Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[TACODOC]

Nice thinking! Needs more 550 cord though... ;)

Yeah, this was the quick 2 stake/2 line method and the wind was picking up... If I was gonna stay put it would get 4 guyouts total but I just wanted a quick pic to convey the concept.

[TangoBlue]

Yeah, this was the quick 2 stake/2 line method and the wind was picking up... If I was gonna stay put it would get 4 guyouts total but I just wanted a quick pic to convey the concept.

Oh, I'm tracking with you... not a criticism -- the whole rig looks GTG. Answers the mail for a hasty shelter when you're on the go.

If I haven't used 60 meters of 550 cord I've been slacking. You know my affinity for anything that ends in drab...

[TACODOC]

This has come up repeatedly on multiple forums so I'll post this up here to help those using the forum search function

:)

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/05+/data/ileaf/06toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/051000.pdf

[TACODOC]

... Winchline!

I'm replacing my steel cable with this 80ft Viking 3/8 synthetic line with Safety Thimble and Winch Saver, light as a feather!

Upgraded to the Viking Delrin rollers and I'm in the process of relocating the solenoid box to under the hood. Next up will be the Warn wireless remote ;)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3520.jpg

Oh, and did I mention I had the FlipPac and bedsides repainted, graphics and pinstripes removed for a cleaner, Version 3.0 look?

Stay tuned for lots of other changes too!

:box::box::box:

[zidaro]

OOOOO, that thimble is Sexay!! Your gonna love the synthetic ease and peace of mind.

[TangoBlue]

Stay tuned for lots of other changes too!

:box::box::box:

You big tease!

Do you mind if I announce that your had the truck and FT painted at the Camp Pendleton Maintenance Battalion Motor Pool in a nice desert flat tan or do you want me to hold off on that? I really think it looks motivating... get some!

[TakDwn]

151 pages completed over the past 2 days. Love the build --- great job!

[TACODOC]

Viking Delrin rollers and Viking synthetic line (3/8 x 80ft) with Safety Thimble. Rated at about 17,000 lbs :D
I tore down the winch while it was off the truck for a clean and lube. The release lever is smooth like butter now, you can see it shining in this pic ;)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3531.jpg

Relocated the winch solenoid pack under the hood, ran all new cables etc. Started to change the snorkel connection too, I need about 6-7 inches of 3 inch exhaust pipe to finish the connection. This will be more flexible and less of a PITA than my old solid pipe setup when it's time to change air filters.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3524.jpg

Made a new bracket for the Hella air horns and re-installed. Just enough room!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3526.jpg

[TACODOC]

This thread now has over 151 pages, 1,500 posts/replies and over 303,000 views!!! :victory:

[Tim A]

This thread now has over 151 pages, 1,500 posts/replies and over 303,000 views!!! :victory:

And I'll bet you have the most expo capable 2nd Gen out there:drool:

[FourByLand]

Come on ya big tease!!

Let's see these new mods!!!

[TACODOC]

Come on ya big tease!!

Let's see these new mods!!!

All will be revealed HERE (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54407)

:campfire:

[TangoBlue]

You going to Amado this year?

[TACODOC]

You going to Amado this year?

I don't think so, if I do it will be just to hang out.

[TACODOC]

Now the winch is complete!

Super easy upgrade, 10 minute install.
(in a hurry...crappy pics)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3537.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3539.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3545.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/102_3543.jpg

[TACODOC]

There is a nasty rumor that I painted the truck a different color. This is pure bull ;)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/21927226.jpg
(crappy iPhone pic from 27FEB11))

[TangoBlue]

[QUOTE=TACODOC;832672]There is a nasty rumor that I painted the truck a different color. This is pure bull ;) [QUOTE]

Right... I think I saw that same picture like 2 years ago. :rolleyes: At least you could have put a newspaper in front of it.

I think the desert MARPAT pattern looks nice, anyway.

[TACODOC]

The new setup is working GREAT! The Kelty Cartarp stood up to some impressive gusts and strong, steady winds. It's a keeper. The Camp Mate chuck box works very well BUT... I think I'm going to sell it since I came home with a truck full of Snow Peak (the Iron Grill Table ;)).

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0011.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0012.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0013.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0088.jpg

[TACODOC]

I'm at 86,500 Miles so I went ahead and threw on new OEM rear drum brake shoes because one shoe had a bad edge showing (replaced early, 30%+ remaining on old shoes). I had replaced the front pads at 60K and they still show about 90% remaining. I also rotated the tires again (I try to rotate every 5K). I'll throw some new Denso spark plugs in there after this road trip and am looking to do the belt/hoses/coolant and brake fluids this summer (90K or so).

She's all ready to roll out to Amado!

[ETAV8R]

Let me know about the chuckbox when you're ready to get rid of it.
:)

[TangoBlue]

She's all ready to roll out to Amado!

So is mine... 6 hours and I hit the road with sbly and his 200 series LC. See you there!

OBTW, the new shelter rig you have there is looking good. Some 4 inch tree branches, a bucket to catch gas from unsuspecting motorists and you're GTG.

[TACODOC]

So is mine... 6 hours and I hit the road with sbly and his 200 series LC. See you there!

OBTW, the new shelter rig you have there is looking good. Some 4 inch tree branches, a bucket to catch gas from unsuspecting motorists and you're GTG.

:elkgrin:

See you there!

[slimjim]

I just got finished with all 153 pages of your build thread. All I got to say is I admire your attention to detail and innovation on everything.

When I get back from this desert toward the end of this year, I'm going to be buying an '09ish taco dbl 4wd trd off road. Your build thread has put a lot of ideas in my head... Looking forward to seeing your future mod's.

[TACODOC]

I just got finished with all 153 pages of your build thread. All I got to say is I admire your attention to detail and innovation on everything.

When I get back from this desert toward the end of this year, I'm going to be buying an '09ish taco dbl 4wd trd off road. Your build thread has put a lot of ideas in my head... Looking forward to seeing your future mod's.

Thanks, hit me up if you need help with anything and, Welcome to ExPo!

[slimjim]

don't know if you've ever heard of customtacos.com i've been on there for the past 7 years. but they've died down a lot since then. When I get back to the states, first things first... gotta buy another taco. lol.

[TACODOC]

don't know if you've ever heard of customtacos.com i've been on there for the past 7 years. but they've died down a lot since then. When I get back to the states, first things first... gotta buy another taco. lol.

Yep, I've lurked around most every Toyota site there is over the years.

[SFROMAN]

Doc,
Can you post up a close up picture of how you attach the Kelty Tarp to the back of your rig?


Thanks in advance
DEL

[TACODOC]

Doc,
Can you post up a close up picture of how you attach the Kelty Tarp to the back of your rig?


Thanks in advance
DEL

I installed these small utility tracks to connect the Car Tarp to, easy project and cheap! These are also available from Load Tamer
http://www.easternmarine.com/Aluminum-Super-Track-Kit-ST6/

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/031.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/032.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/035.jpg

[SFROMAN]

Doc,

:beer:


Gracias

[TACODOC]

Sealed up during the day to keep the dust out, note the new cleaner look sans decals
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_03601.jpg

Generous shade area provided by Kelty, Gear's new Snow Peak Iron Grill Table in the foreground
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_03691.jpg

Fine tequilas enroute to happy hours with Al Walter ;)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_03621.jpg

Nightfall in Amado, AZ
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_04491.jpg

[fire931]

Hey any chance on getting a review on the new GPS you got awhile back? How's it working out for offroad purposes?

[TACODOC]

Hey any chance on getting a review on the new GPS you got awhile back? How's it working out for offroad purposes?

First let me say I hated Garmin and their expensive proprietary software (bad experience with my first Garmin GPS) before I bought this one so I was very skeptical right from the get go and mainly bought this one based on Magellan's recent switch from NAVTEQ to TeleAtlas (the mapping software service that TomTom uses). I really like the old NAVTEQ driven Maggellan crossover that I have but it was time to get a newer unit and now Garmin is the only maker with NAVTEQ maps... anyway, here's a quick rundown:

1. Best GPS I've ever used. Easy user interface.
2. Has maps of US, Canada, and Mexico built in. Planning a trip to Panama? No problem, basic worldmap with major highways and such built in. Can scroll across the globe.
3. Off road applicable. For example, it shows every trail in Death Valley to include Mengel Pass and the trail to the Briggs and Stone cabins! Looking for Mikes Sky Rancho? No problem. VERY impressive IMO.
4. Can enter lat/long coords and route to them, turn by turn only works on named/numbered roads.
5. Can pre-load your trips (up to 10 lat/long coord waypoints IIRC) before you leave, and have multiple pre-loaded trips saved in advance.
6. "Where am I" feature gives you instant lat/long, elevation etc.
7. "Bread crumbs" - When this feature is turned on it leaves a green crayon trail behind you showing everywhere you have driven. I've left this on for a few days now, pretty cool feature.
8. Mini SD capability for expanded memory or additional maps (haven't got that far yet).
9. Unit is very thin and light, can mount just about anywhere IMO (not weather proof though), excellent screen and daylight readability.

I give this GPS 4 out of 5 stars

[fire931]

Thanks! Have you loaded any topo maps on it yet?

[TACODOC]

Haven't really needed to. This thing already shows every trail or road I've ever looked for. Combine it with good maps like a Gazeteer and I'm good to go.

The newer version (3790 IIRC) even shows 3D terrain.

[ersatzknarf]

Looks great !
Less is indeed more... :sombrero:


Sealed up during the day to keep the dust out, note the new cleaner look sans decals
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_03601.jpg
Nightfall in Amado, AZ
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_04491.jpg

[TACODOC]

FedExPo has arrived!

The wanigan project is about to begin ;)

:box:

[STAGE 2]

Doc,

What size snowpeak table is that?

[TacomaZach]

Do the 4.88 gears help get better gas mileage? thanks

[AlexJet]

4.88 are most likely be too short for anything under 35. It would not bring benefit of gas consumption. 4.56 may be the better option. Short gears may give you benefits in the city, but would suffer losses on the highway, especially at 4.88 range.

[TacomaZach]

4.88 are most likely be too short for anything under 35. It would not bring benefit of gas consumption. 4.56 may be the better option. Short gears may give you benefits in the city, but would suffer losses on the highway, especially at 4.88 range.

Thanks for the info. The reason that I was asking the op about his gears is because I have 255/85's as well and I'm trying to get the best gas mileage I can, and was wondering how his 4.88 gearing does.

What brand of gears would you suggest?

[AlexJet]

See, I have 315/70-R17 (35"). Use to run stock 3.73s, then switched to 4.56.
I got better respond with 4.56, but did't gain much in consumption; my city mileage increased by about 10%, but highway droped by 5% if not exceed 70mph (80mph has about 20% loss). I do most city, so it's fine with me.
Consider as well that gear swap will get you down for ~$1'200. would it compensate for extra gas you're burning?

Yukon is a good brand. I used to have Nitro, had them failed at 8'000mi (they worn out 70% in 8k), had to fight with Nitro for warranty, but got tired of hitting "brick" wall and got Yukon. Stay away from Nitro. Precision is also good choice. What brand do you have in mind?

[TacomaZach]

See, I have 315/70-R17 (35"). Use to run stock 3.73s, then switched to 4.56.
I got better respond with 4.56, but did't gain much in consumption; my city mileage increased by about 10%, but highway droped by 5% if not exceed 70mph (80mph has about 20% loss). I do most city, so it's fine with me.
Consider as well that gear swap will get you down for ~$1'200. would it compensate for extra gas you're burning?

Yukon is a good brand. I used to have Nitro, had them failed at 8'000mi (they worn out 70% in 8k), had to fight with Nitro for warranty, but got tired of hitting "brick" wall and got Yukon. Stay away from Nitro. Precision is also good choice. What brand do you have in mind?

