Run to the Hills! - Jason's Completely Stalled Colorado GTFO Build

Posted this in response on the 1st gen thread but just in case.

Lowrange usually has the best prices I have found and now with free shipping. Make sure you order the right axle shafts. For my E locker housing with abs pockets they said the longfield rear shafts wont work and have to order the Yukon cut to fit shafts. And just because you don't have abs in the rear doesn't mean your rear axle isn't abs.
I would definitely call to make sure.

These will NOT work in abs housing
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyo...a-axle-shafts-by-trail-gear-141042-1-kit.html

But these will. Part #YA T35350. And they say they work with or without abs
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyo...th-1979-2004-hilux-pickup-4runner-tacoma.html

Edited with correct part number

 

All elocker axles are abs axles even if the truck doesn't have abs.

 

Not sure what he has and was just trying to help out since their site is a little misleading.

 

totally!

Just was dropping another drop into the bucket for him and others. I think he does have an elocker though...but idk haha

 

Thanks, fellas!

Harrison, you saved my ass on that. Like Monty said, I have an ABS housing (e-locker) and shafts wth the tone rings, but my truck does NOT have ABS. Looks like the Longfields won’t work.

So you’re saying that the axles that are called out for 1986-1995 are the ones that I want? And those would have to be cut and chamfered? Are the Taco axles listed there for non-ABS?

Sorry, I’m kinda confused.

 

Sorry my fault. copied the wrong part number. Should be part number YA T35350. Take out your old shafts, measure them the same way onto the new shafts then cut them with a chop saw or bandsaw so they are straight and knock down the sharp edge. Not sure what bearings and everything else is needed as I haven't ordered mine yet. I normally call and ask them what works with it to make sure I order the right crap. May even be worth asking if they will assemble it for you as well. That's my plan atleast lol. Says the yukons work with abs and NONabs equipped axles. I already talked to them about it and they don't know why they are listed with the old axles. Said they where trying to update it but haven't done it yet.

 

Thanks!

If they could assemble them, that would be kickass! I’ll call them and see what needs to be done. It looks like the Taco axles might not even need to be cut to length.

So you’re still running the e-locker axle?

 

Yep e-locker, 4.88s and stock axles lol. If I could find a spare stock shaft I would just carry that but one seal is starting to leak (just sweating) and would be good insurance. Ill probably buy the one with the seals and everything then when the other one needs done ill buy the other and keep the stock ones as spares and just carry one of them.

 

Nice. You’ve wheeled the crap out of that thing, so it’s all doing its job it sounds like!

I think I’m going to replace both now and keep the good stock axle from the passenger side as a spare. It’s more money than I want to spend right now, but with the way I wheel, I think the stronger shafts on both sides will last a long time.

 

I don't think theyre needed but would be good insurance. Don't drive around with the locker on on the trail and thatll take the stress off of things and only use it on hard obstacles and don't let the truck bounce lol. Hopping and bouncing is definetly an easy way to break axle shafts or driveshafts. Also watch how much weight you end up carrying (I know EAF) but less weight most the times equals less broken parts.

 

Thanks again for the catch on the ABS issue, Harrison!

I talked to the guys at Low Range, and the Yukon Tacoma axles will definitely work for what I need. Their bearing and seal kits are pretty nice too. I’ll probably order those in the next few weeks, and maybe a Harbor Freight 20T press as well...

 

New 650# springs are on their way, @TMFF.

 

I've had good luck with seals and bearing from them as long as their the koyo Japanese bearings and races. The trail gear/China ones have always failed on me. Go figure.

 

Yeah, they kinda leave themselves with an out on that product page for the kit. They mention that it might be either Koyo or FAG, I think. I’ll have to look.

Before I order, I think I’ll call and see which bearings they have first.

 

FWIW, you don't need a press to get the new bearings on. I just used a piece of 2" tubing.

If for whatever reason you want the old retaining rings, abs tone ring, or bearing off, you'll need a press and the press fixture.

 

Thanks, Brett!

I was wondering about that. At this point, I think I’ll take the opportunity to just change that all out and then get my good passenger side shaft set up as a spare. No need to press those parts off of the bent driver shaft.

It sucks that I bent the damn thing, and I’m pissed that it was almost definitely because of rookie driving, negligence regarding my bump stops, and too much weight. But a positive is that it gives me some more experience wrenching on the truck beyond what I’ve already done. I feel way down the curve still at this point.

 

Awwww.. Jason don’t be to hard on yourself. Honestly we all do shit to our trucks that eventually need fixing. If it isn’t an axle shaft it would be something else. No biggie. At least your learning from things and figure out how to fix it. That right there is a big So put your head up and say shit just happens.

 

Thanks, Ray. I appreciate that.

It’s weird. I really love my truck. To the point that it’s almost like another person for me. I know that sounds lame, but it’s true. You put enough time and money into them and you see the vision that you had come to life, it’s hard not to be like that.

And I’ve never been a ‘beat the shit out of your ride’ type of person. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But for me, that truck has to get me back home to my lady and to those kids. Period. Everything else is just gravy.

The cool thing is that on this last trip, the truck was put through more than she’s ever seen before and she still got me home and I had a blast. Can’t beat that. And the fact is, she be better and tougher after the next round of upgrades. I’ve always loved the iterate and improve side of this hobby, so that has me stoked!

 

All of this. ^ I wanted to wait till I got home to make this post since I knew it would be long lol Jason you are a straight up good fucking dude. I really appreciate letting me crash at your place on my way out. And the patch and whiskey was insanely nice of you, seriously thank you. I had a great time getting to know you and wheeling with you. Don't be so hard on yourself, you did great. I am honestly impressed you bent an axle shaft, quite an accomplishment. Sucks that you couldn't stick around longer and that we didn't get to wheel together for the rest of the trip, but really happy you made it home safely. I meant to tell you, I camped in Monticello on my last night in Utah, right by Needles Overlook. It was gorgeous out there! Till next time my friend, if you are ever out on the east coast you will always have a place to stay here.

 

Thanks, Mike!

Honestly, some of the best people I’ve met recently have been through TW, and you’re definitely on that list. It was fucking awesome to be able to kick it with you and share some amazing times. I have a feeling that you’ll be out this way again at some point (maybe permanently, ha!), and you’ve always got a place to crash here. Thanks for the affirmation about the Monticello area. Needles Overlook was exactly where I was heading!

By the way, one of the coolest parts of the trip for me was seeing everyone’s trucks. From Brett’s dialed in ride, to my trucks brother from another mother Johnny5, it was just fucking cool to see all the hard work that people have put in. Ryan’s camping setup has me pretty jealous, and seeing Jake kill it with his new truck was amazing. Fun times!