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Any upgrades you've done or plan to do??

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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Done anything to hook up your truck??? Give a description here about what you did or plan to do, anything from small cheap upgrades to suspension lifts or lockers. Pics are always a plus but just going over what you did will work as well.
Jul 27 2007 9:33AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Here's a start, cheapo airbox boost. I haven't done this yet but i found it on a toyota forum and it sounds great. They simply take a deckplate(installable hole w/ cap) for boats and cut a hole in the airfilter box, then attach the deckplate in the hole. The deckplate has a cap that screws in so while raining or mudding you can cap it, but on highway or dry conditions you can open it up for a big hole in your airbox. Looks like this, Click for larger image The article i snagged this photo from the actually removed the silencer that comes stock in the tacoma and inserted a straight pipe for even better airflow behing the filter, which looks like this Click for larger image

These seemed like two easy cheapo upgrades to give slightly better breathing to your trucks. They also recommended upgrading to easy flow filters also, not k & n or anything just a non cotton type filter unlike the stock one.
Jul 27 2007 10:03AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
actually the whole artice I snagged the pics from was good so let me try and link it here.
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMiPZ8KlGLzQAWCOjzbkF/SIG=127drgas0/EXP=1185628761/**http%3A//code4x4.com/articles/tavs/toyota-tacoma.html
Jul 27 2007 10:05AM
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TheButterHashira
Posts: 9691 - Karma: 1,702
all i really care to do on mine is add a ski rack or two. haha
Jul 27 2007 11:51AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Upgrade tires??? bfg all terrains are what i ride, they are great in mud or snow, plus they are pretty heavy duty to resist puncture. I got 31 x 10.5 x 15 so no lift needed or anything, just better traction.

Oh and i should get a new pic cause i put a rack on mine for the kayaks mostly. It's just a ladder rack like for construction and stuff but it serves the purpose.
Jul 27 2007 12:00PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
i'm looking at putting a 4 inch lift on next summer so i can accomodate 33's, and then adding a short shift kit.
Jul 27 2007 12:56PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Here's a good example of someone taking their artsy time and doing a damn good job IMO with just a couple cans of spray paint and some homemade cut out stencils, and a few real leaves i think too.

Anyway here's my buddies yota, It's my old one, and 88 four cyl.
Click for larger imageClick for larger image
Jul 27 2007 1:33PM
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J-R-D
Posts: 69 - Karma: 10
im thinking about getting some alpines and like some surf rack thing for my board in the bed haha and thats like it
Jul 27 2007 7:54PM
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PLJaCks
Posts: 566 - Karma: 10
i'd like to just get exhaust and intake for my 4runner... and a rack on top. maybe lift it 3 or 4 inches in the future.
Aug 17 2007 1:26AM
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*542*
Posts: 1224 - Karma: 19
Upgrades done by the previous owner -

Header

Click for larger image

Smittybuilt Front Bumper

Click for larger image

Tinted Windows, Performance Exhaust, CD player. I personnally would not have put on the bumper, header, or exhaust on a 4 cylinder, but whatever. It came with 31 x 10.5 toyo wild countrys and those work good but they are starting to become cupped....the air pressure is correct, maybe i should fill them up all the way?

Work done by me and my dad-

Ski rack screwed into the roof

Click for larger image

New alternator, battery, U-joints, electical box that controls back window motor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, pvc valve tube....and other stuff too.

Upgrades i plan to do-

Well, now that the motor is shot, i plan on buying a new one. For some reason there is too much pressure in the crank case and it is puting out enough pressure to shoot the oil dipstick out and spray oil underneath the hood like it does with mud when you go 4wheeling (no its not the pvc valve). The best deal i have found is a fully rebuilt motor with a new head for $1250 with a 30 month 30,000 mile warranty. I am running the "legendary never gonna break down 22re" but mine broke down even though the previous owner had a full bottom end rebuild and new head...i guess it just got tired and crapped out.

I also plan to replace the sound system (most speakers have been blown out), buy new tires before winter, and take off the running boards. I would also really like to lift it eventually. Maybe a 4 in suspension 3 in body or SAS it and just lift it enough to clear 35-37 in tires.
Aug 29 2007 4:09PM
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DANETRON
Posts: 6671 - Karma: 137
well i really want to sas my 89 but i dont think ill ever have the cash so ill probally end up lifting it like 4 inches or so
Aug 30 2007 2:36PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Alright I love my truck but I'm not really a mechanic or anything, what is this SAS you speak of??
Aug 30 2007 2:47PM
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*542*
Posts: 1224 - Karma: 19
SAS is straight axle swap. you can really fuck your truck up if you do it wrong, but from what i have heard its not that bad. why straight axles? much easier/cheaper to lift, and lots of people think they're more durable. bad side-its not as smooth of a ride. 79-85 toyotas were built with a straight axle. from 85-today toyotas were built with fuel injection, making 85 the ideal year for lifting. you can take an axle from a 79-85 toyota and swap it into a pickup or 4runner until 95, but thats the last year that it is compatible with the ifs (from what i've heard).
Aug 30 2007 6:04PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
ok I got ya now, I'm familiar with straight fronts just didn't know the abreviation. Like this right??