I'm not in the market for 'em just yet, still researching to see if it's worth it. I've also been hearing that the stock gears in my TRD O.R. tacoma (same as the truck in this build thread) are really crappy and failure can happen at any moment especially while off roading. So I want good quality gears that can take a beating and are more suited for my tire size.

[TACODOC]

Doc,

What size snowpeak table is that?

4 unit Iron Grill Table (IGT)


Do the 4.88 gears help get better gas mileage? thanks

No, it's geared more for power and low range trail use. 4.56 would be better MPG for 33's but I wanted more "oomph" and slower 1st gear 4LO on the trail.

YMMV

[TACODOC]

I used to have Nitro, had them failed at 8'000mi (they worn out 70% in 8k), had to fight with Nitro for warranty, but got tired of hitting "brick" wall and got Yukon. Stay away from Nitro. Precision is also good choice. What brand do you have in mind?

I've had Nitro gears on for a couple years now without issue. Mine were set up by East Coast Gear Supply, having a great shop set up gears is key IMO.

[maxama10]

I did a little research into gears myself as I just switched to 35s on my Tacoma.

I calculated RPMs of different gears at 75MPH (standard hwy speed limit out here) and different tire sizes.


The 6 speed has a ratio of .85 in 6th gear.

Using an online calculator I came up with...

@ 75 mph

3.73s:
265/70/16 = 2611 RPM (stock baseline)
285s = 2434 RPM
315s = 2309

4.56s:
265/70/16s = 3192 RPM
285s = 2975 RPM
315s = 2823 RPM

Ideally to get it back to stock RPMs with 35s you'd want about a 4.22 gear ratio, obviously you can really only get 4.10s, 4.56s, and 4.88s and the 4.10s are hard to make work so 4.56s make the most sense. 4.10s would also make a good choice as this would lower your RPMs to about 2538 and probably help improve mileage as the 6th gear could be a bit taller.

The auto's 5th gear at .72 is putting you at 2391 @ 75 mpg with 4.56s or 2520 with 285s.

http://www.ringpinion.com/Calc_RPM.aspx
http://www.snoman.com/HTML/axlecalc_5a.html
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

5 spd Auto
1st= 3.52
2nd= 2.04
3rd= 1.4
4th= 1.00
5th= 0.72
R= 3.22

6 spd
1st = 4.17
2nd = 2.19
3rd - 1.49
4th = 1.19
5th = 1
6th = .85
r = 3.73

Random tid bit:
T-case 2.57:1
6 spd overall crawl ratio with stock gears = 39.97:1
6 spd with 4.56s = 48.87
auto with stock gears = 33.74
auto with 4.56s = 41.25



75MPH, 6th gear, 4.56s
285s = 2975 RPM
255s = 2954 RPM

vs stock at 75
2611 RPM

Which is still a bit high for cruising...

3000 RPM will eat up your gas though...

That's why in our trucks we get the best mpg right about 65 and 70 or 2263 RPM and 2437 RPM.

4.10s are about the best option for 33s IMO but, they're hard to do.

You'll basically have to translate how this will affect gas mileage but... RPMS correlate with MPG pretty solidly I believe.


Edit:


yes its possible, I'm going to be doing it.... but for the front you need a new carrier for the 4.10's. Either one of the 3.90 FJ cruiser front carriers, or an ARB locker setup for 3.90up gears.
The Toyota 4.10's also wont fit the E-locker 8" rear diff in the TRD Offroad trucks, only the 8.4" rear.

Also most of the problem locked rear ends are from 05 trucks.

[TACODOC]

Took a trip out to baileys cabin with some other folks from the Portal. What a great spot!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/one009-Copy.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/one011-Copy.jpg

Kelty Car Tarp and Fiamma F35 awning deployed, enough shade for the whole group!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/one024.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/one023.jpg

[sierrahsky]

Hey doc, trucks lookin great. How are those icon front shocks holding up for you? I am in the market for a suspension upgrade and am torn on the icons. How do they do for you when your doing slow crawling as compared to other shocks you have used? How do you like them for the highway?

[TACODOC]

Had them 5 years now, awesome in all conditions and have held the weight of bumper and winch well without sag.

.02

[TACODOC]

I just hit 90,000 miles (15MAY2011).

No major failures or issues so far (with the exception of the defective rear R&P that blew at 35K) just routine maintenance and fluids/brakes and tires. I did have a tail light bulb go out at 70k... ;)

6 years of ownership and it's been EXTREMELY dependable in all conditions and everything still works like day one.

[TACODOC]

FYI, since this thread has become so large I now keep the 1st post in this thread updated with tech and new info as it becomes available:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/521-Building-an-05-Tacoma-for-Expedition-Travel!?p=7166

[4RunAmok]

I did have a tail light bulb go out at 70k... ;)

Barlow still wins "Coolest way to blow out a tail light!"

61706

[TACODOC]

Well, seems as if I had that drain plug on a bit tight... I rounded the 24mm bolt head trying to remove it... Note to self: Use a torque wrench for the recommended 36 ft lbs next time Mongo! :Wow1:

Enter XJ Mike. After a few go 'rounds with an impact and several unsuccessful tries at welding a nut onto the stripped bolt head, we gave in and made a trip down to Harbor Freight to find a better option - we were almost out of ideas. Mike came up with a possible fix so I got a set of expendable wrenches...

After hammering a 7/8 wrench (just a tad smaller than 24mm) into the ring, Mike zaps it on there.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0097.jpg

It came of by hand once the welds were in place. Saved!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0098-1.jpg

Mc Taco was there as well getting some help mounting his new African Outback awning to his rack. Obviously, Mike is renowned for his mad fab skills.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0101-1.jpg

Big thanks to Mike for saving the day!!!

[TangoBlue]

Gear oil, wrenches, grime, dirt, banged knuckles, welding smoke, trip to the hardware store, and more than likely an adult carbonated beverage or 2.

So, in other words it was a pretty good day. :)

[ExpoMike]

Well, seems as if I had that drain plug on a bit tight... I rounded the 24mm bolt head trying to remove it... Note to self: Use a torque wrench for the recommended 36 ft lbs next time Mongo! :Wow1:

Enter XJ Mike. After a few go 'rounds with an impact and several unsuccessful tries at welding a nut onto the stripped bolt head, we gave in and made a trip down to Harbor Freight to find a better option - we were almost out of ideas. Mike came up with a possible fix so I got a set of expendable wrenches...

After hammering a 7/8 wrench (just a tad smaller than 24mm) into the ring, Mike zaps it on there.

It came of by hand once the welds were in place. Saved!

Mc Taco was there as well getting some help mounting his new African Outback awning to his rack. Obviously, Mike is renowned for his mad fab skills.

Big thanks to Mike for saving the day!!!

No problem Dave. Glad we found a solution that worked great. Also glad I introduced to a torque wrench. :ylsmoke:

We did get Stuart's awning done a little before 7pm. Looks like it's going to work out nice. Interesting thing is the awning doesn't open like a rectangle like we were thinking. It opens wider at the outside edge, like this /__\ One thing we found is the fiberglass prop rod for the middle is WAY too long. Needs to be about 6" shorter.

[TACODOC]

I installed new OEM front brake pads and had the rotors machined @ dealer at 60k.

Today at 91.5k, I put new OEM pads on in my driveway after work since it was down to the wear tab on the passenger side and the occasional "squeak!" was driving me nuts. Lo and behold, much to my surprise, when I pulled the wheels off to inspect I saw that the OEM pads I had put on only 31.5k ago were down to nothing :Wow1:

The original brake pads lasted 60k. Must have something to do with added weight and towing my Jayco Baja up and down the 38 to Big Bear recently... LOL

I also noted what looks like an O-ring leaking on the shaft of my driver side coilover so I need to get those pulled and off to Icon for a rebuild (60k is damn good IMO for coilovers).

Maintenance is a never ending battle, but it pays to keep up on it. I'm driving this machine until the frame breaks in half ;)

[SLOwag]

I grabbed one of these for 1/2 price at Backcountry.com...too good of a deal to pass up. It appears that you've rigged/modifed yours in your pics from camp, where the poles are installed in the middle. I prefer that to the "hinged" setup shown on the Kelty website. How did you do it? Or, is it an option that i'll figure out once I open the box? Thanks

[TACODOC]

The configuration pictured at Baileys cabin was made possible by 550 cord to the tree on one side and 550 cord to the water tank on the other. I'm looking to add 2 more poles making this "flat roof" possible in any location.

[antiheroxp]

Hey I noticed that you're now using action packers instead of those fantastic military storage box things, I was wondering if you still had them or would be interested in selling one or both of them? I can't find a single military crate/storage box bigger than 40mm grenade cans in our surplus stores down here and I NEED something bigger!!!
AMAZING Tacoma btw, i showed your thread to my friend who has a newer 4x4 taco and had never seen a dirt road or even been over a curb for that matter and he's now tagged along a couple times after school when we go find some little trails around the outskirts of the city, and now even plans for a lift and bumpers!!
Yours is definitely an inspiration to others(even to an xj guy like myself, I want a taco now)

[TACODOC]

This is my original design sketch.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/AwningEnclosure2.png

Here's the bag it came in, very well made with a big fat zipper. Enclosure made by: http://www.slosails.com/

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3718.jpg

Deployed, 4 sided enclosure. Totally private.
This enclosure will be a multi-purpose room for showering, bathroom, or even sleeping kids.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3700.jpg

Front wall, note the big grommets all along the bottom that allow the use of the big Snow Peak stakes, this thing isn't going anywhere.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3701.jpg

Entrance, note the big fat zipper with pulls on both sides and the big pocket sewn on the far wall for items like soap, shampoo, iPod, etc.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3714.jpg

Hooks attach inside wall to Fiamma case, inside wall provides extra privacy as well wind protection.
Hooks have grommets which allow the mounting of lights or just about anything on that wall like a Thule RV wall organizer.
I'm also going to add some 550 cord along there threaded via the grommets for hanging towels.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3709.jpg

Inside corner mounting details. Note how the velcro wraps around the bars for max privacy and wind proofing.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3708.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3707.jpg

Shown here during enclosure mounting, the 7mm channel in the Fiamma allows the use of this "rope" for mounting and a completely sealed front edge.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_3716.jpg

[TangoBlue]

Well done Dave!

[HMR]

Dave- That turned out great!

The design we drew up for our local sail maker is identical except for one thing...


Shown here during enclosure mounting, the 7mm channel in the Fiamma allows the use of this "rope" for mounting and a completely sealed front edge.
We were having trouble coming up with a sturdy way to mount the front wall to that channel. Never thought to use rope. Very clever!

[Jnich77]

My father did something similar, and used an extension cord rather than rope.

[WASURF63]

Dave,
That is pretty darn slick! :drool:
Four sided enclosure convienency is what my rear mounted Hannibal was missing on my previous rig.
Custom I suppose, but say someone with an identical Fiamma mounted on the passenger side wanted one also?
Would you mind shooting me a PM with what it cost you?
Thanks, Walt

[joneseyyy]

Dave,
That is pretty darn slick! :drool:
Four sided enclosure convienency is what my rear mounted Hannibal was missing on my previous rig.
Custom I suppose, but say someone with an identical Fiamma mounted on the passenger side wanted one also?
Would you mind shooting me a PM with what it cost you?
Thanks, Walt

Could you please PM me the same info. Strongly considering this option.

[TACODOC]

PM's sent!

[TACODOC]

Passed 93K now :smiley_drive:

Within the last 5K I have performed the following maintenance:
-New OEM rear drum brake shoes (replaced early, 30%+ remaining on old shoes).
-Tires rotated.
-Denso spark plugs.
-Engine oil change, OEM filter.
-MAF cleaned.
-Front and rear diff fluids changed.
-Transfer Case fluid changed.
-U-joints greased.
-New OEM front brake pads.
-Topped off coolant with OEM Toyota pink engine coolant.

