December 2013

In the previous issue I covered electrical, storage, and communication modifications on my Taco. This time I’ll finish up this retrospective with performance mods, parts, and repairs & failures I’ve dealt with.

Performance/Accessories:

Basic Specifications:

• TRD Supercharger
• Helton Hot Water Shower System
• Safari Snorkel
• ARB CKMA12 Air compressor
• ARB Freezer-Fridge

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

I've been building Toyotas, Jeeps, and Broncos for years. For the last 8yrs, I've specialized in building hard core Toyota rock crawlers though. Toyotas have always had a sweet spot in my heart, since my first car was an 86' standard cab pickup. Now, I've always thought that the double cab Toyotas were one of those cool trucks that we could never get our hands on here in the states. They've been building them in South America, Australia and in European Countries for years, but until 2001 Toyota never offered it in the U.S. market. Needless to say, I've always wanted to build one the right way. But, they hold their value so well that it never made sense to buy one only to rip it apart for a full build up.

Just a scratch..or two..

Photos by: Monte Nickles, Ben Springli, Mike Digirat

If you missed last month’s issue, allow me to fill you in on what’s happen. A bunch of Tacomas doing a ton of trails through Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. We just finished the first three trails in Wyoming and Montana and are back in Powell, WY for a shower and fixing our rigs. Mine was in the worst shape with a front differential leaking all of its fluid for unknown reasons.

Didn't take long to get the truck up on the lift and tear the whole thing down. Turns out a CV seal was installed wrong at my own hand. It was a miracle it had lasted as long as it had. Unfortunately by the time everything was tore apart, it was about 11pm.

So you’re in the market for a rooftop tent.  Have you figured out where you will mount it yet?  There is no disputing that rooftop tents, or RTT, have been growing in popularity among off-road enthusiasts.  For weekend excursions to international expeditions, wherever your travels may lead you, you can be assured that if your vehicle can make it there, you can set up camp there.