Oldie2007 - The Little Big Red Readers Digest Renovation, Revival, and Restoration Thread.

Things That Go Bump On the Street - Phase Thirteen; Front End Suspension Components are Just About 12 year and 200K Old!

My records say they have never been touched. No, I'm not getting lifted - - but it IS a mod, because I will have grease zerks on every piece I'm putting in. Or rather, Triple C @Texoma is going to put in. Do I look stupid? NEVER MIND THAT QUESTION!

This started for two reasons. 1. She is getting old, and like I said, can't find a record. 2. About a month ago, several TTC members were all complaining about losing their ball joints, and all the noises. I swear she heard this! I came home from the Feb C&C, and every pot hole I hit, ONE big crash, bang, metal noises. Yep, sounds like it. Get good advice, check the parts I need, get them ordered. Later that week, I take everything out of the truck took to C&C. The heavy trailer mount flag pole holder (flopping around in the back), the cooler that came loose from the bungies, and the new camp stove with the metal legs in it's box in the back seat. Went to the store, and guess what is gone?

You pretty smart!

It's OK, it needed it anyway. NOT pictured here is also the trip to San Marcos Toyota, because I get good coupons, and have a kick ass service advisor. Two services I asked for:
1. Drain and replace the rear differential fluid - never been done, it's been underwater, and they will also inspect other stuff. Done, and DIFF BREATHER MOD UPCOMING.
2. Brakes not "feeling good" on the pedal. Thought maybe they should flush or bleed - what I asked for. Inspection showed ONE mm on the rear linings. UH, let's do THAT! Found later been mis-reading the service sheet they give me, and records also show that they have NEVER been touched in 12 years and 200K! So, MUCH better.

Onward to photo fun, and Triple C Chop Shop action! This will be two parts, sort of, because I got the wrong outer Tie Rod Ends. So, we did part at the shop, and finished it a CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS! Not everyone going to be able to say that! Tough to get great pix, and the phone did bad on some. Off we go!

Good things come in boxes, and like to be posed like Umagumma albums!



First off were the Stabilizer Bars


The new ones all have BLUE insulators by the way. And grease fittings.


Yeah, they look the part... get it? Oh stop, I'm killing me here!

Next was the exciting Lower Ball Joints, and I got to help with the press. Needless to say, you can't do this yourself without a big ass press. Skid plate off time for the rest!




That's right, old guy got to pump it up!



OK, here are the old ones. Pretty beat, even if they were not the noises!

On to the tops. Now, this was EDUCATIONAL because @Texoma has always REMOVED UCA complete, and not replace the top Ball Joints, because most customers are replacing the UCA. So, he fought it for a while, and then said "I can take the UCA out in the time we wasted", so he did, and back to the press, and much better progress. Chalk one up to new experience.







Stuff back together!



Off we go to Circuit of the Americas! I mean really. I can say my truck was fixed up at COTA! Really? Freaking AWESOME. On with the Tie Rods. Sorry, I'm not able to get low enough, so best I can do! Thanks so much, @Texoma !





"Alignment" of the new parts. And I will have you know, FREAKING DEAD ON all the way home!

old driver


New stuff!






OK, once again, a thing gets done (actually a few things), and nothing looks different - EXCEPT to me! So happy to look at a fixed up truck when I go out in the morning, or whenever, so thrilled to take it to the meet ups, even though it's "just a cared for" truck. I like it, I love it, I want some more of it!


Edit - add the alignment specs from the following day:


And, as always, "But Wait! There's More!"

 

Awesome! A complete front end rebuild, looks like you went through it all. I bet it drives like a new truck now!

 

I just realized that I didn't see a "build/album" post for you. I love seeing almost any kind of build, but a few people that have liked mine said they did the same kinds of things, and I really like those. If you don't have one, I hope this encourages you to make one. No need to be embarrassed, no one here has ever picked on me (less than kindly and in good fun!)

 

That bald spot though

 

You will note that there are no shots below the belt? And be happy you have color. I have grey. And we both have hair for now!

 

I describe it as "focused" - Chris says "solid". Both work. And even though I will be getting an align tomorrow, I doubt I will notice it at all. Probably, the service manual would say do this at 100K. It feels so good, that I would say do it if you haven't by then.

