What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

I got them for 1200 and they needed bushings

 

Mine were $150... hard to beat that. LT is a ways out for me right now, I've got tons of stuff lined up for this truck and the next big one is on the shelf waiting to go... The turbo kit is ready.

 

Why didn't I do this earlier?

Installed a set of Spiker gas struts yesterday. The procedure went relatively painlessly, although the first hole I drilled in the hood for the brackets was a little nerve-wracking at first (even with the depth-stop on the bit). But going slowly and keeping the bit lubed with a drop or two of motor oil gave me clean results. Now accessing the engine bay is almost a joy...I must have spent at least three minutes just opening and closing my truck's hood. Now that I don't need to rely on the stock prop rod (which I'm leaving in place as a backup), I have plenty of space in the engine bay.

And just in time too. I've been getting occasional whiffs of burning engine oil when I park up, so valve cover gasket replacement is next on the list this fall.

 

Just received my Ruffstuff ubolt flip kit.....holy shit is it beefy.

 

So $100 in bushings. I think you down graded haha

Nice can't wait to see what you do.

 

I haven't driven the 02 for like 2 months

 

I’d like to see the resulting install. How will you have your shocks mounted?

 

Going to have to order 2 replacement tail gate cables...

$26 65770-04030 Tailgate Stay Assembly

65770-04030 is the part number. Wonder if there is a kryptonite style heavy duty aftermarket option.

 

I got the doorman I think of rockauto. Not worth it. For my next set, I'm just going to make some up myself out of SS cable.

Edit: Scratch that. After looking at them they way cheaper than I remembered.

 

Not even going to play trial and error. Decided to order 2 from Toyota of Colorado Springs for $33 bucks.
https://parts.toyotaofcoloradosprings.com/oem-parts/toyota-stay-assembly-tail-gate-65770dp030

 

Literally yesterday I was eyeing a set of those in the Colorado Springs u-pick yard, wondering if I should take them just-in-case.

 

I wish Toyota stuck with the metal blade looking tailgate supports from the earlier pickups. No fraying or snapping. I wonder if they can be retrofitted…

looks like they still use them on modern hiluxes

 

I am going to follow turbod's guide.
https://adventuretaco.com/guide/how...ning-leaf-spring-cycle-and-mount-positioning/
It will be awhile before I get to it, but I will post up photos.

 

Got the AC charged up yesterday after waiting a week to see if the vacuum held. It's blowing cold air for the first time since I bought it, I'm very pleased.

I missed the boat getting it done while it was hot here, but at least I'll have defrost now.

The shop charged $92 and I brought him a case of Bud Lights. If I could do the whole thing over again I'd do it myself, but for the peace of mind the price wasn't too bad.

 

The flag magnet on my fender was looking just a little faded, so I replaced it with a fresh one. This was put on there by the PO so no telling how many years of sun it's sat under by now.

 

That was a good writeup. I'm marginally interested in doing this at some point, but I'm wondering if the lower brackets could be welded at the OEM location and the top mounts retained.

 

They can it just required a longer lower tab and you'll want to drill the holes for an 18mm dia bolt cause that's what stock shocks require. That said if you're still using stock shocks (length restriction) a u-bolt flip probably isn't in your best interest anyway

 

Good to know, maybe I'll upgrade later on.

 

installed leather steering wheel wrap. $16 on Amazon, three hours to sew up

 

Not saying it doesn't look good. The whole side of the truck being covered in mud and dirt from just a few puddles got old for me with just 3.5bs wheels and no flares.
I've seen those pictures of your truck on a few trips where you're the only one completely covered head to toe