Ultimate Tacoma Rear Axle; Torture Tested for 3 Days in the Desert

I have absolutely fallen in love with the 2005 Toyota Tacoma that I built on my TV Show FourWheeler. It started as just a simple build, but has morphed into a GREAT truck.
• Epic Overland Trip; Yu...
I have done so much work to this vehicle including a V8 swap, a total frame replacement, and a custom overland kitchen setup in the bed.
The only item that I have left of concern is the rear axle. I finally nailed down a good gear ratio for the package of V8 Power and Manual Transmission on 35" tires, and the Tacoma rear axles are good...but I hated having wheel spacers and they are known for bending under serious load.
So when i found out Dynatrac had a custom rear axle assembly available I knew it was what I needed to make my truck perfect....and what better way to test it than on the Yukon Adventure Trek!!
onX Track of the Route
webmap.onxmaps...
V8 Swap Video
• Tundra 4.7 V8 Swap Int...
Frame replacement Video
• Toyota Tacoma Rusted F...
Update on the V8 Swap
• 2UZ Swap Tacoma Long T...
Where to get the goods:
Get Your building at: miracletruss.com
Get This guy to build it: www.qualitybui...
Welders: esab.com/us/na...
Plasma Table: www.fastcutcnc...
Fab Files: www.diyoffroad...
Support the Channel patreon.com/Bi...
#fabrication #offroad #howto
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DISCLAIMER: Due to factors out of the control of the Big Tire Garage, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Big Tire Garage assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Big Tire Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Big Tire Garage

[@BigTireGarage]

I am falling more in love with this Tacoma the longer I have it....this trip was the ultimate test.....and the little Tacoma hung with Gladiators and JL's on 40's ALL WEEK LONG and hit every single line that they did. All with an open front diff and 35's

[@jimdawson2549]

Just heard Joe Elmore passed away.

[@strykerentllc]

Enjoyed this episode just like every other one before, Ian. The taco is badass! Only thing missing in the video was adorable lil' Zelda making a cameo appearance which was kinda disappointing but we're hoping to see her soon. Q: Whose pipe stands (make and model #) are you using? Finally, one nifty little tool we came across to avoid having to hammer directly on sockets or extensions is made by Schley Tools that comes in 1/2 drive. Cheers dude, and keep up the great content! 👍

[@ProjectXJ]

Ian @BigTireGarage did you run charouleau gap?

[@BigTireGarage]

@@ProjectXJ yes

[@ProjectXJ]

@BigTireGarage i went a watched the video. Loved the content. There is so much great wheeling in Arizona. Sad i didn't see you guys out on the trail. Andrew is part of my jeep club and is a good guy.

[@brandonbullard2523]

Badass! This is as close to a perfect single cab taco as I've seen. Blowing rear gear sets gets old fast... a D60 is a necessary upgrade for any 2nd gen Tacoma that wheels hard with extra weight, let alone the extra power from that V8.

[@BigTireGarage]

Couldn't agree more!

[@vegastoyotaoffroad9690]

We need to link up here in Las Vegas. We have amazing off-road community called Vegas Toyota Offroad. You need to join us in Logandale or a place called Rocky Gap. We would love to you and Neil out the weekend after Sema.

[@acardena13]

Great build! I've had great luck with the Milwaukee packout system since there's mounting brackets for the cases so you don't have to tie them down.

[@BigTireGarage]

Great tip! and love the avatar.....that is old school for sure

[@yukongearandaxle]

Another great video, Ian! That taco just keeps getting better and better. 💪 We had an amazing time at Adventure Trek this year and are already counting down the days until the next one!

[@dhrracer]

DynaTrac does not show it on their website, and they have not responded to my inquire. However East Coast gear does show a 60 for the Tacoma.

[@BigTireGarage]

I would give them a call...I know they still make it

[@hoagiesherlin7732]

Dude i love that truck a little more every time i see it it's wicked cool

[@BigTireGarage]

Me Too....I honestly love this thing

[@davidp130]

one of my favorite builds by Ian. 👍

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks....it has grown on me a lot. I didn't think it would hang with legit rocklandery type Jeeps all week....but man it did great

[@Thexkidd]

Sweet. Love new axles.

[@ChristopherOvrebo]

Has anyone ever seen Ian without gelled hair?

[@LukeEdward]

He actually showed himself gelling from drab to fab, in a Q&A episode a while back.

[@Livin2relaxat55]

It’s been too long! Keep the videos coming bud! I like your camping style!

