Its been a while since i built a truck. I have wanted to do a tacoma for a while. I bought this 97 Tacoma extracab with the 5vz-fe(3.4L) and 5spd with 119K for 5K, while i was still in Afghan.
535755
535756

I was also able to pick up a complete D60KP dually axle for 300 dollars complete and a D70U for $200.

Plans are obviously the same as many others, SAS it with the 1tons.
RUF's
4.88's
ARB's (dont want to drive it on the streets here in the winter locked up)
Hysteer
Dual ultimates
39 IROK's

I got bored one night and decided to do a bed bob. I cut 13 1/4" out the bed. and made a simple bumper in 45 minutes.
A couple days before the bed bob, me and my room mate built a home made snow plow and were racing around the drive way and he acedently backed into the bed. No biggie didint hit anything that i wasnt really cutting out.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00198.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00203.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00210.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00224.jpg

After gathering up most all the parts i decided to cut it up. Started that on April 1st.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00230.jpg
45 min later
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00232.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00237.jpg
Had remove a piece of the exhaust to drill. Everything is all rusty here so i ended up sacraficing a cheap socket.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00240.jpg
First idea was to run the shackel mounts through the frame but i quickly changed my mind as i didnt like it and went out and got skys frenched shackel kit instead.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00299.jpg
I also used the front hanger as i dont have stuff to fab as well up here and metal is expensive. I was upset that i asked for the hanger with out the logo and they sent it anyways.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00249.jpg

Not too much got done on it over the following 3 weeks. My brother and his friend came up and helped some. I was told we were going to have it sitting on its wheels before he leves and well he wasnt joking.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00331.jpg

So far the rough measurements are:
22 3/4" to bottom of frame.
75" top of cab
and a ridiclous 129" wheelbase. Might be adjusting the in the future.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00337.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00343.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00345.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00348.jpg

Then as im putting it together and doing all the small details i learned some shit i didnt know.
Ok,(regarding a D60F) so it turns out when using the remaned D60 forged wheel hubs from Solid axle to convert from DWA to SWA,
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/SA60-08651_400.jpg

(http://www.solidaxle.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=19&idcategory=11)

you cant just use the rest of your regular D60 parts. Obviously your DWA hubs are different and the rotars are bolted to the hubs insted of pinned whith wheel studs. I figured i could just go get the wheel studs and SWA rotars and calipers for a standard 1 ton Chevy truck equiped with the D60KP. wrong. When using these hubs to convert to SWA on you D60, you must get a flat brake bracket, can be ordered from Solidaxle Or you can make your own.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/SA12_400.jpg


Next you need 73-78 Chevy 1/2 ton brake calipers.
Raybestos parts numers:
Wheel studs # 610-180
Rotors # 5014 (chevy 3/4 front rotors)

The nice thing about these forged wheel hubs are that:
• Wheel hubs designed for strength and durability.
• Hubs are CNC machined from a forging.
• Not a cast piece like all other competitors.
• Utilizes standard components (studs, bearings, seals) readily available at local parts stores.
• Accepts internal style lockout hubs as well as drive flanges from most manufacturers including Solid Axle Industries' drive flange kits.
• These are manufactured by Solid Axle Industries and are not weak remanufactured OEM Hubs.
• Fits Dodge and GM spindles
• Replaces cast units

These hubs call for Ryabestos PN: 610-180(3/4 ton wheel stud) wich is a wheel studs measuring .605dia at the knurl. DONOT REAUSE ANY OF YOUR OLD WHEEL HUB STUDS! They are too big. They meassure .675ish dia.
When my brother and i put the truck together real quick to atleast have it on wheels, we reused the old dually wheel studs. i didnt have my rotora at the time. when i put on the rotors i thought i was to use (since their website didnt tell me to use 3/4 rotors) they didnt fit. my new wheel studs PN:610-180 would fall thru the holes.
I went back and got wheel studs from napa for a 1ton chevy truck which are a little bigger in diameter and pushed them thru.
* this is a fix if you do make this mistake, Note that you will need to drill or grind out the holes in the hat of the rotor a very small amount or you will crack the rotor when seating the wheel studs.

Well i got one of the hubs completed. waiting till tuesday to order the bracket to mount up the calipers.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00349.jpg

I did my oil pan swap, Took the factory front sump oil pan out and strainer and installed the new 2wd T100 oil pan and strainer. pretty fast swap.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00350.jpg

next i started preping the shock hoops to be mounted. made frame scabs for the mounting of the TG shock hoops. (haha woulda made my own but getting tube here is ridiclous)
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00352.jpg

Before i can finish up the shock hoops i want to mount the steering gear box. That way i can ensure when i put the bracing on the hoops they wont interfere with the steering shaft.
Its a really close fit, but after cycling it a few times i decided it would be good enough and drilled the holes.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00357.jpg

Ok, so i was learning more as i went. I have yet to find this info anywhere regarding these hubs set up on a normal D60. I was tols that most of the time these hubs are used in comp buggies on custom axles.
Now that my flat brake brackets showed up from spintech i started mounting everything up for the front brakes. I made sure i traced the bracket before instalation so i can send it to my brother to enter into a plasmacam back home.

Once i mounted the braket i reinstalled the rotor and hub, then tried bolting up the GM 1/2 caliper. I noticed the caliper didnt go on as it was hitting the spindel. So i traced the area on the spindal i woul have to clearence, took the bracket back off and ground it down.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00371.jpg

Once it was ground down, i reinstalled the bracket and test fit the caliper.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00372.jpg

Once the test fit proved good, I took the caliper off and reassembled the whole hub, rotor and caliper set up.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00373.jpg

Well not too much has been acomplished lately. Alot has to do with the gheyass army ways in wich i spent many nights getting home late for no reason other than we didnt get released until late even though there was nothing to do. Therefore every thing was closed.

I did get my package from my brother the friday. It was my custom power steering line for the high pressure side. Total cost was like 16dollars. I then bought some more line and a cooler and got it all hooked up.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/pslines.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/pslines1.jpg

I also got the crawl box cleaned up and built. so now i just got to clean all the grease and grime off the second Tcase that i will be using, then i can build it and mate them and one day install them.

