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

I did. Looks like fun!

 

Yeah I don't think modifying TG mounts would be worth it, at that point it looks simple enough to just build them from scratch. And I'm sure it can be done for a hell of a lot less than $165.

We are swapping his transmission soon, that would be the time...

In his defense, it rained hard the night before, there were pools at the bottom of every hill climb and the slickrock was all sandy. Still plenty of traction, but nearly as good as when it's dry.

Don't sell yourself short, a little more skinny pedal and you could have had all of 'em spinning.

 

Well I did this yesterday, but I started my truck for the first time since March. Need to fix the high idle, but she sounds and run phenomenal! Hopefully this weekend she's rolling out of the garage!

 

Fair point. You could probably find a universal kit, or just some poly bushings and a piece of DOM tubing. I already had the TG mounts in hand to cut up.

I did Moab Rim in the pouring rain a few weeks ago. Zero problems. You guys planned your trip a couple weeks too late!

 

Tell me about it!

 

Ouch, that explains the ever present ruts in that road.

 

I blame that on whoever left Zane's truck in 2 high after driving it last

 

Hey for once that wasn't me, and I'm in awe my roost, was maybe doing 10mph on that slop.

 

This turned out to be true at the end, but the first 4 days were in the mid-60s so it wasn't all bad.

 

I meant so we could've crossed paths down there.

 

I knew you guys were going to be down there doing rock therapy or whatever they are calling it now. It would have been very cool to hook up, but we were locked into our time down there because of the white rim reservation.

 

So swap is finally complete and the taco is back up and running. Initial impressions on a short drive to bring the trans up to op temp in order to complete the fill -

I can hear a difference. Not sure what I'm hearing but possible the transfer case?
I can feel a slight vibration through the tcase shift handle.
Transmission shift patterns seem fine, no issues.
Idle is fine.

EDIT/UPDATE: Trying to confirm this might be a failing torque converter. I sure hope not. I do not want to pull that transmission again. Ugh.

I thought I smelled something burning while I was checking trans fluid level. Turns out it was this aftermarket driveshaft slinging residual grease around.






CVs -

 

Front bumper straighter now. (Not hitting the center support for the core support) hood isn’t creased anymore.fenders closer to correct shape. Got rid of the spliced in with scotch locks trailer harness and repaired the frame harness to avoid the wonderful green crusties. And I removed the kill switch that was wired in so I can wire it in a little more discretely and inside the cab.. frames got no more kink either. Just a slight dip now. Toss the bed on this weekend if I can get a couple buddies. Deal with the cab corners in the spring

oh tossed cibie h4 headlights in from my mr2.

 

I got my tap and die set and my MAC square extractors in the mail today. I finally finished fixing my exhaust manifold heat shield bolts, and put it back in the truck, but I ran out of light trying to finish reassembly. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow to drive it again.

You're right, there really isn't a lot of room. I measured it out, and if I move my condenser up vertically 1.5", I theoretically have enough space. The mount would replace the front skid plate mount, and tie into the tow hook bolts underneath. That would put all the strength of the mount just about in the right spot for the forces of the winch.
There's just under 6" of depth from the radiator to the front of the bumper, so I'm just hoping I can make whatever needs to protrude through the valance small enough to be covered by the license plate. There's also a bit of adjustment that can be made to the valance to space it forward. I can't really make a design until I have a winch on hand, so I've been trying not to think about it too much.
I have a lead on a pretty well priced Smittybilt X20 that looks basically brand new. If they're as small as I think they are, I'm feeling optimistic.

 

Sooo...
Prepping for a clutch and transmission replacement and think I have everything sorted minus the following. Can't seem to find this info.

Do you need to drain your engine oil to do the rear main seal?

 

no

 

@Speedytech7 with a quickness

Thank you good sir!

 

Been working on my winch install - gonna be a multiple day process since this is my only vehicle.

Removing the bumper, I discovered a slightly tweaked "crash nub" - the threaded mount is only welded on one side(?), so I was able to hammer it back into shape.

The Amp'd winch mount is a straightforward install - this was the easy part.

Also, this bumper has been through a bit of harsh life. The base mounting is in place, now a lot of logistics work to be able to access the control unit and freespool lever.

In general, it is a less noticeable, hidden winch. Again, a few logistics to work out.

 

Here is how I did mine.

 

What mount is that? Seems very minimal, I'd like to take a closer look.