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks..I know there are gaps...but I get busy

[@whiskeytangofoxtrotover9651]

Hey Ian, did Discovery keep or kill your show?

[@BigTireGarage]

Renamed it.....

[@philip4x4guy]

Weird question I know, but I've always been curious how a high pinion may affect fuel milage, I can't help but think the Toyota rear end would be a more efficient design than a high pinion 60, do you have any sense of a difference in mpg?

[@BigTireGarage]

Honestly not really....I was getting the same average mileage on and off road as the JL and JT's that were on the trip...but I can do a test now that the trip is done and I am daily driving g the truck more....I will do an update vide

[@philip4x4guy]

@@BigTireGarage that would be awesome! Thanks Ian

[@cesarconh895]

Great skills, awesome shop Ian

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Wildlandfirefighting]

Ian I'm pretty sure if you throw that Tacoma on a trailer it's no longer classified as an overlander😊

[@BigTireGarage]

If the start of the trip wasn't 24hours away I would of driven it there....but by hauling it with the tow rig I get to just "arrive and drive" for the trip....I would drive it across country no problem...but not in a quick turn scenario like I was dealing with

[@sarahstephens5966]

Tacoma's also need a better engine, trans, frame, body, interior, suspension, steering, brakes, radiator, fuel tank, hell, just buy a Chevrolet

[@BigTireGarage]

It's been a great truck...and now that it has the v8 it is great!!

[@vandalsr1959]

Could not give a rats butt about Toyota

[@adambrown7741]

Yeah I for one can’t get enough of this Tacoma build and the wrenching/upgrades!!

[@BigTireGarage]

I think this one is finally done...but got another yota coming soon!!!

[@adambrown7741]

@@BigTireGarage it’s don’t being built, but will we get to see more of it in action??

[@BigTireGarage]

Of Course.....but the next Yota is gonna blow some minds

[@adambrown7741]

@@BigTireGarage ohh I’m ready 😎. These builds are inspiring!! I’ve got a 1st gen sequoia that if anything happens to it, I’m scalping for parts to build a catch all “rock lander” adventure rig out of a Tacoma!

[@jaredproulx8990]

Sop I checked DynaTrac's website and they are not listed as having anything for the 2nd gen Tacoma's regarding new axles. So does this mean that they are just not selling them anymore and you got the last one?

[@BigTireGarage]

No...give them a call

[@marktadlock5428]

You need to see how comfortable you can be sleeping amongst the modular items your taking.

[@BigTireGarage]

Did...and it was great!!

[@dwaynehoffmann8538]

Do you have any concerns that the high Pinion D60 is weaker or prone to overheating & killing bearings on the highway or when pulling a trailer?

[@BigTireGarage]

I don't plan on pulling a trailer...but I will keep an eye on it and do an update after I put some miles on it

[@single_cam9199]

Please build me my DREAM SHTF vehicle and give it away to me!, rat rod patina road worthy w/ some sort of interior big back seat pooch 59 bel air with the shark fins(anything really) long travel +3.5 track with each side I’m thinking cobra IRS for ground clearance

[@DeadMan-hk1mh]

Welcome back Ian!

[@MarkoMygun]

Nice job Ian,i use to have a Tacoma it was a 95 extra cab with suicide doors. I loved that truck. Bought it brand new,and had to sell it cause we were moving cross country. Wished i never had.

[@johngrant1337]

great video ,thanks

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scottbartlett4853]

15:30 Install that funky axle white boy!

[@BlueDually4x4]

I like how stealth overland still has a pizza oven. I assume you can cook more than pizzas in it, but still, pizza oven campers are my kind of people.

[@BigTireGarage]

Yes...it also works great for Nachos!!

[@charlesfranklin7752]

Love the build, but from personal experience I have never had any luck with combo u joints, they don’t seem to have enough strength for any kind of abuse. First time I’ve ever had to get on the gas they like to break at the cross . So I have just been replacing either the rear end yolk or the driveshaft one so they match

[@BigTireGarage]

I ordered two so I always have a spare...this isn't a full blown "rock ceawler...so I am not worries too much

[@LukeEdward]

Hey, Ian, are we anticipating future Four Wheeler episodes now that Discovery+ has taken over? Also, you just had to tease us with a shiny turbo in the engine compartment of that Cherokee, didn’t you?

[@BigTireGarage]

The show has a new name...but yes...it is now called Build For Off Road...and new eps will be out in Aug I believe

[@Jesusdiaz925]

What happened to the scout jk frame swap?