- 93,768 Mile Maintenance (17JUL11): Engine oil change, OEM filter. U-joints greased. Brake fluid flushed and replaced at dealer.

Now she's all ready for the long haul up to the Washington Overland Rally! :)

[whitetaco02]

Take plenty of pics while you are there!! :)

[TACODOC]

Take plenty of pics while you are there!! :)

Absolutely, stay tuned!

[TACODOC]

I arrived at the 4W Ranch near Ellensburg, WA on Tuesday night and saved a nice spot for the crew from Northwest Overland Society (NWOS) who were out doing the Washington Back Country Discovery Route (WABDR). This pic was taken Wednesday morning after their arrival in camp, note CoastalDefender's 8,000 lb antichrist black Nissan
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0203-1.jpg

All the comforts of home. The new hot water shower room was the source of many new friends in camp and assured me of a steady supply of free cold beer
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0229.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0232.jpg

[Willman]

Good to see overlanding thriving in WA!

Your pictures make me miss home!

:)

[TACODOC]

Left San Diego saturday morning headed for camp at Castle Crags in NorCal
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0120.jpg

Mt Shasta
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0124.jpg

Shasta's child
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0130.jpg

Oregon via the Siskayous
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0138.jpg

Camped at Lake Sylvia in Western WA
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0143.jpg

Detail of the rain fly, mounted just in case :)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0145.jpg

My well known signature dish ;)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0147.jpg

Headed south to Portland and up the Columbia river gorge via 84 to Biggs Junction
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0155.jpg

To be continued!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0162.jpg

Sam Hill Memorial Bridge (U.S. Highway 97, "Biggs Rapid Bridge"). View from Biggs Junction, Oregon.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0178.jpg

http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/biggs_rapid_bridge.html

Crossing the mighty Columbia
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0179.jpg

Stopped on the bridge between Oregon and Washington looking west towards Mt Hood
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0188.jpg

Stopped on the bridge between Oregon and Washington looking east towards Idaho
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0192.jpg

View from the Washington side, Mt Hood in the distance
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0199.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0200.jpg

[TACODOC]

Who is the man behind the mask? Kadar aka CoastalDefender, the driving force behind NWOS on scene.
He worked his a** off since day one to make this PNW event a success. :beer:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0239.jpg

Canadian Dave Blair gave an excellent class on 12V welding in the field at the WA Rally. I really enjoyed all the Candians in attendance and look forward to meeting them again.

The pictures are self explanatory, note the 12GA fence wire between the batteries... that's the key to regulating amperage to enable smooth welding. Dave recommends you use "farmers rod" for this application as it is very forgiving and works on rough, dirty surfaces. I was able to easily lay a bead with this setup. Dave recommends that you use starting batts for this vice deep cycle types. Total cost for this setup is about $25USD not including batteries ;)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0245.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0248.jpg

Canadian Dodge Ram 5500 4x4 in the mud pit at the start of the Expedition Trophy.
This thing was a Boss and had an Arctic Fox camper that he dropped for trail runs. Very skookum!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0260.jpg

Team Nissan in the mud pit
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0270.jpg

Time for Max Trax!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0273.jpg

H3 mired in the mud
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0284.jpg

NWOS member Mike Block came up with the "mechanical challenge" where competitors had to quickly use any ONE tool at a time from their vehicle to open the multiple fasteners securing the ammo cans shut...
... some chose to use brute force vs hardened aircraft grade fasteners...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0297.jpg

... while others chose teamwork and hand tools. Dave aka EVLDAVE and Will from RMI eventually took First Place and won the PNW Expedition Trophy!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0288.jpg

EVLDAVE and Will in the winning Hummer H3!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0278.jpg

After the dust had settled from the Trophy it was time for me to break camp and make the long haul back down to SoCal. I took a few parting shots on my way back through the Cascades...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0307.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0305.jpg

Headed south... It was one hell of a trip and I can't wait to go back next year!!!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0302.jpg

[TACODOC]

All the comforts of home. I get asked how do I possibly pack so many amenities and so much gear into a 5 foot bed?
It's all about organization!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0229.jpg
Gear bombs in camp or in the back of the truck annoy me! Here are some pics of how I manage my gear. All the campsite gear pictured above at the Rally packs up in minutes and fits neatly into the FlipPac, everything must have it's place and remain undamaged or it can add unwanted stress to any trip.

The med bag, Engel, wag bag toilet and ARB Bushranger X-Jack and many other things like the rain fly, tools, fuel cells, MRE's, bedding and the shower enclosure are stored in the truck full time so they are never forgotten (all are stowed inside the built in boxes/module pictured) .

When breaking camp the first things loaded up are the kitchen in Action Packers. I can stack up to SIX of the smaller Action Packers along that front row but my typical load is the three pictured here (one is hiding under the pillows on the right) - one for COFFEE, one for kitchen (pan/plates/Snow Peak Baja Li stove, etc etc), and one for the Snow Peak single BBQ box and accessories. Then I add the Zodi Extreme shower, old school sleeping bag, two full size pillows and sun shade.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0112.jpg

The lower gear area was designed to hold two of the large Action Packers under the gear deck. I typically only need one of these for dry goods etc but can add a second for longer trips or more of the small ones up above. I like them because they are LIGHT, ubiquitous and inexpensive.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0113.jpg

Now the gear deck has been slid into the channels to provide a second layer of storage which I use for camp chairs, firewood, supplies or even MORE gear. This also allows for a nice spot to transport my complete Snow Peak Iron Grill Table (IGT) pictured on the left by the chairs. I like this configuration as it keeps my water jugs down low and accessible and makes a nice "trunk" to throw dirty boots etc into if needed on the fly. All the assorted gear pictured in the camp pics posted above from the WA Rally fits in with room to spare, I lived 10 days in the truck with this arrangement and my only limitation was fuel and water, one grocery run at the beginning of the trip was plenty. This was a great shakedown run for future long range unsupported trips into wild...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0116.jpg

I have yet to run out of space with the FlipPac even with the family "adding" the usual last minute blankets, bags, balls, stuffed animals etc that usually happens when the Loadmaster (me) isn't looking... :D

[TACODOC]

We're turning the SoCal Desert Rendezvous into a Bi-Annual get together!

Details here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/64995-SoCal-Mountain-Rendezvous-2011

[ETAV8R]

One day my truck will be built out and as organized. Please excuse the mess and clutter on our upcoming trip.

[Wilbur]

Everytime I see an update, it makes me want to swap to Taco platform. These one of the nicest well thought out rigs.

[TACODOC]

One day my truck will be built out and as organized.


Everytime I see an update, it makes me want to swap to Taco platform. These one of the nicest well thought out rigs.

Thanks for the kind words Gentlemen.

[tyro]

TacoDoc,
Beautiful truck!

Haven't been through the hundreds of pages yet. But, thought I'd ask a few questions.

What are the advantages of the RM Actionpackers instead of the less expensive RM covered bins?

How many days can you run your fridge without driving to charge the battery?

thanks,

[TACODOC]

TacoDoc,
Beautiful truck!

Haven't been through the hundreds of pages yet. But, thought I'd ask a few questions.

What are the advantages of the RM Actionpackers instead of the less expensive RM covered bins?

How many days can you run your fridge without driving to charge the battery?

thanks,

Thanks!

About the boxes, I only have experience with this style action packers so I can't really say anything about the others. I like this design because they work and are light.

As for the fridge, I can go 3-4 days easily without startup but it will run down the second battery so I always start the truck for 15-20 minutes about twice a day if base camping. No point in taxing that second battery unnecessarily ;)

I'd like to add a solar system in the future but am watching the technology develop and waiting for a good deal :)

[TACODOC]

Like many here, I have a garage full of projects waiting to be completed. Today I tackled a couple :)

Swapped out my heavy steel AT can holder for their new gen aluminum one - probably weighs 1/3 that of the steel one
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3781.jpg

Removed the license plate bracket from the spare for fitment to the can holder.
This frees up room for a Trasharoo and a future project where I intend to hack up a Yakima bike rack and make a removable mount in the center of the wheel there.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3780.jpg

Finally mounted the Trasharoo. I got that at Toys for Tots last year in Pomona and just got around to mounting it.
This will make it easier to carry trash/garbage and no more trash bags rustling in the night when the wind comes up ;)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3782.jpg

[TACODOC]

Bags and bags of trash cleaned up on public lands by Expedition Portal volunteers!!!

SoCal Desert Rendezvous 2011, Bradshaw Trail

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/56639-SoCal-Desert-Rendezvous-Cleanup!

Pics by Suntinez and TACODOC!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_0313.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_0319.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DSC_0318.jpg

[washington taco]

Good job! Sad to see people trash the house they live in!

[TACODOC]

99K and still going strong!

States, Destinations and Events visited so far in this vehicle:
-CA, OR, WA, NV, AZ, Baja California
-Grand Canyon NP, Death Valley NP, Mojave NP, Joshua Tree NP, Olympic NP, Crater Lake NP
-Parque Nacional de Constitucion de 1857, Mexico
-Expedition Trophy 2006; 2nd Place finish on the Sand Course
-Overland Expo 2010, Amado, AZ
-Overland Rally, Hollister Hills SVRA, CA - Expedition Trophy 2010
-SoCal Desert Rendezvous 2011
-Overland Expo 2011, Amado, AZ
-Overland Rally, 4W Ranch, Ellensburg, WA - Expedition Trophy 2011
-SoCal Mountain Rendezvous 2011

Trails and Destinations completed in this vehicle:

WA
Wynoochee River Valley
Quinalt River Valley
Chehalis River Valley
Humptulips River Valley
Columbia River Gorge
Upper Columbia River
Lake Quinalt
Olympic NF
Olympic NP
Okanagan NF
Wenatchee NF
Cascades

OR
Rogue River Valley
Siskiyou NF
Crater Lake NP
Columbia River Gorge

CA
Big Bear
Calico
Cleghorn
John Bull
Holcomb Creek
Gold Mountain
White Mountain
Rattlesnake Canyon
Bradshaw Trail
Coyote Canyon
Johnson Valley
Saline Valley Hot Springs
Panamint Springs
Darwin Falls
Death Valley NP
Teakettle Junction
Ubehebe Crater
Mengel Pass
Striped Butte
Geologists Cabin
Stellas Cabin
Briggs and Stone Cabins
Titus Canyon
Panamint City
Ballarat
Mesquite Springs
Furnace Creek
Toro Peak
Anza Borrego
Ocatillo Wells
Bailey's Cabin
Hauser Geode Beds
Joshua Tree NP
Tenaja
Salton Sea
Lake Shasta
Lake Tahoe
Pickle Meadows
Bridgeport
Mojave Desert
Colorado Desert
San Bernardino NF
Cleveland NF
Sierra NF
Inyo NF
Angeles NF
Tahoe NF
Lassen NF
Sequoia NF
Kern River
Lake Isabella
29 Palms

NV
Rhyolite
Las Vegas
Hoover Dam
Lake Mead
Valley of Fire
Lake Tahoe

AZ
Colorado River
Hassayampah River Valley
Coronado NF
Kaibab NF
Coconino NF
Grand Canyon NP

MX
Tijuana
Tecate
Ensenada
Sierra de Juarez Mountains
Laguna Hanson
Puntas Cabras
Parque Nacional de Constitucion de 1857

Headed up to the SoCal Mountain Rendezvous this weekend:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/64995-SoCal-Mountain-Rendezvous-2011

[washington taco]

99K!
Its just getting broken in! :)

[TACODOC]

What a great event!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/mrdecals.jpg

Savannah had a great time and made new friends
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/16.jpg

Our setup, ready for rain
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0998.jpg

gfiero's setup
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_1004.jpg

ETAV8R's setup
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/BigBear056.jpg

HMR
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0972.jpg

Jeff Wannamog's sweet FWC
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0979.jpg

Overland Gourmet
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/web1.jpg

Zach with the goods
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Photo-Sep-24-5-14-22-PM-L.jpg

Tagging the OG FJC
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Photo-Sep-24-4-56-50-PM-L.jpg

Oztent central
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/web.jpg

desertrover's Mog
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_4004.jpg

Raffle time!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/319.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/288.jpg

View from the mountain
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Sugarloaf-Hike09240002-Desert-L.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Sugarloaf-Hike09240000-big-L.jpg

Pics shamelessly pirated from the pic thread :)

Big thanks to all of the community members and industry supporters that made this great event possible, and for all the great pics here!

