and pilot bearing I used stock replacement 3rz parts (I don't remember the brand off the top of my head). I also bought a new Luk flywheel as well. Total cost around $225. It held great with a trubo set up and all. While I had everything off, I also replaced the rear main seal as preventative maintenance.

This set up should hold even better and last longer than the stock 3rz PP

Edit: I used Timken bearings. I ordered everything from RockAuto except the pressure plate. I got that from AMazon.

 

Nice!

What's the advantage of the 5vz pressure plate, more clamping force?

 

Yeah exactly. IIRC, the 5vz PP can hold up to 350 ft lb of torque. I didn't notice any difference in pedal feel but it definitely held and engaged excellent

 

A little discouraged this week as a bunch of little stuff cropped up at once.... To be expected of any vehicle (especially one approaching 300k miles), but just bad timing as usual!

• Battery died
• Code for plugged cat and exhaust leaks
• Power steering noise
• Possible clutch issue

I bought an Interstate battery at Costco. It was the best deal on a battery I have found! Cheaper than the no-name brands at Wal-Mart or parts stores.

Been planning a complete new exhaust, and this showed up yesterday to replace my likely cracked cast manifold. Looking to order the other pieces soon. Cat has been rattling since I bought the truck.



I think my power steering noise is the idler pulley. I pulled the pump yesterday and cleaned out the screen in the reservoir. Pump felt fine and there wasn't much in the screen. Idler pulley feels a little rough but the noise sounded like the pump to me. Noise is gone at the moment... Going to replace the idler anyhow.

My clutch issue happened twice and not since. Going to try to hold out till I do dual cases.

Caz

 

Really nice build and great little truck!

Basic question...looks like there was a black strip on the hood when you got the truck. Is that bedliner paint or what?

Mine has rock chips pretty bad and I'm thinking of painting it like yours (at least PlastiDip for now). Thanks!

 

Here's my 1996 Tacoma regular cab (base) 4x4...

 

Thanks!

It is bedliner stuff. Not sure what brand. I would recommend against it - it looks bad and it has started flaking off down to bare metal. I hit it with black spray paint every few months to keep it looking ok until I get a chance to repaint the whole hood.

Your truck looks good!

Andy

 

Not too exciting, but I had a garage night last night to install some parts that I've had for a while!

Installed new rack mounting bushings and a new rack guide. Mine was the roller style. I could definitely see why I had up and down play!

Hoping it drives tighter and most importantly it flys through state inspection.

 

That’s one of my favorite mods I’ve done on mine. The stock steering rack bushings are squishy and don’t age well. With new bushings your steering will feel like a sports car instead of a farm tractor.

 

Costco has their 4' led shop lights on sale right now! I picked up 2 more. These things rock!

Very bright and you can Daisy chain them together. No wiring necessary as they have plugs on the end. I used a light bulb adapter to plug in to my original garage lights.

 

I've got the truck down for it's winter maintenance. We've got two other 4wds, so I try not to drive it on the salty roads.

I figured if I post here maybe it will keep me moving on my projects....

I am replacing most of the exhaust. I bought a later model tubular manifold from a forum member a while back and am upgrading from the crack prone cast one.

Also replacing the cat and muffler/tailpipe.

Got the manifold removed, parts are on order!





A fellow club member had this intake tube in his storage from a Tacoma he used to own and donated it to my cause. Planning to send it for powder coat with some other goodies and trying it out to see how it looks...

 

Does anyone know if the newer tubular exhaust manifolds are Stainless? The one I bought is painted, but if Stainless I think I will just sand blast and leave it bare.

 

My OEM unit was stainless. It discolored and looked awful.
I went with a Thorley header that is ceramic coated. The cost to coat the OEM part was more than buying a new header that came coated, go figure.

 

Ok thanks, that's what I needed to know! Gonna try the Eastwood hi temp coating.

Hoping to have all the parts to knock it out this weekend.

 

I put my time machine to good use today. I went back and grabbed these beauties!




After 2 years of semi-dedicated looking, I found these seats this weekend. They are even better looking in person. I'm pretty excited!

One of my winter projects is to revamp my clapped out interior. These put me off to a great start!