I just got a scathing email from a TLCA member who is upset at the lack of technical content on the pages of Toyota Trails. Although it pissed me off at first (he didn't offer any constructive criticism, and has *never* contributed anything), I realize that he is partially right. The advent of sites like this one and cheap digital cameras have cut into the number of contributions we get, it's easier and quicker to set up a little website and post a bunch of digital images! We know this and try our best to combat it, but it's not easy. Since I don't know of any other forum where people innovate on the technical front more often, I'm asking YOU for your help. Next time you do an axle swap, rebuild a diff, install a locker, trim the fenders, do a SO, *any* tech related project, take some pictures and send us a short write-up. It doesn't have to be an in-depth article, it doesn't have to be a full-blown buggy buildup, I REALLY want to improve the tech-to-trail report ratio on the pages of TT!

If seeing your article published isn't enough incentive, how about payment? That's right, Toyota Trails now pays for all articles published. It's not a huge amount, but it adds up, and the longer the article and the more pictures you submit, the more you get paid. I don't know about you, but I get a kick out of seeing one of my articles published, and getting paid for it is just icing on the cake.

If you have any ideas, upcoming projects, tech tips, dirty little tricks that make working on a Land Cruiser easier, let me know. I can be contacted at <StoryEditor@tlca.org> or at <cubillan@earthlink.net>. I'm off to Texas tomorrow for a series of meetings and to begin training for my new job, so I'll be incommunicado for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, start thinking about stuff you could write about, we would really appreciate some good submissions, and if the tech content of Toyota Trails is to increase, I'm going to need all the help I can get.

Thanks for the bandwidth, folks, I look forward to hearing from you!

Henry Cubillan
Story Editor, Toyota Trails
Toyota Land Cruiser Association

In two weeks I'll (along with much help from Tin Bender and fatkid) will be installing a Lock-Right, Hy-Steer arms, and Longfields in my 40. I'll try to stop along the way and get some pics, and if it goes well, will try to write something up;)

Thanks, Mustard Dog, that's *exactly* the kind of stuff I'd like to see!!

I've actually got 4-5 tech articles for the Trails that I've deliberately NOT put online yet, include my PS cooler-filter setup, a 72 t-case rebuild, a minitruck custom rear 1/4 ellip suspension, a full tube race 600 horse CORR-setup FJ40, a hydro-assist project, dual-under seat battery setup with disco's, and more.... Problem is, I GOTTA start feeling like I've completed a few projects around home, and haven't taken the time to write anything.

Images are all .tif quality digitals, and should be sufficient for publication.

Henry, I'll make a point this weekend of writing up the PS cooler/filter project and getting that out. Figure 3-4 paragraphs and a 4-8 .tif's for you to choose from.

Will submit on CD-Rom....oh wait, the home 'puter has a junked chip...well, I'll think of something.

Originally posted by 60seriesguy
I just got a scathing email from a TLCA member who is upset at the lack of technical content on the pages of Toyota Trails.

Hey Henry, I think you should tell Mr "scathing email" Writer to SHUT THE HELL UP! What a dolt. What's he expect you to do, make them up all on your own?

I'm about to do a major brake overhaul on my '62. I gotta get this thing to stop better. Everything is getting looked at, rebuilt, fixed, or upgraded. Is this worth a writeup?

Originally posted by KLF
I'm about to do a major brake overhaul on my '62. I gotta get this thing to stop better. Everything is getting looked at, rebuilt, fixed, or upgraded. Is this worth a writeup?

I will speak for Henry here and say definately YES!

Just document it well with pictures and send it in.