In no particular order I would like to say a big THANK YOU to:

Gordon!
Zach and Overland Gourmet!
Suntinez!
XJ Mike!
HMR!
Wil and Sierra Expeditions!
FishPOET!
Scott Brady, Brian McVickers and Expeditions West!
Mario and Adventure Trailers!
Dave, Yosh and Trasharoo
Overland Journal
Viking Winchlines
Sierra 4x4 Trailers
Hannibal USA

And all the great PEOPLE who brought food to the POTLUCK and all those who helped with the prep and the serving line for the OG Tacos, it was a HUGE success!

The BSA leaders liked the event and how CLEAN it was afterward. They have graciously offered the use of the property for SoCal Mountain Rendezvous 2012!

Big thanks to all of YOU who attended and made it such a great time :bigbossHL:

Pic thread:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/67414-SoCal-Mountain-Rendezvous-2011-***-Picture-Thread-***

Event thread:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/64995-SoCal-Mountain-Rendezvous-2011

[Willman]

Dave.....

No Utah travels Eh?

We will have to change that.....

Moody and I have something cooking in a few weeks....Southern ut somewhere...

:)

[Wright]

Oh the things I miss not living on the left coast anymore...:(

[Macsimizer26]

yea you left coasters sure seem to have it a bit better than us on the right just seems like there are more 4wd trails out there then over here, slowly working on my taco so i will be able to take a lil trip out west, but that will be awhile

[bobDog]

yea you left coasters sure seem to have it a bit better than us on the right just seems like there are more 4wd trails out there then over here, slowly working on my taco so i will be able to take a lil trip out west, but that will be awhile Build it big cause once you get out here you'll have to go back to get your stuff, wondering the whole time why you ever lived there so long. The left coast is going to 'stun' you!!!:coffeedrink:

[TACODOC]

If all goes as planned I just might have some new bling on the truck just in time for the Rally in Hollister...

:box:

[TangoBlue]

If all goes as planned I just might have some new bling on the truck just in time for the Rally in Hollister...

:box:

Geez - what's left!?

[TACODOC]

Geez - what's left!?

A little love from Icon Vehicle Dynamics... stay tuned! ;)

http://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/store/categories/Toyota/2005-%252b-Tacoma/

[Flagster]

"larger lifted applications" ???

[trump]

After seeing the host of Icon sporting vehicles last weekend I'm guessing remote reservoirs.

[washington taco]

I am thinking the bad *** UCA's!

[NM-Frontier]

Why not booth!:sombrero:

[TACODOC]

A big truck came by my house today...

Icon Vehicle Dynamics V.S. Series aluminum body 2.0 remote reservoir rear shocks
http://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/store/products/05%252dUp-Tacoma-Rear-Reservoir-Shocks.html

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3848.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3855.jpg

[4RunAmok]

:D <- Green with envy

[TACODOC]

We threw these Icon Vehicle Dynamics V.S. Series aluminum body 2.0 shock absorbers on at the Overland Rally in Hollister.
Big thanks to HMR and Chris for taking pics!

Out with the old and in with the new... OME's with almost 50K and still good.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3856.jpg

Totally stoked with this upgrade!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_20111022_110012-1.jpg

Bottle jack to get that bottom bolt in
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3869.jpg

Hi-Lift and blocks for safety
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3866.jpg

Big thanks to Chris (Tacovendor) for lending a hand and just being a really COOL guy to work with - THANKS CHRIS!!!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3867.jpg

Drilling frame for resi mounts
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_20111022_110006-1.jpg

Mission accomplished!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3868.jpg


And a BIG thanks to Jeremy at Icon Vehicle Dynamics!!!

[bat]

Do you know the extension and compression lengths, Icon makes great stuff

[TACODOC]

Do you know the extension and compression lengths, Icon makes great stuff

No idea, I don't see it listed on their site either.

All I know is the piston alone was almost as long as the whole OME shock that it replaced... :Wow1:

[bat]

The way my truck is setup I am kind of stuck in the middle for shock travel and talking with Bilstein I am limited with my setup. I am sure you will feel a much better ride with the Icon setup.

[upcountry]

Darn. I want a flip pack. How mich space do you have in that thing? Can it sleep 2 adults and two kids reaslnably with space?

Also, it shows you have 4.88 gears. Does the factory elocker still work with those?

Nice build. Thanks for maintaoning this inspiring build thread.

Dave

[TACODOC]

Darn. I want a flip pack. How mich space do you have in that thing? Can it sleep 2 adults and two kids reaslnably with space?

Also, it shows you have 4.88 gears. Does the factory elocker still work with those?

Nice build. Thanks for maintaoning this inspiring build thread.

Dave

It can sleep two adults and two kids, it just depends on how you build out the interior. Shruk has one on a Titan and he sleeps two adults and 3 kids in his.

Yes, the factory locker will work with whatever gears you choose ;)

[Tacovendor]

your welcome and thank you for your service for our freedom!!!

[TACODOC]

your welcome and thank you for your service for our freedom!!!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Expo/salute.gif http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Expo/bttlflag.gif

[TACODOC]

Well, I'm at 100K now and I've had the Icon (formerly Donahoe Racing) 2.5 coilovers on the truck for approximately 80K... pretty impressive performance and longevity IMO. The only issue they have had is a small shaft seal leak on the drivers side CO and decreasing response due to needing to to be re-charged.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3881.jpg

Stay tuned!

[day42]

I'm loving this build, and I've been inspired to do the same, or similar, to my Tacoma!

[clcoyle]

Love the Build. A complete inspiration for my future 2012 Taco. I look forward to meeting you at CP in Dec for the Toys for Tots event.

Thanks for all the info.

[TACODOC]

2005 Tacoma upper A arm removal can be a real PITA... got it done but it's no fun bending virgin sheet metal out of the way for that looooong bolt!

Great tech how to here: http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3381

Icon stuff should be here by weeks end... :drool:

[maxama10]

FWIW you could cut the head of the bolt off, buy new bolts from toyota, and slide them in from the opposite direction, if you had an aversion to bending the sheet metal.

[TACODOC]

FWIW you could cut the head of the bolt off, buy new bolts from toyota, and slide them in from the opposite direction, if you had an aversion to bending the sheet metal.

Too late! :snorkel:

[TACODOC]

COILOVER REBUILD AND UPGRADE: The original Donahoe Racing 2.5 inch coilovers have almost 80K on them, very impressive considering the weight of my truck (5,400 lbs) and the punishing terrain I've taken it across over those 80K. So those came off along with the OEM upper control arms and the old shocks were taken in to Icon for a rebuild.

Here's how the coilovers look after rebuild - recapped and upgraded to VS Series 2.5 remote reservoirs!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3897.jpg

ICON TUBULAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS: New for 2011 are the 2005+ Tacoma / 2007+ FJ Cruiser Tubular Uniball Upper Control Arms, these are a direct replacement Uniball Upper Control Arm to replace the weak OEM upper arm and is intended to maximize wheel travel, correct caster, and add strength to Independent Front Suspension components.

The Icon 2005+ Tacoma / 2007+ FJ Cruiser Tubular Uniball Upper Control Arm System - 58450 Fits:

2005+ Toyota Tacoma 2wd / 4wd
2007+ Toyota FJ Cruiser 2wd / 4wd

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3900.jpg

The ICON 2005+ Tacoma / 2007+ FJ Cruiser Tubular Uniball Upper Control Arm System - 58450 are built with the following specifications:

-1026 DOM Seamless Tubing
-CNC Bent Tubing
-CNC Machined Bushing Housings and Sleeves
-4130 CNC Machined Uni-ball Cup
-17-4 High Grade Stainless Steel Uni-ball Adapter Pin
-High Precision CNC Machined Pin Provides OEM Like Fitment
-Professionally Precision Welded
-1" Teflon Lined Uniball

With the combined Icon Vehicle Dynamics 58450 Upper Control Arm and Icon coil over shock package you can obtain 2½+ of lift and 2 of extra droop wheel travel on your 2wd or 4wd Truck. The Tubular Uniball Upper Control Arm System (Part 58450) replaces the OEM factory upper ball joints with a 1" Teflon Lined Uniball. Icon Vehicle Dynamics has designed the arms to maximize droop wheel travel, correct castor, and increase the durability of suspension components when you install Icon coil over shocks or other manufacturers lift systems.

I'll have her all put back together this weekend! :D

[Tacovendor]

Christmas before Thanksgiving....Nice!

[washington taco]

Sweet! Your factory parts are still servicable! Wished your old stuff would fit my old worn out Taco. I will be doing the whole front end rebuild this spring after ski season. Have fun with the install!

[trump]

Loving the rebuild! My DR's are overdue for some TLC... Hmmm.

[clcoyle]

looking forward to seeing them on our Rig at CP for toys for tots event.

[JamesDowning]

Looks pretty sweet Doc. Good to hear that another company expects people to service their upper control arms only after removing the body from the frame (same issues with my Trailblazer).

I'd like to know where Icon sources their uni-balls from. That would be something interesting to play with.

[upcountry]

2005 Tacoma upper A arm removal can be a real PITA... got it done but it's no fun bending virgin sheet metal out of the way for that looooong bolt!

Great tech how to here: http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3381

Icon stuff should be here by weeks end... :drool:

I cut my bolts and put new ones in backwards but used a grade 8 nylock nut just in case the nut loosened it wont fall off and thebolt work its way backwards which is downhill due to the angle of the a arm mounting bracket.

It looks like you have more patience than do. Bending the sheet metal looked like a PITA.

[upcountry]

Those icon tube UCAS look very similar to the SPC LR UCA.

[TACODOC]

Those icon tube UCAS look very similar to the SPC LR UCA.

I've never heard of those. All tubular UCA's look similar but there are differences.

[upcountry]

I am sure you have heard of them......SPC LR UCA - Specialty Products Co. "Light Racing" UCA.

Those ICONS ar SWEET. I like the zerks. Good addition. Very nice setup.

[TACODOC]

Yep, I've heard of Light Racing.

[TACODOC]

Installed the UCA's and shocks today, these things are amazingly high quality.

Area prepped
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3908.jpg

First some grease on the bushings. It's nice that these UCA mounts have zerks.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3912.jpg

High quality tapers. These UCA's are completely rebuildable.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3915.jpg

Arms installed, notice the sheet metal had to be bent back about 1/2 inch on both sides to clear the looong bolt. It was easy.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3917.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3916.jpg

Shocks ready to go on with all the tools needed and red loctite
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3920.jpg

Shocks installed
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3921.jpg

Modifying the remote reservoir brackets to fit with the ARB
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3924.jpg

Tomorrow morning I'll attach the mounting brackets and attach the remote reservoirs, re-install swaybar, skids and tires and it's alignment time.

Stay tuned!

[Tacovendor]

Looks good Dave, had the same issues w/ ARB on the FJ and the resi mount but it's an easy mod.