[@BigTireGarage]

Body is at body shop

[@Jesusdiaz925]

@@BigTireGarage thanks hopefully we see it again soon:)

[@sylvain-paulcote5470]

what, no jacuzzi in the back? 🤣

[@firemaniac]

You might also consider adding an automatic shutoff/battery protector in line with the circuit breaker, especially if you are only running the one primary battery in the truck. I have lost track of how many times I have forgotten, or been too lazy to turn off a circuit that had a constant draw of something charging on it, and ended up with a dead battery, and eventually permanently damaging it. It could also save you from having to find a jump start out in the woods.

[@BigTireGarage]

Love that idea

[@powerman5kw]

Same semi float axle bearing as stock?

[@BigTireGarage]

It is a captured Semi Float yes...not sure about axle bearings

[@powerman5kw]

Guessing this axle will cost avg joe $7-10k and for that one gets a stronger center section but no useable load increase by keeping stock semifloat bearing. Is the tacoma gvwr actually now lowered by the weight diff of dana over stock axle assembly? For that kind of dough one should expect more from stock. Thanks for the reply, regardless.

[@jsnmart97]

great video !

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks!

[@gillesd.2277]

Nice setup! What brand is that topper?

[@BigTireGarage]

Beat top

[@gillesd.2277]

@@BigTireGarage Thank you very much!

[@roberttolliver1019]

Great to see some new content. I the way you shoot your videos. Explain everything with not to much B'S

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks....

[@forrestmarshall8293]

What are you doing with your old axle. Would like to talk with you about getting it from you.

[@BigTireGarage]

Gave it to a buddy building a 4 runner

[@charlesflakusj.r6344]

other than the grizzly locker did that dynatrac axle have any other yukon parts in it?

[@BigTireGarage]

Ring and pinion, yoke, bearings, and technically shafts

[@TheMrhick92]

I have a question that is loosely related I have a toyota 7.5 that was regeared like 4 years ago and noticed it has about a 1/16-1/8in of play in the pinion yoke and was wondering if i could just tighten up the pinion nut to take up the slack

[@BigTireGarage]

Probably not....it sounds like your bearings are starting to go out....you "might" be able to tighten it as a "trail fix" but it might also mess up the bearing preload.....Ideally you will want to have this looked at

[@TheMrhick92]

@@BigTireGarage the bearings don't feel rough but think I'll try it and start saving up to regear it again just with a locker this time

[@shanewright6958]

Another great video. Glad to see you back 👍👍

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@brandond6724]

Hopefully we see some more of the bronco raptor!!??

[@BigTireGarage]

You will

[@cjg1482]

That wire looks small for that 100amp breaker. Also, wipe your soft windows with glycerin. It’ll make them more pliable and more clear. I never had a big dust issue with the glycerin.

[@BigTireGarage]

It's 10 guage....I don't see the bed pulling 100 amps ever...and thanks for the window tip...will give it a try

[@cjg1482]

@@BigTireGarage 10 gauge is good for 30 amps. It’s nice to have that much power in the bed.

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah...but honestly nothing will pull that much in the bed...the circuit breaker is more of a cut off switch TBH....I bet I don't see more than 15 amps being pulled by that circuit. But if it does short out between the bed and the breaker they will trip....

[@Golden-69]

Wait, no rock assault axle. I remember when you did that build back in the day.

[@BigTireGarage]

I do like Rock Asault housings for crawlers...but with the V8 I really wanted wider and 1 ton ring and pinion

[@Golden-69]

@@BigTireGarage, I most like them too, front and rear on my 2000 3.4 Tacoma on 37"

[@2theprelude]

Which spring compressor did you use for the front?

[@BigTireGarage]

It's an Amazon unit...I can get ya a link amzn.to/3xmPs7W

[@2theprelude]

@@BigTireGarage looks much better than some of the other ones I've been looking at. Thanks for the link.

[@BigTireGarage]

Its a little tight around that control arms....but I think it will work great for standard coilovers

[@jamieknopp300]

Love your stuff good old 613 boy

[@BigTireGarage]

Ha Ha...falling down in the Falls again

[@jamieknopp300]

@@BigTireGarage the town that went from chocolate to canabis

[@BigTireGarage]

And back to chocolate

[@jamieknopp300]

@BigTireGarage ya pretty much man you have to bring a buggie to do the quinns trail in ompha it would make a good show good old bogie run

[@chrismarinock520]

Anyone dragging pizza ovens and espresso machines offroad are idiots in my opinion.

[@BigTireGarage]

You sir are wrong....having that pizza oven and espresso machine made the trip awesome!!!