While we're on the topic of transfer case skids, I just ordered one from RCI because of their 15% sale. Never liked how exposed the transfer case is in stock form--this will give me peace of mind knowing it's protected from the elements.

Got some new wheels put on.

9six9 brand 17x8.5 -10 offset in bronze. Should have done this sooner!




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I took a Rotary tool to some frame rust and painted the rust.

TL;DR: bought one, fixing things up over the coming months. I write walls, apologies in advanced.


Bought the thing (I think I overpaid a bit at $14.5k) with 192k on it, but it's a southern KY truck with a reasonably clean frame, and I anticipate keeping it for quite some time. I'm not sure when the mod bug will bite WRT lift kit/knobby tires/going ham with it, as it's nice to have a vehicle that's stock and otherwise remains that way.




Fixed:
broken rear window up/down switch. If that fails again, I may try to source one, but here's to not having to do that. PO was back in the trunk to fix the handle/open switch for the trunk, so either it was broken under their watch, or just became brittle due to age. I re-super glued it and threw the ziptie around the ears to add in some additional "bracing" if I can call it that.


Programmed/had cut the spare key, as PO only provided the one original set. Easy peasy, bloke at Lowes was helpful and cut the key no issues. Worked a treat without any hiccups. Installed a 2032 battery up from the 2025(?) that was in there since that was DOA. A bit salty as the chip has the button for the rear window on it, but the case is obviously lacking the cutout/botton. I'm not sure how often I'll use that feature, we'll see come the summertime. Might locate another key from a Camry or the sorts for its case. Might be a means for a junkyard run if I'm feeling spritely.

Parts-cannoned the following:
timing belt kit (no history of that having been done...)
accessory belt kit (precautionary)
fluids (diffs, transmission, oil, brake fluid, P/S) (force of habit)
filters (oil, engine, cabin) (same habit)
spark plugs (can't hurt)

On my shortlist outside of the parts cannon is rebooting the front CVs (both inners torn, PO provided 5th gen boots/fluids) and taking it to get Krowned. The 4R will primarily be a tow vehicle for me, which the PO hooked me up with rear bags, a RedArc TBC, and IIRC, FJC rear springs? (foggy on exact details)

All in, looking forward to getting dirty with an SUV for a change.

RCI transfer skid came in today! It is much bigger than I imagined haha.

Idler pullies and belt. Miner chirp on start up and shut off now...any ideas?

Made some simple brackets to attach the traction board I found on the highway last week to my roof rack. Also modded the intake into the cowl. Made some room in the fender well for the washer reservoir. Eventually an air compressor and additional battery will fill the rest of that spot. For now though I have a True North weld together bumper on the way and plan on moving the reservoir when that gets here.

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Well I finally decided to find a permanent solution to the every increasing sunroof rattle on my 2003 Limited V8.
I’m the original owner and this 4th Gen has been awesome, with the exception of the sunroof rattle. And it’s only gotten worse over the years. Shoot me if I had spend more than a minute on a washboard road.
Oh I’ve done some other things I’ve picked up on this forum and they helped some, but nothing has lasted.
And I didn’t want to seal it up completely. I really enjoy being able to open it up in very scenic locations like Yosemite valley, Zion or the Coastal NorCal giant redwoods.
Well another forum member mentioned “glue sticks” as props to support the sunroof and I thought I would go this direction
So here is what I did. I took some 3/4” wood dowels and cut two lengths at 1 and 5/16 inches. I put some self adhesive Velcro strips and put one on the Sunroof and the other on the top of the dowel. This is to keep it in place and not have it scoot out.
I put another “soft” piece of the Velcro on the bottom of the dowel to minimize and noise were it sits. I pushed up slightly and insert the dowel on top of the tracks and it takes the weight on the sunroof.. and it creates a tiny amount of pressure upward on the sunroof and magic presto, no rattle.
I painted the dowels red and put a piece of red tape over the switch as a reminder to remove the dowels before operating the sunroof. I only put adhesive Velcro on the sunroof, and by leaving the top of the track clean the sunroof still operates completely.
Pictures should help explain.
Today I did a good 8+ miles on various terrain and a ton of washboard. No rattle and I can’t be happier.
Thanks to this forum and the inspiration I get.
FYI. Starting to work on an onboard air and a 2 tire inflation/deflation & Pressure balance system. One that will take multiple inflation delivery methods. And where all components can be linked together with a minimum of items to reach out and inflate another tire up to 50 feet away. More to come.

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Im just about to start swapping out my engine with a newly rebuilt one from yota1 performance. I have a supercharger that I rebuilt as well and will be adding that. Also would like to find some headers but am having troubles on which ones to get. Anyone have any suggestions? Id much appreciate it!
Thanks

Which engine?

4th Gen?

Worked on replacing the serpentine belt/tensioner/idler pulley. Man this is a major job on the V8! Have to pull fan/shroud/PS pump/alternator/cam cover to get the tensioner out. Started Saturday night for 3 hours, Sunday for 4 hours, and just ready to pull alternator today. Took 3 hours just to get fan unbolted and off of the hub.
Yeah, I know most of you with V8s have done this whole job in an hour and a half!

ATF drain and fill with tire rotation.

Finished this up, went back together very quickly compared to teardown. The fan removal was biggest PITA, was stuck on the pilot and took much prying to get off. If not for fan it would'nt have taken so much time.

You are a brave man doing that job in winter!

Finished "winterising" the truck as best I can.

I had to remove the wheels for the final places, and while they were off I cleaned them entirely and lightly coated with ACF 50

This week I have changed both rear calipers and pads and checked the handbrake adjustment.

The handbrake still isn't great, I can only assume the shoes are 14 years old and hardened, or something.