2003 V8 budget build and dreams of theladyviola and Gypsy

THANKS!!!

I kinda have researching down to an art. The FJ rear springs I found locally on Craigslist. Most of the Moog stuff came from Amazon Warehouse where you may find 1 or 2 of something at a ridiculous discount because the box has been torn up a bit. Front Bilsteins were bought from a member on here who decided he'd rather have the money than do the install. Rear Bilsteins from an eBay vendor. The UCA's are from the seller spindlesource on eBay. The Powerstop brake rotors/pads I found on eBay when I was searching using the specific part number and lucked up with the seller madcheetah; also got my obd link from that seller. Stumbled across the Spidertrax on Facebook Marketplace. I was fairly unrelenting in my daily searches. Patience and direction pays off. But the short and simple answer is: classifieds on this site, eBay, Amazon, Craigslist.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cool, thanks for the info. I actually found my rotors/pads on amazon warehouse. 50% off for a damaged retail box!
 
Little more painting, sanding, polishing while doing the timing belt.
b74730de3c07e4adcf13f7a36d49b762.jpg

67a4a29b3f9630c50a2f7198a9118343.jpg

6f443693187b8d1200696d29e369cc25.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Hopefully the timing belt/water pump will get finished tomorrow.

Upon initial inspection, the timing belt look to be in decent condition.

6c2314ae198962e9fe6173432aeea69c.jpg


I believed that, perhaps, it really had been changed at 125K miles just as the previous owner had stated. I knew the pulleys, tensioner, and water pump were mostly likely original though. Everything was way too filthy to only be 25K miles old.

Still didn't trust that belt, so I magnified it and could clearly read Toyota, as well as, more easily, visualize the cracks.

ef961f508bc816e8f2edcd14f1ab80ae.jpg


No timing belt change sticker, no Toyota records of any of it being replaced, plus nasty as hell and still all OEM parts...

Glad I had already decided to change it for peace of mind.


Oooo, purdy new water pump...

ed2368869c306e1225191a0807958727.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
BEWARE OF THE PLASTIC NIPPLE! [emoji6]

The plastic nipple of my power steering air control valve snapped like a twig. Not sure when it happened during the timing belt/water pump process, but found it hanging out, all alone, and broken.

4718f2a74f30f3ce764e7a87c8fc519f.jpg


Big box auto store wanted $108 for a Dorman, stealership wanted $88, found the new Toyota part on eBay for $45 shipped.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
BEWARE OF THE PLASTIC NIPPLE! [emoji6]

The plastic nipple of my power steering air control valve snapped like a twig. Not sure when it happened during the timing belt/water pump process, but found it hanging out, all alone, and broken.

4718f2a74f30f3ce764e7a87c8fc519f.jpg


Big box auto store wanted $108 for a Dorman, stealership wanted $88, found the new Toyota part on eBay for $45 shipped.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Damn, I hate when that happens!!!:redbrick:

Glad you found a reasonably priced replacement.
 
956fe8ee1a720c96bce827ee1e08d713.jpg


aa79891a7f23029dfc92114c2455deb2.jpg


I'm glad I have 90K miles to save my pennies to have the timing belt and water pump replaced so I don't have to do that again. But she's all back together, sans throttle body cover til it dries, and functioning properly. Went ahead and flushed the power steering while I was at it. Got the haze off the headlights so I can cover them in 3M Ventureshield. Installed a Gentex autodimming mirror with homelink and compass. What shall I do next???

-Dual battery setup perhaps?
-Still need to decide how to mount my basket without the factory rack.
-Find a bargain on a fridge.
-Remove running boards (may have to wait til I can get sliders with my height)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Just read through this entire build. I don't think I've read a build thread in years, as I'm not as active on these boards as I once was.

Subbed to follow along on your adventure. It's sort of reinvigorated me to look for things to tinker with. Great job on a well thought out, modest, functional build! I'd like to see a shot of engine bay with that painted cover installed.

And thanks to dude who posted the link to those RAD splash shields. Didn't know anybody was making and selling these. I'll be placing my order shortly. Guess it pays to read more builds.
 
Just read through this entire build. I don't think I've read a build thread in years, as I'm not as active on these boards as I once was.



