I have been wanting to replace my t-case mount for a while, but haven't gotten around to it....until today. The original was worn out and pretty close to failing completely.





Also, I noticed a little contact between the drain plug and skid plate. Notice the mark on the right...



So, I went to Trail Gear for a mount. These mounts look indestructible...



I've got quite a bit more clearance for the drain plug, with that saggy old mount replaced.

Before...



After...





My wrenching partner..eating peanuts and having a Pepsi...



TG let me know there would be more noise and vibration from the drivetrain, due to the stiffer mount. I noticed it, but it's totally bearable. I'm thinking about some stronger engine mounts now, to compliment this mod.

 

Very nice! I wish that trail gear (or anybody for that matter)would make one of those mounts for my auto trans & chain driven t-case.

 

Love the new mods.

You almost sound like your a camo nut like myself. Here is a couple of mock ups I did a while back. If I could find a realistic/ inexpensive way to do either of these it would be a tough call.

 

it SOUNDS tacky, but vinyl wrap it... cost you less than 300 bucks...

maltese, any way you need a Tacoma to be a guinea pig for a bumper? my front and rear are both shot and i LOVE the look of yours...

 

Thanks John. I love the look of the second one. I wanted to paint mine a nice digital camo, but it would be too expensive and time consuming, considering that I'd just drag it through some brush on the trail.
Yeah, vinyl is nice, but mucho dinero. If I ever get into building the bumpers again, I'll get in touch with you. You're close enough that we could build something for your rig. Plus you have a body lift, so it would be good to use for a mock up.

 

A few of us got together for some camping/relaxing/wheeling over the weekend. It was nice to do something besides work, for a change. It seems to be hard to find time for fun these days. Anyway, most everyone else had other things going on, so it was just a few of us this time out.
We chose Grey's Mountain because it's an easy drive from town, and we were heading up Friday after work. Conigirl went up early Friday afternoon, to set up camp. Liz and I got there around 7:30 that night, with just enough time to set things up before dark, and crack open a cold one....or two. Later that night our friend Dave, and his family, showed up. In the morning we decided to go check out Jones' Store at Beasore Meadows. They are open seasonally for the cabin owners in the area. Then we headed toward Fresno Dome, where there are still some snowy patches at around 7000' elevation. The snow was very hard, so it was an easy drive after airing down. I ran 9 psi all day, since it was such a plush ride on the trails. We stopped at some nice scenic spots along the way, then headed back to camp. The kids were anxious to go fishing. We had lunch at camp, then a few friends jumped in my rig and we hit some of the trails close to camp. Sunday morning we got packed up, and went down to a waterfall downstream from camp. It was an excellent weekend, with plenty of time for relaxation, and a 'no rush' attitude all around.

Poser IFS flex...



Roughing it, tent style...



Girls with tidy wipes...



Willow Creek through camp...



Jones' Store...



Toward Fresno Dome...



A little scenery...









Some wheeling at Chepo Saddle...

 

very nice....i think the last pic is my favorite

 

did I miss the link somewhere? Is your web site up for the bumpers and other armor??

 

Thanks Jerry. Looks like you guys had some fun as well. Good to see your truck getting some trail time.
No, you didn't miss anything. I haven't had the time or money to get things going on my own.

 

Well hopefully by next year you will have them, I like your bumpers so when I get the funds next year sometime i will hit you up. That trail ride looked awsome, wish I could have made it, I am ready to try some trails.

 

I got a mild improvement in suspension. I broke one of my rear shocks a while ago, so they were replaced with a pair of Bilstein's from a Tacoma, which were too short but all I had at the time. Also, I had still been running the junky gas shocks that were on the front when I got the 4Runner. I have been watching the boards for the right deal to come along. Last week I found a set of Rancho RS9000's on the Marlin board for $100, in good shape. I didn't find the time to check them out before the camping trip, but when I got back I checked the ad again. The price was lowered to $60 for the set. So, I snagged 'em up. I haven't run Rancho's before, but these seem to work pretty well. The ride is nice on the road, and smooth off road. I set the adjustments on the shocks to 3, just to start in the middle, and I'm sure that's where they'll stay. It's also nice to have the appropriate travel in the rear again. These should be just fine until I can get the real suspension mods done.

 

Still got the billies?

 

Yeah, they're in my garage. You need 'em?

 

If they're for a 95-04 taco, then, how much??

 

Got to love your bumpers.....lookin good

 

I got my new all aluminum radiator last week, and since I had today off, and no other obligations, I got it installed. Before I started working on it this morning, I went to O'Reilly and picked up a 16" electric fan and thermostatic controller. I picked up the radiator on eBay, after hearing positive results on Mountain Cop's 4Runner.

My pile of parts...



Old vs. New...



I had to use some spacers on the studs for the fan pulley, in place of the clutch fan...



There's about an inch of clearance at the closest point...



I mounted the thermostat and relay on the core support next to the radiator...



Installed...





I took it for a spin, and it feels a little more responsive, plus it's much quieter without the fan clutch locked up in the summer heat. Also, it's cooling well enough for the fan to cycle on and off periodically at stop lights. Overall, I'm very pleased with the parts I chose. Now I just need to upgrade my wimpy alternator....

On another note... I ordered some 55w HID's for the Hella 500ff's sitting in my garage. They should come in handy at Pismo next month!

 

Sweet, thats the same radiator that I ordered based on mountain cops review! I havent installed mine yet. I have a taurus fan and I am just waiting on my fan controller to come so I can get it in. Your going to the pismo jambo?? I want to go but got a family get together that saturday. Trail gear is having a get together at bald mountain next weekend and I was thinking on checkin that out. let me know when you guys go wheelin again!!

 

Thanks, c0ugar! I'll let you know when we get a trip together.

 

I sprayed some OD green today. Still have a little more to do on the passenger side, and the tailgate. Some pics...

 

looks good.