As of today the dual cases are build but sitting in the house. waiting on a box from my brother that has some shit i need.
The D70U ARB and gear install is kicking my ass. Ive never had a problem like this before. The only issue and which ive never had experienced before is i have a tight spot in the gear set. Its only in 1 spot when rotating the ring gear around it will tighten up. My BL goes from 7thou to zero. Ive got a good pattern tho. Ive torn it all apart twice, flat filed the ring gear mounting surface as well as carrier. Im totally confused and getting pissed. I think i will tear the whole thing apart and double check everything.

What's you MOS, killer?

Making quick work of the taco!!!

did you know your brother is gay? tried to gimme a blowjob last time i was up there:flipoff2:

taco looks badass...low and wide! deja vu

[QUOTE=Mike Honcho;11654175] My brother and his friend came up and helped some. I was told we were going to have it sitting on its wheels before he leves and well he wasnt joking.


wes can definitely knock out some fabrication in a small amount of time!

What's you MOS, killer?

Making quick work of the taco!!!
I wish i was working faster
MOS is 11B

did you know your brother is gay? tried to gimme a blowjob last time i was up there:flipoff2:

Haha. what do you mean tried? you didnt let him:flipoff2:


wes can definitely knock out some fabrication in a small amount of time!
When he wants too. haha. Not too much to fab. mailnly bolt together. Just sux workin out side in the weather. need to finish before the snow is back

What springs are you using?

looks great. i love tacos on tons:smokin:

What springs are you using?
RUF's and the factory tacoma springs in the rear.
looks great. i love tacos on tons:smokin:
Thanks

Well tonight i tried doing the rear gears again. This time i rotated the ring gear on the carrier reinstalling everything for the millionth time. This time around theres not tight spots and it stays between 6 an 7 thousandsth BL.
So i start to prep the cap to notch it for the copper line and broke the damn copper line off:mad3: If it aint one thing its another. Oh well its now getting that much closer to driving again. Had to quit for the night cause it started to rain. Miss having a garage.

Then as im putting it together and doing all the small details i learned some shit i didnt know.
Ok,(regarding a D60F) so it turns out when using the remaned D60 forged wheel hubs from Solid axle to convert from DWA to SWA,
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/SA60-08651_400.jpg

(http://www.solidaxle.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=19&idcategory=11)

you cant just use the rest of your regular D60 parts. Obviously your DWA hubs are different and the rotars are bolted to the hubs insted of pinned whith wheel studs. I figured i could just go get the wheel studs and SWA rotars and calipers for a standard 1 ton Chevy truck equiped with the D60KP. wrong. When using these hubs to convert to SWA on you D60, you must get a flat brake bracket, can be ordered from Solidaxle Or you can make your own.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/SA12_400.jpg


Next you need 73-78 Chevy 1/2 ton brake calipers.
Raybestos parts numers:
Wheel studs # 610-180
Rotors # 5014 (chevy 3/4 front rotors)

The nice thing about these forged wheel hubs are that:
• Wheel hubs designed for strength and durability.
• Hubs are CNC machined from a forging.
• Not a cast piece like all other competitors.
• Utilizes standard components (studs, bearings, seals) readily available at local parts stores.
• Accepts internal style lockout hubs as well as drive flanges from most manufacturers including Solid Axle Industries' drive flange kits.
• These are manufactured by Solid Axle Industries and are not weak remanufactured OEM Hubs.
• Fits Dodge and GM spindles
• Replaces cast units

These hubs call for Ryabestos PN: 610-180(3/4 ton wheel stud) wich is a wheel studs measuring .605dia at the knurl. DONOT REAUSE ANY OF YOUR OLD WHEEL HUB STUDS! They are too big. They meassure .675ish dia.
When my brother and i put the truck together real quick to atleast have it on wheels, we reused the old dually wheel studs. i didnt have my rotora at the time. when i put on the rotors i thought i was to use (since their website didnt tell me to use 3/4 rotors) they didnt fit. my new wheel studs PN:610-180 would fall thru the holes.
I went back and got wheel studs from napa for a 1ton chevy truck which are a little bigger in diameter and pushed them thru.
* this is a fix if you do make this mistake, Note that you will need to drill or grind out the holes in the hat of the rotor a very small amount or you will crack the rotor when seating the wheel studs.


I don't know if I am following this right, but it doesn't really matter now that you already have it all together. Most people refer to the axles as DRW or SRW (meaning the front axle came out of a truck with either Dual Rear Wheels or Single Rear Wheel). This hub made by SA must be a little different than others, because the ones I bought (OEM GM stuff) I just needed a different rotor and used the same studs, calipers and caliper brackets.

And what RUF's are you using? They don't really look like the 2nd gen pickup stuff.

I don't know if I am following this right, but it doesn't really matter now that you already have it all together. Most people refer to the axles as DRW or SRW (meaning the front axle came out of a truck with either Dual Rear Wheels or Single Rear Wheel). This hub made by SA must be a little different than others, because the ones I bought (OEM GM stuff) I just needed a different rotor and used the same studs, calipers and caliper brackets.
I know the meaning behing DRW an SRW. Thats the info that i got when i called people at SA. i thought it was odd but its cool that you can do it this way and not grind calipers to fit 15" wheels, plus its cheaper.

And what RUF's are you using? They don't really look like the 2nd gen pickup stuff.
IIRC its a mix of 1st and 2nd gen rear leafs. I dont rember exactly, I got them from a guy up here and put em together.

I know the meaning behing DRW an SRW. Thats the info that i got when i called people at SA. i thought it was odd but its cool that you can do it this way and not grind calipers to fit 15" wheels, plus its cheaper.


IIRC its a mix of 1st and 2nd gen rear leafs. I dont rember exactly, I got them from a guy up here and put em together.

it was two 2nd gen packs one 84 and one 88

What's you MOS, killer?

Making quick work of the taco!!!

yeah right.....notice the snow level in the beginning to now....get off your ass grandpa:flipoff2:


BTW it is about time you started a build thread when did you start work on this like march?

Updates????