Subbed to follow along on your adventure. It's sort of reinvigorated me to look for things to tinker with. Great job on a well thought out, modest, functional build! I'd like to see a shot of engine bay with that painted cover installed.



And thanks to dude who posted the link to those RAD splash shields. Didn't know anybody was making and selling these. I'll be placing my order shortly. Guess it pays to read more builds.



Well thanks for following and getting re-excited about builds! I plan to get that shield on in a few days when I'm free from work and on my 2 week vacation. Had to redo it from the earlier pic due to an unfortunate clear coat reaction. Now that the build has progressed, I need to get to the adventure part.

This is a quick pic. Still need to touch up a couple spots.
9e594a42baa36aae8236e9c94e5a332c.jpg


And I'm seriously considering the dual battery setup for my next project. It would be nice to have the option to power my teardrop trailer when I don't have shore power and generators aren't permitted.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Today I was perusing the ole Craigslist and there was a Northstar dual purpose group 31M battery listed for $60. Come to find out the guy bought it from a distributor where he used to work, so he got a killer deal. The motor on his boat blew before he could install it so he just stored it in his garage. His Spring cleaning became the catalyst for my next project because I couldn't pass it up for $60. And yes, it's holding a charge.

https://www.amazon.com/NorthStar-Ultra-Performance-Group-Battery/dp/B00P1K6EPE


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Just read through this entire build. I don't think I've read a build thread in years, as I'm not as active on these boards as I once was.



Subbed to follow along on your adventure. It's sort of reinvigorated me to look for things to tinker with. Great job on a well thought out, modest, functional build! I'd like to see a shot of engine bay with that painted cover installed.



And thanks to dude who posted the link to those RAD splash shields. Didn't know anybody was making and selling these. I'll be placing my order shortly. Guess it pays to read more builds.



018612161b0c92c69a9647cdf1ff8132.jpg


The sun's glare on the enamel doesn't look great in the pic but it's on there now!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
The sun's glare on the enamel doesn't look great in the pic but it's on there now!

Looks sharp! I like it. Perhaps I'll follow your lead here next time I'm under the hood and bored.

Been starting to mess around with my other baby again. Gotta spend time with both otherwise one gets jealous. But, my splash guards for the 4R got delivered today though. Man that was fast.
 
Gentex Homelink compass autodim mirror installed
fbb8c46414bef50e46937652cf55b89a.jpg


And I have about a 15F-20F reduction in coolant temp since doing the timing belt/wp/thermostat change. I'll take it because it's Middle TN and hot and humid as boiling hell.
f91e2e7eda1f90cdb6941df2d4b2d0b4.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
018612161b0c92c69a9647cdf1ff8132.jpg


The sun's glare on the enamel doesn't look great in the pic but it's on there now!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That engine sure does look purdy! Someday I hope to have the motivation to paint mine up real nice. Right now I just think that any metal part I need to take off in the engine bay is getting painted. Too much work right not to take stuff off just for paint...
 
That engine sure does look purdy! Someday I hope to have the motivation to paint mine up real nice. Right now I just think that any metal part I need to take off in the engine bay is getting painted. Too much work right not to take stuff off just for paint...



This was all opportunistic. My thought was that if I have to take it off, then why not paint it? I wouldn't go to the trouble otherwise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
A DEAL STRIKES AGAIN!!!!

Picked up this Dometic CF-18 fridge today at about half price at $175. I have 3 days to return it so I immediately connected it to the rear cargo 12v socket when I got home and...nothing, well except the error light intermittently shining. Then I remembered reading on another forum that it's not uncommon to need a thicker gauge wire and, preferably, a dedicated run to the rear of the vehicle when powering a fridge. Fingers crossed (not really because that would make moving the fridge awkward), I went for the 12v socket up front and no error light came on. Tossed in a digital thermometer and headed toward indoor A/C for a bit. When I went back out a little while later, the temp was 16 degrees. I'd say it's working. Whew!

I figure the important perishable items, such as dairy, condiments, meats, and some fruits/veggies can stay safely in the little Dometic and the "don't care and it's not going to make me sick" stuff can go in the Ozark Trails Yeti knockoff.

The CF-18 isn't big, isn't fancy with a digital display, and isn't this year's improved model, but it was $175. I HAD TO.
1a55e17e49aa6a821fd9a0324eed8bb8.jpg





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
278,315
Messages
3,554,130
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top