Roberts T4R (eventually TacoRunner) build

So, here we are. My son ( @RobertsT4R ) bought a project 4 Runner. I figure I'll start a build thread for it, since he doesn't post much in here, and this a good way to keep track of what we've done, and how and when we did it.

Here's what it looked like when he bought it. (pics from the Craigslist ad)

 

It's a fairly clean truck. Runs good and for the most part every thing is sound. He got a good deal on it as it has a salvage title and was involved in what would seem a fairly moderate front end collision.

We also knew going in that there is a problem with the power steering system. And that the CVs would need to be re-booted.

We got it home and took some more inventory of the situation... and then immediately started pulling running boards and plastic shit off the truck lol.

 

Thanks man... this one should be fun. It'll take a little while for him to get it where he wants it. But he'll get there.

 

So here's what the CVs looked like.

 

Found the problem with the steering rack... went to inspect the inner tie rod ends. As soon as I started to move the boots out of the way, power steering fluid poured out.

2 problems with that. Boots are to keep shit out of there... not hold fluid in. Also... the power steering fluid is actually red ATF on this truck... it's not supposed to be yellow power steering fluid.




So... Out came the old rack.





And in went the brand new used rack.


Also replaced the rack bushing with Enegy Suspension.

Energy Suspension 8.10103G 4WD RACK & PINION BUSHING SET

$31 Energy Suspension 8.10103G Rack and Pinion Bushing Set for 4WD

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EEWEE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jHWsEbY2WDRQR

 

Pretty much... also keeping an eye out for "deals" as they come up...

Like these BMW seats he scored for 200 bucks.




It'll take some finagling to get them to work. We'll need to fab brackets. But his front seats are worked... and this will be a great upgrade... especially for the price

 

He went ahead and bought some new inner boots. Outers seem fine and they are more of a pain in the ass, so we let them ride.

I've had good luck with the OffRoad Solutions inner boots on mine so he decided to go that route as well.

https://www.offroadsolutions.com/products/high-angle-inner-cv-boot/



We did the "boot slide mod" while we were at it.

These are the clips we used (from Napa) to hold the boot slide in place.

 

Next... Robert was introduced to the true (hidden) cost of vehicle ownership... lol

He got to buy fluids



Now... I did help him out a bit because some of that gear oil is going in my rig. But, let's just say it was an eye opening experience lol.

 

And the next thing he got to do was...

Change stinky gear oil and bleed the brakes. Not sure if or when the gear oil gad been changed last. We also changed the T-case oil and replaced the T-case drain and fill plugs with upgraded ones from Trail Toys.

https://trailtoys.net/products/magnetic-drain-plug

 

Then it was on to Lower Control Arm bushings.

Whiteline W53377A Black Bushing Kit

Whiteline W53377A Control Arm Bushing, Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9GQMT0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NBWsEbGEQPN82

 

Ordered Outer Tie Rod ends for a Tacoma (an upgrade over the 4Runner OTREs)

 

Also ordered Tacoma Lower Ball Joints.

You've got to switch the LBJs and OTREs together to upgrade from 4Runner to Tacoma.

Toyota 43330-39556 Suspension Ball Joint

$204 Toyota Ball Joint - 43330-39556

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KTJL8QM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4KWsEb69GBJQS

Genuine Toyota 43340-39436 Ball Joint Assembly

$135 Toyota Ball Joint - 43340-39436

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZN3EUA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FLWsEb6K7NGBV

 

There's a pretty big difference between the 4Runner (left) and Tacoma (Right) OTRE.

 

The upper ball joints on the spindle were shot to hell. Instead of just replacing them, I suggested he wait and buy some aftermarket Upper Control Arms because they would also have ball joints with them.

I didn't want to press new ball joints in, only to have to turn around and press them back out.



He went ahead and ordered a set of MevoTech UCAs from Rock Auto.

After the TW 5% discount it came to around $450 after shipping. Pretty good deal considering SPC UCAs go for around $600.




The coolest part is they are actually SPC UCAs in a MevoTech box lol

 

The next item on the agenda was the Tundra Brakes. Hands down the best thing I've done to my truck... so he was pretty sure he wanted to do this to his truck as well.

CCK02111 FRONT Original [2] Calipers + [2] OE Rotors + Low Dust [4] Ceramic Pads Kit

$309 Callahan Front Calipers and Brake Disc Rotors + Ceramic Pads + Hardware Brake Kit For Toyota Tundra Sequoia Caliper Casting #13WL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073GH8TQ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_y3WsEb60Z9J2R


At 180 bucks for Calipers, pads, rotors... It was a now brainer.

 

And then it was time to put a bunch of stuff together.

Pressed the old UBJs out.


Pressed the new UBJ cups in.

Upper ball joints is not our favorite... lol

 

While everything was out of the way... the pinch welds got some remodeling.