[TACODOC]

Here's how the bracket looked after I modded it to work with the ARB
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3928.jpg

Bracket mounted. Note how the cutout was made to allow the ARB bracket bolt to pass through and how the Icon bracket is sandwiched between the frame, the ARB bracket and the sway bar relocation blocks underneath.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3930.jpg

Icon 2.5 Reservoir mounted with hose clamps. Coilover set for 3 inches of lift.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3931.jpg

Took it down for an alignment after I had everything back together. Obviously it was way out of spec - see the numbers, before and actual (after).
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3935.jpg

The ride is noticeably more plush now, and the annoying vibration in the steering wheel at 45-50mph is gone now. This setup should give a much higher level of performance than I have known previously and I'm very excited to hit the trail!

[NM-Frontier]

Those Look Killer!:sombrero:

[clcoyle]

Looking good

[Vegakat]

Congrats on the awesome upgrade man! Nice job!

[clcoyle]

I can’t wait to see your rig at the Toys 4 Tots event at CP.

I just custom ordered a 2012 Tacoma Dbl Cab, TRD-Offroad and I am considering the ICON Tacoma Suspension System - Stage 4 as one of my first upgrades.

Your truck looks great.

[TangoBlue]

I can’t wait to see your rig at the Toys 4 Tots event at CP.

I just custom ordered a 2012 Tacoma Dbl Cab, TRD-Offroad and I am considering the ICON Tacoma Suspension System - Stage 4 as one of my first upgrades.

Your truck looks great.

Cancel those plans! Walk away now - save yourself!

If you go, you look - you'll just end up getting infected like the rest of us...

[joneseyyy]

Cancel those plans! Walk away now - save yourself!

If you go, you look - you'll just end up getting infected like the rest of us...

Yep...looking is dangerous. Have fun! I run Icon on my 4runner and have been very happy with it.

[NetDep]

Doc - Still new to this and just noticed that you have an OR model Tacoma and you have a scoop in your hood -- isn't that a Sport hood? I just ordered (and will be installed next Wednesday) the color matched grill but have not thought about the hood. Is there any practical significance to that or a "cool" factor? I really like the scoop - and makes the OR look better -- if that is possible. Thanks in advance!!

[TACODOC]

Doc - Still new to this and just noticed that you have an OR model Tacoma and you have a scoop in your hood -- isn't that a Sport hood? I just ordered (and will be installed next Wednesday) the color matched grill but have not thought about the hood. Is there any practical significance to that or a "cool" factor? I really like the scoop - and makes the OR look better -- if that is possible. Thanks in advance!!

The truck is an Off Road (e-locker) and the hood came via trade, a local guy had a Sport and didn't like the scoop... so we did a trade straight across in a parking lot :)

I'ts non-functional but I did it just for the aesthetics anyway since I wanted the truck to look different, not many of us running around with short beds and hood scoops ;)

[TACODOC]

With the recent addition of the Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2.5 front remote reservoir coilovers and Icon tubular upper control arms, a front end alignment at 101K, and new BFG MT KM2's at 102K, I have to say that the truck drives completely different. I hadnt realized just how out of round the old MT's had become, and how much I needed an alignment.

This thing rides so plush and rolls so smoothly now it's almost like a different truck, I find myself looking for bumps and whoops just to feel the suspension work :)

It's amazing what some new tire and suspension love will do for a vehicle!

[TACODOC]

BFG MT KM2 255/85R16

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0509.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0511.jpg

[TACODOC]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/T4T10-1.jpg

[suntinez]

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/suntinez/Dec%2010%202011%20-%20T4T/DSC_0428.jpg

[TACODOC]

That's an amazing photo Linda - thank you!

[JamesDowning]

Drool... love the new tires. Someday I'd like those too.

[upcountry]

Do you have mud flaps on your CBI bumper? How do they attach?

[TACODOC]

Do you have mud flaps on your CBI bumper? How do they attach?

I modded a set of 04 mudflaps to fit, cut the flap and the bracket so it would mount to the stanchions on the CBI rear bumper.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Picture298.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3866.jpg

[upcountry]

Ahhhh yes! Now I see. Thanks for the reply and for the informative pics!

By the way, is it possible to put some sort of lid in the access floor in the flip pac so kids or a small adult (think carnival) can sleep up in the flipac over the bed of the truck? From what I have seen, it looks like only the front of the flipac is available for.use flr.sleeping and the back just has a vinyl roll out cover or lid that seperates the sleeping area from the truck bed. Have you seen anyone or have you tried putting a foldable rigid floor in the aft portion of the flipac to expand.the sleeping area and maybe add a skde zipper with a ladde?

It must be a PITA to climb out of that thing to release all the IPA or HEFFEWEIZEN consumed earlier in the evening! I have a hard enough time getting out of my tent!

[TACODOC]

There is a hammock built in with a 180lb capacity, I have a toilet in the back so late night nature calls are no different than at home really.

See my FlipPac build thread in the pop up camper section and check your PM.

[clcoyle]

Here's how the bracket looked after I modded it to work with the ARB
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3928.jpg

Bracket mounted. Note how the cutout was made to allow the ARB bracket bolt to pass through and how the Icon bracket is sandwiched between the frame, the ARB bracket and the sway bar relocation blocks underneath.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3930.jpg

Icon 2.5 Reservoir mounted with hose clamps. Coilover set for 3 inches of lift.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3931.jpg

Took it down for an alignment after I had everything back together. Obviously it was way out of spec - see the numbers, before and actual (after).
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/107_3935.jpg

The ride is noticeably more plush now, and the annoying vibration in the steering wheel at 45-50mph is gone now. This setup should give a much higher level of performance than I have known previously and I'm very excited to hit the trail!


Hey Dave- Who ended-up doing your alignment and were you happy with them? Thanks, Chris

[TACODOC]

Ramona Tire, they did a good job

[Saiyan66]

Any plans to upgrade to 4 wheel disc brakes like the FJ Cruiser? I would think that with as heavily loaded as you are, it would be a good idea.

[austintaco]

Ahhhh yes! Now I see. Thanks for the reply and for the informative pics!

By the way, is it possible to put some sort of lid in the access floor in the flip pac so kids or a small adult (think carnival) can sleep up in the flipac over the bed of the truck? From what I have seen, it looks like only the front of the flipac is available for.use flr.sleeping and the back just has a vinyl roll out cover or lid that seperates the sleeping area from the truck bed. Have you seen anyone or have you tried putting a foldable rigid floor in the aft portion of the flipac to expand.the sleeping area and maybe add a skde zipper with a ladde?

It must be a PITA to climb out of that thing to release all the IPA or HEFFEWEIZEN consumed earlier in the evening! I have a hard enough time getting out of my tent!

This is a prefab unit that was for sale. I thought of picking it up, but not sure how I want to set up the back of the truck. BTW, this is for a 1st gen double cab tacoma:
http://images.craigslist.org/5Y05P65X13n53o13labc5f7c0adc41e771df5.jpg

The bottom part can be set at the same level as the benches to make another bed area.

[TACODOC]

Any plans to upgrade to 4 wheel disc brakes like the FJ Cruiser? I would think that with as heavily loaded as you are, it would be a good idea.

When the rear axle dies I'll probably do that. For now it's not an issue really, it stops fine.

[TACODOC]

...

[TACODOC]

This is a prefab unit that was for sale. I thought of picking it up, but not sure how I want to set up the back of the truck. BTW, this is for a 1st gen double cab tacoma:
http://images.craigslist.org/5Y05P65X13n53o13labc5f7c0adc41e771df5.jpg

The bottom part can be set at the same level as the benches to make another bed area.

My detailed camper build is here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/34407-Doc-s-05-Tacoma-SB-AT-FlipPac-Build-Thread

[TACODOC]

Drool... love the new tires. Someday I'd like those too.

I'm really liking them. I almost went another direction and now I'm glad I stuck with BFG.

[JamesDowning]

Considering the tread life and reliability I've had on my KM1s, I'll be BFG for life. Glad you're liking the KM2s.

[TACODOC]

Considering the tread life and reliability I've had on my KM1s, I'll be BFG for life.

I think so too, they just work.

[TACODOC]

As many of you know, the Rendezvous Conspiracy has been burning the midnight oil working hard behind the scenes to make some big things happen in 2012. One of them is my new enthusiast website that I'm announcing here today on ExPo: www.tacodoc.com

The site is dedicated to 4WD Toyota Tech and Overland Adventure and will feature tech, trips, events, contributors articles and builds as well as exclusive content from leading outfitters and overland industry news.

We are committed to Tread Lightly and promoting trips, meets, and events in CA, NV, AZ, Baja and beyond – stay tuned!


Thanks,
Doc

[Zam15]

Always knew something like that was coming^ Just added a new site to my favorites. :chef:

[JPNCA]

http://images.craigslist.org/5Y05P65X13n53o13labc5f7c0adc41e771df5.jpg

The bottom part can be set at the same level as the benches to make another bed area.

I had one of these on my old Tacoma. It worked pretty good.
I did put new carpet on it though

[clcoyle]

As many of you know, the Rendezvous Conspiracy has been burning the midnight oil working hard behind the scenes to make some big things happen in 2012. One of them is my new enthusiast website that I'm announcing here today on ExPo: www.tacodoc.com

The site is dedicated to 4WD Toyota Tech and Overland Adventure and will feature tech, trips, events, contributors articles and builds as well as exclusive content from leading outfitters and overland industry news.

We are committed to Tread Lightly and promoting trips, meets, and events in CA, NV, AZ, Baja and beyond – stay tuned!


Thanks,
Doc

Very Nice web site Dave. Good Job. I now have a 2010 Tacoma and am ready to start all the mods, so I will be picking your brain here shortly. I met you at the toys 4 toys event when my wife and 8yr old son all climbed in your FlipPac to see how it fit us. Beautiful Truck you have. -Chris

[TheGloryFades]

Read through all 166 pages and must say Fantastic build! Maybe I missed it but is the rear diff locked and have you relocated you rear diff breather

[TACODOC]

Read through all 166 pages and must say Fantastic build! Maybe I missed it but is the rear diff locked and have you relocated you rear diff breather

The rear has the factory E-locker, the breather has been re-located up high at the gas filler door.

[TACODOC]

Very Nice web site Dave. Good Job. I now have a 2010 Tacoma and am ready to start all the mods, so I will be picking your brain here shortly. I met you at the toys 4 toys event when my wife and 8yr old son all climbed in your FlipPac to see how it fit us. Beautiful Truck you have. -Chris

Thank you! Glad you guys enjoyed the event, let me know if you need any help with your truck.

[clcoyle]

The rear has the factory E-locker, the breather has been re-located up high at the gas filler door.

Dave- Where is the factory breather located and how difficult was it to move it to the gas filler door? Is this a mod that you highly recommend? -Chris

[TACODOC]

Dave- Where is the factory breather located and how difficult was it to move it to the gas filler door? Is this a mod that you highly recommend? -Chris

The breather is right there on the diff, I just used a threaded fitting (It was actually a Nissan part I forget the number but its for diff breather line fitting) and a length of 3/8 fuel line, two small hose clamps and re-purpsed the OEM Toyota breather onto the end of this new line IIRC. Routed up and inside the bed wall (in between) and zip tied in place.

I highly recommend this mod. Like many things, this should have been done at the factory.

FYI, the front diff and t-case/tranny breathers are located up high on the firewall so no need to worry there.

EDIT: It's on my site now under suspension tires and gears: http://tacodoc.com/?page_id=13

:)

[TheGloryFades]

Toyota part #'s
90930-03136 breather
90414-51319 union

[TACODOC]

Toyota part #'s
90930-03136 breather
90414-51319 union

Thanks!

[TheGloryFades]

No problem cant remember what size hose it takes though.

[TACODOC]

No problem cant remember what size hose it takes though. 3/8's fuel line worked for me.

See the full write up here: http://tacodoc.com/?page_id=13

[maxama10]

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/111954-my-differential-breather-mod-photos.html
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/15686-diff-breather-mod-dummies-pics.html
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/61-2nd-generation-2005/171451-diff-breather-mod.html
http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/jackson_breather/breather.htm
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/61-2nd-generation-2005/171451-diff-breather-mod.html

[TACODOC]

Next up for the rear bumper:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0522.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0525.jpg

Won this at the T4T raffle, I'm pretty stoked.

