Keiko the Tacoma - An Evolution of Needs
- Thread starter Toiyabe
- Start date
01tundra
Explorer
Toiyabe
Adventurer
Funny you should say that, I'll be there this summer. We are going to retrace the National Park-to-Park Highway.
PM me your shop name, if you would. I'm doing some interesting things right now.
Barrett still owes me a wheel and tire. Lol.
Toiyabe
Adventurer
No idea, it's a manual.
01tundra
Explorer
I would guess "no" for a manual transmission.
Toiyabe
Adventurer
That was my guess as well. But you never know...
YotaPilot
Adventurer
Yes it does. I have one on my 2001 DC. I don't remember the code. I think I found it on Tacoma World.
Toiyabe
Adventurer
Minor tweaks and suspension pondering
The LED lightbar leaked a bit after a high-pressure wash, so I took it apart, replaced the smashed silicone gasket with vinyl coated wire, and sealed it with low-viscosity RTV silicone. We will see how it does.
Both rear vent window latches had broken. So I bought new latches, and some neat little aluminum bits to replace the parts that break. The old latches will be rebuilt with the replaced plastic parts as spares. The windows still closed, but not super tight, and I love vent windows...
I tested the truck with the load for the big trip this summer, and it still sat nose-low, so I got a set of 1/4" spacers from Wheeler's. I love Wheeler's, and they have great customer service, but the communication between slaes and the warehouse blows. I think everything I've ordered has been out of stock, and has taken a day or two for them to notify me.
The stock springs, even on the middle setting on the 5100, has sagged enough that I only had about .7" of lift. Now I have enough to level it at load, but... Read at the bottom.
My truck didn't have the remote, but I got it about 3 days ago. It works, but I needed another, and the Toyota ones are $80 or so. Enter eBay. Works fine, and was $15 shipped.
Learned about this from the Land Rover guys here. It's great. Sealed a torn firewall boot with it.
Ok, now for the suspension stuff.
I'm not crazy about the Bilsteins, and the springs I have. The front is under-sprung, but the damping is a good match for the current spring rates. The rear, because of the AAL, is under-damped.
It's ok on smooth pavement, and at low speeds on gravel, but at higher speeds on rougher stuff it is really obvious. So, i'm thinking of upgrading as funds allow, when I get back from South Africa.
My last mini truck was a prerunner for class 8, and had a good LT setup, but that was noisy, expensive, and not what I need for this truck. What I really want is something I can drive down a gravel road at speed, and broken pavement in hot temps without fading, and is matched to a stiffer spring rate in front and rear. Recommendations?
I am tempted by the SAW 2.0 front, and a set of something like Fox reservoir rears (just say no to emulsion shocks) but i have no experience with SAW at all. The only off road shocks I have had experience with were Fox, and they were pretty good. I'd love a set of Kings, but I can't justify the cost.
I have no desire to run an aftermarket UCA, since I will not have more than a 2" lift in front, and am more interested in the classic drive-to-Jarbidge=at=speed utility than rock crawling or jumping.
My last mini-truck:
The LED lightbar leaked a bit after a high-pressure wash, so I took it apart, replaced the smashed silicone gasket with vinyl coated wire, and sealed it with low-viscosity RTV silicone. We will see how it does.
Both rear vent window latches had broken. So I bought new latches, and some neat little aluminum bits to replace the parts that break. The old latches will be rebuilt with the replaced plastic parts as spares. The windows still closed, but not super tight, and I love vent windows...
I tested the truck with the load for the big trip this summer, and it still sat nose-low, so I got a set of 1/4" spacers from Wheeler's. I love Wheeler's, and they have great customer service, but the communication between slaes and the warehouse blows. I think everything I've ordered has been out of stock, and has taken a day or two for them to notify me.
The stock springs, even on the middle setting on the 5100, has sagged enough that I only had about .7" of lift. Now I have enough to level it at load, but... Read at the bottom.
My truck didn't have the remote, but I got it about 3 days ago. It works, but I needed another, and the Toyota ones are $80 or so. Enter eBay. Works fine, and was $15 shipped.
Learned about this from the Land Rover guys here. It's great. Sealed a torn firewall boot with it.
Ok, now for the suspension stuff.
I'm not crazy about the Bilsteins, and the springs I have. The front is under-sprung, but the damping is a good match for the current spring rates. The rear, because of the AAL, is under-damped.
It's ok on smooth pavement, and at low speeds on gravel, but at higher speeds on rougher stuff it is really obvious. So, i'm thinking of upgrading as funds allow, when I get back from South Africa.
