My Big Can of Worms Build

Bought 1/29/17 from a guy from the Yotatech forum



Current Pics




1998 Base 4x4 Extra Cab

Front Suspension
TC UCA's
Rebuilt Toytec adjustable coilovers
Solo XLT
King 2.5 10" CO's
King 2.5 10" Triple Bypasses w/ Welded Rod Ends
King 2.0 2" Bump Stops

Rear Suspension
All-Pro 3" Springs
All-Pro 3" Shackles
5100's
Deaver E30's
LSK Rear Cantilever
King 12" 2.5 Bypasses

Drivetrain
5VZ V6 200k miles
5 Speed Manual 200k miles
Front Manual Hub Conversion
Aussie Locker Front
2001 (Anytime) TRD E-Locker Rear
Replaced Engine & Trans w/ fresh kill donor w/ 160k miles put in the wife's truck
Re-installed OG engine w/ newly gone over heads

Armor
ARB Front Bumper
Budbuilt Full Skids
CBI Off-Road Rear Bumper w/ Swingout
4x Innovations Sliders
Skid Row Full Skids
Trail Gear Low Profile Front Bumper
@Croth51 Rear Bumper

Recovery
Smittybilt XRC-8 w/ Steel Cable
High Lift

Wheels / Tires
17" FJ Steelies
255/80R17 K02's
SCS Ray 10's 17x8.5 Custom Painted
285/70R17 General Grabber Red Letters
Raceline Monster Real Beadlocks
4x Toyo RT 35's & 2x KO2 Spares (one w/ beadlock, one w/ fauxlock)

 

Issues

It would have been nice to get a truck that was perfect right out of the gate; however without learning about it as I work on it, I'll probably miss out on important opportunities to become an expert in diagnosing and (hopefully) fixing common truck problems.

But first, some MOTIVATION These are some of the builders and trucks that inspired me and helped me see and know what I wanted to copy / adapt for my needs and wants for the truck.


http://www.dezertrangers.com/vb/threads/110720-Toyotally-Awesome-94-pickup


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/speedytech7s-95-5-going-nowhere-fast-build.320818/



https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-frankenstein-build-lt-expo-trail-rig-and-bs.159436/



https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/safetydang-dc-build-4wd-swap-manual-trans-swap-thread.247243/


https://www.solomotorsports.com/
and
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2000-tacoma-lt-4x4-reg-cab-martha.344252/


http://dmzfab.com/


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hello-from-scottsdale-arizona.463271/


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/02-double-cab-build.209588/


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nathans-long-travel-build.217479/


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anthonys-99-tacoma.175933/


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...st-gen-edition.138573/page-6420#post-16006737


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jds-02-tacoma-build.126596/

Issue - Worn Rear Axle Bearing:

I found axle bearing kits here (for 2001 axle w/ ABS):

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/01-0...ra-ultimate-rear-wheel-bearing-kit-w-abs.html

Paid a shop $300 to swap out bearing, but in the process bought the wrong replacement from Cal Mini Truck (their fault) and paid another $100 in press fees at the shop. Total for this was $525, but I got $125 credit at Cal Mini Truck. I will be using this credit towards buying full float parts so I don't have to go through this nonsense again especially since the shop said my existing axle shaft is worn and will have to be replaced with something with less wear. Not going through the same experience so Diamond axle housing and Front Range Offroad full float kit are the plan - after that replacement parts will be super cheap and easier to maintain.

Solution

$150 2nd gen axle from DTF Anthony - no more rear axle leaks! Wider wms to wms to mount shocks outside of frame!

Issue - Parasitic Draw

Something is causing the battery to drain when truck sits for a few days. Gotta do a fuse pull test to see what might be the cause of the missing electricity.

Solution

Scanguage II was the culprit - draws 100ma when vehicle's turned off.

Issue - High Mileage Engine:

203k miles. Great service record and timing belt replacement 15k miles ago. However the coolant looks a little dark (oily?) and I want this thing to be super reliable and so I'm going to do a compression test and look for a good engine replacement.

I've looked at a lot of options. So far the best is Ichiban JDM less than 10 miles from where I live (IchibanJDM.com) they have great reviews on google and facebook and responded professionally to the one negative feedback I found on facebook (kid using his dad's credit card and they cancelled his order...) He said they'll be getting more 5vz's in next week so looks like el frijole negro will be getting a new ticker soon.

Update: the shop where I got my bearing replaces said that they will replace all the seals and belts on an engine swap for and additional $500 over their $950 installation fee. So the total price would be $2400 for a JDM 5vz with new seals and belts.

Solution

I found a used engine and trans for $1450 with low miles.

Issue - Notchy Transmission:

Thinking about replacing the trans with a rebuilt Marlin $1800. Not cheap. Or a low mileage junk yard trans $700ish.

Solution

Like I said above - the used engine & trans combo was a good deal.

Also need to work on clutch pedal:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clutch-squeak-linear-spring-swap-tw-how-to.159429/#post-3235979

https://www.yotatech.com/f2/fixed-stupid-plastic-clutch-pedal-bushing-19137/index9.html#post51734599

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clutch-pedal-squeak-new-bushing-design.76599/

Planning on making a new bushing from the last link. Actually I did that and it looks like the #70 Ace spring is the way to go:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clutch-pedal-truffle-shuffle.499079/

I found out the transmission was notchy and shifting poorly because of a poorly installed short shifter. You can see the problem where the bushing was no longer contacting the trans and the metal ball on the shifter was reaming out part of the metal in the trans.

