I AM BRUTICUS (build thread)

B.A.M.F Rear Differential Skid Plate
Very solid construction, quality piece as usual, and super snug fit. Takes away about 1/2 inch of ground clearance.

 

Spending the weekend at Railroad Park Resort. If you have kids that love trains this is the place to be. Train cabooses converted into lodging up in Dunsmuir near Shasta Lake in Northern California.

 

@kingk0ng

 

Audio Upgrade
Crutchfield had a Cyber Monday sale on some speakers for 1/2 off. So... With that was able to finally getting around to adding the sound deadening material.

Infinity Reference REF-9620cx for the fronts. I'll add an amp and new head unit a bit later.

 

very nice!

 

Thanks.

 

need update

 

Coming soon.

 

It's a two person job though. One person to hold the nut and hanger on the inside of the camper and someone to screw in the bolt from the outside.

 

700Lb springs
Finally got these in. It was a little scary using the spring compressor but if you take your time and do a little at a time alternating sides it's pretty safe. I would highly recommend these

$60 Shankly Spring Compressor Tool - Heavy Duty Build, Ultra-Rugged Coil Spring Compressor Tool or Strut Spring Compressor Strong and Durable ATV Spring Compressor Tool

heavy duty spring compressors to handle the 700lb springs. The small hooks also make it easy to get them in and out of the springs. I took the precaution of wrapping the hooks with tape to minimize scuffing. To remove the spring it is simply placing a compressor on each side of the spring, alternate tightening each side (look at the center rod of the spring, you will see it move from one side to the other as you tighten. I try to keep in in the middle as much as possible when tightening) You will need to compress the springs enough so that there is room for the bottom spring collar to slide away from the center post and pass the shock through the gap. Then slide the springs out. I highly recommend doing this with an impact wrench.

Also, preset you height collar before installing the spring so you don't have to fight with it with the spring on. Also be mindful of which side the gap is facing when you install back the springs. You want that gap facing the inside of the truck.

 

great job , especially with the shock collar facing inside of truck, i did mine two times, after i installed it on truck and i ripped off again.

 

LOL, Luckily I caught mine before putting it on the truck, but nevertheless, I had to compress the springs twice.

 

Total Chaos Spindle Gussets
Well, since I had the coil overs out I decided to get the spindles beefed up. No sense in upgrading everything only to have the spindles be the weak point in the suspension. I decided to go with the because it retained the sway bar mount and looks the nicest when its all welded up. Gussets were welded up by @Bentrodder. @Bentrodder took great care in making sure the spindles are media blasted to get a good clean surface to weld on, heated up spindles before and after welding to ensure a strong bond, and was able to deliver them in a couple of days. He even cleaned up the corner split in the Total Chaos Gusset to get a clean uniform look (see image #5). Since I provided the gussets, welding was only $125 for me, great price too. Its hard to find a good welder in the bay area. I would highly recommend @Bentrodder if you need some welding services.

 

4Runner Disc Brake Shields
Got the idea from @nudavinci64 4Runner brake upgrade. Trying out some 4Runner shields to fit over the Stoptech rotors. A little trimming was needed to fit the calipers. Crossing my fingers that everything fits when its all bolted up together.

 

Total Chaos Lower Control Arms
Finally got these in after a couple of hiccups along the way. (Broke a grease nipple and had to carefully drill and retap the hole)


It's a good idea to take a pic of the alignment bolts (both sides of each bolt) prior to dismantling the OEM LCAs. This will make it easier when putting it back together and having it close to what it was so you can drive it to the shop for alignment.


For the race version of the LCA you will need to cut the steering stops, else it will damage the LCA. Was easiest to use an angle grinder and make 3 cuts.


Lastly, this was a bitch to bolt on due to the locking nut. Its a two person job or be like me and mount it first to the truck so it doesn't move and use two socket wrenches, maybe a foot as well.

 

Looking good!

 

Engine shields
Since I had everything apart decided to upgrade the OEM engine shields to @cnote4l engine splash guards. Great product, awesome customer service from Cody if you have any fitment issues. They are a heavier grade of rubber and offer more coverage than OEM. I highly recommend them.

 

1/4 coil over spacer
Since coil overs were out decided to add a spacer to fix the infamous taco lean. Used some double stick tape to hold the spacer in place while installing coil over. The coil over is heavy, I didn't feel like fighting with that and having the spacer sliding everywhere, not being able to line up the spacer to get the bolts in at the top.

 

Man you have been busy!

 

Yeah, it's been a long mod. Unfortunately, I'm still not done. The truck has been on stands for almost two months now. I hope to be done soon.