MattJakob's 'Everything but a Tacoma' Thread

I asked my machinist that question when I first start my engine rebuild. He recommended if you're pulling the head, might as well do the head gasket as well. You're already in there and might as well do the work and have everything decked and machined.

 

I'll play devils advocate, and only out of a matter of opinion. If you're removing the head I think it would of course be wise to replace the head gasket and anything else that you may have access to only when the head is removed. Especially if this thing is the original. On the other hand, there might be minor little imperfections to the head, and a new headgasket may not seal exactly to them. Again, this is matter of opinion and how it makes sense in my head. If anyone else has knowledge or experience on this I would be willing to listen and learn. As far as matching a different head to the block, I would say to have the block resurfaced, if necessary, so it would provide a smooth, clean mating surface for the new head. Then that way you could have peace of mind knowing that all surfaces and new head gasket are good to go and sealed up properly.

 

Definitely do the head gasket and new head bolts while you're in there. Gasket kits are cheap that do everything from the cylinder head and up.

I would never remove a cylinder head and put a new one on with an old gasket. Those are one time use.

 

Yeah, I guess I was also kind of asking whether or not you'd keep the helicoil head or replace?
After further reading, helicoiling seems to be a pretty permanent solution to cross treading. I'm thinking I'll still give it a solid tune up but I might leave the head (non)issue alone?

 

If it were me, I'd probably get a new head for the peace of mind. But also depends I guess if you're on a strict budget too. Realistically it's probably fine since the plug isn't subject any kind of load really other than a pressure from inside the combustion chamber. The only times I've tried using helicoils on stuff, it was on stuff that moved around and supported some kind of load which didn't work for that long.

Also, if you get a new head it would already be surfaced so you know it's flat, the valve lash is set properly, no burnt valves, etc.
I got a new head from kingcylinderheads.com delivered to my door in a couple days for like $600 iirc back when I did mine.

 

Exactly my thought - no real load on the plug.
I haven't taken much look for it yet. I'm waiting for a few more pieces in order to replace the brakes. When I'm doing that, I'll pull the plugs at cylinders 3 and 4, identify which it is, and make an educated guess then.
If the threads feel fine and all looks good. I might just give it a tune up, let it roll, and see how it does.

22RE heads from kingcylinderheads.com are $400 - definitely reasonable.

 

Yea I mean you could do a pretty thorough inspection on it and get a good idea of the health of it
leak down test, compression test, boroscope to check the condition of the piston heads, to name a few.

 

Supercharger

 

Frick, why couldn’t you have posted this like 2 days ago

 

sorry, did you make a decision on the motor swap?

 

No, already sold the drivetrain out of the 01 actually. Going to keep the 22RE in the 85.
Just bought a ton of parts for the 85, would’ve used those funds here if I’d seen it sooner because this looks like fun

 

Finally started working on the 1985 4Runner - the 2001 is almost completely taken apart so figure it's time to start on this one. That, and I've got a huge pile of parts collecting for the 85.
Did a little tune up on it today. New spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, cap o-ring (old one was completely toast), and distributor rotor. Started it up afterwards and it's idling/running much better. Still can't drive it much since there's absolutely no brakes but I'm hping that changes in the upcoming weeks.
I've also got a new vacuum hose kit and throttle position sensor on the way, so those'll go on in the coming weekends.
Untitled by Matthew Jakobowski, on Flickr

 

Finally got rid of this thing. Freed up some garage space for the 85. It was fun while it lasted
Untitled by Matthew Jakobowski, on Flickr

 

End of an era

 

So this means the 85 will be ready by May for the Rubicon?

 

She should be done by then. The FlipPac needs more work than I thought but the 4Runner should at least be done by then

 

Nice part out. Suprised you left both rear quarter glass in. Those are easy $100 a piece. lol

 

Can't wait man! Should be a fun break in trip!

 

Underpowered 22re fix https://www.lceperformance.com/REBUILT-22RE-Supercharger-Kit-High-Boost-10psi-p/sd-0000033.htm

 

Started digging into this thing a bit more as the season of wheeling is upon us.

Yesterday, I threw in a new brake booster and master cylinder, and started with extended stainless steel front brake lines.
I upgraded the master cylinder to the V6 1" bore master cylinder and the brake booster to a dual diaphragm brake booster.
I was also planning to replace/upgrade the front brakes but halted that task when I started taking the knuckle assemblies apart - they need a bit more work than I intended and require a rebuild, and if I'm rebuilding the knuckles, I want to upgrade them too.

I found a used front axle locally that's got 6 shooter knuckles, RCV axles, and IFS hubs - I'm planning on picking it up later this week.
The 6 shooters and RCVs will make the front end more bullet proof, and the IFS hubs will make all future brake work easier. It'll also widen the front by 3" as it moves the WMS out 1-1/2" each side so I'll have to decide what to do in the rear - whether to run an IFS rear axle (wider by 3"), run wheel spacers (probably this), or have a wider front axle.

During the front axle rebuild, I'll have a truss, some gussets, and diff guard welded on. I'll also replace all seals, bearings, etc.

Once the brakes and front axle rebuild is done, I'll really dive into the engine work.
I've started collecting some additional engine parts beyond what I've installed to really tune this thing up.
After the tune up, I'll get the new suspension installed, throw a set of 37s on, and get into it on new differentials and dual cases.
As confirmed by East Coast Gear Supply, the 5.29 3rd member from my 3rd gen will plug directly into the rear axle of this thing.
They'll also buy back my front clamshell from my 3rd gen (not at the price I bought it for but still a damn good price) and I can apply that credit directly towards a front third for the 85. Pretty kickass of them.

Bit of a slow start but I'm happy things are finally moving on this thing.