Badass!!!

Updates????

some one does not have a computer right now but i can tell you it is on the road......in 2wd. i will get him to take some pics and post them or him.

Updates. Im finishing my triple shifters.
Just got my package from my brother with some stuff i need so as soon as it quits fucking raining maybe ill install the tcases.
I went to install my front axles once i got the front ARB set up only to find out the hard way i got the wrong fucking ARB:homer:. Damn things a 30 spline. so it will be a 2 week or so wait to get the new one up here to me.
Other than that it drives great. :smokin: Just get alot of weird stares driving it around up here.

Updates. Im finishing my triple shifters.
Just got my package from my brother with some stuff i need so as soon as it quits fucking raining maybe ill install the tcases.
I went to install my front axles once i got the front ARB set up only to find out the hard way i got the wrong fucking ARB:homer:. Damn things a 30 spline. so it will be a 2 week or so wait to get the new one up here to me.
Other than that it drives great. :smokin: Just get alot of weird stares driving it around up here.

They are not staring at the truck, they are staring at your funny looking superman flaps

Saw ya yesterday morn bout 0900 on Eagle River Loop heading towards the WalFart.Truck looks fucking SICK!! Super low and wide!! :mr-t: Was debating on swinging round and chasing you down to take a look at er hahaha
Doubt you saw/remember but was in this shitbox heading to get some bed liner in a can from NAPA to spray my bumper I'd just finished passed ya right at the top of the hill/ sweeping corner.
I havent seen ya driving round base though.You in 425? I'm a welder w/ 98th Maint.If you see me driving round flag me down would love to take a look at your rig/shoot the shit.

Hey,Thanks man. I think i rember seeing that truck. Ya im in the 50worst. Anytime ya wanna shoot the shit stop in. I do go to the auto shop on base once in a while when i gotta do some work and dont feel like doing it in the rain.

Hey,Thanks man. I think i rember seeing that truck. Ya im in the 50worst. Anytime ya wanna shoot the shit stop in. I do go to the auto shop on base once in a while when i gotta do some work and dont feel like doing it in the rain.

HAHAHA yeah man I think thats true with any company in AK it seems..I'll keep my eyes peeled for ya around base.I dont hit the auto shop much if at all any more with having a place in Eagle River with a 2 car garage with all my shit in there.Hydro Bender,welder,30ton press,chop saw,notcher,vert/horz band saw etc.
Sure we could squeeze your shitbox in there if you need to do some work out of the weather.I'm down.
EDIT:
I was rereading your thread and saw you said steel was expensive.I've bought close to $3G's worth of steel from AK Steel in the last 3 months we've been back from Afghan.Its priced pretty decent compared to the lower 48.I just go in uni and they sling it on the US Govs account so you get the discount.
Tube on the other hand you have to order and get barged up since they dont stock it.I just ordered/recieved on friday 80 ft of
1 3/4" .120 wall HREW and that shit was $3.37 a foot.Pipe you can get easily and its like 80Cent a ft,but I dont have a pipe die for my bender.That junk is $800 so hasnt been ontop of my top priority list ya know.Anyhow I got alot of steel plate,tube,square,angle,solid etc rust free in my garage.So if you need a couple ft of something let me know and I'll see what I got

Sounds great. I think I will take u up on that offer. Ill pm u my number.

Good meeting ya yesterday man!
Have to load ya'll up and take you to that rock bed one day to see what its all aboot.

Ray swung through today to slam his tripple shifts together,build a crossmember and install the dual cases.Didnt meet the deadline there.After fabn up some tripple shifters found out the hard way he had to do some clearancing.We had to tear apart the duals to grind down a shift rod end that was keeping the detent ball from fully seating.So he wasnt able to get as far as we had hoped.Oh wells,shit happens so the pics arent very eventful.Be back at it in the AM.

All for the day..

That truck is so stinkin wide! Must be insanely stable on the trail. Are there any mud flap laws in your state?

there are definately mud flap laws.......

come on ray you have to tell ever one the story....

"shit this ticket is big enough to be a mud flap"
-Ray

there are definately mud flap laws.......

come on ray you have to tell ever one the story....

"shit this ticket is big enough to be a mud flap"
-Ray
Haha, Ya but he didnt think that was very funny. I even got the damn poster(ticket) witht he mud flaps on it, wich was stated to be excessive and didnt need to be that big. I got to put some one the front and then ill be fine. Im just waiting to get somthing to DD and save the big truck.
Plus i still got to sell the D60 ARB to buy the correct one.


Eric, I will deffinatly be back thursdayish to get working again and help you mount your sliders if you havnt already. Thanks again for the computer assistance. It will be great to have it back again.

Ummmmm shoooot man your a few days late on slider mounting,got them hoes mounted up tight.Hell you cant even make em out in the 1st pic.
Shit I did em sunday morn when you were a no show hahaha. Opened the doors,broke out the tie downs,got on my back and using my kneees and one arm got them jokers welded on hahaha.
No worries man,swing on through thurs,fri I aint got shit going on anywho.I do know next weekend on the 4 day I wont be around though.Not to mention I need to place a tube order so I can bend up my rear bump.If you want to get in on it,I can wait til the
1st to order.I'm grab'n 80' again.Its like $63 for 20'. 1.75" HREW .120 wall.
Glad to help ya out on that computer problem brutha.Just make sure you do a virus sweep every now and then and its enabled.I think you had EVERY virus on the net on that thing hahahah

Nice, those look good.
I was going to stop in but i had a guy who might come buy the 70 Chevy from me.
Ofcourse i need to build some plastic ghey ass fender flairs by this weekend. I got rolled up again. Threated to have the truck impounded for being modifyed from stock and width, there were 3 cars and 4 officers looking over the truck. after some talking i got let go and told on top of the mud flaps i need fenders and he will leave me alone.
On a good note,he was interested in the truck and asked about the build and how it was done as well as specs.:laughing:

So I finally got my Tcases installed. crossmember built and all i had left was to get my front driveshaft and then i could start to play except when i was heading back to base my rear end started howling at me the started banging.
I ended up loosing my pinion bearings chipping up the ring and pinion and hopefully didnt hurt my ARB.
I dont know what would of caused them to fail like that. That rear end only had 3K on it, no wheeling on it and i drive the damn thing like a grandma.
555433
Worst part is now i will have to wait for shipping. Damn i miss the lower 48

This truck of yours is my favorite toyota ever! Bummer the '70 blew up. That bang Bang BANG! is not a nice feeling. Good luck with everything dude...

let me know if you need any help or anything. i think i finally got the garage cleaned out enough to get a truck in too if you need a warm place to dive into some gears....

is that the rare dodge with a 6spd in it? its a nice truck still.

the taco looks good and its pretty low. just not a fan of how wide it is.