Click for larger image
Aug 31 2007 11:44AM
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*542*
Posts: 1224 - Karma: 19
yup
Sep 1 2007 2:31PM
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DANETRON
Posts: 6671 - Karma: 137
yup thats it
Sep 1 2007 5:22PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
I got some hella fog lights sitting in a box right now, I gotta get off my lazy ass and hook em up. I wanna get a grille guard first though to mount em on.
Oct 24 2007 8:48AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
something like this
Click for larger image
Oct 24 2007 8:53AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Eventually one of these as well.
http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/Project+Off-Road/Project-ORT-Cold-Air-Intake-Install/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/453963?contextCategoryId=33258
Oct 24 2007 1:16PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
Who makes that grill guard? 
I've been looking into one for awhile, I like the ARB Bull Bar, but it's about $1000, but it replaces the front bumper rather than cover it like most grill guards.

Click for larger image
Oct 25 2007 12:59AM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
Fucking picture...hopefully this one works.

Click for larger image
Oct 25 2007 1:01AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Ya I just ebay searched tacoma grille guard and my year(1998) and I got a lot of search results. That one is one of many small companies that produce cheap grills. I don't know about the quality but that picture I posted was a grill for 200. I was actually thinking about setting up paypal and buying it. It can't be that flimsy, I really like the bars over the headlights cause I tend to drive through brush. Also search around on that arb bar, I found a site yesterday where it was $815.
Oct 25 2007 9:07AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
http://www.mrtoyotaparts.com/ME-BBG.aspx

Here's that bumper for just over 800.
http://www.mrtoyotaparts.com/MC-BBG-CCFG.aspx
Oct 25 2007 9:22AM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
^ Thanks for the heads-up on those bumper prices.  That's the cheapest I've seen it anywhere. 
Oct 31 2007 12:15AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Ya just too pricey for me, plus I don't need to house a winch or anything for now, just wanna protect my body from trees/brush/deer.
Oct 31 2007 11:47AM
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kthnxbai.
Posts: 2847 - Karma: 179
doing an SAS is very easy and difficult to mess up.  All the trucks i have done the work on ride so much better than stiff IFS lifts.  The key is running Rears up front springs to keep the ride soft.  They are way more durable than IFS my friends blow CVs on IFS with open diffs and grenade them with lockers.  Not all the trucks after 85 were fuel injected too, just majority.  I've owned 89 and 85 carbed trucks.  It is easiest to use the 79-85 housings up until 95, but people use them even after those years.  You just need to have the right transfer cases to do it.  Some people like swapping cases better so they can use the toy axle instead of using a dana44.  The 85 housings have extra gussets so they are more sought after as well. 
Nov 1 2007 1:24AM
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kthnxbai.
Posts: 2847 - Karma: 179
There are many other bumpers out there that you can get for less money and better looking IMO.  with all the same coverage if not more.  Try checking out All Pro Offroads Site, Marlin Crawler, 4xInnovations, Demello Offroad, not sure if they have one yet but Trail-Gear.  Do some searching and you can find something cheaper and nicer.  Let me know if you are really interested and i will dig up a couple links.
Dec 5 2007 1:37PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
Thanks, from what I've researched, the ARB seems to be the best, hands down. I know the other companies make quality shit as well, just doesn't appeal to me as much. Also, cost isn't so much of a deal anymore. I found out my boss is in Search and Rescue with a guy from ARB out here in Seattle, so I may be able to get a deal.
Dec 8 2007 2:31AM
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kthnxbai.
Posts: 2847 - Karma: 179
i dont know man.  i would have to say first hand that almost all those bumpers are going to be better than an ARB.  they weigh a ton and cant take all the abuse most others can.  we have bent them pretty bad.  most everyone is running demello ones now.  ARB is just selling their name.
Dec 9 2007 2:03PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
Damn, you've actually bent the ARB? I thought those things were beefier than that. Besides Demello, who else makes something bombproof?
Dec 15 2007 10:33PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777

Upgrade done:  Just put on new leaf springs last night.  Northwest Offroad Specialties Heavy duty replacement springs.  I now get another 700 lbs load capacity, not to mention about 1' higher in the back.  It really looks great leveled out a bit more and rides sooooooo good and tight.  Used all urethane bushings on brand new hardware just to make the job easy, also picked up urethane bush. for smashed body mounts and a sloppy steering rack.  She should be sooooo much tighter when I get all this done.  Maybe I'll throw a pic on here to see if it's a noticeable difference.

Oh yeah I jacked to whole thing with a fork-truck at work just to get it up on the stands, that was fun.

