Expedition.Report
Explorer
Wow Great build! Can't wait to see it with everything mounted!!
Keep the write-ups and pic's coming!!
Keep the write-ups and pic's coming!!
4307's Canadian Taco Build
- Thread starter 4307
- Start date
4307
Adventurer
Thanks everyone!
Ya, the pic was taken right after the wheels were mounted and the truck was dropped. The slack was taken in right after the pic.
LOL.... the gizmo is the breather... errr, or should I say bling breather...
The filter is a free flow air filter attached to an airline moisture separator.
Who knows maybe the separator will eliminate condensation, parts were laying around, and I found myself getting creative.. :coffeedrink:
Breather parts.....
The union fitting is threaded into the axle housing replacing the stock breather.
The "gizmo" will be mounted in a better location using the mini QuickFist rubber clamps so I can quickly disconnect the gismo to clean the filter.
The hose I used is a scrap length of 3/8'' shop air hose.
4307
Adventurer
The rear bumper has been a hot topic.... 
Part of the reason it's not completely done is.... I needed the rear suspension upgrade to carry the weight of the finished bumper. The stock leaf pack was completely flat. Any additional weight added, would have given me a bump stop feel of a ride.
The Chevy's will be perfect for the bumper. I'm thinking the added weight of the bumper will give the rear, a Cadillac feel. I notice the ride difference when the rear is loaded with tools.
The ride is way better with added weight.
Now that the suspension is done, rear frame re-enforcement plates are needed to keep the rear "C" channel section of the frame from cracking.
The plate install was part of the plan when installed the suspension. Unfortunately I ran out of time.
If I can weasel my way into more garage time, frame plates are next on the build list.
Honestly.. the Chevy springs and rear 5125's, impress me the most with the results of the build.
I'm dying to hit a trail. I'll have to wait until spring when the snowmobiles give up the trails. Most trails are closed to wheeling starting Nov 1.
Part of the reason it's not completely done is.... I needed the rear suspension upgrade to carry the weight of the finished bumper. The stock leaf pack was completely flat. Any additional weight added, would have given me a bump stop feel of a ride.
The Chevy's will be perfect for the bumper. I'm thinking the added weight of the bumper will give the rear, a Cadillac feel. I notice the ride difference when the rear is loaded with tools.
The ride is way better with added weight.
Now that the suspension is done, rear frame re-enforcement plates are needed to keep the rear "C" channel section of the frame from cracking.
The plate install was part of the plan when installed the suspension. Unfortunately I ran out of time.
If I can weasel my way into more garage time, frame plates are next on the build list.
Honestly.. the Chevy springs and rear 5125's, impress me the most with the results of the build.
I'm dying to hit a trail. I'll have to wait until spring when the snowmobiles give up the trails. Most trails are closed to wheeling starting Nov 1.
4307
Adventurer
Some time has past, the front end sagged as the coils settle with the weight of the ARB and winch.
Thanks to my dad and Jack at Centerville Tool and Die, I was able to invade the shop floor.
I did a complete bolt check, weld inspection, crank the coilovers, connected the winch to the battery, trimmed the inner fender plastic, where the tire rubbed on the driver side.
I was also happy to see the bolts were still torqued, or slightly less then torque.
Everything looked good.
Coilovers...
The measured front end lift hight.... (hub center to lower edge of the fender)
When we started unbolting parts for the lift, I neglected to measure the original ride height. Lucky for me there happens to be an identical Tacoma (cap and all) parked at Canadian Tire. I measured the trucks stock ride height as a reference point.
Original ride height... roughly... = 21.25''
The ride hight of the Donahoe's shipped from the factory, is set at.... 2'' of lift.
Settled ride height.... = 22.75"
The new ride height.... = 23.75"
When adjusting the ride height, I started with a shipped measurement = 1.5" of
exposed thread on the coilover collar (Adjuster rings top edge to the shocks top cap.)
After adjusting the ride height, I had 1.75" of exposed thread.
The adjuster moved 1/4'' down on the collar thread.
3 complete turns of the adjuster ring.
The new ride height = 2.5" of coilover lift.
Give it time and they may need adjusting again.
These measurements will vary, with different coilover brands and setups.
I listed my results as an example.
Here are a few pics of the day and the new front end ride hight.
Salty truck...
Adjusted collar... you can see the clean thread at the bottom, after adjusting.
How it sits now.
The rear is still a little higher. I'm sure the Chevy's will settle with time, I may lower the rear in the spring. Time will tell.
The newly preloaded coilover springs makes the ride feel solid and controlled, not a harsh ride at all.... far from it.
What a big difference this setup made. I could NEVER go back to stock.
The build was totally worth it.
I cant wait to hit a trail and really flex this thing.
The winch is now fully operational... yippie!
The next step is alignment, and fluid changes.
If I can sneak into a garage (any garage) I would like to add the rear frame reinforcement plates as mentioned earlier, then have the frame undercoated.
