txbonds 97 4runner limited project
- Thread starter txbonds
- Start date
txbonds
Senior Member
Stopped at the 4wheel Parts distribution warehouse store heading back from a spring break trip. Went to will call to pick up my goodies and couldn't help but snap pics.
And brought home these new additions to the family. The D2s are white driving light beams and are going down inside the bumper on the lower tabs.
And brought home these new additions to the family. The D2s are white driving light beams and are going down inside the bumper on the lower tabs.
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txbonds
Senior Member
Anyone know who makes the smittybilt air setup? I've been looking it over and am thinking I will return it. It has "made in China" on every single part and while that doesn't automatically make it bad, it has me questioning the quality.
Right now I'm looking at returning in favor of a powertank setup or The Source setup, or just getting one of their regulator kits and a local bottle through airgas.
Anyone have thoughts? Thanks.
Right now I'm looking at returning in favor of a powertank setup or The Source setup, or just getting one of their regulator kits and a local bottle through airgas.
Anyone have thoughts? Thanks.
sschaefer3
New member
I have always owned actual Power Tanks and have never had an issues. That is all I know as that is all I have purchased.
txbonds
Senior Member
Thanks Steve. I like the PT but hate the price. 
Looks like a PT setup with all the pieces would run me around $509 before shipping from PowerTank.
https://www.powertank.com/products/sfID1/13/productID/440
The Source setup is $315 before shipping at Wheelers.
http://wheelersoffroad.com/product/off-road-air-systems/black-10lb-co2-kit-adjustable-regulator/
Also PT has a clearance set but I don't know how it compares to their current product line. It would run $300 but require a bracket separately.
https://www.powertank.com/products/sfID1/20/productID/500
Or I can get the regulator, mount bracket, hose, etc from wheelers for $226 and then pick up a tank from airgas locally that I just exchange for refills. Not as cheap as their kit but allows for using local bottle.
http://wheelersoffroad.com/product-...essor-co2-systems-parts/off-road-air-systems/
Looks like a PT setup with all the pieces would run me around $509 before shipping from PowerTank.
https://www.powertank.com/products/sfID1/13/productID/440
The Source setup is $315 before shipping at Wheelers.
http://wheelersoffroad.com/product/off-road-air-systems/black-10lb-co2-kit-adjustable-regulator/
Also PT has a clearance set but I don't know how it compares to their current product line. It would run $300 but require a bracket separately.
https://www.powertank.com/products/sfID1/20/productID/500
Or I can get the regulator, mount bracket, hose, etc from wheelers for $226 and then pick up a tank from airgas locally that I just exchange for refills. Not as cheap as their kit but allows for using local bottle.
http://wheelersoffroad.com/product-...essor-co2-systems-parts/off-road-air-systems/
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txbonds
Senior Member
That's why I was thinking of just buying regulator and parts. I'm going to call the local airgas place and ask tomorrow as that will help decide path somewhat.
That said, are the powertank regs any better than the source one I linked at wheelers? Or is it a wash more or less? My preference is to just buy a PT package I think but if I have to use a local tank I need to figure out the best components to put with it.
NateMob
New member
I could never pull the trigger on the price of a PT kit, i say put together your own kit. Then you can just swap the bottle out in a quick pinch instead of waiting to have it filled. If you went that route you just "rent/borrow" a bottle from the supply company.
If you decide to buy your own tank, try and find a local filler that will freeze the refill and you will actually get more air than if just get it filled on the spot. Local shop here asks you to leave it overnight to freeze solid and get a full fill, as opposed to losing about a lb on a quick fill.
Ultimate Air is another quality option.
If you decide to buy your own tank, try and find a local filler that will freeze the refill and you will actually get more air than if just get it filled on the spot. Local shop here asks you to leave it overnight to freeze solid and get a full fill, as opposed to losing about a lb on a quick fill.
Ultimate Air is another quality option.
txbonds
Senior Member
Would you pay for the PT regulator kit, or do you think others are going to be just as good? I want adjustable so I can use tools, but the one at wheelers is adjustable.
Swimmerboy2112
New member
Maybe I missed it, but where did you get your manual hub spindles? And what did they run you? How are the LR upper control arms holding up?
