"Taz" - ProfHobbit's Build Log, 2007 Access Cab 2.7l

Next up requires some props for @CtryBoyInMT - the Defrost detoxer.

A/C on with Defrost

The write-up, with pics and caveats for 2009+ year owners, is here.

Basically, my truck's AC will cycle on whenever the Windshield Defrost or combination Windshield and Floor modes are selected. As you can read in that thread, this is a source of pleasure to some, and pain to others. I'm a control freak, and I want to choose when the AC needs to run. I'll use that handy "Make the AC work now, please" button they gave me.

Basically, this entails removing one wire from a harness near the passenger side blower fan. Took me all of five minutes, carefully following the instructions (and warnings about breaking the wire off) in that thread. Here's the results in terms of RPM of the engine:

Defrost Mode selected, AC button "off":



Defrost Mode selected, AC button "on":





Again, thanks for the folks who help to make owning these vehicles such a great experience!

 

OEM Stereo Replacement

Not really much to talk about here. I replaced the factory CD player with this unit. At this point I've only had it in less than a week, and haven't had a lot of time to play with it. The sound quality is decent. I like the on-board EQ. Software overall feels a little clunky, not how I would have designed the interface, but it will work.

Ran the backup camera lead with a 10-gauge primary wire from the cab to the back of the truck. The plan eventually will be to use the 10 gauge wire for accessories in the bed, or for a brake controller if we were to get a larger towing toy. No plans to do so, but why not run everything at once, and throw some wire loom around it.

I settled on

$22 eRapta ERT01 HD Backup Camera Rear View License Plate Reverse Camera Universal for Pickup Truck Car SUV 149° Perfect Angle Night Vision IP69K Level Waterproof

this for a backup camera. Picked up the reverse light lead from the taillight wiring harness, and a ground from the trailer harness wiring. The colours and picture are decent - haven't tried it at night yet to see if the LED's actually help at all. Left the wire loop intact for the parking lines, I find them helpful.

Ran the mic up the A pillar to the overhead console, it's a great spot for it.

Highly recommend Crutchfield if you're in the market for a radio. Top-tier service, decent prices, and they throw the mounting brackets and trim piece in for free. Step by step instructions were well done - sensible directions and helpful photos.

Edit: replaced the unit with a Sony XAV X100. Changing out Bluetooth phones between my wife and I was a 4-5 menus deep process on the KENWOOD, and I think CarPlay is going to be a better solution.

 

Replace Tie Rod Ends / Multiple Suspension Parts

I am currently in the process of gathering up parts to replace the worst bits of my suspension. Here's their current state:



My hope is to gather as many parts off TW members' sales as possible. This will save me a ton of money, and I hope supports this community that has been extraordinarily helpful to me.

Here's my question:

What else should I replace at the same time I have the following items done?

• Brakes / Pads / Calipers: Will source from Rockauto. Thinking of getting the Powerstop KCOE137's.
• Inner / Outer Tie Rod Ends: Is this something that goes up for sale from TW members, or do I go with a RockAuto part? Buy two of each, right?
• Shocks / Struts / Coil Over Assembly: Have these, thanks to @Tacoma/Taco
• Upper Control arms: Again, thanks to @Tacoma/Taco
• Front Sway Bar and Link Assemblies (L/R): Thanks to @Landnyk , great to meet you!
• Spindles (L/R): waiting for a set to come available here on the forum
• ????

Thanks for any help or advice!

 

Shoulda got the tie rods done at the dealer while the frame was being done, coulda saved you $$$ on the alignment!

I bought some new ends for my truck when they are trashed, 20 bucks each on Amazon i will grab you the link. They have grease fittings on top for maintenance lubing unlike the oem sealed units that suck. Guess i cant complain though, my boots have been torn for like 55k and they are in great shape still

Proforged 104-10601 Greasable Front Outer Tie Rod End

Proforged 104-10601 Greasable Front Outer Tie Rod End

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VMQ84G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YVWdBb59XPHSQ

 

Thanks for the link! Yeah, there were a few things I wanted to do at the dealership while Taz was still in pieces, but I wasn't sure I was going to keep the truck, and some of the parts costs were through the roof.

Good to know there's some good alternatives to the OEM on the tie rod ends. I'd love to do the whole rack, but for now outer and inner tie rod ends are going to have to suffice.

 

Those tie rod ends seemed to be the best replacements people found so far. Dont do the rack unless it begins leaking. Its a very expensive part and changing it is a real pain in the balls, exactly why they recommend doing it with the cab and shit off the frame. But anyways, my rack is a tad worn out and the bushing rubber no longer exists but i have no problems with it at all.

 

That's really useful feedback. It's that tough choice between "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and "if that breaks it will kill your entire family". I've tried looking at some diagrams of all the parts in that area. Wondering which ones to do at the same time.

 

It wont break and kill your family. You would know the racks leaking before anything terrible happens. You will notice a difference for sure!

 

Sounds good to me! There's a laundry list of other expensive parts, like drive shafts and exhaust pipes, that have to go on first.

 

Did you check out the online salvage yards yet? Anytime, I’m glad the parts are going on a cool ride

 

I've done some research for the spindles on automotix.com - great lead, thanks for letting me know about them!

Yes, once I have the front end redone, your parts should hopefully see a lot of miles!

 

Still looking for where to find the brake dust shields. OEM part # is 4778204050

Also, I know some of the first Gen guys have added aftermarket cruise control to their trucks. Anyone happen to have a writeup for a second Gen? I've been in touch with the folks at Rostra, and they don't seem to know if my truck is pre-wired to the steering wheel for it, or not.

 

fml! That's so much rust!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

weird that Amazon or advanced auto doesn't have anything. might be stuck buying from a dealer.

 

That's kind of my fear. Same with the Axle shafts for main axle for the rear - hoping to find on here at some point, because there's few aftermarket solutions I can find using the OEM part numbers.

 

You should be able to buy the OEM cruise control stalk and "plug and play"..

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/6...-2005-2015/171992-diy-oem-cruise-control.html

 

You are the hero of the afternoon! Thank you - that's a great write-up. One question - is there any way to tell if my truck is pre-wired without removing the steering wheel cover? If not, that's not the end of the world. I'll check for the clutch switch harness tonight, as well.

 

Glad I could help! I believe the only way is to remove the airbag/cover. If I remember correctly, It's not too difficult to do.

 

I would seriously consider getting rid of that truck and starting over, that rust is unprecedented and is likely in places that you'll never be able to reasonably fix. I just see years and years of problems and hassle. Somebody really neglected that poor thing