Scott B.'s 2015 AC Build - Expo Style

Thank you. I certainly do enjoy it.

 

I have started metal working...

 

Excited!!

 

In for metalwork!

 

How thick was your foam padding?

 

IIRC, it was about 1/8". Thin, and fairly dense.

 

Scott,
What transmission fluid did you use? Assume Toyota since you are adding to existing. About how much for this procedure?

 

I use Valvoline MaxLife DEX/MERC full synthetic ATF. It is Toyota WS compatible, so adding it to any existing fluid is OK.

I have always done this myself, and have no idea what a shop would charge for the work.

 

$60 at AAMCO if I supply filter and seal. Going to use Tacoma specified fluids for this one. Want to change later and use Maxlife but need supervision to make sure I get it right.

 

$60 doesn't sound too bad.

Our trannys do not have a filter, rather a screen. Still a good idea to replace it occasionally.

 

No issues noted. No metal shavings in pan or screen and fluid looked fine. This after Moab and Colorado with trailer. Really expected no less. Will probably switch to the Valvoline on the next service. Watching all the going ons with Scotty. Regearing is eventually in the works so want to see how his next venture works out. I don't intend to be climbing rock walls but with all the armor and towing a trailer it is really getting heavy. How well did your regearing work out (that was quite a feat to take that on). I do not have the expertise to do what you did but maybe after Scotty redoes his we will have a group of people who have more than a general idea of what they are doing.

 

Hope so. Want to learn and work with all of our group. I like learning.

 

It worked out fine.

I did the front and rear independently, due to work traveling. I pulled the rear, sent it to ECGS, and went out of town. Upon returning, I installed the re-geared third member. I did all the work by myself.

For the front, I swapped units. I ordered one from ECGS, and spent a Saturday pulling the original one out, and installing the re-geared unit. Again, I did all the work by myself. An extra set of hands (just for a couple of minutes) would have made installation quicker.

 

How do you like the 4.56s? I have the same wheel/tire and engine/tranny set up as you. I don’t feel like I NEED the extra gearing, but it sure would be nice. Curious about your experience in daily driving and off roading.

 

I like them. My truck is heavier than stock, with shell, sleeping platform and all the stuff I carry everyday. Also, I tow a teardrop both on and off road.

I don't feel over-geared with them - and more importantly, I don't feel under-geared. I am able to use the entire powerband of the engine.

I would absolutely do it again.

 

Any change to gas mileage? Also are there any issues at cruising along at 70 or more with trailer attached?

 

I’m also curious to know what your RPMs are at 70 mph in 5th gear. It’s nice I have the bottom end, what do you have to sacrifice at the top? Thanks so much for your input.

 

Gas mileage certainly did not improve - but I don't think it really dropped, either. I will have to go look at my notes.

I can easily cruise 80 with the trailer. In fact, it is hard not to when the speed limit is 75...

 

No trailer, level road, 2400-ish.

I don't feel like I have sacrificed anything at the top. It is a truck, not a sports car. But, I have never felt under powered.

True, it's not the 300 HP V8 I put in my Ranger....

 

Thanks for the input, Scott. At 70 mph I’m around 1900 but the second I dip into the throttle the torque converter unlocks, especially uphill or loaded down. I think I’d be better off being deeper into the power band and I wouldn’t have to go down to 4th so often.