Recent content by Ted02

In the fifty years that I’ve been changing my own oil, I’ve never had any kind of trouble removing an oil filter. I use a strap wrench to remove, just to make it a little easier, then smear a bit of oil on the new filter’s gasket and install hand tight. Never had one leak either.

Could be McGard, but doesn’t really look like a key pattern of their’s to me? There are a few different brands that utilize that type of key system. If it were me, I’d just hammer on a snug fitting impact socket and spin it off with a ratchet. A replacement set of locks are pretty affordable...

Doesn't fit our 3rd gen's.

No repair input here, but just another vote for the factory radio. My Tacoma has the same radio, and I love it. Simple to use, big buttons, easy to read display in the daylight, and fits the look of the dash! Plus, I think it has great sound when adjusted to my liking. My ‘02 4Runner has a...

I’ll do my best to explain this more clearly. Aftermarket struts do not come with the end brackets that bolt to the car body. At least none that I’m aware of. OEM struts do come with the brackets. The bolts that I am referring to, hold the brackets to the body and hatch of the car. When...

When I did my first ATF drain and fill on my Tacoma, I went to my Toyota dealer for the ATF. The counter guy went to the back and then came back with Valvoline Maxlife. I told him I wanted Toyota ATF, and told me this is what they sell at this Toyota dealer. I went ahead and took it, and have...

The OEM’s come completely assembled. All you have to do is unbolt the brackets from the car body and bolt the new ones in. No messing with e-clips or bushings. Making your own bushings for aftermarkets is no big deal, but these are as easy as they come. Sure these cost more, but you get the...

Here ya go: Can be tricky looking up the numbers on some Toyota dealer’s websites. Some don’t use the dash in the number. May be easier to input “hatch lift support” and match the numbers up from there. That was my experience. Or just google the number!

OEM supports have come way down in price. Still not as cheap as the those on your list, but they do come with the brackets and bushings. Usually the bushings need replacing as well, so no having to make your own like on the aftermarket lifts. My aftermarket lifts lasted about 1 1/2 years...

The music kills it for me! I'd find something neutral for all ages if I were making a video.

Installed brand new OEM rear hatch struts. No more aftermarket struts for me! The aftermarkets didn’t even last 2 years before beginning to sag again. Plus they made the hatch feel 50 lbs heavier right from the beginning. Now the hatch opens and closes with ease like on a brand new vehicle!

When was the fuel filter last changed?

Looks great! I’m a big fan of keeping the stock non-painted wheels!

Replaced the left rear door lock actuator motor for the second time in year and a half. A set of four motors are pretty cheap on eBay. Hope this is a case of one bad one in a thousand, and not a sign of overall cheap quality? Not many options out there other than buying pricy complete actuators!

Yeah! Pretty sad huh? BTW, haven’t bought either one yet. Still on my someday to do list.