Dec 28 2007 9:41AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Loving the new springs, loaded the back with wood almost to the top of the cap and they barely even sunk at all. Also much stiffer ride in the rear. Now I just need to put in the rest of the urethane I bought to tighten up the body mounts and steering.
Jan 11 2008 3:29PM
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DANETRON
Posts: 6671 - Karma: 137

In the process of bobing my bed 11 inches. Got it cut just need to weld it back up

Jan 26 2008 12:41PM
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kthnxbai.
Posts: 2847 - Karma: 179
nice man.  post some pics up when you can.
Mar 11 2008 4:15PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Just threw a cheapo aftermarket brush guard on for bouncing deer off of. I had a buck run right into the side of my truck a month ago as I was driving around midnight. We have tons of deer around here in PA. I'll try and get a pic of what she's looking like these days on here.
Apr 2 2008 9:27AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Click for larger image BEFORE

Click for larger imageAFTER

The new leaf springs in the back totally get rid of the rear end sag that is so common in yotas. That's the cheapo bar I got for 250 shipped, it'll do the trick of covering up the lights and front end good enough.
Apr 3 2008 9:34AM
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DANETRON
Posts: 6671 - Karma: 137

I started gathering parts for my sas. I just picked up a 14BFF and dana44 from a 3/4 ton chevy. The dana 44 is welded up and will probably just be temporary.

Apr 24 2008 1:43PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
NEW SHOES
Click for larger image
May 7 2008 8:28AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
After about 4 years of sitting in the box and two different trucks I got a round to putting on my fog lights. I was really just waiting to get a front guard so they were easy to mount. The relay was shot(probably from being in the back of my truck for two years) so we I had to just wire it up straight. It's cool though cause I can turn em on with highs or even if the trucks off with no key in. I'm happy with them, still gotta adjust them a bit but they are bright as hell......or HELLA.

Click for larger image
Sep 4 2008 10:04AM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
kind of an old thread but i just figured out i can afford a full OME (old man emu from ARB) suspension...
thats coils, struts, emu dakar leafs, rear shocks, greasable shackles, the works. its about 950 in parts...

then somes the ARB bull bar, IPF 968 fog lights, ARB compressor, air locker, and cab rack.

Jan 12 2009 9:25PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Done. cost $15, 45 mins of work, and 20 hrs of waiting for the seamant to dry. best mod ive done to my yota.
http://www.wattora.com/index.php?page_id=10
theres the link i used. reccomended to anyone.
i have a 4cyl taco and it worked... just required a little more creativity.
May 16 2009 8:32PM
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Sdot.
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 4,488
Man, I've already posted some of our plans in the other threads, so I won't repeat them in here. I will say, though, that Brown Truck is a money pit... We're constantly doing something new. She's got a CD player in the glove box that's not connected because we need speakers for it. I guess that'll be a project for this winter. We're going to mount speakers on the ceiling (well, on the roll cage) instead of the doors and then have an iPod hookup on the ceiling, too.
Sep 29 2010 4:54PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Next up are the safety mods: extended brake lines, rear brake proportioning plate, and a front dif drop kit.

After that is an ARB-mounted Hi-Lift and maybe a gun rack for the 12 gauges.

...and I just replaced the clutch/flywheel/pilot and release bearings last weekend.

Dang this thing is a money pit!
Sep 30 2010 9:30AM
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Sdot.
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 4,488
^Haha nice! We want to put a gun rack in Brown, but we can barely fit one shot gun between the bucket seats, much less a rack inside. The roll cage and three gear shifters take up a lot of room in that little tiny cab. Oh well.

They're always money pits! We're constantly saying, "Oh, just this other thing, and then that will be perfect," but then we end up thinking of more shit that we want to do to our trucks... Ahhhh, it never ends. I guess there are worse habits to have.
Sep 30 2010 2:09PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Ya right now the back seats of my Xtra cab are holding 2 gun cases with 3 guns...so ya need a case.

agreed on the money pit thing!
Sep 30 2010 7:02PM
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Sdot.
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 4,488
Haha I hear you. Do you shoot much?
Sep 30 2010 8:06PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Yup, pretty much every weekend. Plus hunting. Duck season starts next Wednesday!

You shoot at all?
Oct 2 2010 7:39PM
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Sdot.
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 4,488
3-5 days a week, haha. Toyotas and guns pretty much consume the lives of my boyfriend and me. I just asked the leader of The Gun Club cult thinger to send you an invite, so you should be getting one in the next few days. It's about as dead in there as it is in here, but still has some good content. :)
Oct 4 2010 5:16PM
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Sdot.
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 4,488
Brown Truck finally got black rims. So much sexier than the others, even if they aren't as high quality. At least none of these got fucked by a 23" birch tree.
Nov 7 2010 6:55PM
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jonny828
Posts: 1096 - Karma: 58
anyone run an aussie locker? looking for some reviews before i put one in my 1993 4runner, its an automatic and im tryin to save money and theyre pretty cheap and easy to install i believe
Apr 8 2011 12:06PM
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jonny828
Posts: 1096 - Karma: 58
hate to dub post but also anyone put a light bar on their rig themselves? share some pics im trying to figure out the best way to go about it
Apr 8 2011 2:27PM
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