Thanks, ya its a little wide for me too but that's something i will fix when i get home next summer.

i think tis thread needs some more pictures and a bump so here are some i took on newyears day when we were bored.
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0173.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0174.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0175.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0176.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0177.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0178.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0179.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0181.jpg

more:
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0186.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0187.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0189.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0190.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0198.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0193.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/DSC_0197.jpg

nothing special but the truck drives and has 4wd and a rear locker. did pretty well just needs some bump stops and some limit straps installed.

Thanx for the pictures bro. Now i cant wait for summer when i can go home and really get to play with it.
Got to get some sliders built tho. I already messed up the passenger rocker so you have to slam the door now.

Thanx for the pictures bro. Now i cant wait for summer when i can go home and really get to play with it.
Got to get some sliders built tho. I already messed up the passenger rocker so you have to slam the door now.
no reason to wait till summer, there are still plenty of places to beat your truck this winter.

and as for the sliders i have a die in the mail suppose to be here tomorrow and the harbor freight ram due in some time next week so i am that much closer, just got to get the arms and build the stand...as soon as i am done enough with my truck to get it out of the garage....

heres some more poser shots. was checking my shocks and figured we would cycle rays while we were at it....
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures298.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures297.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures296.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures295.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures294.jpg

looks great makes me want one

Well i took it out last weekend on a small snow wheeling trip to the glaciers. Had a good time. It was kinda a shake down run. Every thing went ok except for the cracked Tcase. sucked driving it back out at 5-10mph for 20miles.

573438

573439

573440

573441

i love the stance of this truck! Sucks about the Tcase:(

i think that tan toyota is way more badass!

so when you want to come fix your truck? i think i am painting the kitchen this weekend but i can pull my toy out and we can squeeze yours in.

looks good man! how many tickets do you get for thoes front tires being put so far haha

i love the stance of this truck! Sucks about the Tcase:(
Thanx man. it was and easy fix tho since i still had the shells from building the duals.

looks good man! how many tickets do you get for thoes front tires being put so far haha

Thanx. Ive only got 1. I run a set of flaps in the rear and havnt been harrased.

Stance is lookin good. How long are the shocks your running? and also, do you know about how much you cut out of the fender?

Thanx, I changed the shocks out recently to the bilstine 10" they fit better than the ranchos i had.
The fender were cut about 3in i belive. my brother (t1tndra) cut them when he was up here visiting.

thanks for the info, great rig.

now stop being a parking lot princess and go wheel this thing!

get in yours and lets go. oh wait you blew another 4.3:flipoff2:

get in yours and lets go. oh wait you blew another 4.3:flipoff2:

sure kick a guy while he is down.....dick.....

whens it comin to cali? definitely gonna need some hummer wheels or something to skinny it up for our chp!:(

Should be late may. Ya i want to get different rims and MTR's

Took the truck out yesterday to play in the snow wich the snow sux right now. Trip ended early when a new heep broke its PS pump. we rigged him up and with frequent stops got him off the trail. then i ended up flat towing him about 15miles. I snap a pic right after we hooked up.
584703

we really need to convince cait to let me go next time that way i can get some actual wheeling shots.....

Haha, ya. thats if i keep the truck, i just got offered 12K cash for it.:eek:

Well im probably out of wheeling until i get back to the lower 48. I got some work to do now. To start with my trans in now giving me problems. dosnt want to go into first or stay there sometimes.

Both rear leaf spring are trashed. kinda expected it since there was no bump stops to keep em from over flexing and no antiwrap bar. Front springs are junk now too. they flex too much and is now interfering with my pitman arm when flexed.
Heres the frowning rear springs.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/04-16-11_1724.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/04-16-11_1725.jpg

took the truck out today on a local trail. ground that looks good gives away easily to snot like mud ontop of it being a hill climb. my front end shifted and slid the truck into the tree. I hate the fawkin mud but thats about all there is other than snow and well the snows going away. oh well fawker will look like a rasien eventually.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/04-16-11_1249.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/04-16-11_1722.jpg

i am going to have to convince you to go out one last time, for memorial day weekend....aka ryanpaloosa.......

Well swapped the trans out. that was a simple fix. I Just got springs to do. I called around a few places here to find springs. I was thinking of switching to 63's but so far the places ive talked to want a 100 dollars a spring. smae goes for building another set of RUF's.
My brother says hes got a set of T100 spring that we will put on instead of switching to the 63's when i get home.
Ive tossed around the idea of putting some 44044's under the front wich would help correct my shackel angle some, but id perfer to keep it at this ride heigth. plus using 44044's will bring the tires rearwards wich might get close to interfering with the firewall. Im sure i got a extra set or 2 of rear sitting around at home. (hopefull thinking)

Well, My brother has already come and gone. Truck is now sitting in Ca. Had to quit driving it 3 days before he was leaving here to tow it down bacause i had an bent and broken leaf spring on each side in the front.
Got plenty of work to do to it when i get down there in a couple weeks.

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600966

that thing is so god damn low. i dont know whether to talk shit about it, or like it. :flipoff2: its probably perfect for what your using it for up there.

sits lower on broken and bent leafs:laughing: Im going to lift her a couple inches.

Both front ones are broke about the same place same spring.
600967

The bent rear factory taco springs gave up after being loaded down with my shit in the bed for the trip. body was also straped down causeing some of this. Cant hurt it anyworse then they were
600968

dam this thing is badass. SLAMMED..lol, im diggin it man..