My last mini truck was a prerunner for class 8, and had a good LT setup, but that was noisy, expensive, and not what I need for this truck. What I really want is something I can drive down a gravel road at speed, and broken pavement in hot temps without fading, and is matched to a stiffer spring rate in front and rear. Recommendations?
I am tempted by the SAW 2.0 front, and a set of something like Fox reservoir rears (just say no to emulsion shocks) but i have no experience with SAW at all. The only off road shocks I have had experience with were Fox, and they were pretty good. I'd love a set of Kings, but I can't justify the cost.
I have no desire to run an aftermarket UCA, since I will not have more than a 2" lift in front, and am more interested in the classic drive-to-Jarbidge=at=speed utility than rock crawling or jumping.
My last mini-truck:
bkg
Explorer
Requires an easy hack/program to monitor ATF.
Toiyabe
Adventurer
Radiator fun.
So first, we regraveled our driveway. It was a production, and a lot of work. I have blisters all over my hands. This was a dump truck error.
I got the world's most awesomest flaring tool. Omg.
Smoothed out.
By the UltraGauge, coolant temps (independent of ambient) were around 206 cruising at 55, 204 at idle with the AC on, and 210 under heavy load. I thought this was a tad high, so I ordered a TYC radiator for an automatic V6 4WD, and swapped it in, along with a new thermostat.
The radiator was original, it appears.
Before:
Cleaned up skids.
Old radiator. Note relationship with bumper.
Old radiator removed.
Empty engine bay.
New thermostat and gasket. The old was a 78 degree. This is an 83.
Thermostat removed.
Cleaned, installed, and buttoned-up.
The new radiator was excellent quality. Supposedly, TYC and Koyo are the same company.
It was also 2-1/2" taller than the old. I sealed the gap between the shroud and the bottom of the radiator with four layers of thick aluminum foil duct tape. It's holding great, and seals well.
New radiator installed. Note the relationship with the bumper. Everything except the bottom radiator hose bolted right up. I got a new lower hose.
The skid plates installed fine, and nothing was too large or in the way.
Coolant temps are now 194 at cruise at 55, 190 at idle with the AC, and 198 under hard load.
So first, we regraveled our driveway. It was a production, and a lot of work. I have blisters all over my hands. This was a dump truck error.
I got the world's most awesomest flaring tool. Omg.
Smoothed out.
By the UltraGauge, coolant temps (independent of ambient) were around 206 cruising at 55, 204 at idle with the AC on, and 210 under heavy load. I thought this was a tad high, so I ordered a TYC radiator for an automatic V6 4WD, and swapped it in, along with a new thermostat.
The radiator was original, it appears.
Before:
Cleaned up skids.
Old radiator. Note relationship with bumper.
Old radiator removed.
Empty engine bay.
New thermostat and gasket. The old was a 78 degree. This is an 83.
Thermostat removed.
Cleaned, installed, and buttoned-up.
The new radiator was excellent quality. Supposedly, TYC and Koyo are the same company.
It was also 2-1/2" taller than the old. I sealed the gap between the shroud and the bottom of the radiator with four layers of thick aluminum foil duct tape. It's holding great, and seals well.
New radiator installed. Note the relationship with the bumper. Everything except the bottom radiator hose bolted right up. I got a new lower hose.
The skid plates installed fine, and nothing was too large or in the way.
Coolant temps are now 194 at cruise at 55, 190 at idle with the AC, and 198 under hard load.
climber-420
Adventurer
What else have you done to your truck? Love the build. Nice and simple.
Toiyabe
Adventurer
South Africa
Just got back from another three weeks to South Africa.
Always a good time.
And I was reminded, after bombing around on the roads of the Karoo, how important the ability to drive chopped up, nasty roads at speed is to me. So, I re-evaluated directions, and acquired a new set of shocks.
Here was my post before I left:
And here is what I got:
Front Fox 2.5 with remote reservoirs.
New versus old. I think I'll try and sell the Bilsteins.
Checking pressures. My gauge is off slightly, this is exactly 200 on my regulator(s) and test gauge.
Odd front reservoir placement. I might move them under the skid plate, or under the frame rail and clearance the skid plate. Works for now. This was a minor incompatibility with the TG front bumper and the Fox brackets. Nothing some careful whacking with a hammer didn't fix.
Front ride height before. Now it is exactly at 37".
Rear shocks.
New versus old again.
There was not enough space to piggyback the reservoirs, so I attached them to the bed by trimming the rubber spacer mounts. Worked great. I also wrapped the hose with heat reflective covering, and exhaust wrapped the exhaust here. Total overkill, but makes me happy. It's nowhere near as close as it looks.