[Scott Brady]

Nice bracket Dave. Can you please report if any rattles develop?

[trump]

Won this at the T4T raffle, I'm pretty stoked.

I've been looking around Aluminess for that ever since you won it... what a kick-@$$ mount.

[TACODOC]

Nice bracket Dave. Can you please report if any rattles develop?

Will do. The large rubber isolator should alleviate 99% of that but time will tell.


I've been looking around Aluminess for that ever since you won it... what a kick-@$$ mount.

It seems this is the first and only one they've made to date :)

[4RunAmok]

Aluminess is literally the next building over from AEP! Maybe I can bug them for you, trump! :D

[TACODOC]

Aluminess is literally the next building over from AEP! Maybe I can bug them for you, trump! :D

They'll be making them soon... for $200 each!

[maxama10]

:yikes:

[washington taco]

Dave will you be going with the Aluminess rear bumper? Wished they made them for the first gen Taco.

[mvbeggs]

Here's how I did with the first tank of gas and the 4.88's:

With the 3.73's I was averaging a dismal 12-13 MPG with the 255's and armor etc.

With the new 4.88's I got 15 MPG on my first tank ;) ....

Before the regear I was averaging about 2,200 RPM's at 70 MPH in 5th gear (AT OD).
With the 4.88's, on the highway at 70 MPH I am averaging about 2,600 RPM's which is not bad and does not sound/feel "buzzy" at all....

I have much more power with these gears and I am VERY happy that I went with the deeper 4.88's vice the 4.56's....


I'm exploring purchasing a Tacoma to use for my trips where heavy off road use isn't the main focus. Although I love my JKU, and her capabilities in almost every category, I'm just not satisfied with her fuel economy and range. (5.13 gears, 37" tires, 5.7l Hemi, etc, yields an approximate 200 mile range per tank) The main goal of a Tacoma build would be to create a vehicle with a minimum 300 mile range while still maintaing substantial offroad and towing abilities (can't leave the Chaser at home).

While researching the Tacoma, I've been looking at the gearing options available for the Tacoma. I've read where many people go with lower differential gears than I would have thought necessary. I've ran some engine RPM vs speed calculations for the stock configuration and several differential gear ratios with the 255/85R16 tires.

80837


It appears the 4.10 gearing gets you pretty close to the stock RPM/speed configuration. (I assume this is where we want to be, assuming Toyota is designing the tranny to best utilize the power band of the engine.)

Please share why you choose the 4.88 gearing over the 4.10 or 4.56? (I've read that 4.10's are hard to come by for the Tacoma)

In your opinion, does the Tacoma lack the power in the 2,000- 2,400 RPM range for the added weight and towing requirements?

If you're running 2500 RPM at 70mph, how is your gas mileage on the highway? With the 4.88 gearing, do you highway drive according to the speedometer or drive to keep engine speed at a particular level? For fuel economy, I typically highway drive to keep my engine speed below 2600 RPM. From the table above, the max speed at 2600rpm and 4.88 gearing is 73mph. If you go 4.56 the max speed at 2600 rpm is 78mph, and increases to 87mph with the 4.10's. With some highway speeds set at 80mph, it would seem 80mph is the very minimum you would want to consider.

Sorry about all the questions, just trying to do my homework. I don't want to go down the Tacoma path if I can't significantly improve on the JKU's range.

Thanks.

[TangoBlue]

Oh great - now you're going to send Dave into "brain-lock!" :D

[TACODOC]

Please share why you choose the 4.88 gearing over the 4.10 or 4.56? (I've read that 4.10's are hard to come by for the Tacoma)

In your opinion, does the Tacoma lack the power in the 2,000- 2,400 RPM range for the added weight and towing requirements?

If you're running 2500 RPM at 70mph, how is your gas mileage on the highway? With the 4.88 gearing, do you highway drive according to the speedometer or drive to keep engine speed at a particular level? For fuel economy, I typically highway drive to keep my engine speed below 2600 RPM. From the table above, the max speed at 2600rpm and 4.88 gearing is 73mph. If you go 4.56 the max speed at 2600 rpm is 78mph, and increases to 87mph with the 4.10's. With some highway speeds set at 80mph, it would seem 80mph is the very minimum you would want to consider.




When I regeared, 4.10's were unobtainium unless you paid $$$ and bought them from Toyota or a junkyard wrecked 2.7 liter Taco. Honestly, I probably could have been fine without regearing but with the added weight and taller tires it was lacking power.

My options at the time were 4.56 or 4.88 - I chose 4.88's because I wanted POWER because I'm heavy, and I wanted that little bit lower crawl ratio in 4LO 1st gear on the trail (it really is noticeable). Had I been choosing solely on fuel economy I would have went with 4.56.

When I'm driving I am fairly heavy footed i.e. I dont really try to drive for RPM or MPG. I drive for fun. Anything over 70 MPH and the 4.0 will drink gas no matter what your gearing IMO (I experienced this with 3.73's). When you add armor and gear MPG will go down and nothing short of weight loss will bring MPG back up to anywhere near stock. I can get 270 out of a tank with the hammer down and with a Scepter can my range is well over 300 miles. I'm happy with that.

The bottom line is 4.88 gearing is a personal preference for me. YMMV.

[maxama10]

While researching the Tacoma, I've been looking at the gearing options available for the Tacoma. I've read where many people go with lower differential gears than I would have thought necessary. I've ran some engine RPM vs speed calculations for the stock configuration and several differential gear ratios with the 255/85R16 tires.
-snip-

You may want 4.56s with the 33s to get a little lower grunt on the trail, but 4.10s would probably work well. This is probably better achieved with a crawl box if you have the money. In fact I'd say with 33s you really don't NEED to re-gear. I ran with 285s and stock gears for a long time, on the trail lower gears would be awesome and had I kept 33s and not blown money on fitting 35s I might have considered keeping the stock gears and running a crawl box. Then again add a lot of weight and do a lot of driving in the hills and gears would probably be a nice addition.

Here is a bit I posted in this thread some time ago.


The 6 speed has a ratio of .85 in 6th gear.

Using an online calculator I came up with...

@ 75 mph

3.73s:
265/70/16 = 2611 RPM (stock baseline)
285s = 2434 RPM
315s = 2309

4.56s:
265/70/16s = 3192 RPM
285s = 2975 RPM
315s = 2823 RPM

Ideally to get it back to stock RPMs with 35s you'd want about a 4.22 gear ratio, obviously you can really only get 4.10s, 4.56s, and 4.88s and the 4.10s are hard to make work so 4.56s make the most sense. 4.10s would also make a good choice as this would lower your RPMs to about 2538 and probably help improve mileage as the 6th gear could be a bit taller.

The auto's 5th gear at .72 is putting you at 2391 @ 75 mpg with 4.56s or 2520 with 285s.

http://www.ringpinion.com/Calc_RPM.aspx
http://www.snoman.com/HTML/axlecalc_5a.html
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

5 spd Auto
1st= 3.52
2nd= 2.04
3rd= 1.4
4th= 1.00
5th= 0.72
R= 3.22

6 spd
1st = 4.17
2nd = 2.19
3rd - 1.49
4th = 1.19
5th = 1
6th = .85
r = 3.73

Random tid bit:
T-case 2.57:1
6 spd overall crawl ratio with stock gears = 39.97:1
6 spd with 4.56s = 48.87
auto with stock gears = 33.74
auto with 4.56s = 41.25



75MPH, 6th gear, 4.56s
285s = 2975 RPM
255s = 2954 RPM

vs stock at 75
2611 RPM


4.10s are about the best option for 33s IMO but, they're hard to do.

You'll basically have to translate how this will affect gas mileage but... RPMS correlate with MPG pretty solidly I believe.



Originally Posted by RelentlessTaco
yes its possible, I'm going to be doing it.... but for the front you need a new carrier for the 4.10's. Either one of the 3.90 FJ cruiser front carriers, or an ARB locker setup for 3.90up gears.
The Toyota 4.10's also wont fit the E-locker 8" rear diff in the TRD Offroad trucks, only the 8.4" rear.


FWIW I ended up running 35s (3" lift only) and 4.56s from ECGS, I find this to be a pretty decent combination.

Here are a couple links to some installs.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/179500-re-gear-writeup.html
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/193828-step-step-removal-installation-e-locker-3rd-member.html

[TACODOC]

Yep, like I said, it really boils down to preference. I like my "Rocket 88's" :D

[TACODOC]

Just got back from a run up Coyote Canyon and friday night at Sheeps Canyon - awesome trip and met up with a bunch of cool ExPo folks along the way, here's a couple pics

Here be Dragons!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0653.jpg

Beautiful cacti abound
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0735.jpg

Sheeps Camp friday night 12/30/2011
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0679.jpg

My daughter Savannah listening for "Pinkfoot"...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0673.jpg

Leaving Sheeps Cyn headed toward Upper Willows
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0741.jpg

End of the line for vehicles - Baileys cabin is about 3 miles north past that fence on the left that denotes the horse and hiking only section of the canyon.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0755.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0746.jpg

Headed out, Coyote Cyn is practically paved now... and no more jungle cruise.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0769.jpg

Looky who we found here... nobody home, this calls for ExPo tagging!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0776.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0777.jpg

Had to head back New Years Eve due to responsibilities but really wanted to keep going...

[mvbeggs]

Oh great - now you're going to send Dave into "brain-lock!" :D

LOL!

[mvbeggs]

....When I'm driving I am fairly heavy footed i.e. I dont really try to drive for RPM or MPG. I drive for fun. Anything over 70 MPH and the 4.0 will drink gas no matter what your gearing IMO (I experienced this with 3.73's). When you add armor and gear MPG will go down and nothing short of weight loss will bring MPG back up to anywhere near stock. I can get 270 out of a tank with the hammer down and with a Scepter can my range is well over 300 miles. I'm happy with that.

The bottom line is 4.88 gearing is a personal preference for me. YMMV.

Doc, thanks for the insight. I do understand that everything is a personal preference and most mods are a trade off. My predicament is to decide if I can live with the compromises needed to get a Tacoma to where I want to be. Here's the $64,000 question; is it reasonable to think a V6 Tacoma could ever get 15-16mpg, at highway speeds, with 33" tires, upgraded wheels, front and rear heavy bumpers, winch, sliders, and some minimal skid plate coverage? (I have no problem regearing if that's what it takes)



....Anything over 70 MPH and the 4.0 will drink gas no matter what your gearing IMO (I experienced this with 3.73's).

That statement is a bit concerning.
I have some significant travel miles (most trips over 700 miles) to my camping/hunting/exploring locations. On a 700 mile trip, fuel stops every 200 miles easily adds 45 minutes to the total travel time. For my travels, I really need the ability to drive 70-85 mph without overworking the engine and killing gas mileage. I saw in one of your posts that at 70mph your engine runs at about 2700rpm. Do you typically drive over 70mph for extended perods of time? If so, do you have any idea what your gas mileage was like?



You may want 4.56s with the 33s to get a little lower grunt on the trail, but 4.10s would probably work well. This is probably better achieved with a crawl box if you have the money. In fact I'd say with 33s you really don't NEED to re-gear. I ran with 285s and stock gears for a long time, on the trail lower gears would be awesome and had I kept 33s and not blown money on fitting 35s I might have considered keeping the stock gears and running a crawl box. Then again add a lot of weight and do a lot of driving in the hills and gears would probably be a nice addition.