600966

looks like it is back to lawn ornament for a while. Lol:flipoff2:

Ur brother and i took it out wheelin on a coed naked trip. The girls were on their periods and i had diarehea farts. So sorry, i know a good upholstery guy???:flipoff2:

dam this thing is badass. SLAMMED..lol, im diggin it man..
Thanx, Still think your runner is way more badass tho.
looks like it is back to lawn ornament for a while. Lol:flipoff2:
:(only for 2 more weeks. Id like to have it going again before the 4th

Ur brother and i took it out wheelin on a coed naked trip. The girls were on their periods and i had diarehea farts. So sorry, i know a good upholstery guy???:flipoff2:
:laughing: Thats ok, ill let you buy me new seats or just give me the seats outa your taco since i had a tear in one and missing 2 headrests:flipoff2:

so where are the fucking updates lazy ass:flipoff2:

I read you saying the rear springs are stock Taco springs, but is there an add a leaf or anything? From what I'm gathering you're basically running 0" of lift.

This truck kicks ass.

-Joe

Thanks. Yes, The rear springs were stock. I cut the overloads and installed some TG shackels in the rear. Found out that the stock taco spring pretty much suck, at least on the early tacomas they do. Now i have some 63's ill prob put under the rear as soon as i get the front put back together.

Pulled out my RUF's as you can see were lo longer any good. I moved the front spring hanger forward 1.25" to help improve my shackel angle since i wasnt very happy with it before. I also got another set of RUF's from a firend of my lazyass brother:flipoff2:. The new pack is mixed with some downey springs i guess. Cant complain about a free set of springs tho.

Heres the old broken set.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/06-19-11_1937.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/06-20-11_2035.jpg

Just got done reading the build, bad ass Taco. Love the stance.

Thanks. Yes, The rear springs were stock. I cut the overloads and installed some TG shackels in the rear.

i still think your rear springs had to be rearched, that thing sat high in the rear when you got it. and i think they said alaska spring on them didn't they?

i still think your rear springs had to be rearched, that thing sat high in the rear when you got it. and i think they said alaska spring on them didn't they?
I dont believe they were bro, though they were rusty.

Gotta get new pics taken and posted. I have now gon thru and installed my new springs on both the front and rear. Ended up lifting the truck 4 inches. I went from a 22 3/4" to 26 1/4" from bottom of frame to ground. Might pull the overload outs the chevys and install some bump stops. going to have to get some longer shocks for the rear as well. I also got the ARB installed in the fron axle. time to finish some small stuff and cage it. Im hoping to get in done to take it out on the weekend of the 15th.

Crappy pic i know but hey i just found my camera, guess it was hidding in the glove box for the last 6 months.

I just started my winch bumper. tomarrow im going to get some tube since all i had was this 1 little piece. going to do a exo.

608813

Ok, so since i have found my camera and charged it i can now upload pics that i took awhile ago and just taken. Heres the Tcase cross member i got asked about.

Kinda rigged, not a big fan of it but it works. I cut up apart of the old crossmember and attached it to the home made tcase cut out mount. Thats made from 3/8 and when mounting it to the back of your tcase use your leftover bolts from your dualcase build with the #6 on the head to mount it up. Their the length you need, other wise YOU WILL pull the factory bolts out of the back of your case and damage the cases. the mounting points inside the frame which i forgot to plate before mounting is made from 1/4 box that i cut. I used napa bushing APU2123 wich is a jeep body bushing.
The holes i drilled in the parts of the factory crossmember for my bolts to go thru have been re-enforced with weld washers.
It does remove and install pretty easily. I raised the cases up as far as i could without cutting the tunnel. Im sure if i had gotten the clockable adapter i would be able to do a flatbelly, aww boo fail on my end.
I need to install a CV on the DS coming of the back of the Tcase to eliminate the DS vibe i get at low speeds. as well as get a CC installed into the exhaust again.
609691

The bolt in this picture is welded in place from the top before one of you geniuses decide to ask how i am getting it out.

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Cheesy bump stops installed in the front. I also got a 10" slip shaft from TG so i wont need to run a limit strap on the pass side anymore.

609700

Built some sliders from Sch 40 poop pipe

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My brother helped me whip out a winch mount for the new XRC8 and then we made a lil boner bar.

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Started building a cage. Holy shit its been along time since ive bent tube. getting frusterated. oh well so and steady and eventually it will get done. Mainly trying to do this by myself is making it even harder.

I got to redo the fender bar. Take a little outa the bend so its not tipping down.
But this is as far as i have gotten in 2 nights. i work on it about 2-3 hours a night since i get home from school around 8pm.
609704

609705

looks good buddy, but i hate to burst your bubble but i have never seen 1-1/2" sched 40 used for poop, more like fuel and oil, shit would clog fast, literally.:flipoff2:

Haha,whatever what would you know about it you dont incorprate it in your bluprints, you search CL all day:flipoff2:, i only used sch40 for the sliders.

so whats up with the exo, you get anymore done??

Not really. Going to start first thing in the morning tho.

Here's a little bit that I got done this morning. Getting to fawking hot to keep working at the moment.

Another one

Looks good man

Looks good man
Thanx for the help :flipoff2: got the pass side replicated. Got the windshield bars an roof to go before i can lift the cage off an fully weld it. I need to get some more tube to finish the bumper an bed pieces after I reinstall it tho. I tell you I suck at this shit. Especially since I havnt done tube in 4 years.

nice drivers side mud flap:flipoff2:

you should put some kind of cool waterjetted brace in that rectangle in front ogf the extra cab section you bashed in. like a giant pirate skull or a set of boobs or something.


or even better a giant AARP sign:flipoff2:

Fawkoff son :flipoff2: there will be a plate there. Don't know what or if I'll cut a design in to it tho.

Well here's my tube work abortion project. It's time to go weld it pretty good so I can remove the cage and finish welding it out an paint it, then reinstall cage and add the rest of the bars.
I need to finish it by Friday cause I want to take it out.

Front

Dside

Roof

Unfinished bumper

Another

Truck as it sits now. Got a few more bars to add as well as some plating an gussets to do.

