What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

There is a snap ring, I went full metal heavy weight lifter on the thing and bent the shit out of an AutoZone bj press but it got the job done. @Digiratus is right though, they are in there really tight.

 

Rent a ball joint press from Auto Zone.
http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...rByKeyWord=ball+joint+press&fromString=search


These will give you a look at how some other people do it.
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/upballjointout/balljoint.htm
http://www.bajataco.com/tech/control_arms_03.html
And here is a video using a press, starts at about 12:16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a29VKBcXgg0

 

Just have it zip-tied for now, until I can figure out a better spot. Probably end up getting some longer and larger cables made, but for now I just wanted to keep it easy to access and didn't want it getting caked with a bunch of mud/debris from the tire.

Edit: pics aren't attaching for some reason. I'll try again tomorrow.

 

I used the press like the above pic. That rust is going to kick your ass so be mentally prepared for it. If you can soak them is some kind of rust remover or something I would. They are in there pretty good.

 

I moved to TX in 98, with a Ford Probe with 80K on it.
in 2013 I bought a used 2000 RAV-4 with 49K on it but it was a NYC car.

Then I bought the 2003 Taco with 160K on it.

Just getting under it was a revelation with the (virtually) pristine underside with ...
NO @#$@#% RUST HALLELUJA!!!
OMG I NEVER THOUGHT THE UNDERSIDE OF A 160K CAR COULD LOOK LIKE THIS ITS BEAUTIFUL

 

Meh, I went lazy and got the closed ended crimp tabs.

 

This makes me wanna get a spare set of spindles to gusset and have ready to install when I do aftermarket UCA's.

 

That's what I thought but I just looked them up and its $340 plus shipping from camelback for only one. I was gonna do that because then I could just swap everything over like @Squeaky Penguin is going to do

 

Craigslist is your friend. Trucks being parted out all the time. Can probably snag a set for under $100.

 

Keep an eye out for used ones. I'll sell mine for cheap when I do the swap, although I think I have a wheel bearing that's going out. Might make them cost prohibitive though.


Oh, and last piece of that puzzle was ordered earlier this week in the form of ADS coilovers. So will be tossing on those, TC UCAs, gusseted spindles, CVJ axles, and Tundra brakes here shortly.

 

Good choice

 

Forgot about part outs, I'll keep an eye out then! May do the same minus the ADS but with Kings all at once

 

I asked about getting Kings built with a reservoir. By the time I am spending enough for coilovers, I'm just going to do it right with resis. Getting King's built with the resis was within like $20 of the ADS pricing and a longer lead time.

 

I'll do more research on resi's, I know they're nice and useful but I'm gonna weigh the pros and cons for me

 

There are other reasons the ads wins over the Kings really. But either choice is good.

 

Would you mind listing them if you're not busy?

 

Getting messy.

 

When literally no shop in town has a spanner wrench I can use...

 

Finally welded on my sliders!!

 

Bad caster doesn't t wear tires out does it?