Finally Getting Around To It Build

You should consider putting in a marlin shifter bushing. Makes your shift much smoother

 

I already considered putting in a short shifter while I had everything disconnected, but the transmission shifts perfectly smooth now and there's nothing wrong with it. Sort of moving this build in the direction of just maintaining it and if it isn't broke, don't fix it. Might even sell the super charger...

I like the way the truck is set up right now and just plan on maintaining it to last. But who know's, I could always change my mind!

 

Look what came in the mail just in time for the weekend!

 

It didn't rain today so I decided to start changing all the fluids! Got both front and rear diffs, transmission, and transfer case all changed out. Was going to change the oil, but I ran out of space in my catch can. I'll probably change it tomorrow. All the fluids actually looked rather good, except for the front diff. The front diff was sort of grayish but not terrible. Also rotated my tires. Scheduled an appointment to get a 4 wheel alignment and have the add a leaf installed Wednesday. Truck should be good to go by the end of the week!

 

Got around to getting the oil changed today. Also changed out the little tabs in the cup holders! Looks so much better!

Looks a hell of a lot better!

 

Got the truck back from getting the add a leaf installed and an "alignment".... A little disappointed with 4 wheel parts. Dropped my truck off to get the work done at 9 am today and got it back at 6 and it was even completely fixed. Partially is due to the seized cam bolts but I think 8 hrs is a little excessive, and it still needs an alignment! Have to take the truck back when I get time to get the cam bolts replaced and a new alignment after I just paid them to have it done. Also the rear axle is still dogglegged but I think it's due to the fact that the frame it tweaked a hair, so I guess that's just something I'll have to deal with. Other than that, I'm happy on how the add a leaf came out! The truck is sitting at 24 inches from the center of the hub to the fender in the rear now. Really considering selling the supercharger and buying some new shocks up front with a better spring rating to help level it a little more. Anyways here's some pics!

Came out of 4 wheel parts and they parked it next to another taco! It must be a guy who works there since I see it all the time there. Lift, sliders, and an SOS front bumper!


Add a leaf installed, really like how it turned out!

 

Got tired of my front bumper hitting my fender and making a clunking noise over every bump so I decided to do something about it. The bumper has always been a little tweaked since I got it off the parts truck I had that rolled. I might get it fixed eventually but this should do for now. I used some thick plumbers tape to wrap part of the bumper where it was hitting to give it sort of a cushion and make less of a noise. Took it for a spin around the block and no noise! Who knows how long it will last but I'm happy with it for now.

We use something similar to this in the Air Force and I thought if it's good enough for planes it should be good enough for my truck! Not the prettiest but it works, for now.

 

Truck is getting new alignment bolts this week along with a new alignment. Also ordered a new gas tank skid plate from Low Range Offroad, a Viair air compressor, and some camping stuff for the road trip!

 

Awesome. Having air on the truck is so handy. You'll enjoy it.

 

I currently have a cheap walmart portable air compressor but I figured if I air down on this road trip and the walmart one craps out, i'd be better to have a good quality one. I ended up getting the Viair 400P compressor. It's portable which i'm fine with since i'll probably use it on my other vehicle too.

 

Buddy bought a 1980 pickup! This things awesome! Helping him change out his front wheel bearing.

 

Maybe I missed it somewhere, but who makes the roof basket?

 

It's a Rola Vortex, with the extension. I got if on Amazon if I remember correctly.

 

Never getting service done at 4 wheel parts ever again! First they couldn't get the alignment done and now they ordered the wrong alignment bolts so theyll have my truck all week until the new bolts come in. Only reason I'm not more pissed is because I can't pick it up until Saturday. I'll still buy stuff from them but WILL NOT get any service done by them.

 

Taking the truck up to Uhwarrie this weekend! Been wanting to make it up there for some time now! Should be a good time!

 

Alright, officially pissed. 4 Wheel parts just called and said that they can't get the alignment bolts out so they have to order new lower control arms and they come with new LBJs. So much for having Toyota put OEM on there a few months ago and they are putting Moog on it. I would do it myself but they have the truck apart so I can't even pick it up to do it myself. And the best part is that instead of just being around $200, it's going to be almost a grand. BEYOND PISSED.

 

Disregard this post. Plan was to go up to Uwharrie this weekend but since fixing my truck I need to start saving money for my big road trip next month.

 

Andddd the shit storm continues... 4 wheel parts says they can't swap over the factory bump stops because they are seized into the old LCAs. Great. Another thing I have to buy! I am no way having them buy new ones. Going to get new upgraded ones online or something and install them myself. BEYOND DONE WITH THIS SHOP.

 

Finally got my truck back from the shop! Got them to drop the price some because of the some of the work they said they would have to do and didn't have to. Just glad to have my truck back. Got it home and installed the new bump stops I bought. Had to jack the front end up a little bit to screw the bump stops in, no biggie. They look good. Also, picked up some weather stripping to put a seal back on between the bed and tailgate. I did it previously, but since bedlining the bed I had to take it off and just now getting around to put new seals on it. Turned out alright. All I care about is if it keeps out water and dust. Anyways here's some pics.

New lower control arms, bushings, alignment cam bolts, and alignment.


Put the new bump stops on!


New seal between bed and tailgate.


Whenever it stops raining, I'm going to clean the underside of the truck real good. Then put the skid plates back on. The new gas tank skid plate should get here soon, so I'll install that when it comes in. Have a lot of goodies coming in the mail for the new week or so!

 

Looks like @ChadsPride found my build thread!