As seen in Toyota Trails!
Various articles written here have been published in TLCA's Toyota Trails magazine and on their website. After roaming around our site, click on the magazines to visit TLCA.
Tech and Fabrication
Adding Gauges
By Tony K
Finding a place to add one gauge is pretty easy in our wagons. But add more than that plus a few switches and it can get pretty frustrating. I had already installed the air pressure gauge for my compressor set up but I recently purchased a mechanical oil pressure gauge and decided I wanted to add a voltmeter that I already had on hand. This complicated things as there just wasn’t any extra room to be found. So time to do some more thinking inside the wagon for a solution.
Changing U-joints
By Tony K
Like everybody I used to beat the heck out of my u-joints, both removing and installing. But I say that past tense. I have found a much easier, gentler way to do it. at least while I am in my shop. The old beat the heck out of things is still the method of choice on the trail.
Transfer Case Rebuild
By Tony K
After quite a few miles and a fair share of abuse it’s time to rebuild my transfer case. The bearings are a bit tired, the idler shaft has started to wear and the main seal between the tranny and t-case has failed (a common problem with a lot of miles on the rig). And you are going to need more than just this write up. Think of it as a supplement to your service manual. What we try to share is what is not in the manual. So, first and foremost be sure to have a Factory Service Manual handy, preferably a paper copy. The Internet is handy but a bit of a pain to use with greasy fingers…
Battery Cables
By Tony K
Simple but important components of our rigs. They are the connection between the batteries and the starter and other larger high draw components such as winches. You can use the most basic battery cables you can find or get a little more picky and install some better cables.
Dual Batteries
By Tony K
There are some good reasons to install dual batteries and if you drive a Toyota diesel it is somewhat mandatory. Diesels tend to take a bit more effort to turn over that high compression. But just about any rig will benefit from the extra juice supplied by a second battery. There are numerous ways to connect a dual battery set up but like I have said before I like simple.