 

Thanks for the like, @stealthmode , hope you enjoy going through the fun. Cause that's all it is!

 

Np man. Appreciate you bringing ol red back to life! That's how it's done!

 

Beautiful Alberta! Betcha' didn't know that our TTC (Texas) has a faithful member down in "smack dab in the middle of Beautiful Winnigpeg!"
Right @FastEddy59 !

 

You betcha Kurt

 

@Texoma ​

 

I'm just face planted in to his bumper.

 

​

That's why I loved it so much! If it were me, I wouldn't ever wash that bumper again

 

I'm glad his ride was clean at the time though

 

Lol the facial expression makes it look like you and the truck are having a special moment

 

But we did Robert, we did.

 

I just went and asked her...she blushed. It was "special", she said.

 

Good thing it wasn’t a sunny day the whole pic would be glared out.

@Oldie2007 trucks looking good though

 

Under the Hood Again.. - Phase Fourteen; A little R&R, and little Mod! Road to 200K

So, as we approach that 200K milestone, time for some updates to the basic mechanicals, and to engine breathing! Full tank on the change, so, I can certainly track as well as not. What is going on? Replace the serpentine belt, because Toyota always checks it on the list, and I can't verify it's been done in 193K or 10 years. And it's supposed to be a half hour DIY. Up for that.
Second, to replace the stock air system with a custom K&N system, courtesy of a great deal from my SATX friend, @BuzzMor ! Gently used, but he had dustier travels than I, so I am going for it! Sounds like fun for the hottest, windiest April day in Austin area history, NO?

Let's start with the belt. First slowdown was that I had to go buy some socket adapters - swear I used to have some - but my little 3/8 breaker bar was no match for the tension pulley, so I had to get something to use my 1/2 inch! Not a problem after that. I got to use my fab little Horrible Freight stand for most of this work, so thank you whoever recommended it! And it's kind of hard to get good shots down there, much less when doing the work. Off we go!

Here is the old stuff, much more convenient having the clutch fan out of the way! A few extra inches of room is greatly appreciated! Engine cover off, and on the way.


Belt before;


What's the old one look like? Not really horrible - I will save it. I don't know why.


After


And it worked. I was not launched into space by a flailing belt! And it stayed on! I am happy.

Now, off we go to the K&N install. Again, thanks to @BuzzMor for the great deal. I think this is going to be a good mod for me! First, clean the filter, let it dry (jeez, not enough wind for that!), then re-oil it. NP. Here is before and after. When it's oiled, it's "red".


Let's see what comes next in general? Basically, remove the filter assembly

and the resonator

Giving me the hole, and dirty stuff cleaned up a bit

And more removing of the airbox
The MAF plug
The PVC hose - ignore the instructions and don't "turn it around"
Just turn the box on it's side, and pull the fuel vapor hose. So damn hard if you don't
OK, that's all, so I cleaned it up a lot, thinking I could not put the cover on. WTH. It's cleaner.

Where am I? Oh yes, this is all apart, so clean out the throttle body, right? RIGHT! Bloody well right!
Intake pretty clean from last time
Backside, I didn't do so well
So, I spent awhile on the backside
OK, that's out of the way - back to the mod!

So, basically, it's time to assemble the tube. The instructions aren't great, and since it's used, some of the steps DO NOT equal first install. But, here we go
Install the filter mounting barrier
Replace the fuel vapor hose with a long one.
Don't reverse the PCV hose as instructed, works just fine.
Snug up the K&N lntake
Slide the filter down to the intake, and snug it down
Time to remove the old MAF from the original housing
Might as well spray the heck out of it with MAF cleaner.....
Didn't have the gasket, but I had a skinny O Ring, and with the spacers, worked just fine.
And, though I had information I could not cover it back up, I could.

Took it for a little grandpa drive around the block, and purrs like a kitten. More "FEEL" details to follow, as well as any MPG I can report.

Edit 5/4: I've had three fill ups since the install, and a mix of driving conditions as well. It feels more responsive, sound nice normally, and a little mean when stomped, deepens exhaust note a bit - I like it!
15.3 mpg - all city with only a few stomps!
17.1 mpg - mostly highway, and lifted halfway through
19.3 mpg - today, inter-urban, and matches my best within a 10th or so.
And, as always, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

 

Hows the truck running?