Thanks maxama, I was thinking the same thing about the 3.73's vs 4.10's until I ran the numbers. The rpm's for 33" tires, auto tranny, and 3.73 gears look like 1629 @ 60mph, 1765 @65mph, 1900@70mph, 2036@75mph. Does that look like too high of gearing for the engine power? How do you think a Tacoma would do pulling an AT Chaser up Vail Pass or up to the Eisenhower Tunnel with that high of gearing? I ran into a similar problem in the Jeep before putting in the Hemi. The 3.8L with 5.13 gears was only able to maintain about 45mph pulling the Chaser up Vail Pass....and she was screaming (4,000rpm). :Wow1: Knew I had to do something different after that trip. The 5.13 gearing was good for flat to slight grade highway driving. In the end, the geared 3.8L just didn't have enough midrange power to haul the trailer and the heavy jeep up the steep pass while in 4th gear.

Also agree with you on the crawl box idea. Do any Tacoma guys ever regear the 4lo in the transfer case? I love the ultra lo in my Rubicon's transfer case.

Thanks again for all the great info!

[TACODOC]

Here's the $64,000 question; is it reasonable to think a V6 Tacoma could ever get 15-16mpg, at highway speeds, with 33" tires, upgraded wheels, front and rear heavy bumpers, winch, sliders, and some minimal skid plate coverage? (I have no problem regearing if that's what it takes)




Maybe, but like everything it's going to be a compromise. If MPG and range are your top priority, you need to go light on armor. Aluminum bumpers, sliders and skids. I saw an FJ-45 kitted out in all aluminum in Death Valley and it was awesome. It can be done, but is more money. Aluminess makes nice Tacoma bumpers and Asfir makes aluminum skids.



That statement is a bit concerning.
I have some significant travel miles (most trips over 700 miles) to my camping/hunting/exploring locations. On a 700 mile trip, fuel stops every 200 miles easily adds 45 minutes to the total travel time. For my travels, I really need the ability to drive 70-85 mph without overworking the engine and killing gas mileage. I saw in one of your posts that at 70mph your engine runs at about 2700rpm. Do you typically drive over 70mph for extended perods of time? If so, do you have any idea what your gas mileage was like?



I typically drive at 80 here in SoCal on the freeway or when headed to a trailhead. That said, my mileage is always at least 12-13 MPG even if I'm hammer down. It will do 90 all day long on the freeway if I want. That's one of the great things about the Tacoma - comfort and speed on long distance trips is a non-issue for me.

[mvbeggs]

Maybe, but like everything it's going to be a compromise. If MPG and range are your top priority, you need to go light on armor. Aluminum bumpers, sliders and skids. I saw an FJ-45 kitted out in all aluminum in Death Valley and it was awesome. It can be done, but is more money. Aluminess makes nice Tacoma bumpers and Asfir makes aluminum skids....

I totally understand the weight / mpg issue. My Jeep is very heavy, probably upper 6's lower 7's. That weight works well for me when the technical trail comes along but not so well on the range and fuel efficiency side. That dang compromise again! ;)

Thinking about your setup vs mine. Of the extra weight added to your rig, approximately how much do you think the living support equipment weighs? (i.e. Flipac, storage system, extra water and fuel, cooking equipment, electrical systems, fridge, food, etc.) Do you think it is 75% to 80% of the additional weight? On my setup, all that living support weight would be carried in the Chaser and not the vehicle. If I'm on the right track, I might be able to keep the vehicle light enough to hit my range and gas mileage goals. What do you think? :ylsmoke:



....I typically drive at 80 here in SoCal on the freeway or when headed to a trailhead. That said, my mileage is always at least 12-13 MPG even if I'm hammer down. It will do 90 all day long on the freeway if I want....

I'm liking the sound of that!!:D

[CLynn85]

Thanks for the writeup, makes me want to go back.




Headed out, Coyote Cyn is practically paved now... and no more jungle cruise.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0769.jpg

NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Coyote Canyon was one of my favorite parts of Anza Borrego when we were out there in 07!

[maxama10]

Thanks maxama, I was thinking the same thing about the 3.73's vs 4.10's until I ran the numbers. The rpm's for 33" tires, auto tranny, and 3.73 gears look like 1629 @ 60mph, 1765 @65mph, 1900@70mph, 2036@75mph. Does that look like too high of gearing for the engine power? How do you think a Tacoma would do pulling an AT Chaser up Vail Pass or up to the Eisenhower Tunnel with that high of gearing? I ran into a similar problem in the Jeep before putting in the Hemi. The 3.8L with 5.13 gears was only able to maintain about 45mph pulling the Chaser up Vail Pass....and she was screaming (4,000rpm). :Wow1: Knew I had to do something different after that trip. The 5.13 gearing was good for flat to slight grade highway driving. In the end, the geared 3.8L just didn't have enough midrange power to haul the trailer and the heavy jeep up the steep pass while in 4th gear.

Also agree with you on the crawl box idea. Do any Tacoma guys ever regear the 4lo in the transfer case? I love the ultra lo in my Rubicon's transfer case.

Thanks again for all the great info!

Well...

I'm running steel wheels, 35s, tool box full of junk, full size spare, front and rear plate bumpers, skids, sliders, winch... on top of that this summer with stock gears I traveled about 700 miles to WY on 80 mostly doing 75. I also had a full size 500cc quad and all sorts of personal items as I lived there for the summer in the truck. I averaged around 15-16 on stock 3.73s (and coming back was about the same, though the grades were less intense). Going up the passes outside of salt lake and park city to evanston (fairly long steep grades) I did have some difficulty going about 50-55, I really avoided dropping into 4th though and just ended up going slower. I think had I put it to about 3500 rpms it would have gone 65 up those hills no problem. Personally, I think you shouldn't have any issues getting 15-16 mpg without a trailer on 33s as long as you don't go over 75. I couldn't tell you what the trailer would do to your mileage.

As for the transfer case gears, I don't believe anyone makes any lower gears. If you want a lot more grunt 4.56s might be a good option but you'll be running pretty high rpms at highway. Then again, a lot of people do run 4.56s and 33s. In the end... maybe the 250 RPMS extra of the 4.56s over the 4.10s won't hurt your mileage that much and give you a little more grunt up grades and a little more control on the trail. For a stock ratio, 4.10s is about where it's at. (You still won't see the same performance though due to heavier tires etc...)

[mvbeggs]

Well...

I'm running steel wheels, 35s, tool box full of junk, full size spare, front and rear plate bumpers, skids, sliders, winch... on top of that this summer with stock gears I traveled about 700 miles to WY on 80 mostly doing 75. I also had a full size 500cc quad and all sorts of personal items as I lived there for the summer in the truck. I averaged around 15-16 on stock 3.73s

3.73's AND 35's- you were geared pretty high. Surprised you didn't have to get a run to clear any kind of grade with that gearing and load. :D
It's encouraging that you were able to pull that off. I'd love to see a dyno curve of a stock V6, DblCab. I'll have to do some searching.

Thanks again for the great information. Nothing beats real world experience from folks like you and TacoDoc.

With everyone's help here, I'm leaning heavliy toward starting a Tacoma build to compliment the Jeep. I'll post my progress for those that are interested.

Thanks again.

[maxama10]

Hope I helped, and didn't just muddle things up. Good luck making a decision!

[Rocket-scientist]

I'm running 33's (255-85R16 KM2) on stock 3.73 gears. I don't feel down on power except on long grades trying to hold 6th gear. I have the 6 speed so I have more gear control and can hold a lower gear as long as I want. My RPM at 70 went from 2500 to 2200 and my fuel mileage is averaging around 16.5 for mixed highway and stoplight driving. More on just highways and less just around town. Stock I got 16-18 so I didn't lose much, in fact I get better mileage on the highway now due to the lower RPMs. I have sliders, ARB bull bar and winch, bud built skids, a fridge and a tool box full of gear all the time so my weight is probably 400-500 lbs over stock.

[mvbeggs]

Hope I helped, and didn't just muddle things up. Good luck making a decision!

No mudding the waters, all good information.

Here's a dyno curve I found on another forumn that is supposed to be for the 4.0L. (one of the curves is without the headers) Thought I'd post it here for what it's worth:

80708

I was surprised at the low end torque numbers. May be an argument for lower gears.

[mvbeggs]

I'm running 33's (255-85R16 KM2) on stock 3.73 gears. I don't feel down on power except on long grades trying to hold 6th gear. I have the 6 speed so I have more gear control and can hold a lower gear as long as I want. My RPM at 70 went from 2500 to 2200 and my fuel mileage is averaging around 16.5 for mixed highway and stoplight driving. More on just highways and less just around town. Stock I got 16-18 so I didn't lose much, in fact I get better mileage on the highway now due to the lower RPMs. I have sliders, ARB bull bar and winch, bud built skids, a fridge and a tool box full of gear all the time so my weight is probably 400-500 lbs over stock.

You guys that are running the manual are geared quite a bit lower than the auto guys. Here is a comparison that I ran when looking at auto vs manual. As you can see, the engine speeds are pretty significant:

80840

Your gas mileage, while turning the higher RPM's, is encouraging.

[TACODOC]

Thanks for posting those!

[TACODOC]

Coming soon:
HEATSOURCE HEATER (tacodoc.com/?page_id=1650)

HELTON HOT WATER SYSTEM (tacodoc.com/?page_id=67)

And a little "Sockmonkey" treatment aka old school tail gate graphics:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/sockmonkey/

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/friddle_family/BLACK%20CAT/Retro%20Stripes/2nd-gen-TOYOTA-Tailgate.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/friddle_family/BLACK%20CAT/Retro%20Stripes/4WheelDrive-1.jpg

:D

[woods247]

Both of those items have sparked interest with me as well although I haven't seen that particular hot water heater before. It looks quite simple compared to others . Looking forward to your review.

[downhill]

That heater looks promising. 91% efficiency is very high. Typical RV type furnaces operate at only about 75% efficiency. I'm curious to hear your review of the noise level on that unit. If it has a blade fan instead of a squirrel cage it could be noisey Electrical consumption is very low as well. typical small RV furnaces draw 3.4 amps. The heat source draws just 1.4 amps

[mvbeggs]

That heater looks promising. 91% efficiency is very high. Typical RV type furnaces operate at only about 75% efficiency. I'm curious to hear your review of the noise level on that unit. If it has a blade fan instead of a squirrel cage it could be noisey Electrical consumption is very low as well. typical small RV furnaces draw 3.4 amps. The heat source draws just 1.4 amps

I purchased this heater late last Fall. Took it on a week long pheasant hunting trip to western Kansas back in October. I use this heater in my RTT. It works great. When I used it, the low temperatures where low to mid 20's(F). It warms the tent up quickly. (~10 minutes) I used it to heat up the tent before going to bed and again in the morning before rolling out of my bag. Noise isn't an issue for me. I set the unit just outside the tent and use separate hoses to pipe the supply air in, and the return air out.

[TACODOC]

I purchased this heater late last Fall. Took it on a week long pheasant hunting trip to western Kansas back in October. I use this heater in my RTT. It works great. When I used it, the low temperatures where low to mid 20's(F). It warms the tent up quickly. (~10 minutes) I used it to heat up the tent before going to bed and again in the morning before rolling out of my bag. Noise isn't an issue for me. I set the unit just outside the tent and use separate hoses to pipe the supply air in, and the return air out.

Do you have the "Hot Box" from AT?

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/fullkit1.jpg

[TACODOC]

Check out our new Contributors Builds section: BUILDS (tacodoc.com/?page_id=734)

I'm currently working on adding past trips to the Trips section and getting it brought up to date as well along with Events - stay tuned!

TRIPS (tacodoc.com/?page_id=741)

EVENTS (tacodoc.com/?page_id=738)

NEWS (tacodoc.com/?page_id=1405)

[Willman]

Coming soon:
HEATSOURCE HEATER (tacodoc.com/?page_id=1650)


Go Doc!

I have been eyeing one of these for a safe way of heating my RTT.

Please keep us posted on this....I'm thing of doing one for my trailer....

