Reno and surrounding areas: Official spotted, BS, and meets thread

Planning to regear but not sure if its a job I should tackle on my own as I've never had a diff open and I hear the front is a PITA. What shop(s) would you all recommend or should I buck up and do this on my own?

This is the setup I'm looking at in 4.56: http://www.justdifferentials.com/GPFJCRUISER-SELECT-2-p/gpfjcruiser-select-2.htm

 

No question. ECGS.

 

Yea ECGS is the way to go, I got a quote from Reno Driveline and gear and it was over 1k$ just for the rear end, at ecgs I think it was like 600$ after core charge

ECGS also probably has done thousands of toyota re-gears and re-builds so they know what they are doing.

 

HEHE, needed a CMC and Eric is probably the only one I trust working on my truck. @Relentlessfabrication does amazing work.

 

And their customer service is second to none.

 

ECGS is definitely the way to go. Swapping 3rds/clamshells is pretty easy and quick.

 

Next question....truck has a bit over 60k on it, should I have ECGS rebuild my front diff with existing bearings or replace them? I've changed the fluids on schedule FWIW.

 

Understand that but should I request new bearings ($200) or go with their "good used bearings"

I was planning to ship mine and have it rebuilt since I know its been maintained but if I should just get new bearings then I'll do a core exchange to reduce down time.

 

You wont get your bearings anyway. Itll be an exchange on the front or new bearings. Id roll with used though. Id trust them to identify issues. Id add the bushing though.

Id add solid spacer in the rear not sure if id add it in the front but for 45$...

I guess if you want to wait, will you just park for 3 weeks?, you can have them regear yours but I dont think id bother with new bearings.

 

This is how I have it configured on the ECGS website...thanks for everyone's feedback. Now I'll spend the next month trying to decide if I should pull the trigger on a front locker.

Tacoma/ FJ/ 4runner 8" Reverse IFS Clamshell
(DIFF-BUILD-T8CS)
Select Shipping Options: Send Return Label
AWD or 4WD: 4WD - Selectable
Add New Bearings: Use good used bearings
Select Core Charge: Core Charge (+$400.00)
Select Gear Ratio: 4.56 Thick (+$50.00)
Add Locker: NO LOCKER
Add Solid Spacer: Add Solid Spacer (+$45.00)
Add CV Bushing: Add Bushing (+$45.00)
Select Gear Oil: Gear Oil (+$32.00)


8'' Tacoma/ FJ Cruiser/ 4runner E-Locker 3rd
(DIFF-BUILD-E-locker)
ADD DOUBLE DRILLED FLANGE: No thanks
Select Ratio: 4.56
Shipping Options: Send Return Label/Core Deposit (+$550.00)
Add Solid Spacer: Add Solid Spacer (+$24.00)
Select Gear Oil: Gear Oil (+$40.00)

 

Kudos to you on using their site. Shit confuses the hell outta me so I usually just call them up

 

I wanted to throw my phone last night when I was trying to configure everything...its a bit easier on a computer though.

I'd be nice if they had some sort of explanation of the different options for noobs like me (do I need a double drilled flange....why would I want the solid spacers....tell me the bushing replaces the needle bearing....what's the flange deal again....why is it so fun to say flange and does anyone else chuckle when they read double drilled flange?).

 

I wouldn't even attempt that shit on my phone browser.


Flange
Flange
Flange

 

Hope you don't mind the questions...

Called them Thursday and had them send me an invoice... The total came to $9,641.10 (for a complete base model)

This came as quite a shock to me so I balked for the time being, was just getting over the sticker shock of 8,600$, guess I should have realized there would be a sales tax..

The thing that turned me away for now is that they have a $500 installation charge. Is there something specifically challenging about the installation besides the weight? (its probably 100lbs heavier than traditional topper)

Did you have the same installation fee upon pickup?

I mean im already paying them 8,600$ for the thing, and they don't offer free installation? Ill definitely have to chew on this a little longer.

 

I don't mind answering questions. Yeah I paid for the installation, and for me it included wiring power to the back since I had the power and lights. The shell weighs about 320 lbs according to ATO so it's definitely more than two people could handle. They use a forklift for the install, and it requires the bed side caps and the back rail to be removed. It wouldn't be entirely unfeasible to do the installation yourself (with a forklift or lots of help) but it's not like you could do it at their shop so you'll have to pay for shipping anyway. Just my thoughts.

I know their add-ons add a lot more $$ to an already expensive piece, but for the install in my case it seemed like there wasn't any other choice.

It might be worth looking into what Goose Gear charges for install, but I'd wager its about the same.

Also, in my case the install required a little bit of custom work too. Since I had the can side window they had to install the shell slightly back, so they added an extension to the hatch so that it could "seal" with the tailgate.

 

Well I tried to make it up to Eagle Lakes saturday but no luck. I did some pretty good driving though. I wound up turning around after some serious climbs. I found a spot on the Yuba River I guess it was. Anyone know how to get up to eagle lakes. I took exit 164 off the 80 then followed the trail on my map but no luck. My gps shows the trail I was on does not connect to get to the lake, but this map I have shows it does. Anyone know?

 

Is Ayres the place that peeps have good luck getting alignments done?

@RelentlessFab

 

I know the rear is 8, but is the front 8 or 7.5?