Recent content by Dipodomys

$2,500 total front and rear I was quoted from a reputable shop here in the Bay Area. That includes both gear sets, new bearings, seals, labor, and an alignment. Labor is expensive here.

Only if the truck is sitting for more than a couple of weeks. I've found that there's enough "background" electrical draw going on (even when everything is "off") that the battery voltage will eventually drop below optimal. A little trickle charger is a good idea if the vehicle isn't your daily...

After TEN YEARS of service, I am finally replacing the Odyssey PC1200LMJT batteries in my 2008 Tacoma. They are only now beginning to drop off in their ability to take and maintain a full charge. I have never had any battery last this long, particulalry under the conditions that these have been...

After TEN YEARS of service, I am finally replacing the Odyssey PC1200LMJT batteries in my 2008 Tacoma. They are only now beginning to drop off in their ability to take and maintain a full charge. I have never had any battery last this long. I installed these in late 2008 as part of an upgrade to...

I agree, and I've never liked wider tires for that reason. A wider tire would have been even nosier, heavier, and more prone to wear. These tires provide additional height without as many of those disagreeable consequences. The 255/85/16 is about 33.1 inches in diameter when new, and about 10...

I live in the Bay Area, and everything costs a lot more here. The quotes I've gotten hover around $2,500, which would include the new ring and pinion, new bearings and seals (recommended given the truck's 140k mileage), an alignment, and labor. I could save some by removing the pumpkins myself...

I'm copying this post that I wrote for another thread, as it is relevant here. It's essentially a review of my experience with the BFG Mud-Terrain KM2 in the 255/85/16 size. I've had them on my 2008 Tacoma for about three years. I hope someone finds my experience helpful. --- I run the BFG...

Haha, great post that brought back memories of my '84 XtraCab, which was super deluxe back then when I got it in the early 90s. It's too bad that mine had 200,000 hard miles on it by the time I got it, but you can't beat straight-axle and 22R simplicity. And dude, it's not "car camping." It's...

I run the BFG Mud 255/85/16 on my 2008 Tacoma, with stock steel rims like the kind that comes with the underbed spare. I absolutely love the tire because they provide additional clearance and I like the tall, skinny look. I've never actually used them in mud (who wants to clean up the mess?)...

So here's the question: What's in your spare parts box? What parts have failed you, either out in the field or just driving around town? Any and all thoughts would be appreciated, with due consideration for cost and bulk. I once knew a guy who carried a spare ENGINE in the back of his VW bus...

OK, a couple of questions for you gear experts: 1) 2008 Tacoma DC with AT, what's my stock gear ratio? 3.73s? Here's my door jam trans/axle ID sticker. I have yet to find a site that can accurately interpret my axle code. 2) I'm running 255/85/16 BFG muds. These are a tall "skinny" tire, 33.1"...

Good post. I put 33s on my 2008 DC with the auto trans and am really feeling the difference with the stock gears (3.73, I believe). The guy at the local gear shop said the general rule of thumb is to go up one "gear size" for each change in tire size. So if I went up two tire sizes then that...

If you want something basic and affordable, consider the rim that's probably hanging under your truck bed on your spare tire. They aren't 17s, but they accommodate my BFG 255/85/16 Muds quite nicely. That's a tall, "skinny" tire, about an inch taller than what you indicated you might be after...

My thinking is that a controller designed to work in someone's shed might not hold up well in an engine compartment. Heat extremes, water, mud, etc. wouldn't be a factor in a stationary application, but they would be in a vehicle. Not to mention vibration and banging around. It seems like...

"Trickle charge" probably wasn't the best description. I'm just looking for enough to balance the charge and discharge a bit, or at least to slow the net rate of discharge. A panel with wattage like you describe should do the trick for what I'm after. My guess is that there will be some...