I have about 500 miles on it, and it is fantastic. Great, controlled ride, and amazing broken road ability. Much less busking in the rear, and it no longer skitters when it hits bumps while cornering. The rebuildable aspect makes me happy, as I still have all my tools, and tons of shock oil, as well as nitrogen.
But, most importantly, i hooked the trailer up for the first time since I did the AAL, and tires. It tows MUCH better. No sway, and it is level, as opposed to having a nice Escondido rake. I am very pleased. The only problem was when some expensive solder-seal connectors I got from Fastenal appear to have failed, and were the power to the trailer and trailer brakes. The new Tundra brakes were so much better that I didn't even realize it at first. But, that's fixed now. I also washed the trailer.
Installed a Lifehammer that was a gift.
And installed my new plates.
I am seriously considering beadlocks, after suffering a few flats. Someone talk me into/out of it.
Just got back from another three weeks to South Africa.
Always a good time.
And I was reminded, after bombing around on the roads of the Karoo, how important the ability to drive chopped up, nasty roads at speed is to me. So, I re-evaluated directions, and acquired a new set of shocks.
Here was my post before I left:
And here is what I got:
Front Fox 2.5 with remote reservoirs.
New versus old. I think I'll try and sell the Bilsteins.
Checking pressures. My gauge is off slightly, this is exactly 200 on my regulator(s) and test gauge.
Odd front reservoir placement. I might move them under the skid plate, or under the frame rail and clearance the skid plate. Works for now. This was a minor incompatibility with the TG front bumper and the Fox brackets. Nothing some careful whacking with a hammer didn't fix.
Front ride height before. Now it is exactly at 37".
Rear shocks.
New versus old again.
There was not enough space to piggyback the reservoirs, so I attached them to the bed by trimming the rubber spacer mounts. Worked great. I also wrapped the hose with heat reflective covering, and exhaust wrapped the exhaust here. Total overkill, but makes me happy. It's nowhere near as close as it looks.
I have about 500 miles on it, and it is fantastic. Great, controlled ride, and amazing broken road ability. Much less busking in the rear, and it no longer skitters when it hits bumps while cornering. The rebuildable aspect makes me happy, as I still have all my tools, and tons of shock oil, as well as nitrogen.
But, most importantly, i hooked the trailer up for the first time since I did the AAL, and tires. It tows MUCH better. No sway, and it is level, as opposed to having a nice Escondido rake. I am very pleased. The only problem was when some expensive solder-seal connectors I got from Fastenal appear to have failed, and were the power to the trailer and trailer brakes. The new Tundra brakes were so much better that I didn't even realize it at first. But, that's fixed now. I also washed the trailer.
Installed a Lifehammer that was a gift.
And installed my new plates.
I am seriously considering beadlocks, after suffering a few flats. Someone talk me into/out of it.
Toiyabe
Adventurer
Off to Quebec...
So I finished prepping for a trip to Gaspe today.
First, removed the front swaybar. Drives great without it, feels like it corners like it did with the stock springs and 5100s.
Then I got beer.
I decided to go to the Konig Countersteer 16x8" wheel and the General Grabber AT2. I wasn't thrilled (again) by the DuraTracs, and I really liked the AT2s when I had them on a horrible K5 Blazer. I also decided to go to a 265/75-16 from the 235/85-16, as I found the light weight of the truck didn't really make the 235s shine where I needed them to. Stayed with a Load Range E. It drives great, and I'm very happy. FN Wheels has great customer service, btw.
I got one of these, and it works a treat.
Then I replaced the thermostat, because I had installed it with the jigger up. I read on a forum (Tacoma World) that it was supposed to go down. So I pulled out the manual, and sure enough...
Then I replaced the fan clutch, because.
Then I changed the trans mount.
Then I installed a RAT skidplate. My stock plates were separating, and rusty. Great custoomer service, and a nice product. I cleaned it, and then coated it with Rustoleum bedliner. We'll see how it holds up, but it fits very well, and is quite solid. I didn't use the supplied hardware, but instead used stainless socket head screws in the front, and button head on the bottom. I find the buttonhead screws survive better.
And then Friday I'm off!
So I finished prepping for a trip to Gaspe today.
First, removed the front swaybar. Drives great without it, feels like it corners like it did with the stock springs and 5100s.
Then I got beer.
