Long Time Lurker, First Time Poller

Why not...I'll start off with a poll

Had a question for a fellow Taco enthusiast coworker (Forum member Unchained5150) this morning and he told me to come one the forum and give me his screen name...turns out I've been lurking here for years and never signed up!

All the wealth of information I've received here over the years for my current '08 Single Cab 4cyl/5Spd/4x4 and my previously loved '89 Extra Cab 22RE/5Spd/4x4 (RIP - Victim of Severe Frame Rot) I figured now's as good a time as any to join and maybe start contributing a little.

I've been a mechanic most of my life. Worked as a junkyard dog for 12 years on one of the windiest hills on earth in Worcester, MA. Feet of snow and unbearable heat were the norm depending on the season, but always seemed to make it to work. Needless to say, I'm really REALLY good at taking things apart.

I've been in the Marine Corps Reserves for coming up on 8 years this April as a 3521 Motor Transport Diesel Mechanic for CLB25 - Maintenance Services Company out of New Haven, CT. I just got pulled off a heavy wrecker crew (AMK36 and MK15 weapons systems) last year to run a platoon of 'turners and burners.' It's definitely different being in a more administrative role, but it's all about the needs of the Marine Corps, right?

Anyway, my current Taco is pretty run of the mill aside from the suspension. I started out with Toytec springs and an AAL in the rear and kept my stock shocks/struts...did that for about 5 years and then last year upgraded to the BOSS setup and kept the AAL's with my new (recall) leaf-pack from Toyota. I brought my truck in for the new leafs and had them toss my old packs in the back for me...I put my AAL in my blasting cabinet and refinished and installed and she was good as new.

Anywhoo...went to tow a (new to me) motorcycle trailer this past weekend and as it turns out, my AAL and new(ish) spring pack is DEFINITELY not designed for towing. I dragged ass all the way home from the storage unit to my house (only about 10 miles probably) and it was NOT a good time. I thought my truck was going to snap in half from the tongue weight every time I hit a bump or potholt (which there are a LOT of on Rt.20 in Worcester).

Been looking at the Dakars (coincidence with my screen name, because I own a BMW Dakar650gs motorcycle) and think I might actually need the heavy kit for this spring and summer and can take a leaf out when I'm done towing for the season...then put it back in when I need it. I got the process down to about an hour per side to take leafs out/add in/bolt back up with my 'driveway mechanic' setup and air tools. What say the infinite wisdom of the forum?

Long story long...Hello, fellow Taco's

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW, and @Unchained 5150 way to recruit a marine they’re good people