Happy wife = a great trip!

;)

[mvbeggs]

Happy wife = a great trip!

:iagree:

[TACODOC]

Yes, after the toilet and shower this will be her favorite mod

[TACODOC]

The Desert Rendezvous is really gaining alot of steam this year and looks to be our best outing to date. Between the trash cleanup, the Desert Challenge, the raffle, the meal by OVG and happy hour this is going to be HUGE! :bigbossHL:

2012 SoCal Desert Rendezvous thread on Expedition Portal (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/73109-SoCal-Desert-Rendezvous-2012)

Big thanks to Tembo Tusk, Adventure Trailers, Overland Gourmet, Sierra Expeditions, Sportsmobile, JPFreek Magazine and Front Runner Outfitters for jumping onboard to help us make this happen!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/DRGREEN.png

Some positive press for the upcoming Rendezvous and Tacodoc.com courtesy of the boys over at Overland Gourmet and Central Overland http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Expo/salute.gif

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/rendezvousavatar.jpg

2012 SoCal Desert Rendezvous on Central Overland (http://centraloverland.com/2012/02/socal-desert-rendezvous-2012/)

2012 SoCal Desert Rendezvous at Overland Gourmet (http://overlandgourmet.com/2012/02/2012-socal-desert-rendezvous/)

See you in the Desert!

[TACODOC]

A big THANK YOU to our Rendezvous supporters, come out and meet them at the Rendezvous!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/BunduGear.gif
BUNDU GEAR (http://www.bundugear.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/JPFREEKLOGO.jpg
JPFreek Adventure Magazine (http://online.jpfreek.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/frontrunneroutfitters.jpg
FRONT RUNNER OUTFITTERS (http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/cart.php)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/ruggedrider.jpg
RUGGED RIDER (http://www.ruggedrider.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/OVG-Logo-White-on-Black-1024x395.jpg
OVERLAND GOURMET (http://overlandgourmet.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/SEv2Logo.gif
SIERRA EXPEDITIONS (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/TEMBO3.jpg
TEMBO TUSK (http://www.tembotusk.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/at-overland3-1024x404.jpg
ADVENTURE TRAILERS (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/SMB-Logo-1024x328.jpg
SPORTSMOBILE (http://sportsmobile.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/Kanz_logo_outlines-2-1024x620.jpg
KANZ OUTDOORS (http://www.kanzoutdoors.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/6-viking-blk.png
VIKING OFFROAD (http://www.vikingoffroad.com/)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/overland_journal_new.gif
OVERLAND JOURNAL (http://www.overlandjournal.com/)

[TACODOC]

Big thanks to Mario and Martyn at AT for coming through with this - now to get it installed!

Heatsource 2000 with 10lb propane cylinder and aluminum bracket from AT
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/TACODOC/IMG_0789.jpg

Heater will be installed down inside the pre-existing storage box inside the FlipPac, it's almost like it was made for it.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/TACODOC/IMG_0787.jpg

Propane cylinder bracket will mount easily to the swingout. Never mount your propane inside your living space.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/TACODOC/IMG_0790.jpg

The full project will be documented here:
HEATSOURCE HEATER (tacodoc.com/?page_id=1650)

[TACODOC]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/TACODOC/IMG_0399.jpg

Had a chance to try this out at the Desert Rendezvous! Full report coming soon...

Rumor on the street is that these will be available in the US soon, stay tuned!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/TACODOC/Bag.jpg

[TACODOC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYfAHc15em0

:bowdown:

[TACODOC]

I've outgrown the CBI bumper due to the recent addition of propane and a few other refinements I'd like to make so...

Project is underway to source a new rear bumper, stay tuned :costumed-smiley-007

[Frostymug]

Aluminess?

[robert]

I'd love to buy your CBI off you if I were closer. :)

[trump]

I'd love to buy your CBI off you if I were closer. :)

LOL... I bet. It wasn't up for more than 30 mins before someone snatched it up.

[TACODOC]

Now to decide who to have fab up a new rear bumper... Aluminess and Demello top my list.

We'll see...

[TACODOC]

At Rhino Lining of Norco and Corona...

... Pics in a couple days ;)

[Zam15]

At Rhino Lining of Norco and Corona...

... Pics in a couple days ;)

Please tell me they are doing the entire thing! :sombrero:

[TACODOC]

Please tell me they are doing the entire thing! :sombrero:

Gotta keep some shiny silver paint, but let's just say a third of the doors will be covered plus a whole lot more :costumed-smiley-007

[TACODOC]

In the booth with the masking just pulled off... flares, doors, sliders and tailgate treatment. More pics soon :cool:


http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/RhinoBooth.jpg

[4RunAmok]

NICE!!!

[NetDep]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/RhinoBooth.jpg[/QUOTE]

Looks GREAT!! I love mine too - had it done when I got the truck -- had seen it around and thought it was a good idea!!! I got the fender flares and rocker panels done with Line-X....Next, I think, is to get the rear bumper done as well.


9717897179[QUOTE=TACODOC;1095657]

[Plannerman]

In the booth with the masking just pulled off... flares, doors, sliders and tailgate treatment. More pics soon :cool:


http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/RhinoBooth.jpg

Looks great! Those guys have always done great work.

[clcoyle]

In the booth with the masking just pulled off... flares, doors, sliders and tailgate treatment. More pics soon :cool:


http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/RhinoBooth.jpg


Looking good.

[Northern Explorer]

Did the same thing to my truck. The rhino lining will really hold up well.

[Willman]

Dave,

I see your selling you rims.....What did you change too?

Love the bedliner look!

Whats next?

[TACODOC]

Dave,

I see your selling you rims.....What did you change too?

Love the bedliner look!

Whats next?

Well, it turns out I have 2 sets of these and found a set of FJ TRD wheels that just might end up in my garage this week... we'll see ;)

Maybe from this:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0876.jpg

To this:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/trdrim.jpg

[NM-Frontier]

Very nice, glad to see your keeping with Toyota wheels. Those will look great!

[TACODOC]

Very nice, glad to see your keeping with Toyota wheels. Those will look great!

Well, unfortunately the deal didnt work out so we'll see whats next.

[Airmonger]

What were your thoughts on the single swing out from CBI? I am looking at having them make one for my 80 series and wanted to know if you liked it with your awning wallset combo. I was thinking that a single swing out might not be as obtrusive to navigate around in camp as a double swing out. I am stealing your set up by the way(flattery right?) as I was pretty impressed at the pnw overland rally.

[TACODOC]

What were your thoughts on the single swing out from CBI? I am looking at having them make one for my 80 series and wanted to know if you liked it with your awning wallset combo. I was thinking that a single swing out might not be as obtrusive to navigate around in camp as a double swing out. I am stealing your set up by the way(flattery right?) as I was pretty impressed at the pnw overland rally.

CBI makes awesome stuff. I've considered double swingout but for me the single workes best since it's out of the way of my shade/shower enclosure and just seems to work well when deployed.

[TACODOC]

I'm tired of sand and rocks and mud hammering my rockers and sliders/steps... Check these out :costumed-smiley-007

Reno Taco sells these on TW:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0884.jpg

They werent going to work for me (too big) so I modified them to be more off-road friendly. We'll see how they hold up.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0892.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0895.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0893.jpg

[Uglyduck]

Nice Dave! I need to replace one of mine and these might be perfect. What brand and how do I get a pair?

[TACODOC]

Nice Dave! I need to replace one of mine and these might be perfect. What brand and how do I get a pair?

RenoTacoma sells these over on TW: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/198261-official-tacoma-mudflaps.html

[washington taco]

CBI makes awesome stuff. I've considered double swingout but for me the single workes best since it's out of the way of my shade/shower enclosure and just seems to work well when deployed.


What were your thoughts on the single swing out from CBI? I am looking at having them make one for my 80 series and wanted to know if you liked it with your awning wallset combo. I was thinking that a single swing out might not be as obtrusive to navigate around in camp as a double swing out. I am stealing your set up by the way(flattery right?) as I was pretty impressed at the pnw overland rally.

I second Dave's opinion, I really like mine. Dave stated to me prior to ordering mine that he felt his swing out was a bit heavy. I think Dave's was fabricated with square tube steel (correct me if I am wrong). Mine is fabricated from 90 degree angle and is not very heavy. I run BFG A/Ts 315/75/17 big *** heavy tire and the swing out doesn't sag a bit!

[TACODOC]

The CBI bumper is fine for the truck, the biggest issue was that it's just that it's too heavy for my wife to easily handle opening and closing. And you know if the wife aint happy aint nobody happy! The new design will incorporate some lessons learned :)

[OldSven]

Trucks looking good! I made some mud flaps for the 4runner awhile back out of 1/8" ABS and they have done great. Very sturdy but still flex enough if drug over something.

[TACODOC]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0470.jpg

[TACODOC]

Retro tailgate graphics from SockMonkey, 2012 OEM Toyota LED tail lights, Rhino Liner on top edge of tailgate

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0471.jpg

[Scott Brady]

LOVE the retro graphics! Are you going to do the TOYOTA on the grill too?

[WASURF63]

The retro TOYOTA decal looks good. Gives me a flashback to some of my first Toyota trucks.
Like the tail light upgrade too. Never cared much for the "pinkish" colored ones on my '08 either.

[TACODOC]

LOVE the retro graphics! Are you going to do the TOYOTA on the grill too?

Satoshi is in the works ;)

I like the way the Satoshi grill looked on this Tacoma V8 Incross concept truck at SEMA 2008

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/toyota-tacoma-v8-incross-concept-at-sema-2008.jpg

[Willman]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0895.jpg



Dave brother.....Like the wheels!

Side shot?

I too am playing with the wheel thing..... Toyota style.....

[TangoBlue]

Satoshi is in the works ;)

I like the way the Satoshi grill looked on this Tacoma V8 Incross concept truck at SEMA 2008

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/toyota-tacoma-v8-incross-concept-at-sema-2008.jpg

Me too! Do it - the truck will look so much better!

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/TangoBlue/CIMG1059.jpg

Lets compare the two grills...

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/TangoBlue/CIMG1337.jpg

[Palehorse1]

Satoshi is in the works ;)

I like the way the Satoshi grill looked on this Tacoma V8 Incross concept truck at SEMA 2008...

I did too but in the end decided to use the BDF grill (http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/group-buys/132341-elusive-elements-grille-group-buy.html) so I could have the space to stash a couple of IPF's behind it to keep the mental midgets from tinkering with my lights when I'm not around to personally encourage them not to. I'm using his light bar to mount the lights to keep them from shaking around on washboards and such.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/lights02.JPG (http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/237189/cat/500)

Once I move the transmission cooler I'll go ahead and order another set to be able to wire in a third light.

If you end up not liking the Satoshi insert and need a replacement grill or would just rather chop on a second grill let me know as I bought an aftermarket spare for mine - black, unpainted - in case I wouldn't like it or goofed bad enough to ruin the original.

[TACODOC]

Now to decide who to have fab up a new rear bumper...

Well after speaking with various fab shops and doing some extensive research I have decided to go with local SoCal shop and Forum Sponsor Outdoor Logic (http://www.outdoorlogic.net/home.php?cat=) for my new rear bumper build. The project will begin June 5th, stay tuned for something completely original for 2nd Gen Tacomas!

[4RunAmok]

I like OL's designs! Should be a great bumper!

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I think OL is turning out some nice products. I look forward to the finished product.

[TACODOC]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/IMG_0507.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/5-19-12_45.jpg

[penangtoy]

Doc
You have choosen wisely as Jim at Outdoor Logic will give you a high quality product and they are great guys to deal with. Check out my thread and my truck has come even further along as Jimmy and the crew have been working to accommodate my disability just have not updated. Check it out
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/53796-2003-Doublecab-Tacoma-the-OUTDOOR-LOGIC-BUILD/page5