I decided to go to the Konig Countersteer 16x8" wheel and the General Grabber AT2. I wasn't thrilled (again) by the DuraTracs, and I really liked the AT2s when I had them on a horrible K5 Blazer. I also decided to go to a 265/75-16 from the 235/85-16, as I found the light weight of the truck didn't really make the 235s shine where I needed them to. Stayed with a Load Range E. It drives great, and I'm very happy. FN Wheels has great customer service, btw.
I got one of these, and it works a treat.
Then I replaced the thermostat, because I had installed it with the jigger up. I read on a forum (Tacoma World) that it was supposed to go down. So I pulled out the manual, and sure enough...
Then I replaced the fan clutch, because.
Then I changed the trans mount.
Then I installed a RAT skidplate. My stock plates were separating, and rusty. Great custoomer service, and a nice product. I cleaned it, and then coated it with Rustoleum bedliner. We'll see how it holds up, but it fits very well, and is quite solid. I didn't use the supplied hardware, but instead used stainless socket head screws in the front, and button head on the bottom. I find the buttonhead screws survive better.
And then Friday I'm off!
Toiyabe
Adventurer
Back, and no hurricane!
And return.
We went up to the Gaspe Penninsula, and based ourselves near the town of Perce. Although hot, it was fantastic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaspé_Peninsula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percé,_Quebec
We hiked through Forillion National Park, but our oldest dog hurt his foot, so the next two days we did some minor hiking in Gaspesie National Park, and the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forillon_National_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaspésie_National_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chic-Choc_Mountains
We drove about 3000 miles total, and averaged (towing) about 14.8mpg. Of those, about 450 were off-pavement, and about 200 were definitely 4wd necessary, mostly from ruts, loose gravel, and steep hills.
On the way back, we drove Mt. Washington!
The only casualty (other than Inyo's foot) was a broken latch on the camper shell.
Our campground. Which was very nice. High temps were in the mid 80s, and lows in the high 50s/low 60s.
Perce was glorious, as was Isle d' Bonaventure National Park.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé_National_Park
This sign always meant what it said.
We got the chance to test the new suspension on a washboarded, 100km long logging road that was filled with sharp rocks and potholes. It was also crazy dusty. Even with tire pressures around 40, it was fantastic at around 60mph, with only a bit of tail kick-out over really bad potholes. The tires worked well in the dry, rough, and relatively loose surfaces of the week. The roads were very Nevada-like in many ways. While towing, we never saw tire temps over 122. The radiator also kept ECT in check, even in temps as high as 101. We never saw over 206. Much of the very steep and rough stuff was low range fodder.
Small town Gaspesian life has beautiful cathedrals.
Mt. Albert, in Gaspe National Park, had a few snowfields left. The lake was gloriously cold and clear. Good fishing as well.
Forillion was stunning, and we saw a good pod of whales, probably Sei.
Mt. Washington! The "Got Oxygen?" stickers were pretty funny for someone who's lived at higher elevations.
And return.
We went up to the Gaspe Penninsula, and based ourselves near the town of Perce. Although hot, it was fantastic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaspé_Peninsula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percé,_Quebec
We hiked through Forillion National Park, but our oldest dog hurt his foot, so the next two days we did some minor hiking in Gaspesie National Park, and the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forillon_National_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaspésie_National_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chic-Choc_Mountains
We drove about 3000 miles total, and averaged (towing) about 14.8mpg. Of those, about 450 were off-pavement, and about 200 were definitely 4wd necessary, mostly from ruts, loose gravel, and steep hills.
On the way back, we drove Mt. Washington!
The only casualty (other than Inyo's foot) was a broken latch on the camper shell.
Our campground. Which was very nice. High temps were in the mid 80s, and lows in the high 50s/low 60s.
Perce was glorious, as was Isle d' Bonaventure National Park.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé_National_Park
This sign always meant what it said.
We got the chance to test the new suspension on a washboarded, 100km long logging road that was filled with sharp rocks and potholes. It was also crazy dusty. Even with tire pressures around 40, it was fantastic at around 60mph, with only a bit of tail kick-out over really bad potholes. The tires worked well in the dry, rough, and relatively loose surfaces of the week. The roads were very Nevada-like in many ways. While towing, we never saw tire temps over 122. The radiator also kept ECT in check, even in temps as high as 101. We never saw over 206. Much of the very steep and rough stuff was low range fodder.
Small town Gaspesian life has beautiful cathedrals.
Mt. Albert, in Gaspe National Park, had a few snowfields left. The lake was gloriously cold and clear. Good fishing as well.
Forillion was stunning, and we saw a good pod of whales, probably Sei.
Mt. Washington! The "Got Oxygen?" stickers were pretty funny for someone who's lived at higher elevations.
