MARYLAND TACOMAS

Yeah buddy. Is the dealer still doing free oil changes for her?

 

They sure are lol. They usually don’t try to add things that are not needed either.

When I had a Subaru, that dealer, even though it was in the same ownership always tried to add stuff. They liked to combined the high mileage/taxi or harsh conditions to the normal maintenance.

 

I rebuilt mine once with auto parts store parts and it literally fell apart in a few thousand miles.

if you rebuild a toyota driveshaft it HAS TO BE DONE with Spicer ujoints and an OEM carrier bearing. I’m convinced that there is no other way for it to work after having been through multiple drive shafts and blown up two differentials now

@armyofsquirrels

 

Must be nice. I've never owned a new vehicle so I wouldn't know what that luxury is like. But honestly I enjoy doing as much as I can on my own. Over the past 10 years I've owned my rig I think I've done something like 32 oil changes or so?

 

Interesting. I've been fortunate in the sense that I haven't had major issues with mine, I have had my rear u-joint replaced twice though. Once with a Moog joint which only lasted two years, then a Toyota joint which has held up since 2019. I have a Napa spare on hand in the event that this one decides to poop the bed, which I'm hoping it won't for a long time.

 

Morning MD

 

Good morning Marylanders and surrounding neighbors!!

 

Same here. Me being in the automotive field for so long I've bought all my vehicles as projects. Back in 2014 I bought my first Tacoma TRD 4x4 for $500 bucks with a seized 3.4. I slapped in a 69k mile salvage yard engine. 1 week after the engine swap the wife & I did a 10day 3200mile camping trip to Texas, not a single issue. Im still driving it today. 1 man's trash is another man's treasure.

 

Well if there ever comes a day, forbid, I need a new engine, you'll be the person I call!

 

That’s awesome. I’ve had a number of used cars, some were about $500. A few from junk yards as well. Usually, once a transmission started slipping or engine knocking I’d move on to the next lol. I never had the skills or tools for a transmission or clutch replacement.

 

I just ride SxS's & fish now lol. I've got a FZJ80 sitting here with the head off. Head is completely machined & rebuilt, I lost interest in wrenching now since I moved to the cabin.

 

I use to be the guy that would buy & repair those type of vehicles. I made good money off of guys like you lol.

 

I love this story. ❤

I wish I had that kind of know how.

 

You and me both sister. I drive the crap out of my truck and use it for all kinds of things but I was not blessed with any mechanical skills.

I am really really good at spending money on parts though…

 

Good morning MD. @Taco1004 I just found these on FB marketplace. No affiliation.

 

Was this a JDM engine or one that you actually found locally with that low mileage??

 

That is an EXCELLENT find! @fatfurious2 if you don't want them I'm gonna ask my Dad if he might be interested in them for his Taco.

 

C'mon bro you can learn these skills over time. I'm not saying I'm a mechanic by any means whatsoever but generally speaking most general maintenance isn't far above our heads. And I've had help from friends over the years. Just gotta get in there and dive in head first.

 

My brain will sponge up hands on skills, but I need to be doing it and having someone hanging over my shoulder answering questions. As you can imagine, that doesn't happen so often, hence my lack of skills. It's a major time commitment. The only person in my family with any mechanical skills is my brother who has plenty, but he lives in central America so I rarely see him.

 

So when are we having a TW convoy down to central America?