justinhw's 2006 Tacoma Reg Cab 4x4

[justinhw]

OME Installation

So after a year or so of CL/forums I finally pieced together a full OME kit and ARB bumper. I actually ended up with 2 OME sets; one with 885 springs and another with 884's. I decided to try 885's first since they already were on the strut.



FRONT INSTALL
Front install was very straightforward - much easier than I was expecting it to be from reading up online. I did not need to disconnect the steering arm. I had to remove the swaybar to allow room to remove the strut, and then remove 2 bolts that connect the lower control arm to the spindle (on either side of the lower ball joint). Once disconnected it allows that lower control arm to swing down independently. The reason people step/pry/force it down is because the attachment to the frame is on rubber mounts on bolts that are used for alignment; if you loosen them up it swings down easily (you'd have to re-align afterwards anyways). Luckily just putting my weight on the lower control arm afforded enough room to maneuver the strut into place.

Old suspension:


New Suspension:


REAR INSTALL
I have a camper & sleeping platform which together weigh in at about 300lbs. Jason at Demello Offroad suggested I install the Dakars without a shim. I read up on drivetrain geometry as well; I think shims would offset the normal angular velocity canceling designed into the stock U joints. My main concern would then be increased driveshaft operating angle - my hope is that my increased everyday load will keep the angle down compared to guys running open beds.
Installation was also straightforward; I unbolted the old leafs, moved the shackle to the Dakars, made sure everything was given a healthy coat of lithium grease, and installed. I ran into problems centering the axle and getting the front/rear eyelets in place - I had to place a jack under the axle as well as a bottle jack between the top of the leafs and the frame in order to get the springs into place. A few taps with a hammer and use of a screwdriver to pry into position were useful as well. I was able to maneuver the springs in place without having to drop the axle beyond the brake lines.




References I used:
FSM: http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/05+/index.html
SMTRDSPORT's install: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...mtrdsport.html

 

[justinhw]

ARB Install

I found a great deal on an ARB bumper and purchased it sight unseen (lesson learned - don't do that!). Reason being is that the bumper was bent inward slightly on the passenger side. Structurally it is still solid, but some creative grinding had to be done in order to get it to clear the body. Also, the seller did not include the stone guard or tension brackets. Luckily, Mitch at ARB was amazing and through some sort of wonderful coincidence he shipped me the parts I needed for free (left overs from another install they did). Those guys at ARB are really stand up folks and definitely made my day!



I did drive it with the stock suspension before installing the OME; the ARB (no winch) dropped the suspension about 0.5" in the front, which is not as much as I expected after reading online. However in driving around I did notice the weight and did not want to drive with it like that for an extended period of time.

 

[justinhw]

Initial Impressions

Lift Amounts
The front was lifted 2", rears 4". My concern installing 885's was CV angles, but they don't look extreme:


I realize it's hard to see the fins on top but they still have clearance.

The rear was lifted much higher than I expected, and higher than what I would like. Hopefully with settling they both will come down.

All said and done:


Driving Impressions
This suspension is much more firm, and is a pleasure to drive. I did not reinstall the sway bar as the springs had paint rubbed off from sway bar contact (previous owner) and I did not want to run into that problem again. I took a trip up north to Lassen National Park during which a piece of sheet metal flew into the middle of the highway; I was happy to find out that it still handles well without excessive sway in an emergency-maneuver environment.

However, one thing I did notice is a grinding/dry bearing sound when I let off the gas over 60 mph. I grease the U joints every oil change but I still think it may be related to the increased driveshaft operating angle.

 

[Derek24]

Looks good! That bumper looks great too! That sound is related to the increase drive-shaft angle. Your truck being so short it will do that. My brother's 08 RC does the same thing after we put OME on. I believe there is a drop spacer for the drive shaft that will help with the noise.

 

[NM-Frontier]

Great build, I always liked the reg cabs. I like the tracks built in to the top of the platform, do you notice them sleeping on them? The 885s seem like they would be a good match for the 4cyl and the ARB. Keep us posted on how thing settle.

 

[justinhw]

A few pictures from a recent trip to Lassen National Park:

Few Additions to the Tacoma:

Full Budbuilt Skid Plates (Front, Mid, Trans)
CBI Rear Bumper + Swingout

I got them on trade, and so in typical fashion some pieces needed to be bent back/sanded/repainted.

I learned to weld recently and realized it takes a lot of the apprehension of welding things to your truck's frame if you know exactly how the process works. I still held my breath as I welded one of the skid plate crossmembers to my frame though. Turned out okay, not the prettiest but it is strong enough.

Had a gas-tank skid from Budbuilt but when mounting it I learned it's designed to bolt to the carrier bearing crossmember; I don't have one (regular cab). I contacted Bud and hopefully they will think of something. If not I may try something myself with my newfound-but-still-amateur skill.

 

[TOPDECK]

Awesome pictures Justinhw! Sweet truck...and igloo!

 

[YotaPilot]

Very nice. I've never seen anyone actually build an igloo before. Awesome!
I never thought I would like a regular cab, but after seeing yours I'm more open to it. The bench seat and lack of space behind the seats make it look quite cozy.

 

[SLOwag]

That sound is related to the increase drive-shaft angle. Your truck being so short it will do that. My brother's 08 RC does the same thing after we put OME on. I believe there is a drop spacer for the drive shaft that will help with the noise.

If you search on TW, you'll see that East Coast Gear Supply has a bearing for this. I've had the ECGS bearing in my truck for two weeks, the growl was gone right away. If you do go that route, PM me and I'll trade the bearing extarction tool for something you have laying around....or you can buy me a six-pack at Hollister Rally in October :beer:

ECGS link, watch the install video thay have on their site: http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-and-tool.html

 

[Danimal]

Rated this thread 5 starts - love your truck and the igloo is old school.

Dan

 

[justinhw]

If you search on TW, you'll see that East Coast Gear Supply has a bearing for this. I've had the ECGS bearing in my truck for two weeks, the growl was gone right away. If you do go that route, PM me and I'll trade the bearing extarction tool for something you have laying around....or you can buy me a six-pack at Hollister Rally in October :beer:

ECGS link, watch the install video thay have on their site: http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-and-tool.html

Thanks! I'm not convinced it's the front CV bearing yet.. but if I end up going that route I'll let you know!

 

[justinhw]

Great build, I always liked the reg cabs. I like the tracks built in to the top of the platform, do you notice them sleeping on them? The 885s seem like they would be a good match for the 4cyl and the ARB. Keep us posted on how thing settle.

The tracks don't usually bother me when I'm sleeping - the worst that has happened is bumping my shoulder when rolling over. I am happy with the setup! The only thing is that the carpet isn't very tough.. I may have to replace it with some outdoor carpeting when it wears out.

 

[JWP58]

Any update on this rig?

 

[justinhw]

Any update on this rig?

Yes! Picked this up recently

 

[NM-Frontier]

That is turning into one sweet reg cab! I can't wait to see how it turns out with the nest.:sombrero: