NW WA Meet / BS Thread

You weld them yourself? I would like to....just not sure that is a good first welding job. It's not structural so maybe it is

 

I started welding them myself, had them all tacked in and then a buddy came over who's a union pipe fitter and asked if he could do it, so i let the professional take over and weld on his back upside down I was also changing LCA's at the same time so that made it easier.

 

Ideal scenario. If he really enjoyed it he can do mine too

 

I did it as my first "real" welding job and it turned out ok. The front one ended up a tiny bit off, which means my cam bolt is at the extreme to get a good alignment. Maybe I'll fix it one day but it's working for the moment.

 

IMO this is probably not the best job to do for your first. I thought the same thing, but my buddy recommended against it and I'm glad he did. The real issue is access, there are some welds that are really hard to see while you're welding so having that muscle memory from a lot of practice is important.

You have to weld them on while your LCAs and cam bolts are installed/tight because you want the space between the mounting plates to be at the right distance. The factory LCA mounting plates are pretty thin and will bend in and out easily.

 

Makes sense.

 

Literally the last head bolt on the whole project decided to strip. After 5 failed welded nuts, and more drilling than I’m comfortable with, the entire engine is disassembled.

 

Not cool

 

Random favor to ask. Anyone going from Bend to the greater Seattle/Tacoma area that might have room to pick up a factory bumper for me? I'm up in Everett and trying to get a bumper from Redmond, OR to me. Shoot me a message if you have some space.

 

why can't everything go as planned?

 

I don’t know ask the bell housing bolt that snapped off in the back of my block a couple years ago. It’s an extra little alignment nub now.

 

I had an exhaust stud snap off inside the block and I had to stack welds on it till it was high enough to weld a nut to it. I keep it on my desk now

 

Support TSL, and come grab a shirt. Only made 50 of these!

 

Where do we get these?

 

If you're in the Tacoma area you're welcome to swing by the shop. Or, if not, I can ship too!

 

I live in Puyallup and will swing by some time. I have an 85 4Runner that will need some work once I get it put back together. Also, have a 23 4Runner and 20 Tacoma so I’ll have to start making it a point to go out there to get my work done. I do have an 88 Subaru GL Wagon 4wd that I need to get the engine resealed, is that something you guys do too?

 

Awesome! I just had a 1988 4Runner with a 5VZ-FE swap in for some heavy diagnostic. The shop who built it couldn't diagnose the issue (ouch). I really love those old 4Runners.

I do service late model Toyotas, too, so bring that 20 and 23 in anytime! As far as the Subaru - Yes! I advertise that I'm a Toyota specialists but I will work on anything Japanese. My first love was Datsun and Nissan but my career was focused around Toyota. I'm an ASE Master, former Toyota certified technician and can do anything -- from 1960s carbureted models to modern Hybrid.

 

Awesome I’ll swing by the shop sometime!

 

Sunday May 26th I had the engine torn down to the block and today she’s up and driving again. Gotta say I’m pretty proud of myself, 5 years ago I could barely change a set of brake pads and this week I rebuilt my engine.

 

Nice job! It's definitely the putting back together part that always trips me up