Millenium Falcon Taco Build

AWESOME!

 

I pulled the rear bumper off of the donor truck this evening. It has some damage from the accident but I will beat the dents out of it before installing it on my truck.
I'm also in the process of removing the rear end with third member, axles and springs and plan on cleaning it up and swappig it over to my truck. My rear diff is still leaking so this will solve that and it has less wear and tear on it as well. Win Win
Next I will be removing the power steering rack, cleaning it up, replacing the inner and outer tie rod ends, getting some PU bushings and installing it on my truck.
I have a tear and some stains in my drivers seat bottom fabric. The drivers seat bottom fabric is in better condition in the donor truck so I will be swapping those.
Also, on my truck the plastic piece that is between the drivers seat and the drivers door is broken and will not come stay in place. Once again the one from the donor truck is in good condition so I will swap that over also.

 

Seriously some absolutely incredible work you've got going here. I too nominate you for build thread of 2016. Haven't seen anything as thorough as this. Good work bud

 

Thank you, much appreciated!
I do enjoy doing it, especially when I see progress being made. Today was a huge step for me, so happy to have resolved the vibration issue.

 

Great build thread! thanks for sharing, it has been an enjoyable read

 

Got the rear end out, springs and all.
Front bolts were seized in the bushings and they needed to be cut.
I think these springs are in better shape than the ones I have in the truck now but I'm unsure of what I want to do.
Wait and get OME ones and just sell these or go through the trouble of cleaning these up, putting new bushings in them and using them until they wear out.
Any opinions?
Mine just clank and bang over bumps. They are also a little saggy with minimal weight in the back.

 

Wel I'll be honest, I think you should clean those up because all of us here would LOVE to see some more amazing work by you good sir.

 

lol
I'm feeling used.
Any other thoughts?

 

No sir.

You may be better off buying new ones so you have the strength. And possibly some Dakar leafs or something. The OEM ones are weak as crap

 

I took some pictures after tidying up the shop this evening to show you all that my shop is not always a disgusting mess.
lol

 

I'd just get some OME springs right away and not bother with any of the OEM spring sets.

 

I envy you my friend. I want a shop.

 

Thanks bro, it's been a long time coming.
I just rent half of the building I am in, the other half is used to store the owners things.
We are planning on building a house with a shop in the near future so I can say that I too am looking forward to having my own shop!

 

I swapped rear bumpers with my donor truck.
Below are pictures of the one that came with my truck and the one I put on!
I also managed to change my transfer case oil. It's interesting that the stuff that came out looked pretty new.

 

I wouldn't mess with OEM springs. Get yourself set up with a good set of ALCAN or Dakar springs. Maybe even go ahead and install some helper bags? Not sure what you plan to do with it though...

 

I just want a little lift from it, be able to load it up when I want to and have it ride very comfortably and quietly.

 

I just subbed this thread so hard. What an awesome journey in a few short months, and major props for actually building a Tacoma!!! +1 on the Dakars, especially if you will be loading it up regularly. Good luck the rest of the way!

 

Wow, thank you for your comments!

 

So, the dash is out of the parts truck.
lol

 

Had to sub to this thread, this is the most amazing build I've ever seen. I always say that I'd like to eventually get a 1st gen 4x4 for fun and have my newer '13 for my dd, but this thread makes me question that. This stuff is way over my head. You are doing an incredible job man, keep it up.