******** NEW TRUCK/START OF NEW BUILD POST #21********
Figured I'd do a smaller build thread for the truck so here we go:
I had a 2014 FJ Trail teams in magma red prior to this and loved it but sold that off to get back into a ZHP (black car currently). I still needed something to haul stuff, daily drive, and most importantly haul these two heathens around:
Vader (we think half lab/half shepherd 1.5 yrs old)
Venus (1 year old full shepherd female)
Sports are hard to find with decent mileage and no rust on the frame. I found this truck in Columbus with 169k on it and it appeared to have been in a minor accident at some point (driver fender flare and headlight showed indicators). When I bought it the alignment was off and steering wheel shook like hell. Took it to my brother in Louisville who fixed it up. He did some rehab work on the frame rust, painted the tails/side markers/wheels/badges for me, and buffed it. Here's the before and after of that:
Once that was done I had a new back half of the exhaust put on (no pics sorry) and installed a static OE Toyota antenna mount with stubby antenna from Amazon. These come with a motorized metal antenna and the motor is notorious for going out. Mine was fried and I hate the look of long antennas anyways. Also installed a brand new alpine head unit.
My Indy recently did a timing belt/water pump/all belts job for me as well as an alternator. I installed a new red top Optima 2 months ago also. My brother flushed both my front/rear diff fluids with synthetic stuff about 6 months ago, front diff fluid looks rather good but the rear diff was black so it was great to get that done.
Ever since I've had the truck the brakes have been on their last leg and the tires ended up causing the steering wheel shake due to being cupped. My brother got me addicted to wanting to dump money into this as he has an 02 sport with lift/tires/TRD S/C, and more. So I began to acquire parts this winter. The list below is what's going on the truck this weekend:
-refinished OE upper/lower control arms in POR15 with poly bushings
-refinished OE trailing arms in POR15 with HD bushings
-poly steering rack bushings
-new OE upper/lower ball joints
-new OE suspension hardware
-B&M trans cooler (to avoid "strawberry milkshake")
-toytec 3inch lift (coilover fronts 650# springs, boss extended rear shocks and springs)
-BF Goodrich KO2s
-new OE TRD pro 4runner wheels 17x7
-new OE Tundra calipers/rotors/pads (considered a big brake upgrade)
-new rear drum brakes
-new fuel filter
-new DEPO headlights
-Philips xtreme bulbs (brighter white)
-new auto trans filter and mobil1 synthetic fluid
-new black gorilla lug nuts
-refinished OE luggage rack
Yesterday, I began painting the suspension components using POR15. I used purple power to soak the parts for 24hrs, then used POR15 metal prep, washed them clean to dry, and applied the POR15. I let everything dry for 24hrs and it turned out well.
Next I had my other brother hook me up with cheap tire mounting at his work (Mercedes Benz, $40 bucks mount and balance).
I'll be taking everything over to my Indy Sunday and expect the truck back Wednesday. I'll be taking it back to Mercedes for an alignment. Will report back then.
Next on the list is the following:
-new radiator and hoses
-valve cover gaskets
-POR15 the frame
-Thule luggage carrier
-custom metal bumper/skids from a guy in Louisville ($1000)
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