El Taco Diablo... Mall Crawlin, now with LT for tall curbs

I guess I should thank Fox Shocks shit quality control for giving me a reason to buy a new tool.

 

Came home from work and proceeded to:

Change oil ✔
Replace air filter ✔
Check coolant level ✔
Check trans fluid level ✔
Top off Tcase (very slight leak) ✔
Bled brakes ✔
Replaced Lower Ball Joints ✔
Replaced Outer Tie Rod Ends ✔

 

So... been a while since I updated this build thread.

Ended up having to postpone our trip plans. The rear axle started growling and my mechanic confirmed it was the a rear wheel bearing that was causing the sound.

One bit of good news is my mechanic spent a few hours going over the truck and everything but the rear wheel bearings check out good to go. He also put about a half pound of Freon in the A/C.

 

Rather than pay to have the wheel bearings done at the shop. I decided it's time to get a press. I also ordered the press tools needed for the bearings.

 

Ordered all the bearings, seals, retainers, and clips as well.

Here's the list

 

While waiting for the axle parts to arrive, I did some refurbishment to @foxrcing07 Strut Tamer.

 

100% lubed and done.

 

I thought you got your axle all done?

 

The parts got in here in time to do the bearings over the weeked. (McGeorge Toyota is THE place to go for OEM parts)

Of course it was hot as balls



But we went ahead and did the work... It took Saturday and Sunday, due to the heat, taking breaks, not working as late into the evening as I normally do. If the temps were somewhat normal, this repair probably would have take 5-6 hours... it really wasn't that bad.



Good signs... no major metal on the magnet, and the oil looked pretty good coming out.

 

Yep... Did it last weekend... Just hadn't updated this thread in a while.

 

Daughter got me some cool "art" for the garage. For my Birthday



And also finally added a TV to the garage... will make watching @Timmah! videos so much easier.



Re-organized the peg board, and worked in the Taco Shop art... things are really lookin pretty good.

 

I had a question for you. If I just need to replace the axle seals I don’t need the press for anything right?

 

Finished up the doggo / fridge platform for the backseat.

Started this a couple weeks ago, by building the platform. Got some nice carpet, from a house I'm building, that should work pretty nice and hold up well.

 

If you just need to replace the seals, you don't need a press. You'll just need some way to pull the seal out of the axle... it sets back almost 2 inches in to the axle.

One thing to keep in mind is if the seals have been leaking a while, the oil may have washed the grease out of the bearings, and the bearings may be on the way out.

 

Tomorrow, it looks like I'll need to talk myself in to rebooting my CVs. I noticed one of the outers has a slight tear in it. I think I nicked it when I was putting in the lower shock bolt at some point. It isn't really "bad" especially with manual hubs (not spinning unless I'm in 4wd). But I didn't like the outers I have on there or the (screw type) hose clamps that on them.

Ordered some AllPro longer travel outer boots.



And Ordered some new grease. I use one tube per side. Half in the inner boot, half in the outer boot.

 

Only reason I would need to do the seals, is the total chaos rear shock relocation kit recommends replacing the seals after welding on the lower tabs as the heat often messes them up.

 

Oh, then you should be good. Just doing the seals is pretty simple.
Drain
Disconnect brake lines
Disconnect Ebrake cables
4 axle bolts (per side)
Pull axle... and you're there at the seal.

I made a flat piece, that I could get through the seal opening, that would span across inside the seal, attached to a slide hammer to get the seal out. And then tapped the new one in with a bearing driver.

 

So, when I did my rear axle seals the first time (on the 4Runner), I figured I'd just use "something" to pull the seals out, and not purchase a slide hammer with seal pullers. I quickly realized that a screwdriver or pry bar wasn't going to work (or, I wasn't going to be comfortable trying to make it work) and I ended up making this, which I hit with a hammer to pull the seals. It was quite stressful getting the seals out of the races and I really mangled the seals (which is OK of course) in the process. Luckily, the races were fine.



After that experience, when the seals went out on the Taco, I figured I might as well just bite the bullet and get the OTC slide hammer. I'm so glad I did. Seriously, the reduced stress alone was worth it (esp. since I was now working on the Taco). Pulled the seal out super easily.



Anyway, that's just my way of recommending the OTC slide puller when you do your seals @Dan8906. It's worth the $90 or so, IMO.