Thanks to my dad and Jack at Centerville Tool and Die, I was able to invade the shop floor.
I did a complete bolt check, weld inspection, crank the coilovers, connected the winch to the battery, trimmed the inner fender plastic, where the tire rubbed on the driver side.
I was also happy to see the bolts were still torqued, or slightly less then torque.
Everything looked good.
Coilovers...
The measured front end lift hight.... (hub center to lower edge of the fender)
When we started unbolting parts for the lift, I neglected to measure the original ride height. Lucky for me there happens to be an identical Tacoma (cap and all) parked at Canadian Tire. I measured the trucks stock ride height as a reference point.
Original ride height... roughly... = 21.25''
The ride hight of the Donahoe's shipped from the factory, is set at.... 2'' of lift.
Settled ride height.... = 22.75"
The new ride height.... = 23.75"
When adjusting the ride height, I started with a shipped measurement = 1.5" of
exposed thread on the coilover collar (Adjuster rings top edge to the shocks top cap.)
After adjusting the ride height, I had 1.75" of exposed thread.
The adjuster moved 1/4'' down on the collar thread.
3 complete turns of the adjuster ring.
The new ride height = 2.5" of coilover lift.
Give it time and they may need adjusting again.
These measurements will vary, with different coilover brands and setups.
I listed my results as an example.
Here are a few pics of the day and the new front end ride hight.
Salty truck...
Adjusted collar... you can see the clean thread at the bottom, after adjusting.
How it sits now.
The rear is still a little higher. I'm sure the Chevy's will settle with time, I may lower the rear in the spring. Time will tell.
The newly preloaded coilover springs makes the ride feel solid and controlled, not a harsh ride at all.... far from it.
What a big difference this setup made. I could NEVER go back to stock.
The build was totally worth it.
I cant wait to hit a trail and really flex this thing.
The winch is now fully operational... yippie!
The next step is alignment, and fluid changes.
If I can sneak into a garage (any garage) I would like to add the rear frame reinforcement plates as mentioned earlier, then have the frame undercoated.
4307
Adventurer
New toy....
I took advantage of the Boxing Day sale at Future Shop. Garmin Nuvi 255w.
I have a Garmin 60C hand held for the trail. I wanted one for the the road. Keeps me from getting lost... LOL :smiley_drive:
I need to mod my dash and eliminate the tangled 12v wires from all these toys.
Now I'm up to date...
The truck is far from completion (if there is such a thing). More mods to come.
I took advantage of the Boxing Day sale at Future Shop. Garmin Nuvi 255w.
I have a Garmin 60C hand held for the trail. I wanted one for the the road. Keeps me from getting lost... LOL :smiley_drive:
I need to mod my dash and eliminate the tangled 12v wires from all these toys.
Now I'm up to date...
The truck is far from completion (if there is such a thing). More mods to come.
4307
Adventurer
Over time, I imagine.
When I had the truck loaded with tools, the truck was level with the adjusted front end.
The weight of the bumper with camping and wheeling gear, the truck will sit just right.
I can make shorter or longer shackles if needed. I'll tweak it after the frame plates, rear bumper with swing out spare tire.
When I had the truck loaded with tools, the truck was level with the adjusted front end.
The weight of the bumper with camping and wheeling gear, the truck will sit just right.
I can make shorter or longer shackles if needed. I'll tweak it after the frame plates, rear bumper with swing out spare tire.
RoundOut
Explorer
bump stops
What an awesome build. I've been following your thread since before I built my rear bumper.
I read all your "new years" updates this morning. Very impressive work. I had one suggestion on bump stops for your consideration. Here is my logic/reasoning...
I built a rear bumper/swingout similar to yours and Willman's. When I was done, I had major rear sag issues with my stock/add-a-leaf/block combination, and the springs were squeaking like an upset pig. I decided to order custom Deavers (not having the export and shipping issues you have in Canada and not having your tools and skillset). After getting my first "9-pack" from Deaver, it was not high enough and they sent me another leaf. After adding that, and putting on my Timbren bump-stops, it rode just about right. When loaded, I was riding full-time on the bump stops. The Timbrens are a life-saver in that mode. I doubt you will ever ride that low, but the accordion-shaped Timbrens are the bomb! You don't even know you are riding on the bump stops when cycling the rear suspension off-road.
After a couple years of use, and replacing my original front puck lift with Camberg SAWs, my ride height was low again in the back. I wrestled with whether to go to air-bags or just throw a block back there. Since I rarely trailer, I threw a block back there this past weekend to get the ride height in the rear back and for now, that will do fine. Eventually, I may go to air bags.
All of this to say, if your loaded rear end with the bumper/swingout gets too heavy, having the Timbren bump-stops will save the ride quality. I am a big fan.
.
What an awesome build. I've been following your thread since before I built my rear bumper.
