Building the Badger

Edit: So this started off as a rescue but now its progressed into building an adventure truck for me and my wife. This thread will keep track of my progress. I hope to update with some photos from day one, which was pretty rough. To be honest it was WAY rougher than I realized.

Hello!
I am looking at buying an 03 basket case. The previous owner literally died while doing the timing belt on the 5vz. The truck has been sitting for maybe two years. I can see the cam sensor is still in place and the old belt is still on it. The cover is off, no radiator in place etc. There was no key with the truck so a locksmith came and cut an all metal key for it. It turns in the ignition and the dash fires up but no love from the starter when turned to crank. Just silence. The seller thinks it needs a transponder key and that's why it won't fire but from what I read no 1st gen Tacoma's had transponder keys.

So now my question... Is there any reason the starter should not energize? I scanned the timing belt procedure but i didn't see anything that would kill the starter.

I'm sure the fuel is spoiled anyways, I was just hoping to see it turn over on its own. If I could get it to fire before plunking down for a timing kit that would be sweet...

 

Just a random hunch, but does an obd code reader communicate with the ECM?

 

So you put in a new battery?

 

I only had a loaner battery from the yard the truck is at. I did not hook up a reader. I can try that tomorrow though.

 

Here is the truck. Mileage on the dash show 149k

 

But ad lists 166k?

 

Frame could be better, but it’s actually pretty good for these trucks, especially right there at the leaf spring mount.

 

Has it been sitting in Virginia for two years with no windshield and the window(s) open?

How gnarly is the mold/mildew inside?

 

I'd try a jump pack first, who knows if their battery is any good.

 

It has been covered the whole time. Don't get me wrong the interior is a little moldy and it had some ants lol but it certainly looked savable. I brought back a 96 4runner that needed frame work clutch etc and a JDM motor swap. Maybe I'll post some pics but it turned out great and is a joy to drive. This doesn't look as bad because I don't have to cut and weld rockers lol.

I have a 99 4runner to donate the radiator and some engine/transmission bits if I need them. I'll know more tomorrow when I get it home, if I don't get cold feet.

 

Starting circuit is pretty simple, check things and see what your missing.

 

This is awesome, thank you. Its the first thing I'm going to tackle.

Just to clarify my previous searches...there is NO transponder key needed with the first gen Tacoma, right?

 

No 1st gens did not have an immobilizer, even on 2nd gens with an immobilizer it didn't disable the starter.

Starting circuit is just switches and relays, no modules involved.

 

You could try hitting the starter a few times (somewhere between tapping and banging!). It's not uncommon for the contacts inside the solenoid housing of those starters to get so knarly and worn that they don't move when you turn the key. Results? No clicks, no nothing. Sometimes tapping the starter solenoid housing is enough to get it to work again, but it won't work for long.

Timmy the Toolman produced a video a few years back showing how to remove the starter and replace the solenoid contacts. Those contacts should be available from a Toyota dealer and also on-line for around $30.

Hope this helps.

 

I finally got the truck home. I aired up the two flat tires and then took the bed off. I figured it would make flushing the tank easier and I can also get a real look at the frame and its condition. It was late but I did notice that the shift linkages are all disco'd so maybe that's why the starter won't engage. It doesn't know its in park. I'm hopeful anyways. I'll pick up a battery today.

 

there does not appear to be much or any of the Black frame coating left on that rear section
where does it disappear to on these?, does it just blow off in the wind? maybe its just dirt

 

Nice little project you got there.

You done yet?

 

Looks like a decent project truck there. Good luck!

 

Not much progress today. Vacuumed out a bunch of broken glass and dirt from the motor. I did see that the steering rack has no boots and is leaking. Not very surprised there. The intake tract had a clamp missing so I'm cleaning that out before I suck something down the tb.

The windshield frame has some rust just beginning to form so I'm going to sand/prime and paint before the new glass goes in.

 

My timing belt kit showed up so I started on that this evening. I noticed when the crank gear mark is lined up the drivers side head lines up but the passenger cam pulley looks to be one full tooth advanced. Is this belt stretch? Once I get the belt off should I line the marks up according to the notches for the new belt or put it back as it is?