Absolutely bauss! Just needs a front bumper and the cosmetics are mostly complete! And some LT

Here are some close ups @Pisa 8687 of the mounts. I didn't want to mess with bending mounts yet so I just tapped them straight into the roof the took a long bolt and bolted it in. I just used black PVC pipe to cover up the bolt. It's fine for now until I feel like making nicer ones

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Thanks for the pics gives me more ideas for a big led bar on my roof.

Nice work on those rear shocks!

Thanks man I'm gonna pull them soon and revalve. I just got a couple sets of .010 shims so now it's time to tune them in.

So tons has happened in the last few weeks and I'm super busy with work and finals and everything so I'll probably leave out some stuff but whatever.

First off I have gone on some pretty crazy wheeling trips with @snivilous that you can read in his 2001 3rd Gen build thread.

I got my KTT bikini top installed and it's awesome. I took my bumper back off to finish it up and re-align it. I cut some slits in the side for an exhaust vent. Should be on this week if my tranny doesn't blow up.

Why would my tranny blow up? I ordered a new bushing and seat from marlincrawler to fix some of the slop in the shifter. Instead of just pulling off the boot and taking out the 4 10mm bolts that hold the shifter in, I undid the 6 12mm bolts that hold the top assembly on. (wasn't following directions I was just learning as I went) So when the assembly is pulled there is a thick rubber seal with 6 washers in the holes where the bolts go. I didn't realize that they were really loose and didn't pay attention when I pulled the rubber seal out. When I went to put it back in, I saw that one of the washers was gone. I couldn't find it anywhere. I was hoping it wasn't there to begin with or fell out somewhere else, but now I am afraid it fell into the tranny. I got a magnet and fished around inside a bit and got nothing. I figured if it had fallen in I would have gotten it with the magnet. So I just got a different washer and put it back together. When I went to put the seat in, I realized it was the wrong one. They sent me a white one instead of a red. I put the old seat back in and put it together. Took it out for a drive and about 10 minutes in either the transmission or engine started to make a horrible noise. Sounded like grinding with an occasional squeak. If I slowly give it gas, neutral or in gear, it will make the noise but sometimes it will be fine. Obviously I assume the washer really did fall in the tranny and that is whats making the noise. That is the only thing I messed with. I'm going to refrain from driving it as much as I can till the right seat comes and I'll pull it apart and look at it again. I don't think it will do much good though. I really don't want to have to pull the whole tranny apart and search.... Any advice would be awesome. I have already looked on KSL for any w56's..

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So this happened today.

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That sucks I've actually thought I did the the same thing. It was on the t case shifter though. I tried the magnet trick no luck. Finally just said il try it. I have no idea where that washer went.

Are you taking it apart to find it?

That's funny! Yeah I'm gonna pull it all apart and see what's inside and if it messed up my gears at all. I'm gonna do my rear main seal while it's out.

It's been a busy few weeks. I got the bumper mounted up and welded and I'm super happy with it. It's not perfect but it looks much better than the rusted out piece of junk that was on it before. I got it sandblasted, primed, and painted at my work which was awesome. It's nice durable automotive paint and I'm glad I didn't have to worry about doing it myself. Painting is a hassle sometimes.

I used scrap metal that was around the shop so this bumper literally didn't cost me a dime. All it costed me was time.

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I took apart my transmission to clean out what was left of the washer. I replaced the rear main seal and dropped the oil pan too because I'm pretty sure they were leaking a bit. I found where I was leaking coolant. I don't even know what it is but I tightened it up so hopefully that fixes it.

Everything in the tranny seemed fine as far as I could tell so I just cleaned it up and put it back together. All I replaced was the input/output shaft seals and the shifter bushing and seat. I put it all back together and it worked amazing. I was super surprised. It even stays in 1st gear on it's own now which I wasn't expecting at all. It is way less sloppy. While it was out I de-greased and power washed it. I cut my finger pretty good and ended up getting stitches. I didn't bother cleaning the blood off the tranny.

I took the yota camping up Cottonwood canyon and it did amazing. Got nice and muddy getting this guys car unstuck which sucks. I hate mud. I think it looks better all muddy though

Just tonight the tranny started making that grinding and squealing noise again though I'm not sure what it is but it only happens around 1000 rpm. It's really loud and annoying so hopefully it works itself out somehow and I don't have to drop the tranny again...

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How hard was taking that case apart? Any special tools?

No it wasn't bad at all. Just a bunch of bolts. Though you would need a press if you want to replace bearings and stuff for a rebuild

Even though we talk every day, I have to reiterate how gorgeous that rear bumper is--especially being painted!

And that rear ass shot of the truck with the bumper and stickers is a solid 10!

Can't forget the mud makes it an 11-12