July 31, 2024
I've fallen behind with Rig Reviews since there are lots of trips to write up and share (and I think people like them more), but I'm hoping to do better.
This will cover things that have happened over the course of the following trips:
So, let's get into it!
TL;DR - I couldn't get my rear e-locker to disengage on a recent trip. Turns out that one of the wires broke at the frame harness, so I need to fix it.
Many have had trouble with their e-lockers - usually because they've not used them for long periods of time and so they get gummed up - but I've never had any issue or run into this situation before.
TL;DR - It's finally time to replace my front brake pads on the left (driver) side, and I've been so happy with the Toyota OEM pads I've been running that I'm not even looking for other alternatives.
TL;DR - The scheel-mann seats I bought two years ago are the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in and continue to work as designed. The only thing better would be Toyota OEM seats that were built/upholstered to provide the same support but with a slightly less bulky form factor.
Without a doubt, quality seats.
TL;DR - I fixed the wiring for my rear e-locker, and it was pretty easy!
TL;DR - I have been extremely happy with Cooper S/T Maxx tires over the last six years. I would not hesitate to recommend them as one of the best tires you can run for the type of exploring that I do.
Fantastic tires.
Seemingly solved from previous Rig Reviews
I didn't solve much from previous rig reviews this time, but I waited long enough to write up this review that all of the new issues were resolved! I'll chalk that up as a win. 
Unchanged / Still an issue from previous Rig Reviews
There are some things that have been featured in Rig Reviews that are - as yet - unchanged from when I originally reviewed them. Rather than highlight those things again, I'll simply link to them here.
Love Rig Reviews? Here's the whole list, so you can catch up everything!
Rig Reviews
Two of my friends have scheel-mann seats in their 80 Series Land Cruisers and they say it is one of their best upgrades. High $ upgrade, but they "feel" it was worth it.
Definitely a spendy modification, but as I mentioned at the time I did it - you spent all the time you're in the vehicle sitting in the seats. That should be the place where you spend the most money to be as comfortable as possible!
These aren't perfect - and I might have an idea for an even better... if it works out, option in the future - but they are definitely comfortable!
About the Toyota brake pads. I also only have run the stock Toyota pads and shoes on my ‘09 DCLB Sport. After my last brake job I took a look at the Toyota website and saw that there are TRD pads that are supposed to be a higher performance compound. Supposedly they are comparable to EBC or Hawk but with Toyota quality.
Interesting. I don't think there are TRD brake pads for the 1st gen Tundra (which is what I'd need since I'm running Tundra brakes on my Tacoma) but if you know of some, I'd love to get a lead on them. 👍
Love these rig reviews. My Tacoma is hitting the 360,000 mile markbut I have learned and done all maintenance using OEM parts (mostly). I was curiously have you ever installed an after market sensor to monitor oil pressure/temps? If so what have you used?
Glad you're enjoying the Rig Reviews. I think I'll probably do ~4 a year at this point - perhaps a Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter sort of cadence. It's always fun to keep tabs on what's working and what isn't.
I've never done anything with oil pressures, since I've never had an issue with them, and - at least according to Blackstone - my engine seems happy.
If you do get one, I'd love to hear about it, and how well you feel like it's working.