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The Beard Project (4runner)

34K views 136 replies 44 participants last post by  JeepPhisherman 
#1 · (Edited)
This is just another 4Runner build...so to make it a little faster to completion (and unique)...

After years of spotting in comps and recovery..... from spotting in comps :D . I have finally settled down enough to get a rig. I picked up a project pile 85 4runner here in Tx (since I moved here). The problem is between the 3 other projects I am trying to get done (for friends and wife) at the same time I need to do something to make more time for my own...

So, much like supporting your NHL or Baseball team to rally in the playoffs, I am deciding not to shave until my rig is wheelable. My wife wants it done too but I don't consistanly get out in the garage after work, so since she is not too crazy about the scruff, this will be a motivator for her to let me have the time/make me get out there. I'm hoping this will help...though reproccusions may follow I know...but in the end I will have both a rig and ...:flipoff2: ..sooner..I hope

85 4runner, efi ,5 speed ....dirty, steering a little loose, brakes weak, a little rust on the surface...
 

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#2 ·
First came the gutting to clean it out...the vynal floor ended up having mold from being eternally wet, as did the head liner and seats. I ended up taking out the dash and all in order to do a tight fitting cage later.

Then as that showed more hidden rust, and with rust showing around the windshield, I decided to remove the windshield to take care of the rust surrounding it. I also started to grind away the paint (hack bondo) covering the rear rust in the corners and fenders.

I had already thought about bobbing it and fender cutting to be as low as possible, so it would take care of that. So I decided on 9" to keep it from looking too stubby and to be able to sleep in the back while camping.
 

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#22 · (Edited)
So, much like supporting your NHL or Baseball team to rally in the playoffs, I am deciding not to shave until my rig is done. My wife wants it done too but I don't consistanly get out in the garage after work, so since she is not too crazy about the scruff, this will be a motivator for her to let me have the time/make me get out there. I'm hoping this will help...though reproccusions may follow I know...but in the end I will have both a rig and ... ..sooner..I hope
.
there you go....:D....As for the beard, I "officially" started it the first post which was the last shave day (shave everyday)...I will post evidence weekly...I let the wife know last nite of the beardage....and was met with resistance....but I will push on :flipoff2:...I hope to have truck updates hopefully daily or every couple of days. It'll give you guys something to do so you don't have to work on your own sh!t...

I plan on removing the tailgate and doors tonight and start sanding down the pass side.

Nick
 
#6 · (Edited)
I am still sanding down the body to paint it Grey to match the beard seats I got from a friend. I was going to go auto paint but just figured I was going to be teaching the wife how to wheel in it and I don't really care that much since this body isn't prefect already so I picked up a gallon of Rustoleum that I will be painting it with.

I got some 82 rears from another friend of mine, cleaned them up and ordered a full bushing kit from Marlin for those and my rears, along with axle rebuild kit, U bolt flips, steering stablizer, fj 60 rotors, spacers and cross over.

The front stock bolt was rusted into the stock bushing so I had to "Casino" (beat the hell out of) it with a BFH, then sawzall. Luckily my dad wrangled some up from one of his buddies in WeBilt along with a gas door (thanks), along with some new Bilsteins he had laying around.

Then I went about making some lift shackles. I tried to use the stock ones (I want to be low) but they bottomed out on the frame just sitting there, so I made these as short as possible, and matching rears (to install later).

I clearanced the bottom of the front housing (removing the drain plug), rebuilt the axle and cleaned up my junk yard V6 calipers (we pulled with a crecent and mtn. bike handle bars ;) ). Ran to the local auto parts chain and picked up some new pads by using the warantee. My family has had some many toyotas we have most wear parts covered on various years :) .Then I ground down the dust shield (about 1/4-3/8") and installed them on the FJ 60 rotors and added the 1.5" spacers. Once that was in place I mounted the steering box a little forward having to cut into the rear of the core support and capping it, as well as plating the inside of the frame. Yes the pitman arm is close, there will be bump stops.

While I was in there I cut off and cleaned up the shock mount area. I was going to do tube ones but it's not worth my time on this one so another friend grabbed me some from Ford.

(sorry pics out of order...grrrr)






 

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#7 · (Edited)
I had little $$ to spend for a bit so I did a corner/turn signal conversion on the cheap....(taken from my other thread)

"I finally got around to doing this on my 4th toy so here's my exp. .BTW, I am doing this on an 85 4runner. I had checked the FAQ a while back and saw the conversion write up that the link took me to (by Chris G) and it used n 1157 bulb and socket so both the parking light and the signal could be in one bulb.

I went ahead and bought the bulbs and some plugs, but to me they seemed big, and when I went to look at putting them in, the bulb seemed too large (deep for light). I don't know if I was doing it wrong but I could see no way.

So parts run #2. I picked up some connectors and bulbs (pictured) that I thought would fit.

All in all it took me 45 min, a drill and bit, wire crimpers and connectors and $11. Drill the hole push the plug in and wire it. I am pretty happy with the seal too. The only hitch is it is fast blinking , which I still need to alter the flasher.

A couple tips though, while drilling keep it slow, my one light had brittle plastic and the big bit cracked the plastic out more than drilled a hole in it. And watch hole placement, a little too far inward (center of truck) and you'll hit sheetmental with the plug when reinstalling the light..."

pics are better than words....

Nick







While we were at the Junk yard I scouted a 94 4runner rear, brought it to the shop, shaved and cleaned it up (to be put in later).




