Recent content by thesocalexplorer

Feb. 2022 build with 33k miles. Getting a bit sparkly from patina, but still on my original glass. I have a permatex chip repair kit on deck, but haven't had to use it yet.

Fun times... I'm due to change my oil + transfer case + diff fluids in the next few months along with the other two daily drivers' oil in my stable.

Was pumping gas the other day, and the sun caught my top at the right angle.... the damn thing looked like a snake! Garage kept in a southwestern climate most of the time too... No cracks thankfully. Good to know there is still some support for the earlier model year MICs

Swapped my fluid to Redline MT-LV about a month ago. Made the unit shift so much smoother. That, combined with not limp-wristing the shifts has made shifting much snappier than when I first picked mine up.

I threw on the higher trim OEM metal skids to my big bend. Less than 200 shipped to my door for the engine (MB3Z-5B018-A) + transfer case (MB3Z-7E063-A) skids. Still rocking the plastic bash plate, but will eventually throw a metal one on - I have a metal gas tank skid plate from the factory...

Would have added aux switches and the mod bumper. Other than that, extremely happy with my rig.

When I go wheelin', I typically stay in sports mode (used all the time on-road) + advancetrac completely off, since this setup still lets me go in and out of 4H + rear locker as I see necessary. When I need to drop into 4LO, I switch back into normal mode.

My 22 blows ice cold, colder than any of my previous toyotas (which were my previous gold standard). I'd take a listen to your HVAC blend doors to hear if anything is snagging and bringing hot air into the mix. That, and get the refrigerant level topped off.

I do the good ol' italian tune up every drive or two, only after all temps are up. I didn't do it much on my bronco until I had a performance pack ecoboost mustang as a rental in NY. Didn't realize how rev happy the 2.3 was, and definitely made me much more comfortable wringing my own unit out...

Just like the new manual transmission 2.4 turbo tacomas. The redline is much lower than the automatic counterparts, almost like a mini diesel engine.

I try and stick to top tier unless I'm out in the sticks, always have pumped premium since day 1.

Can't tell through the video if yours is throttle/RPM dependent, but mine has always been a bit chattery until the oil hits 125*F.

Did a similar 180 mile round trip on Monday, averaged 25.5MPG out, and the trip average dropped down to 24.5MPG as I headed back. All in sport mode, stayed in 5th gear on the highway. Incline/decline and prevailing winds were a factor.

Mine have always made a subtle squeal on light braking - almost like the wear indicator sound but at 40% loudness. I always check my pad and rotor condition when rotating my tires, still got plenty of meat on them! I just have noisy pads from the factory.

Finally got around to changing out my factory fill with some Redline MT-LV. Took all 3 quarts, and was a very easy job. 1 hr, including cleanup. Way better shifts, much less slop when shifting from 1-2, and overall smoothness is restored!