5280 Build Thread

I don't think I ever started an official build thread... so almost 22 years after I bought it...

I just picked it up from having the hood, front fenders, doors, roof, and topper roof painted. There was rust developing around the windshield and the paint was failing in other areas. I had recently seriously considered selling my truck, for various reasons, but finally I decided to spend money upgrading and restoring instead of buying something new.

More to come, but here are some photos of the newly painted 5280 (aka Ruby):




Thanks Chatfield Auto Body

 

That is an awesome color! Looks great!

 

Several years ago I did the clutch spring mod to eliminate the squeak... At some point the cruise control wouldn’t stay engaged... so after a lot of forum reading, I bought new bushings for the original spring and pulled the clutch pedal assembly today. I got it all back together, except I dropped one of the nuts for the master cylinder bracket and I can’t find it! It is somewhere in the engine bay. So I need to get a new one, and until then I can’t verify that this fixed the cruise control problem (don’t want to drive it without the cylinder properly attached).

 

...After going to 3 stores to get another nut (which wasn’t an exact match), I dropped the other original nut when re-attaching the clutch pedal... but I found it, and the first one I dropped too!
So I can finally say all is well and the clutch and cruise control work properly now! Sheesh!
Thanks to Winkle99 for his helpful build thread, which led me in the right direction.

 

Paint looks great! Can I ask how much they charged?

 

New/improved today:

SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms installed
Front lower ball joints replaced
Rack and pinion replaced
Front sway bar link/bushing replacement

Thanks Slee Off-Road

Ruby is ready for some fun

 

Hell yeah. That is some awesome stuff. I wish I had a gen 1 like that.

 

Today I installed the Uniden Pro 520XL in the location previously holding the ashtray, and like many others have said, it’s a perfect fit.



Also connected the Little Wil Magnetic Antenna and “the connector you need for routing a coax cable at a 90-degree angle.” I was hoping to run the cable through the rear window but the connector won’t fit between the cab and the topper, so for now it will just go through the window. Not a big deal but may look into something different if this proves inconvenient.
This was a relatively easy install for people who don’t drop and/or misplace things, which isn’t me!!

I still need to tune it but I took a short drive and heard “Spaceman” talking about the possum he had on the stove! So, money well spent!


The spending continues

 

Today I added a little third gen to my first gen, in a new grill from Taco Vinyl. Not sure I like the classic truck colors but they are easily removed.


On a personal note, I worked on this today mostly as a distraction from losing my best friend Jasper Dog a couple of days ago. He was a huge part of my life and I’m heartbroken. If you have a pet, give them a hug today.

 

Installed new

$33 Exterior Front Driver Door Handle Replacement, Upgraded Metal - Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma - Textured Black - OEM 69220-35020, 79344, 91319, TO1310117

black door handles



and lock sets. I’ll try to remember to report on the durability of this product.

 

Got a long awaited bumper/skid/winch… hope I never need to use the winch!

(or do I??)

 

Ok I give up! WTF is going on with attachments?? Is it April Fool’s all over again?? Here’s a pic of Gunnar the Great, as a test…

 

Gunner is looking good!
Test passed.

 

Lookin’ good!

 

Today I participated in an off-road driving class with On Trail Training at Slaughterhouse Gulch. Definitely worth my time and a beautiful day. Lots to practice but just felt good to be around others who love being on the trail.

No flexy shots but here’s a pic of my Ruby waiting for the next challenge…

 

All ready for wheeling! Sliders powder coated (Pristine Powdercoating) and installed (Tru Automotive).

 

Looking good! Now take it out and give it some Colorado pinstripe love!

 

An affordable mod!! I’m on it!