Wish it turned out better. Woulda helped if I got a tube roller and i wasnt trying to finish this in 90 whatever deg weather.

the black on black yota symbol looks SICK!!!!!

Thanx

I like the roof. I wanted to do that when I build my cage. Its been years since Ive planned it and still havent got it done.

Thanx, figured I'd try something different

Had a busy weekend, started finishing my front bumper and got the winch mounted and wired up. Here's a teaser pic

Got my seats done and hooked up. When I find my damn camera cord I'll upload my pics of the install. Got a ton more work to do still on the truck.

Do these have matching headrests now?

damn your gonna be wheelin in style with the leather seats:flipoff2:

Yup, no more whiplash when I lean my head back. Comfy as he'll too. still gotta find the damn camera cord thingy.

So as you seen, i picked up a set of power leather seats from pick N pull for cheap when i was out looking for head rests. As per Towrys request, heres how i installed them.

I first pulled the old seats and set them aside. As you will need to use 2 of the old seat mounting brackets to make every thing line up. You will also more than likely need to remove your old seat belt buckels to reinstall on your new seats. Also, do your self a favor and take as much of the factory seat wiring as you can.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00429.jpg

Pull up the carpet and roll it back out of the way.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00430.jpg

The 2 mounting points closest to the trans tunnel will bolt up just fine. you need to pull the 2 seat mount brackets closest to the door (same thing on both sides) off of the old seat frames. To do so you will need to
1) drill the mounting pin so that you can tap it off with a chisel
2) there will be a spot weld holding it together as well. locate and drill it too.
3) tap brackets free from old frame and grind the paint so they will be ready for install on new frame.
( sorry i didnt take pics of this)
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00426.jpg
Now remove these two brackets from the new seat frame the same way you removed the 2 off of the old frame. (NOTE: there the ones closest to to the outside, or the switch side)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00425.jpg

now install the backet w/ the pin into the front seat mounting point and install a bolt (leave a little loose)
Install the rear mounting bracket (one with the rubber spacer) and leave bolt loose.

Set the seat in place and install the bolts thru the brackets on the tunnel side. (again, leave a little loose)
Position the 2 seat brackets where you want them and tack weld into place.
NOTE: seats are power, you will need to identify the wireing using a schmatic and hook up jumper wires to adjust the seat for the tack welding process.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00433.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00432.jpg

Pull the seats out carefully not to break ur tack welds off and weld up the new brackets and paint them.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00428.jpg

Now you will need to identify a power source for the seats. I wanted to find a constant 12V HOT for the seats. using a DMM i found a unused factory male/female connector from toyota that wasnt used. Back probed the side that had wires pre installed, i found a 12V constant Behind the dr side kick pannel ( back probing is recomended so the chances of damaging the connector pins are very minimal)
after identifying my constant HOT pin on the connecter, i grabed some old wires i have laying around that are ready to be installed into a connector. I installed the wire into place, disconnected the female connector and made a harness.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00434.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00435.jpg
ALL WIRES ARE SOLDIERED.
I decided to ground each seat motor to the floor.
after the wire harness was made and installed i put the carpet back into place.
and pushed the connectors thru the carpet.
once the carpet and all trim pannels were reinstalled i mounted the seats into position using a little blue loctite on each seat mounting bolt. and hooked up the connectors.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00438.jpg
I ran the seats through all their functions to ensure a smooth and proper operation.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00440.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00439.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00441.jpg

Here is a pic of the room now to build a custom center console later.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/DSC00437.jpg

There you go. Enjoy your new seats.


This winter i will install a heated pad in both the back and seat bottoms.

So i took the truck to fordyce this weekend. all went well for the most part. I did find out i had a leaky oring in my front ARB i didnt check prior to hitting the trail. I did keep loosing 4wd on the trail. happened twice while on winch hill 1. It was really agervating. the second time it happened i just kept going and finished winch hill in 2wd.

What i came to find when taking the passenger side locking hub off was that it had come apart. When looking for the cause, i took the outer most spindal nut off. ( it was a old nut i had been using because i was too cheap to buy new ones) when i did, i realized that was my problem. it had some good size burs on it.
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619175

which in turn would catch the inside snap ring that keeps the locking hub together. it would catch the snap ring (as it had done while spinning it around in my hand) and remove the snap ring from its grove causing the hub to come apart.
I ended up bending the snapring into a nice little wavey snap ring and filed the spindal nut burs down. this allowed me to keep playing for now.

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619172

Well, going for a short run the fri night then time to give the truck some maintence attention it could use. friend of mine posted my first run through the box. Damn things just too long and low.

video
http://youtu.be/ZhSNIkUxMdI

Winch hill 1 video

http://youtu.be/NYYXS7HmASs

Ok, kinda silly question but im not sure how this goes. Eventually after i get other shit taken care of so i can work on this turd, I will be registering it to CA.
I know the trucks VECI sticker states that it meets Ca federal emission standards and i only have to reinstall the Kitty and i should be good to go(had to smog it in Anchorage and passed fine).
Now for the question. Since it was a registered out of state and im trying to register it here now, do i have to go through a saftey inspection:confused:.

finally got some pics from our trip loaded up. most sucked cause it was dark then in the morning i was too tired to get out to take pics.

here is my favorite:
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures1258.jpg
here is the turn around point in the box:
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures1264.jpg
because of this:
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures1290.jpg
the rigs in the morning at the trail head:
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p357/ryantowry_81/iphonepictures1296.jpg

weather was awesome and was a good time though.

shitty pix:flipoff2:
Glad i was atleast able to take you to the box and back. Sorry i broke the shaft tho. atleast you got to see the the wheeling down here. Next trip will be better.

shitty pix:flipoff2:
Glad i was atleast able to take you to the box and back. Sorry i broke the shaft tho. atleast you got to see the the wheeling down here. Next trip will be better.

Yeahhopefully next trip I can bring my rig down and we can do it during the day.

Why day light:confused: ya day is fun and great, but i kinda enjoy the night wheel.

