My 1999 Taco TuRD Build - I sold it

I honestly don't recall. I'll do some digging around and see if I can find them again.

Well, that was easy - https://www.skysoffroaddesign.com/products/sky-ftwst-15. They have them for 1.5", 1.75" (which I'm using and is the bar size that fits under the bed) and 2" O.D. tube.

 

You’re using the Fox shocks still right? What is the compressed and extended lengths of those?

 

I am for now. Eventually I'll get the ADS rear shocks. I don't remember the specs on these Fox shocks but the extended length is at 26.75". They had around 10" of travel I think.

 

Completed the u-bolt flip this morning.





Had to drill new holes in the top plate to account for the relocation plates I'm using with the Dakar springs.





Then I had to chop the new u-bolts since they come extra long.





And the Wheelers bump mounting plate need clearancing. No pics of that but then I just welded them to the spring plates since they were meant to work with the stock u-bolts. Gets the job done nicely and the nuts still turn.



Part of the scrap heap now.



I've kind of hit a stopping point. I had forgotten that I had to replace the shock bushings with different ones for the stock mounts. I need new bushing which would be the original ones for bolts that the shocks came with. Everything is closed to day tho so until I have those, I don't really want to mess with the shock mounts, otherwise I might be off and that would suck.

 

I'm still waiting on parts cause I screwed up and ordered the wrong bushings for the shocks. Won't have them until Tuesday now. But, I got the upper mounting holes enlarged to 9/16" for 14mm bolts so those are ready to go. Meanwhile, I cut and glued a couple kickers to the front bumper hoop. Still have to pull the bumper off to finish welding and will also weld on the recovery point reinforcements I have and then repaint everything.

 

Shock mounts are done, just letting paint dry now. Then I can start working on the leaking axle seals.







Skids for the lower mounts.





Bedliner paint. I'm really starting to hate this shit. The spray nozzles clog far too easily.

 

Shocks are back in and I was able to drive it a little. Too early to tell a difference since the bed is still off. Speaking of that, I might need to clearance the bed a little or add some 1/2" spacers or something to clear the upper shock mounts.



Shocks should have plenty of travel now with bottoming out. The ADS will be even better when I finally get those.

 

you plan on hitting some higher speed bumpy stuff to test it all out when you get it back together?

 

Looking good!

 

Not planning it but it might happen.

 

I didn't measure shit either. Well, I take that back. I measure floor to bolt c/l for the lower mounts to make sure I got them at about the same height.

 

If you do, take some videos so we can see!

 

Very nice

 

Thanks!

Got the driver side axle pulled. It was definitely leaking, the drum and shoes are soaked in gear oil. Struggling to get the inner axle seal out right now. I need the correct tool for it.

 

So jealous of you guys in AZ. The last time my truck looked that rust free and clean was in 2002.

 

Work's looking good man!

 

Thanks.

Found a place that is going to replace the bearings for me for $100 per side. $65 extra for the tone rings if they have to cut and replace those. Little on the expensive side but they are experienced with Tacomas, had a couple 4runners in the shop doing the same work. And that's about what I would end up paying for a press to do it myself so it evens out I guess.

Got the driver side seal out but the passenger side is being a bitch. Might try a different method using a C-clamp to get it out.

 

Well shit. Just got a call from the shop doing the axle bearings for me. The seals from the Trail Gear kit I got from Low Range that go in the dust shield are the wrong ones. And they have to order 2 more retainer sleeves since the kit I ordered only came with 1 per side and the ABS axles take 2 each. They weren't comfortable reusing the old sleeves. I want these done right so told them to do what they need. Unfortunately, they won't be able to have them done today so I won't be able to finish the rear axle until next week sometime.

The good news is that when it's finally done, I hopefully won't ever have to worry about doing them again. Stock shit lasted over 324k miles, hoping the new stuff lasts just as long.

 

What size pipe from autozone?

 

I shortened the pipe about 2 1/4". This is the peice I cut off with the label still on it.