Looks great btw.
Looks great btw.
txbonds
Senior Member
I've only put about 350 miles on it so far with the LR arms but so far so good. Will keep the thread updated. If I have any problems I'm blaming [MENTION=88391]NateMob[/MENTION] since I got them from him. LOL. :boink:
I picked up all the other front end parts, including the aisin hubs, through camelback parts. Only thing I bought elsewhere was the hub studs, cone washers, etc and I got them at Marlin crawler to save some dough. I think the brand new hub assembly ran me around $400 for everything. You can find them by searching for a 98 tacoma deluxe, as that's how I found them. I figured up I had about $800 in the conversion parts going all new parts but it was because I got the new knuckles for free from Toyota. Not cost effective but not much more than what I was finding online for the parts well used. Never did find any in the local yards either.
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NateMob
New member
I think this one would serve you fine, most air tools arent to be operated above 100-110 PSI anyway. And at half the price of PT's cheaper regulator i would give it a go. It doesnt flow as fast, but CO2 is fast anyway so i think you'd still be as happy with its output. Shipping may be cheaper since they are closer.
OFFROAD AIR ADJUSTABLE REGULATOR! OA-4130
txbonds
Senior Member
Thanks. That is the same one as the one wheelers i think. It is certainly cheaper than the ones from PT.
NateMob
New member
Yeah its the same one, i was just listing it from TRD of Dallas to save you a few bucks if possible.
txbonds
Senior Member
Cool, thanks. This one should work fine for my usage.
Swimmerboy2112
New member
Thanks for the quick reply, I'll be keeping my eye on this thread to see how you like the upper control arms as you put more miles on them.
And thanks for the info on the hubs!
txbonds
Senior Member
PS - Steve, not sure if you saw it but I ordered a set of the rear body mounts and a jack jaw yesterday through the website.
Also ordered some new factory rear links and factory rear upper control arms to install with the HD rear lower arms you sent me last week.
And with a big sigh and a deep exhale, I think I can say suspension work will be done once these are all on the truck.
txbonds
Senior Member
Thanks for the tips and feedback. I looked at making my own kit using a local bottle and either the Powertank or Source regulator, but it really wasn't much cheaper because you loose the package discount you get buy buying it all as a package deal.
And when you start comparing the price difference between the Source setup and the PowerTank setup, normally the Power Tank is around $75 more. Prices may vary if you shop around.
Black 10LB CO2 Kit - Adjustable Regulator
Power Tank Package "A" CO2 Systems
Based on the Power Tank reputation, warranty and service I called and spoke to Bob at Power Tank and ordered a package deal using their clearanced Stealth regulator setup. It's the same regulator as their current HP250i SuperFlow regulator but with some higher quality liquid filled gauges per Bob.
https://www.powertank.com/products/sfID1/20/productID/500
They accommodated me by making a really sweet kit using the clearanced stealth setup but with a matte black tank and included the upgraded power flow and super flow couplers. They made me a heck of a deal over buying the normal package and I should have it next week.
I found a fire extinguisher shop locally to fill it and already sent the smittybilt tank on its way back for refund. I think I made the right decision for me and look forward to getting the PowerTank gear.
And when you start comparing the price difference between the Source setup and the PowerTank setup, normally the Power Tank is around $75 more. Prices may vary if you shop around.
Black 10LB CO2 Kit - Adjustable Regulator
Power Tank Package "A" CO2 Systems
Based on the Power Tank reputation, warranty and service I called and spoke to Bob at Power Tank and ordered a package deal using their clearanced Stealth regulator setup. It's the same regulator as their current HP250i SuperFlow regulator but with some higher quality liquid filled gauges per Bob.
https://www.powertank.com/products/sfID1/20/productID/500
They accommodated me by making a really sweet kit using the clearanced stealth setup but with a matte black tank and included the upgraded power flow and super flow couplers. They made me a heck of a deal over buying the normal package and I should have it next week.
I found a fire extinguisher shop locally to fill it and already sent the smittybilt tank on its way back for refund. I think I made the right decision for me and look forward to getting the PowerTank gear.
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