Betterbuckleup's 2000 taco build & BS

Yea I had no business trying to drive as fast as I was on the rubicon and payed the price. It was the kinda hit you feel in your teeth. Also slightly dented the frame rail in a small spot around the same area.

Using that FROR mount had crossed my mind, but I wasn't so sure about ditching the trans crossmember entirely. Did you have any issues like that? I have duals so I've always been of the opinion that I should have two mounts for all the torque generated.

 

It was a stout mount and worked well for me, pretty sure @drr has one for sale. I never noticed not having that x-member besides relocating the exhaust hanger that's on it. I'm not surprised it bent that inner wall of the frame if you smashed hard enough to move the whole mount, they're thinner than the outer frame walls, can flex them by hand haha

 

I know a buddy with one for sale as well. Did you not run a trans skid?
Downside to losing the trans xmember is I'd have to figure out a new transmission skid plate setup.
And I actually meant the short-side bottom part of the frame that faces the ground.

 

I didn't, trans had a few scars but I sold it before it got a full belly, I'd just make mounting tabs off the frame if I were gonna do it again.

 

Wow grinding these frame brackets off really sucks a fat one. Got the shitty part of the job out of the way tonight though.
Makes you rethink all the work it takes to SAS....

I'd like to do the passenger side one and raise the whole xmember, but that's not in the cards for right now.

 

Got a couple new abraisive tools this summer and while the old 4" cut off and flap would be my go to for your project, the harbor freight band file (with good 3m bands) could help. Good for getting in tight spaces and even better is their 1/4 die grinder but not for using over your head - it makes metal splinters that stick in skin for days or longer.

 

I've wanted that Milwaukee band file for a while. It just hard to justify.
It would have been a pita with just a grinder forsure. The plasma and right angle die grinder with a cutoff wheel came in clutch for breaking up the welds into smaller bits.

 

And @Speedytech7 you were right. Inner portion of the frame is def bent inward a bit. Almost looked like the bracket was made out of thicker material than the frame in places.

 

Probably was. Are you building a new frame side mount and sourcing out a new oem crossmember? For the few times I'm actually going to use the bandfile, the $50 or less I got it on sale for with new 3M bands for $30 fit the bill quite nicely. Recently bought a few more cordless tools - went dewalt since I already had the battery from my 1/2" impact otherwise I might have gone red, but there was no way I am going to pay $200 per tool for their die grinder and band file. I think those are better corded tools for the most part.

 

Frameside mount, but keeping my existing crossmember. Pretty sure it's fine. With where my skid mounts, all the load seems to get transfered into those mounts and then frame.

I only really buy my Milwaukee tools when there's sales going on which helps, otherwise yeah they can get pretty spendy.

 

Tonight's progress was making the frame plate and templates

 

Little by little....
A press brake would make the fitment a hell of a lot easier for some of these pieces. Not gonna be full weld on all the inside seams cause I can't get to them, but it'll be fine.

 

Finished up the crossmember mount



Upon investigating a squeak noise coming from my belt system, I found my crank pulley is in a bad state. Not sure what's going on and why only the inner pulley is moving rather than them both, but pretty sure it's not supposed to look like that. The side of the belt is rubbing on the pulley as it wobbles.
I'm hoping it's as easy as a new harmonic balancer. Worst case is that my crankshaft is shot and then I'll need a new motor.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Qb9w3YTVYug?si=DUrxAJA8XHGntJ6T

 

Just doing the one side for now or are you going to tackle the passenger side as well?

 

Just the one side. No plans to do the other unless I manage to bend that one too. Will have to remove the exhaust for that one.

 

5vz balancers have rubber connecting the inside and outside - I’d look into that sooner than later if it’s like that on a 3rz and it can be saved.

 

Replaced the harmonic balancer and changed out the oil pump housing seal.
Had to use some fpig to keep the oring seal in place.


This was a huge help for getting the housing screws out without having to pull the radiator.

 

Which frame plates are these? Where did you get them?

 

The trail gear ones. Got them from another member a while back.

 

I have these - I’ll have to clamp my frame or add a little to them in order to make them fit for welding, but for all I know, my frame was tweaked by the previous owner.

https://kpoffroad.com/product/tacoma-rear-frame-box-kit