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

I did it on my old truck and the led strip wasn't bright enough to see in the day time.

 

Coo, Thanks!

 

Really. I have been thinking about that. Im trying to find the ones used in audi's

 

I got a pair of 6 led running lights (6 in a row) from oznium and just got translucent orange paint from a hobby shop, painted the lens and wired them up.

A whole lot brighter than the led

 

I may end up doing the blinker light mod to the running lights

 

Got the taco back from line x finally. for protection mainly, but damn it looks freaking good.

 

Got my ESB kit back from powder-coating and got the uniballs on

 

As evidenced in other threads I have setup, I ATTEMPTED to put in the new starter this weekend. Discovered:

1. Two lug studs on the front driver wheel are shot. Removing the lug nut ate away threading on the stud, and since it is two right next to each other, no way I can just force it back on and hope for the best. Since this is 4WD and manual hubs, looks like I have a fun job ahead of me taking that rotor off to get to the studs to replace. Yay.
2. Trying to get to the point to take the rotor off, discovered the bolts for the caliper are seemingly welded on. I am a fairly strong guy but could not get them to budge at all. Even with a hammer banging on a wrench. So, going to have to get a nice big breaker bar or a flexy socket thing to try the drill/socket.
3. Once I got the old starter loose (PITA), it simply will not exit that wheel well thanks to the UCA and brake lines. Believe me, I tried every possible angle I could dream of. There does not seem to be any path to get it out. I finally disassembled the old starter in that space and pulled it out in two pieces. Thanks to how the spindle rests on the contacts, no way I can do the same with the new starter as I would not be able to get that thing seated back into the contacts once it is inside that space. So I have to figure out how much I am willing to risk damaging those brake lines to try to get that new one in. Or find some way to get it back in through an as yet discovered path.

Woo hoo. Dead truck!

 

I have a 97 Tacoma 4X4 with 2.7, and it wasn't difficult to get the starter out, once unbolted. I slid mine up and out through the top, under the hood. Came right out real easy.

 

I tested that way, but seemed like the fuel lines and such going to the manifold/engine were right in the way. They have more flex than the brake lines, but also considering I have this thing jacked up for the wheel well access, it also is making it harder to get to that path. Maybe I will put the wheel back on, lower it, and see if I have more luck that path you mention.

Thanks!

 

It's worth a try anyway!

 

I dipped some things. Also, sticker bomb gross dented/scratched tailgate cuz yolo

 

Looks good!^


So I crawl under the truck to spray lubricant on the bolts for the lower ball joints and wiped off the road grime only to discover that my ball joints are fine. I thought they had ripped. So now I have the ball joints ready to go on but should I replace something that doesn't need too be replaced? Im at 140k miles. I believe it had work done around 85k miles, according to carfax

 

IF they are OEM LBJs..do it. Might as well. Keep the others as trail spares.

 

Sigh***.... thats not what I wanted to hear...lol

 

Send them to me as a peace offering!

 

Trade ya for a gas tank skid and a lil more $$ on my end

 

why not? Easy to do..

 

I'm slow and double check everything and it only takes me an hour per side.

 

Ok ok, I'll Change them..I guess I'll have the piece of mind knowing my wheel won't fly off