04 coil spring bucket graft.

Valve cover looks nice!

 

I got both motor mounts secure, and bolted into place this morning. It just had one holding it yesterday. Manual says it has to be level. So great! I get to try out my new leveler! What I had to do was loosen the 2 bolts on either side of the mount, where it attaches to the frame. I had to remove one bolt on the right side, so I could align the center, main bolt, then pry, and shift the engine to a point where the last bolt went in.
I spent some time arranging wire cables, and planning my next move.

 

Just got the flywheel back from the machine shop. Turned down nicely.
Getting ready to put the clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing, the bearing in the back of the engine and a new rear main seal.
Tranny is next....

 

I put all the belt driven parts back on, and started sorting out the wiring. I have more work to do on that.
Time to start putting the tranny back. New Aisan clutch kit. I broke one flywheel bolt and had to order another from Toyota. Funny it was a 12 sided head. All the original bolts are 6 sided. I don't like 12 sided sockets, but the 2nd one I tried worked. Torques the 14mm flywheel bolts to 65 ft. lbs.
I had my friend come over and help Saturday. Come to find out the dust cover plate was in the wrong position, and prevented it being bolted up. We decided to break from the work, and give it another go next Saturday.
It is good to have a strong, healthy helper. This one bench presses 400lbs. At 68, and with the bypass surgery a few years back, I can no longer man handle a transmission, like when I was in my 20s/30s. He wound up balancing the tranny on his shins/knees! Amazing!
Picture is my string helper.

 

About 4 weekends ago , and with help from my friend Skyler, i was able to put the transmission in. No easy task. I would up pushing on the back of the tranny with my foot towards the engine while my helper shook and finally got the pilot bearing and both dowls to go in at the same time.

Just today 9/20/22 I got it to crank and run for a little bit. I still have problems. Steering, suspension, I hope the engine is just a vacuum hose or something.

 

Yesterday, 9/28/22 I was able to find and plug the vacuum leak, and actually drive around my property. This is the first time this truck has moved at all under its own power for over 14 months. A true glory ride!
Its still got suspension problems so I'm not out of the woods yet. The left side wheel base is 2" longer then the right, and needs to be pulled back. I hope that is all that is wrong. If that goes well, the alignment shop is next. At least I can move it now!

 

I just found your thread.
Nice work! I’m so glad to hear it’s driving now!

 

The engine is back in the truck, and seems to be running okay. Smooth idle. No warning lights. Happy, happy me.

 

The 04 taco rebuild project is all put back together. Its been at Jordens Paint and Body to get the frame pulled out. LF wheel is about a inch out, that is, pushed forward. The good news is that it was pulled out and everything looks good! The anti sway bar would not bolt up due to this mis-alignment. It now fits once again! It goes straight from there to get a laser alignment for camber and caster If anything is off (not likely) it will go back for more prestation and the frame straightening machine. I've never done one of these, but it seems to me its all down hill from here. I plan to put a tag on it right after. Then a new fender and front bumper, and its hello hi-way! I've been in this project for a year and a half now. The end is in sight! Pretty sweet! Wish me luck.....

 

Should slide that clamp on the fuel return hose back up, its not currently hanging onto the regulator.

 

Thanks. I'll put it on the to do list.

 

I guess the project is winding down. Well, not really. i still want to get some new tires and replace the solid back glass with the sliding version out of the donor truck. Maybe upgrade the sound system.
Anyway, here is what I have been working on. New grill. New bumper. New lights and all fixtures. New LF fender. All the suspension stuff under the LF side is new. I had to get the frame pulled, then a complete wheel alignment. I ready to ride! What do you think?

 

I changed the rear glass out over the weekend in my 04 Taco. It wasn't to bad of a job. I needed a pic tool to get the rubber seal over the pinch weld on the window frame. Important tip. Lift the window up into the upper first, due to the shape of the window, then work the sides and bottom. I used a 3/16 soft cotton rope to pull the rubber around. The new window opens. (hooray)and is tented from Toyota. You don't see these windows on a base cab truck. Must be a custom jobby!!!!