Derek up North

Their picture certainly shows aluminum construction. I don't know what model year this picture represents.

The big 'problem' that has to be dealt with is the A43D and A340 O/D of ~30%. No matter what final drive ratio you put in, it's still going to be 30%. The only way around that would be to convert to a 5-speed, where the O/D is ~15%.

I'd suggest you move the 4 identical tires to the rear. The vibration might just be an out of balance problem.

Came across this:- The FACTORY 4.88 V6 diff is unique! - Axle code G144, white pinion paint code, - generally came in 92-95 trucks/4runners with V6, auto tranny, 31" tires, and tow package. - Housing offsets pinion towards ring gear, allowing ring gear to be thinner - OEM Toyota gears are the ONLY gears that fit this diff due to the thinner ring gear. All other gear sets have thicker ring gears and do not fit. - The carrier (case) is the same as the V6 diffs, so normal V6 lockers, LSD's, etc. will work in this diff http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

It seems to be a growing problem, particularly in Yahoo Groups. DO NOT click on links in Posts/Emails that include "www.nb15news.net".

The only other thing that comes to mind is that (I think) I've read that some (all?) 4.88s have narrower (hence weaker) rings. Might not be an issue with a 116hp 22-RE.

Gaining strength with steel I can see. But losing weight ....?

It's going to be hard to find many who have back-to-back experience with both in a motorhome. And there really aren't that many who have actually done the conversion to either the 4.56 or 4.88. I'm guessing maybe a dozen or two, tops. I'm going to hazard a guess and say that FSP Randy might well be the only person who has had the experience of jumping from a 4.56 into 4.88.

Looks right. Not what I'd call a bargain price, from what I see on www.car-par.com. $175 and up. And if you could find one locally, you'd be able to inspect it.

Wow. I've never even heard of a 155F thermostat. 160F (Summer) is the lowest I recall.

I only see 1 converter in the '93 FSM. http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/engine/70exhausts.pdf http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/engine/79threeway.pdf

My 190/180 figures are from the '93 FSM. Perhaps the earlier FSM has a different spec for the 22-RE. Certainly no intention to misinform.

Thanks. Couldn't find it in my Nissan Chilton's.

Without a calibrated temperature gauge, we'll never know if the water temperature isn't high enough to have the thermostat (either 180F or 190F) wide open anyway. If they're running wide open, then the thermostat temperature rating won't have any effect (unless you're up North like me).

Actually, Toyota specs a 190F t'stat for the 22-RE and a 180F for the V6. I don't know what Nissan recommends for their V6. With (relatively) modern fuel injection, I'd hesitate before switching from a 190F to a 180F t'stat. It might fool your computer into thinking you're running cool and provide a richer mixture.

I'm guessing the supplier is just trying to confirm if they are made out of something other than fiberglass so that he's looking for the right part. I know they're NOT made of fiberglass, but don't know plastics well enough to say they're ABS, RIM or PET or any of the other many 'plastics' out there.

Have a look to see if these components look familiar:- http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/154342-rostra-cruise-control-installation-2002-v6-auto.html

I know it's been a number of years since Michelin stopped producing the Agelis(?). 7 years is getting up there in age too. Sounds like you might be shopping for tires soon. ~$100 each, out the door.

Are the 3 (as I understand it) different tires fitted all 185R14 Load range D? What brands and ages!

Doesn't sound like anything I'd worry about.

Guess I should have looked sooner, but from the Files here:- http://toyotamotorho...1_48_530695.pdf NOTE:- This appears to be a 1983 Owners Manual. The GVWR is lower, tire sizes different and tire pressures way too low. The lug nut torque is also too low. Should be (from memory) 140ft-lb for wheels on the 1-Ton axle.

I'd have plugged in a VIN that you can conveniently get from EBay listings.

Though not written for Toyota (or MH even), you can learn from chapters 11 - 15:- http://www.mvprv.com/service/manual.html Well written!

I'm positive you won't find one specifically for a 1988 500. At best, you'll find a pretty generic manual that's possibly not even Toyota MH specific. So pretty much if you read a few manuals for different brands, you'll get the idea pretty quickly. All he appliances/systems you should be able to find online with Google.

Not me. He's planning to upgrade his radiator, install another transmission cooler, change gearing and keep the speeds down. I think it sounds like he's got a handle on things.