The Black Beater!!!

Wow.... I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started reading this thread, you sir are a god among mortals (on TacomaWorld at least). Highly impressive work, I'm joining the rest of crowd in anticipation of where this build goes next.

 

***Update on the build process....

I drove the truck for a couple days, found more issues...

*LEft Front Diff seal was leaking like crazy, after getting it apart to find out NAPA got me the wrong seal, I got the correct one last night and got it back together.

*Removed the front sway bar (stage 1 weight reduction) and with any luck will allow a little more flex.

*truck wont start most the time... New Starter (again), still wont start. Checked all the wiring, still wont start. Tracked it down to the ignition switch, ordered it in... still wont start... started just checking dumb random things, grabbed the starter relay with some channel locks... Fired right up...

*Smoked out the parking lights, blinkers, 3rd brake light and tail lights


Thursdays plans..... Install new parts....

*Lock Right rear diff
*1.5" chackles
*Bilstein 5150's
*Front bumper Shackle mounts
*Weld front bumper Tab to the frame (temp fix for the wheelin' thrip this weekend)
******Install TRUCK NUTZ!!!!!

 

Fixed. Great job!

 

WHAT??? I know You are just dying to see my Truck NUTZ!!!

 

x2

 

So, what do you do when you buy a used Lock-Right rear diff and a pin is missing... The new pin and springs did not make it here in time to do the swap last night, so I was a pin short... What the hell do you do????

You take a 1/4" cobalt drill bit and cut the back end off of it... Make your own pin.

Pics to follow....

 

and..... best of all.....





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxqUsqkPLt8?fs=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxqUsqkPLt8

 

At least they're redneck nutz.

 

Don't be hatin on my NUTZ.... you know you want them...

 

Ok, so I took the truck wheelin with some Jeeps. Smallest jeep had 35's biggest had 39.5's. I went everywhere they went. I had 2 issues, tried to go over a huge log and landed on the A frame, had to get a tug back off it. Then I high centered on the rear diff trying to go up a hill and had to get a tug forward.


***I had to start the truck with a jumper wire for the last week or two. Finally spent Sunday working on the truck again, and figured out the starter issue. It was the Starter Relay, $30 for a new one and I have been golden ever since.


***I got the Black Headlights.... Please don't waste your money on them if you even remotely wanna see where your going. They produce next to no light at all, but they look really cool in the daylight.

 

The Drill bit pin is also holding up perfectly fine in my Lock Right.

***I also have a bad leak in the transfer case. It looks like I might have to drop it out to see if its cracked on the top, because I can't figure out where its coming from.


I am hoping to get the little snags worked out in the next month or so, then start the body reworking...

 

I have a leak in mine as well. I found these links, maybe they will help if you haven't seen them already.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/100871-transfer-case-leaking.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/88579-transfer-case-leak.html

 

Thanks for the info... now I at least have some direction.

 

Thanks for the links.... I got home and got up under the truck... its coming from the very very top... so i pulled the shifter trim and inner boot plate off... I can get right to the top 4 bolts... pulled the shifter out. Made 2 new gaskets and putting it back together. I will post pics tomorrow, and add them to those threads... Its an hour tops if your moving good...

 

Let me know if this fixes the problem!?! I'll have to do the same once I get a little time.


How did you make the gaskets? Also, did you get the gasket material at auto shop like autozone, etc...


Love your truck by the way, I've been following the thread since you started it! I may have to borrow some of your ideas IE painting the front grill piece black! I've got the inner part of the grill painted black (it came like that factory but I re-painted it.) But I'm trying to de-chrome it all!


Thanks for the inspiration!

 

I sprayed it down with degreaser, but didn't take the time to drag out the waterhose. I will be keeping a close eye on it to make sure the leak is gone, however looking at the old gaskets it was obvious thats were the leak was coming from. They were both fully soaked with oil.

I beliefe its fel-pro brand gasket paper. It came from Advance auto if I remember right. Basically you just lay the old gasket on it, trace it then cut it out with scissors or an x-acto knife. If you have a single hole hole punch it makes it a lot easier on the bolt hole area. I could not find mine last night, and didn't wanna lose time looking for it.

Quick shot of how bad it was leaking...


Access to the top of the shifter area. Carpet was not even in the way. Just make sure when you put the main boot/seal back in that you get it against the metal of the cab floor and not stuck on top the carpet.


The culprit of the leak...


One gasket traced out...


That little metal plate that goes between the shifter and the transfer case has a gasket on each side. So you gotta make or buy 2 gaskets. I prefer to make them. I cleaned off all the residue and grim on the bottom of the shifter, each side of the metal plate and off the top of the transfer case. Wiped it down with some lacquer thinner to get the oil off. I put a very thin layer of Black RTV on both sides of each gasket for a better chance of a good seal.

 

Thank You... I think I am almost there on my goal... The only Chrome on the truck is the Toyota logo in the grill and the lug nuts. And thats exactly where I wanted it.. I even got the black headlights.

I still plan to do 20% window tint, but I just have not had time to take it in.

It makes me feel great to know that others are actually into my build. I have so much time, effort, energy and blood in it that its mind blowing. I am actually getting more SPM (smiles per mile) driving my Tacoma than I do with my G35 Coupe... If you have never truly built a vehicle, you would never understand the feeling. This was the biggest project I have ever undertaken.

My mustang has been a big one as well, but it was mods here and there over the past 11 years. Actually there are 4 bolts on my mustang that I have never loosened. You may say whatever, but I am not kidding... I have gutted the interior a couple times.. Drive train has been apart more times than I can count. The only bolts that I have never taken out are the ones holding the K-member in. Never had a need to remove them yet. I kid you not... every other part I have had off to replace, upgrade, re-upgrade or totally do away with....

I can not help but feel YOU ALL are MY inspiration... Your posts keep me going and keep me on sight of the goal... I am very anxious to start cutting on the bed.... I think I might try to do the rock sliders first.

 

Sweet truck man! Awesome job on the rebuild!

 

Thanks for the pics and tips! I'm going to be the same over the next few days! My leak is just as bad as yours, for now I'm keeping gear oil in the bed so I can re-fill until its fixed.

Thanks again!!

 

No problem at all my friend... Glad I could help. I think I still have a leak in the front diff. I change the Axle seal, but its still wet under there. I am half afraid to tear into it. I might even hold off doing anything to it until I can get a locker for it.