And from WickedYota, I got some 35" SSR's off of APETERS Jeep after the BTF Fabstock. I ordered up some soft 8's 15x8" for $39 ea. from Summit. Then mounted them up at the local tire store (slipped the dude some $$ at the back door), went home and but them on....and got some instant motivation!





I plan on bringing the 4Runner down to the shop to use the lift and reuild the rear pack, add some Waggy leaves to both front and rear (had laying around), add the rear shackle, install the new clutch, and Inchworm Dual Case adapter, make a crossmember and weld spring perches on all at once. Those Saturdays tend to be LOOONG.
 
#8 ·
I had little $$ to spend for a bit so I did a corner/turn signal conversion on the cheap....(taken from my other thread)

"I finally got around to doing this on my 4th toy so here's my exp. .BTW, I am doing this on an 85 4runner. I had checked the FAQ a while back and saw the conversion write up that the link took me to (by Chris G) and it used n 1157 bulb and socket so both the parking light and the signal could be in one bulb.

I went ahead and bought the bulbs and some plugs, but to me they seemed big, and when I went to look at putting them in, the bulb seemed too large (deep for light). I don't know if I was doing it wrong but I could see no way.

So parts run #2. I picked up some connectors and bulbs (pictured) that I thought would fit.

All in all it took me 45 min, a drill and bit, wire crimpers and connectors and $11. Drill the hole push the plug in and wire it. I am pretty happy with the seal too. The only hitch is it is fast blinking , which I still need to alter the flasher.

A couple tips though, while drilling keep it slow, my one light had brittle plastic and the big bit cracked the plastic out more than drilled a hole in it. And watch hole placement, a little too far inward (center of truck) and you'll hit sheetmental with the plug when reinstalling the light..."

pics are better than words....

Nick





Nice rebirth so far:D:smokin:,But whats the purpose of the extra bulb pic above for?
the corner lamps are differant over here
 
#14 · (Edited)
I got the last patch piece in and smoothed it, rebuilt the pass corner and did some more sanding to get the crappy rustoleum primer I put on there. It was almost guey (sp) and wouldn't sand smoothly, it may have been too humid or something??? So I took it all off the driver side, I'll do the pass side tomorrow, and hopefully be ready to paint by next week. I'm no paint guy, I can't wait to get to some tube or other fab work....








Nick
 
#15 ·
great metal work, looks nice! Is your last name beard or? Just wondering the significance of "beard project," as often women who date men in the closet(who are obviously gay)are referred to as "beards." If you're gay, you could come out and instead of "project beard," it could be known as "project *** hag." (since at that point we would know you're gay)

good work man!
 
#24 · (Edited)
madd knowledge....

Since i got an 85 runner i'll ask what to do about the front driveshaft for i just replaced the front leafs, shocks and drag link(extended). But now i know i need a steel belted brake line but my real question is what do i do about the drive shaft not connecting to the hub. I was told to get one off an 83 or earlier cause the angle is correct. Thats what my mad scientist said. What you think?:homer: BTW they are 3" rancho leafs w/ new shackles
 
#26 ·
Since i got an 85 runner i'll ask what to do about the front driveshaft for i just replaced the front leafs, shocks and drag link(extended). But now i know i need a steel belted brake line but my real question is what do i do about the drive shaft not connecting to the hub. I was told to get one off an 83 or earlier cause the angle is correct. Thats what my mad scientist said. What you think?:homer: BTW they are 3" rancho leafs w/ new shackles

You are going to need a D-shaft with a long slip or when you flex it out on the PS, it will separate. Alternatively, you can make a D-shaft out of square receiver stock.

85 and older CV has more angle, 86 and newer can be modified for more angle. How to write up:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/cvmod/

I have read (written by Chris G.) that the front IFS single u-joint has more angle then the single u-joint on the front 85 and older front d-shaft. I have not verified it so it is hearsay.
 
#25 · (Edited)
I don't know what they mean about agnle being correct...it may be slightly longer,Check FAQ....from what I've always thought, the 85 and older had more angle than 86 - up...I am taking the front shaft and lengthing it for the rear then using the rear pieces and making a Sq. long slip d-shaft, the single u-joint can get more angle than the CV.

Nick
 
#33 · (Edited)
I ordered up the Inchworm Adapter today, still searching out a second case...

Then I was going to just test my paint gun out to see how much I had to thin the paint and look what happened....It is no where near a pro paint job but a learning experience anyway. I'll sand this coat a bit and take the doors off this time to get the doors fully painted and the jams on the next coat....




I am searching out some replacement door/top/tailgate seals, misc. interior grey parts... does anyone have a source? I looked up JC Whitney but the discription is so vague I'm not to sure if I'm going to get a 4runner or early 80 chevy full size kit...anyone have any experince??


thanks,

Nick
 
#37 · (Edited)
Got some help yesterday...jp_freak and wckedyota helped out with some sanding. Thanks guys

Then shot it again, but a little more thuroughly, door jams, top, bed etc. Near the end I found out I could have used a strainer as a couple of solid chunks got shot out. Hopefully some wet sanding will pull out those. I am pretty pleased with the result after it set for a night. I still have to shoot the front fenders and cowl below the windshield, so maybe some touch up will be in order.






I squash your shenanigans...4:30am shot...I am going to look like OOP's before this is done. :)


Nick
 
#39 · (Edited)
I pulled a t-case today for the dual cases, I'm expecting the Inchworm adapter any day now.I pulled the 4runner out of the garage to clean up for the t-case tear down. Unfortunately my impact didn't have enough juice to get the 30mm output nut off, and no breaker bar at home. I'll have to take it to the shop tomorrow. Getting closer to the fun stuff (fab).







Nick
 
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