Issue - Leaky Radiator

Leaking from top tank. Looking at this:

Koyorad C1755 Radiator

https://www.amazon.com/Koyorad-C1755-Radiator/dp/B00PW2OBBK

Koyorad recommended by local mech who's installed a lot of aftermarket radiators.

Solution

Mishimoto for $100 on Amazon.

Issue - Driveshaft

Needs to be rebuilt and replace carrier bearing.

Solution

Got a couple newer used driveshafts and a solid carrier bearing from Inland Empire Driveline.

Issue - SRS Light

I was told that the SRS light comes on whenever the winch was used with the truck. Well it's on all the time and has been reset to no avail. Gotta check for codes and see how to fix it - guessing the sensor under the truck may be the culprit. Not clockspring - horn works.

Solution

I cleaned out the wiring in the dash and the light has been off. We'll see - either that'll be it or I'll track down the problem.

Issue - Rear Suspension:

Extended shackles and All Pro 3" springs are not ideal for the kind of driving I'd like to do with the truck. Considering TC SUA and running shocks outside of frame to keep the spare under the bed.

Solution

Got some 62" Deavers and 12" shackles.

Then got some new ones:

Issue - Big Front Bumper:

Sold bulky ARB.

Solution

Hoping to find a used Trail Gear or similar to keep my winch with a prerunner style bumper.

Issue - Pizza Cutters:

May be great off road, but not my style - no more justification for swapping than that. Old tires and wheels to be up for sale soon!

Solution

General Grabber's 285/70r17's
SCS 17x8.5 4.3" backspace
2" Lug Centric Wheel Spacers from All Pro and SETPerformance - eBay seller.

Issue - Loose Steering:

Mucho play in the rack / tie rods / intermediate shaft.

Solution

Probably do the roll pin mod plus Solo heimed steering.

Issue - Rats Nest Aftermarket Wiring:

TRD locker, security system, aftermarket lights all Mickey Moused together with crimp connectors and t-connectors ewwww.

Solution

Disconnected all aftermarket wiring including old security system. I'll rewire all my own stuff including the big 3 mod and solder my connections wherever it's a good idea to do it.

Issue - Bad Paint / Needs Bodywork:

The truck got pulled across a tree on the passenger side. There's a good dent in the access cab part of the cab and the passenger door is a little wavy. There's also a golf ball size punch out near the back of the bedside. A decent dent in the driver's side front fender also.

Solution

Advanced Fiberglass Concepts 6.5" fenders, odd-ball bedsides. New doors. Fix the dent in the cab.

After bodywork and fiberglass is added Monstaliner.com or Raptorliner is highly considered for final paint.

Issue - Headlights:

OEM lights yellow and dim.

Solution

Thinking about converting to 96-97 style headlights & grill and using these:

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/ipf-h4-rectangular-headlamp-insert-820h.html


Issue - Front Suspension:

Whoa this thing handles like a boat - let's take care of that.

Solution

Solo 4x4 retaining manual hubs. Nuff said.

Issue - Water In Cab

Gotta find out whether water is coming in through a place up by the windshield or down where some wires come in through a hole through the firewall w/o a grommet or boot.

Solution

Looks like this will be the solution:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/passenger-floor-board-leak-fix.432290/

Issue - Seats

Beat up 60/40. Will be looking for high quality low cost replacement.

Solution

2001 buckets $50, CalTrend seat covers $50 - pretty decent improvement for the $$$!

 

Nice rig and great buy!

 

So here's the new rig. Excellent choice.

 

Thank you guys! She needs a few things that I'm working on, but it's a nice starting point - it was well taken care of. Can't wait to take it out in the wild and see how it'll go on things my prerunner couldn't handle!

 

If you consider trading some fab work for that SOS skid plate let me know.

 

I just sold it tonight Know anyone that can press in rear bearings?

That was the one thing that slipped by him since you couldn't tell like front bearings - the shaft holds them tight and they don't shake like fronts. At least that's what the tech at Pepboys said today that resealed the passenger side shaft for the ride home from Fresno.

 

Haha! I just saw you sold it to Nick. He's a buddy, so it's going to a good home. Although it'll probably never see dirt. Haha!

I don't actually. But I haven't asked around. I know a lot of guys go to @Speed Freek but he's down towards San Diego if I'm not mistaken. It's really not that odd of a job, I'm sure you can find a local place to get it done though.

 

Jason installed the front kit on my 2nd gen. Great guy. I'll hit him up!

 

In

 

Wow another truck?? 4WD is a good thing...now back into the rabbits hole you go, haha.

And on the front bearing the best way to go about it is to get the prebuilt assembly from Bamatoy (sorry dont know his actual screename) ready to bolt on. I've done quite a few of them

 

He was looking for rear bearings, Jason, FYI...

 

Oh big difference, I read too fast!!
Those rear ones are really fun to replace...

 

You say fun, I hear PITA. But I also hear you're the man to see about these things... May hit you up some day when my DIY skills run out...

 

The word fun is open to interpretation.

 

Front hubs will be on the list since the manual hubs on there won't work with lt. If he makes kits for first gens then yeah I'll be looking at his products. The owner kept the original spindles so I have them. A little rough but I think they'll work with new hubs.

 

Congrats on the new ride, it's got an impressive list of upgrades.

 

Congrats on being a 2 truck family

Those wheels are GROSS. Sell them to me

 

Bump for post about issues (#2)

 

Nice looking rig man! I've put some of my thoughts in red.