Well after 6 months of my onboard air system sitting on the shelf I decided to start installing it. (computer crashed so I'm doing this from my phone)

I then built a box to mount it all in neatly

Add Content

Finished box an mounted it up.

Hooked all the lines up, now I just got to wire it up, probably be another couple weeks, I want to build a new center console where I will mount the gauge and switch along with my other switches.

thats pretty slick :beer:

You show us how you put in your on board air but no details on the bed cage?

That's because it's not done :flipoff2:

Add Content

Looks good. Whats the capacity? and how long of a hose is that?

Got a couple more bars to add and a trick little addition that will follow. Stay tuned and see if I Fawk it up or it turns out nicely.

Looks good. Whats the capacity? and how long of a hose is that?
It's a 2.5gal tank. 100% duty cycle. Rated for 37+ tires as well as air tools.
Got the hose real from harbor freight and it's 25ft.

Yea that other plan will turn put rad as long as we don't mess it up!

Ok, got to it this afternoon. Picked up some more 1.5 tube to start building a imaginary spare tire rack. Maybe one day I'll find a matching rim to actually have one.
So I cut a hole in the bed and installed a piece of tube thru. I then inserted a piece of 1.250 tube into that.
Also cut 3 separate piece of 1.5x .120 tube which slides over the 1.25 tube. They will be my hinges. I even drilled holes in 2 of them and taped the holes for zerk fittings. (fitting don't stay in tube due to fact they interfere with the gates operation, there to temp install to add grease).

Here's the pieces in their location

Here's the gate opened (not finished yet)

Add Content

Inside view

Tailgate closed.

dude that swinging gate turned out pretty bad ass. can t wait till you get the tire mounted!!! :beer:

Thanx, it's in the final stages, little more fab work then paint. Then I can get back to the important shit like fixing the cracked tcase, DS, fuel tank, exhaust ect so I can take it to the hammers.

looking awesome, giving me plenty of inspiration to finish mine!!:D
http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g380/dirtrider88/IMAG0323-1-1.jpg

Thanx, it's in the final stages, little more fab work then paint. Then I can get back to the important shit like fixing the cracked tcase, DS, fuel tank, exhaust ect so I can take it to the hammers.

I'd highly suggest adding a support to the top of that tire gate. We built something very similar on my buddy's truck but with bigger tubing (1.5x.120 with 1.75 slipping over) and it got bent on the finest trip. Thought that it was just going ~25mph through the rooms ruff desert in jv. But it happened again on the rubicon.

I will be adding a piece of flat strap as a cap to the upright that the gate swings on and will be attached to the bed cage. I still have a couple bars and gussets to do.
Thanx for the advice.

For the most part, the bed cage is done, got a few things to finish.

Add Content

Other doodads

looking great, one question though. How come you didnt mount the compressor and tank under the bed somewhere, and just have the the hose reel in the bed? Not enough room under there? It just seems like it takes up some usable space in the bed. I am digging the bed sliders, they look good.

Dallas

Thanks,
It was a thought, but not alot of room plus the trucks a little low and long, I've got a fuel tank and exhaust to replace already.
However it does take up space but I've already done a full lay out of camp gear, cooler, tent/bed spare parts and ect. Everything fits. The spare DS and hubs fit Nicely under the air. Next I'm building a box in my allotted space next to air system for spare and extra fluids.

good deal, i figured you had it all planned, but i was curious. hopefully i see this thing out on the trails next year.

I'd highly suggest adding a support to the top of that tire gate. We built something very similar on my buddy's truck but with bigger tubing (1.5x.120 with 1.75 slipping over) and it got bent on the finest trip. Thought that it was just going ~25mph through the rooms ruff desert in jv. But it happened again on the rubicon.
Hey question, in which way did his bend? I think it's pretty sturdy now. I can Han on it with the tire mounted up and it hasn't moved. I know that dost say much but I'm just curious.
Thanx

Off the back of the truck. Bent pretty much the first time we hit the lake bed section of jv. Next day it got ripped off (weld didn't break the metal just above the weld).

His tire was a 37" mtr.

We put a new bar on and tied the top of the mount into the rest if the bed cafe and it's solid as hell.

I think the bracing and mounting I've got will work.
Heres some actual pics of the way it mounts up

Another shot

While were finishing up my actual trick edition to the whole bed cage project We went ahead and made a new skid pan. Normally I build shit overkill, don't know what I was thinking when I made this same skid pan out of 1/8 last time. This ones made of 1/4 and has extra bracing built in. The sleves you see sticking up are to mount some extra YJ large spring bushings laying around. Thus way there is a little cushion should shit flex some, that way there's no metal on aluminum action.

Here's a preview.

I finally found my extinct rim. Now I have 5. Rim is a 15x10 procomp 87 series 8x6.5 R2.75BS

sweet spare tire mount and cage work. Now I have to go back and read this thread!

that tire looks huge standing up like that. not really into tire carriers but i do like how you cut out the tail gate to tuck in better

Thanx. I'm not a huge fan of it either, but I needed to find a place to store it with the little bed space and camp gear. I didnt want it on top the bed cage either. Tailgate is in its primer stage. My buddy Nick has been doing all the body work on it for me. I'm not a body man. I can smash and rash it up, just not fix it.

Here's some tail gate previews.

Another.

Run with cable and screen door rollers. Opens and closes like factory.

Well the tailgate is almost done and I'm waiting on the seals I ordered yesterday so I decided I'd start mounting the track bar Booger gave me.

I need a plasma cam. I made a simple bracket i already cut out for the axle side. Not sure how I'm going to make the upper mount yet.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/77d4650a.jpg

Couldn't mount it cause I had to get a bottle of Co2 since mine was empty.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/834cdca7.jpg

I've got a plasma if you want to come cut that out. I'm kinda local. In Citrus Heights.

I've got a plasma if you want to come cut that out. I'm kinda local. In Citrus Heights.
I ment to write Plasma cam. Thanx for the offer tho. If my shit ever brakes I'll hit ya up.

yeah you do! you should buy one so i can come visit and play with it.....

yeah you do! you should buy one so i can come visit and play with it.....
Not a prob. Give me 6k please :flipoff2:

i will when i get it.... as long as you promise to get a torchmate with it....lol

Deal

Well here's the tailgate. Now I just need to find a spare irok.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/e7123fe8.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/823f84b4.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/e59b2665.jpg

Looks awesome man!!

