Upgraded studs for TRD/Magnuson Supercharger tensioner

The first group buy is closed; however, we are still getting interest in a future group buy, so let me know and I will add you to the future group buy list.

Originally, there was my offer to make one-off sets of studs since the group buy, however the material supplier needs me to order a higher volume of material to make it worth their while going forward, so we need a minimum of 15 interested people.

Note: future group buys will have a stud that is just half a hair smaller diameter to accommodate the SCOL pulleys that are considered an upgrade.

Note 2: the pricing below is subject to change for a few reasons including a new shop and the exchange rate. I'll work to keep it a similar price.

This group buy is for two UPGRADED supercharger tensioner bracket studs, made from 4140 steel. I already made these for my own truck. 4140 has properties that contribute to improved strength, toughness, and fatigue endurance when compared to the studs supplied with the TRD/Magnuson supercharger kit.




Why would you buy these? The studs that hold two sets of idlers on TRD/Magnuson Supercharged 2005-2015 Tacomas are prone to fatigue failure leading to costly repairs and annoying breakdowns. This type of failure has happened to approximately 10% of Tacoma owners who have around 100000 miles on their superchargers. These studs each hold an idler for the supercharger belt AND the accessory belt, and go through the tensioner assembly mounting bracket, providing structural stability for the spring-loaded supercharger belt tensioner arm.

Keep reading past the pricing information for additional analysis on how much money it cost me, and potentially could cost YOU, if one of the studs breaks!

What you will receive: quantity two (2) 10mm diameter 5.25” length studs threaded with M10x1.25 at either end. They will be slotted in one end for the application of a flathead driver to thread the stud into the block. They will be made from AISI 4140 Alloy Steel (UNS G41400).

Pricing tiers for 100% confirmed buyers are below. This is for one PAIR of studs.

This is in CAD. The exchange rate to USD hovers around $0.71 per one CAD, and may be subject to small fluctuations.

10-14 buyers: $180

15-19 buyers: $160

20-29 buyers: $155

30 or more buyers: $150

Shipping costs:

Tracked, within Canada: $15

Tracked, to USA (in CAD): $11.80
This is based on having Eddie @SUMOTNK be a waypoint for sending these to other US buyers, resulting in a nice shipping cost saving.

Canada to US shipping per set: $0.80
Shipping from Eddie to US for 1 or 2 sets: $11
Total shipping for US: $11.80

Tracked, anywhere else: $27.50

How this will work:

Step 1: From the initial post date of this group buy, TWO WEEKS will be allotted for members to confirm if they will buy a pair of studs. This post will be updated with the list of buyers as they are confirmed.

Step 2: All confirmed buyers will send full payment via PayPal to Leigh Gendron (ford.blows@gmail.com) (The OP @Athlaos and group buy organizer).

Step 3: The run will be commissioned. We anticipate approx. 3 weeks to complete the run.

Step 4: Within 1 week from the run completion, all confirmed buyers will receive tracking information for a package, and their items will be mailed out.

Step 5: Install your studs, brag about them at truck meets, make people jealous, and otherwise feel like a stud.

Installation instructions will be provided later as an update to this post.

Confirmed Buyers List:

1. @Lucario Runner
2. @rheath08
3. @Murphinator
4. @Murphinator
5. @MuddySquirrel
6. @jamesepoop
7. @TodayWasTHeDaY
8. @henryp
9. @blackenblue
10. @12TRDTacoma
11. @nudavinci64
12. @nudavinci64
13. @TheFang
14. @smelly621
15. @SUMOTNK
16. @BassAckwards
17. @racebug68
18. @Sterling_vH111
19. @zerotimeouts
20. @zerotimeouts
21. @Bfz777
22. @brian.gonz
23. @dfell25
23. @chueflee
24. @BenMara
25. @gil_S
26. @sf.larry
27. @Boozng
28. @Athlaos (1 stud only)
29. @garciav
30. @Scott B.
31. @JasonLee
32. @stickyTaco
33. @Thorthor
34. @norm356 (FJ)
35. @suprasonic (FJ)
36. @White lightning boosted
37. @usa4X4
38. @novanut21
39. @fr0stbytten
40.

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Some information on potential consequences of the stock studs failing is described below.

Incident Summary:

Arriving home from a trip out of town, Athlaos accelerated with gumption after a light turned green – suddenly there was a “bad noise” that was in harmony with the bottom end (crankshaft rotation).

A tow home was required (at home, Athlaos can fix almost anything on his truck).

Disassembly revealed that a 5.25” stud supporting the idlers for two belts had broken. The event also damaged the crankshaft pulley and one of the belt idlers beyond repair.

Further evaluation revealed a fatigue failure. The risk of such a failure is a known problem among other 2nd Generation TRD/Magnuson supercharged Tacoma enthusiasts.







RCA:

A calculation of fatigue endurance:

Cycles on the studs: approximately 1E8

Stress on the stud when assumed to be lowest-grade fastener material (grade 5.8 metric): WELL below fatigue limit – i.e. SHOULD be infinite cycles tolerated)

Causes:

- Studs made of sub-standard material or machined from non-stud grade material

- There may have been errors in the billet manufacturing process

- The stud has many imperfections; the crack may have been initiated at an inclusion or other anomaly

- Improperly threaded or manufactured with other defects (easier crack initiation)


Cost of repair to fix actual incident (CAD):

New crankshaft pulley - $240

New idler - $130

Bolts (temporary fix to make truck driveable) - $50

Replacement studs - $200 (for pair)

Tow, unlimited kilometers – free – however there is only 1 free tow per year.

Replacement welder - $350 (1/2 off sale) – unforeseen expense

Labor 7hrs - $0 (did the work myself)

Other shop supplies or consumables - $30

Belt - $60

Total: $1010




Potential consequence/cost of a similar incident (CAD):

Loss of 2nd belt - $100

Loss of coolant containment - $200

Other cooling system parts damaged - $60

Potential repair costs and parts assuming any tools do not need replacement - $600

Potential long-distance tow – up to $2000

Mechanic for labor – worst case – 6hrs at $150/hr shop rate - $900

Consequence total: $3860


Unsafe operating condition while driving (sudden need to pull over, can’t make a safe left hand turn, loss of power steering) - priceless

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Future group buy interest:
@5thGearPinned
@flandog
@steezinstangl
@Xmplry808
@gigajoe
@Wallz
@Musubi3
@Woolybugger
@jsriolo
@Billy182
@nudavinci64 (tentative)
@Lucario Runner (tentative)
@Athlaos
@Athlaos
@BlueT@com@4×4
@ThomasMore66

 

@12TRDTacoma @nudavinci64 @BassAckwards @TodayWasTHeDaY @Lucario Runner

 

I'll take a set

 

Add me.

 

Put me down for two sets please (4 studs total)

 

I'm in for a set

 

You know I'm in buddy!

 

Please add me for a set.

 

Sign me up for a set of these, please.

 

Yes please

 

@Athlaos
I would like in on this please.

 

Hell yeah my brother! This is what the group needs! Count me in for a set please. I DO NOT want a repeat of this failure on my rig again under any circumstance.

 

Of course! But do I get one set or 2 sets hmmm

 

I'm in.

 

2 is always better than 1

 

Deal, and likewise... that was SUCH an annoyance to have that thing break.

 

I don’t even need them and I want them. GLWS! Edit: but then again… if they fit the 2.7… I’m in.

 

@BassAckwards

 

Count me in for a set please sir. Thanks for doing the leg work on this upgrade Leigh!

 

Sign me up for one set please! Thanks