What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

New shift knob.

 

After reading all the "hype" I tried the cerakote headlight kit on a 20 year old set of Camry headlights. I am freakin amazed. Been trying different kits for years with lackluster results. I am sold on cerakote.

 

Rebooted my oem cv axle! And discovered my 1/2” torque wrenches do NOT go to 175 ft lbs…

 

Back in the 80's fwd axles were very expensive so we rebuilt the joints and the aftermarket boots all leaked. Those old split seam boots were horrible.

 

Toyota has some crazy back order on reman axles. I purchased a set of 2021 axles from a guy on here but the axle nut threads on one of them are marred up so I need to get it rethreaded. Didn’t notice when I bought it so rebooting mine seemed like a decent enough option. I rubbed some fine dry graphite into the boots to hopefully help them last a long good time since I know the fins touch a decent amount at ride height on my truck

 

Finished the night off by dropping the transmission pan to clean it and swap the filter. Fluid color was in pretty good shape for the amount of towing I have done with the truck. Also gave the engine some fresh oil while I was down there.

 

Swapped out the 158k rear shocks with 2022 OR takeoffs, they were shot but no signs of leaking. Doing the front today, can’t wait to see how bad they are.

 

Just got the front end done, one nut gave me a hassle but it’s all back together. Looks like it leveled the truck out a bit. I’ll snap a picture tomorrow when I take it out of the barn. Thanks TW for all the tips and advice.

 

Upgraded front suspension.

 

Set out to do all my 90k maintenance. Engine, diffs, xfer case, tranny drain and fill, sparks.

Did the spark plugs while the engine oil drained. Holy shit, what a pain. Did these at 60k and in my memory it was so much easier. Passenger side took a LOT of torque to get out. Driver’s side are all a pain to get to. Had to borrow an extra extension from a neighbor. Took so long I was wiped at the end, rescheduled the rest for next weekend.

At least the engine oil and filter change was immaculate, not a drop spilled.

 

That looks like it costed a few dollars.

 

Did you put anti seize on the plug threads? That may help

 

Mounted my door speakers (tweeters and mids). Sounds much better.
I have to shorten the wiring for the mid because there is a chance of the window catching it when it is rolled down.

 

No, the spark plug manufacturers actually don’t recommend it. There is a corrosion preventive coating on the threads already.

It wasn’t a serious issue, just an annoyance. It wasn’t like they were seized, just turned slow.

 

LEXIVON 5/8" Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket, 3/8" Drive x 10" Total Length | Enhanced Magnetic Design With Thin Wall Socket, Cr-v Steel (LX-122) https://a.co/d/6b9ie7D
Not sure if you have this socket extension but it’s a great help.

 

That’s really cool! I’d buy one of those before my next plug change.

I do have a 3/8” swivel, and what saved me was using two extensions and running the swivel in between, although the extension connected to the spark plug socket was still in too much contact with some of the tubing that was in the way.

 

That's doable in a long day but if you run into one issue early on you're doomed. I never get as much done as I plan. Last weekend was an exception...changed the Front CAT on my wife's exploerer....went smooth and done in 3 hours....when I came in and said I was done she was in shock.

 

First two hours of the day were mowing the lawn, then had to go out and get the engine and gear oil (already have the WS), then get all the tools out, didn’t start till past noon. Was already halfway beat when I started. Oh well.

 

Picture from my previous post. If you have a regular cab, buy the 6.5" speakers. They fit the adapters that you get from https://www.crutchfield.com/