I read all your "new years" updates this morning. Very impressive work. I had one suggestion on bump stops for your consideration. Here is my logic/reasoning...
I built a rear bumper/swingout similar to yours and Willman's. When I was done, I had major rear sag issues with my stock/add-a-leaf/block combination, and the springs were squeaking like an upset pig. I decided to order custom Deavers (not having the export and shipping issues you have in Canada and not having your tools and skillset). After getting my first "9-pack" from Deaver, it was not high enough and they sent me another leaf. After adding that, and putting on my Timbren bump-stops, it rode just about right. When loaded, I was riding full-time on the bump stops. The Timbrens are a life-saver in that mode. I doubt you will ever ride that low, but the accordion-shaped Timbrens are the bomb! You don't even know you are riding on the bump stops when cycling the rear suspension off-road.
After a couple years of use, and replacing my original front puck lift with Camberg SAWs, my ride height was low again in the back. I wrestled with whether to go to air-bags or just throw a block back there. Since I rarely trailer, I threw a block back there this past weekend to get the ride height in the rear back and for now, that will do fine. Eventually, I may go to air bags.
All of this to say, if your loaded rear end with the bumper/swingout gets too heavy, having the Timbren bump-stops will save the ride quality. I am a big fan.
.
4307
Adventurer
Thanks!
I agree the Timbren bumps are the way to go. I went with the Energy bumps for the price. The Timbre bumps were more expensive, more than I was willing to pay at the time.
I went with these... Yet to be tested. When I do, I'll write a review.
I don't think I'll be riding the bumps, the Chevy springs handle weight really well. I had all my heavy tools piled in the bed, actually it was the most weight I've had on the truck. The leafs were still far from flat.
I'll never carry that much weight on a trip.
If I run into a weight issue, I can put a 4th leaf in. (1988-98.5 4wd Chevy 63" leafs came with 4 leafs + overload. 2wd came with 3 + overload)
Locally, Kitchener Spring and Suspension has generic full size pickup, single leafs in different thicknesses and widths, that can be cut to custom length. (add-a-leaf).
A pair would run me $50.
Apparently the 4 pack Chevy's flex well.
I think I may stack a heavy load, test the truck off road locally, to gauge weight, handling and flex. I wish it was spring...
LOL... ya, your probably right. Looks like I have some work to do. May take me a while...
p1michaud
Expedition Leader
Canadian Tacoma and Fabricator
It's great to see other Canadian Tacomas being build up especially by someone with mad fabrication skills!
A few items to consider:
With your ARB, you should think about doing the end cap mod before any serious winching.
We had a thread that may help you with your Donohoe C/O's exposed thread vs. lift that may help.
Keep on fabricating!
Cheers,
P
It's great to see other Canadian Tacomas being build up especially by someone with mad fabrication skills!
A few items to consider:
With your ARB, you should think about doing the end cap mod before any serious winching.
We had a thread that may help you with your Donohoe C/O's exposed thread vs. lift that may help.
Keep on fabricating!
Cheers,
P
4307
Adventurer
Thanks! :26_7_2:
I was planning on doing the end cap mod but time was limited.
I'll remove the ARB to re-spool the winch with synthetic rope and Delrin fairlead, fix an iffy weld nut thread on the passenger side crash can, in the spring.
I remember seeing this end cap thread. I thought I book marked it, but I guess I didn't. I was looking for the write-up on Parks Off Road and couldn't find it...lol Thanks for posting the link, it's book marked now.
The donahoe thread link is also appreciated. I like the fact its detailed with pics, very helpful.
I have the new design bottom coil bucket seat, so the thread count may not apply, but it gives me an idea. I wish I took my stock measurement before lifting. We got caught up in the frenzy.. Doh!
It look as if I may need to adjust the ride height again, looks like the coils are still settling...
How Australia treating you? Miss Canada yet? :REOutIceFishing:
I was planning on doing the end cap mod but time was limited.
I'll remove the ARB to re-spool the winch with synthetic rope and Delrin fairlead, fix an iffy weld nut thread on the passenger side crash can, in the spring.
I remember seeing this end cap thread. I thought I book marked it, but I guess I didn't. I was looking for the write-up on Parks Off Road and couldn't find it...lol Thanks for posting the link, it's book marked now.
The donahoe thread link is also appreciated. I like the fact its detailed with pics, very helpful.
I have the new design bottom coil bucket seat, so the thread count may not apply, but it gives me an idea. I wish I took my stock measurement before lifting. We got caught up in the frenzy.. Doh!
It look as if I may need to adjust the ride height again, looks like the coils are still settling...
How Australia treating you? Miss Canada yet? :REOutIceFishing:
Wes Craiglow
Member
I keep coming back to your build over, and over, and over...
Seriously, you make we want to go to welding school and build a killer workshop.
Please keep it up. You're a motivator.
Seriously, you make we want to go to welding school and build a killer workshop.
Please keep it up. You're a motivator.