Little Red Turbo Creeper

Installed a new negative battery terminal and fender ground.

I noticed some electrical tape in the middle of a fender ground a while back and removed it to see why it was there in the first place.

at least they soldiered the connection.



I'll address the positive terminal later so don't be all negative about how It looks

 

How are you liking that red top battery? Been contemplating the red or yellow.

 

It's been solid! I think there was a 24F type battery in there before that's slightly bigger but this smaller 34R has better specs in every way.
If they had a yellow top available when i bought it I probably would have gone that route but I don't regret going with the Red top at all.

 

Sweet. Yea I’m thinking the yellow. Good to hear you’ve had a good experience.

Mine currently has a duralast and I don’t like it. It seems to be getting to the end of the line. Thinking of using it for the trolling motor on the boat and putting in the yellow top. Thanks

 

I took a little time and cleaned up the replacement LCA's and added a couple coats of paint for good measure


The OTC Front end service kit showed up


I also got some new shackles for the front bumper. I wasn't sure if they would fit at first, these brackets for the shackles in the All-Pro Apex bumper are a bit fat and barely left room for one of the thin rubber washers on each shackle.

Plus side to that is there's enough friction to hold the shackle tucked back under the bumper until needed.

And one more

 

Knowledge is power. I might not have the knowledge but I've got the power to gain the knowledge.



I've been mislead a few times by the Hanes repair manual but it's still a handy reference. I do like having a second option that's a little more specific. These repair manuals are usually just shy of $300 but I recently noticed they were on sale through Amazon and Ebay for about $175

I've spent more on text books for subjects I was far less interested in so I guess that helped soften the blow.

2003 Toyota Tacoma Shop Service Repair Manual

$225 bishko automotive literature 2003 Toyota Tacoma Shop Service Repair Manual Book Engine Drivetrain OEM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U2UBXMC

 

No more dented fuel tank

Spectra Premium T031C 18.5 gal



1 can of Raptor liner bed liner
2 cans of Dupli-color bed liner
1 can Raptor liner undercoating


Can and a half of Dupli-color engine enamel
Pickle Rick is that you?

Gas prices these days feels like being smashed by Hulk penis


All ready to go in with a new Delphi fuel hanger Assembly, all new seals with Permatex 85420 fuel resistant gasket dressing.
Toyota only sells one of the gas tank cushions for the back of the tank and its the one that comes in directly contact with the frame cross member and I'm glad I bought that and recommend buying 2 of them.
For the front of the tank I used a roll of adhesive backed neoprene cut to fit.


Filled up the tank and so far so good.

 

Looks good. I’m kicking myself I didn’t do my valve covers in red or green when I changed mine.

 

I had a new valve cover on the shelf for a while and I am surprised it didn't get painted before I installed it. I actually want to paint my plenum and make it look like a fist (but it'll have an extra finger haha)

 

9 months later..

 

Spent a full day in the shop with some high quality people



Instructions went out the window on this one, we were able to get the entire job done without touching the motor mounts or the transmission but we did remove the brake booster.

We cut the stock crossover pipe on the drivers side and pulled it out through the passenger side

The drivers side header is very close to the front dif breathers so I have an extra reason to relocate them to a better place.


The dipstick for the transmission needed to be mounted differently on the passenger side.

 

Ball flanges

Passenger side.
the nut welded onto the stationary flange on the male side was welded off center enough that it was difficult to get the bolt started


Drivers side.


Hopefully this labor day I'll be installing the new reinforced LCA's, getting the AP spindle gussets welded in and replacing the wheel bearings and finally getting the wheeler's alignment cam tabs welded on and put back together with new alignment hardware, tie rod ends, lower ball joints, and steering rack bushings.
I also have extended sway bar end links and sway bar bushings but I don't think I'll put that on just yet

 

The finish isn't as smooth as I had it before adding the Eimkeith's reinforcements but it'll do. I will say brushing the POR15 on was a nice change from inhaling spray paint and having over spray everywhere

 

Finally got the spindle gussets and alignment cam tabs welded up. It still needs a splash of paint and an alignment but time ran short

 

Snagged a picture of the spindle gussets

I noticed a crack in the durobump stop and went to inspect it and the dang thing popped right off. I never even got a chance to use the. they've been on less than 15 miles so idk what happened

 

Happy to report my tires are finally wearing evenly.

I did have a lug stud snap at the shop while having the tires balanced (right after trying to tell the tech he was over tightening the lug nuts)
Some people need to chill with the air impact guns.
I played around for a minute to see if I could salvage the lug nut

It started out promising



Dont touch the glowing metal.

Damn, but it was fun regardless

 

@El Taco Diablo
Random question but since you swapped out your LCA's does that mean you no longer have a use for those Super Bumps you made to fit the front of your oem LCA's? I thought that was a great idea and need something to pair with my durobumps

 

An early birthday present came in the mail today

Always frustrated when shipping is a little rough

Luckily everything looks to be okay. I did find a small crack in the plastic cover above the 9.5k sticker but it's not enough to make me concerned. I did also notice the supplied negative cable looks like it was crushed in a couple spots but nothing serious.

 

Probably could have been done a little more delicately but it's in and working, except for the light that's supposed to shine on the spool.