Love the tailgate. Very nice job.

Thanx

Whats cracking man? Looks like enjoying that turd down in CA finally!
Hows being out the Army treating ya? hahaha
Ya working or just wheeling and hanging out ?

What's up buddy. Ya I got it down here where the weather is soo much better. Lacking snow tho.
I'm just going to school and playing with my toys. Kinda regretting getting out. My boys are in afghan and I'm not with them.:(
How you been?

Hey Booger, recognize this?
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/ab9cbdca.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/cf7c372a.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/2123c7eb.jpg

Ok, finally got my fuel tank swapped out with a good one. I dont know how the truck continued to run. when the whole sending unit bent upward the nipple was cracked on the pump. just the rubber hose an the direction it bent kept it together.
I decided to throw the facorty little skid plate away thats used to keep tall weeds from tickling the tank and made a new one from the 1/4" plate i had laying around. bolts up just like facorty but its beef. I alsoought protection up the side incase i snap a DS no chance of puncturing.

656928

656929

Air compressor is almost fully wired now. i turned it on last night and tested it. left it @120psi for 8hrs and it only dropped 13psi.
I just got to wrap and run wires to somewhere inside as well as route the white wire you see in the pic thats for the bed light.
I decided it was easier to just mount the switch and guage outside next to tank. I soder and heat shrinked all wires as well as siliconed switch contacts after wiring it.
The red switch is my air master switch so i cant drain power if on/off is acedently turned on.
Its hard to see but there is a valve on the tank inline with orange hose going to reel to keep air from going into the hose reel until i want it.

657686

"97 Taco Xcab to be SAS'd"

I think it is time to update your sig bro......:flipoff2:


glad to see you finally got that on board air hooked up so next time i come wheeling with you there wont be any issues:D

Fixed :flipoff2:

to be honest you were pretty broke before too...

Just picked up a ARB again for the front (long story)as well as a PSC ram. Time to get busy.............after the move and lost shop space :(
Also got the exhaust done. Time to go smog this turd and get it registered to drive again.

Hmm, the truck maybe low, but not low enough. I dont think ill be working on it much inside the new garage. I have to let the air out to get it in and if i shut the garage door theres no way to walk around it:(

663907

Lmao, that truck looks so sad with the tires so low. Looks like its had its hopes and dreams crushed:D:D

haha ya it is. I kicked it outa the garage. Now i need to install the front ARB and start setting up the hydro assist. I firsdt need 220 installed in the garage tho :(

any new updates?

i like the partial tailgate really cleans it up. the air real would come in handy alot on trials at the hammers i found

Thanx. No new updates, i havnt been able to work on the truck. I just got my new seal kit from PSC for my steering box so i can get it reasembled and installed that way i can finish my hydro assit setup. Im hoping to hit the trail for memorial but who knows.
Ive also been thinking of removing the cage and building a plain interior cage. maybe one day. i know the cage wont with stand alot due to it being built from HREW.


BTW ryan, hows the new truck coming?

So i was bored earlier and now im depressed. Ive dumped basicly $12K into this rig and its not even linked or anything:(
Thats counting the recipets i actually saved and have as well as counting things ive ahd to re-buy.

Thanx. No new updates, i havnt been able to work on the truck. I just got my new seal kit from PSC for my steering box so i can get it reasembled and installed that way i can finish my hydro assit setup. Im hoping to hit the trail for memorial but who knows.
Ive also been thinking of removing the cage and building a plain interior cage. maybe one day. i know the cage wont with stand alot due to it being built from HREW.


BTW ryan, hows the new truck coming?

the truck is going, finally made it into the garage and adjusted the steering, and got new body bushings, motor mounts, guages, lights, and some other little stuff to get installed.

also i am not going to Plainfield next week and cait is still going to her moms wednesday- sat so i can zip down and help you with the steering afyer work one of those days.

Sweet man, sounds good. I need to get my bender back from a friend so i can tweak the new drag link after i install the box. Dont need the AC tensioner to bend it into shape this time. :shaking:

you cant buy a built taco as nice as yours for 12k.

Shorten the ac tensioner!

you cant buy a built taco as nice as yours for 12k.
Thank you
Shorten the ac tensioner!
I havnt thought about that, it would be alot easier maybe. I will take a look at that.

i know the cage wont with stand alot due to it being built from HREW.


Back in 05 I built an exo out of HREW on a customers 85 ex-cab.
Months later he sent me a video of it going nose over tail, falling 8-10ft and landing flat on its lid.
The cage held beautifully and surprisingly saved the cab from any damage.
I know that the weight of a built 85 Ex-cab to the weight of a built Taco is of no comparison, but when built correctly HREW is stronger than most will give credit.

I still use DOM on most everything. There really is no substitute in the places that matter.
When it comes to things like fender bars and other items that come in contact with a lot of rocks, HREW has its place. It is cheap and therefor easy to replace on a budget.

By the way, I do love the low slung goodness of your Tacoma.
Low center of gravity is something that seems to be overlooked from time to time.

I'm a fan of the clumsy puppy dog with paws to big for it's body look.

Well of u decide to take ur cage off how much would u want for it ? I would love to have a exo for my taco

Well i knew better, I should have used 1/4 plate or wraped a strap around the back of the axle that attached to the brackets. Ive already seemed to rip the weld and bracket.:(




http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/pinionray/2123c7eb.jpg

I hope the "learning" cage will hold up if that time comes before i can afford to build a new one.

I have herd similar stories before about HREW cages taking a good beating and holding up tho.

Well of u decide to take ur cage off how much would u want for it ? I would love to have a exo for my taco

It would be a year or more before i removed it buddy.

Got my power steering resivor done and the pump reinstalled. just got to get a larger trans cooler for the steering system and get the seals for the box so i can finish my hydro assist.
I used a piece of exhaust tubing and extended the height 3.25"

Got the new cooler mounted.