ajohnson's 85 build

[ajohnson]

Why are you swapping everything over?

Because the '85 has a lot of rust and a tired squirrel under the hood. The body doesn't concern me, it's the rotting frame.

 

[Robmills72]

Because the '85 has a lot of rust and a tired squirrel under the hood. The body doesn't concern me, it's the rotting frame.

You should swap the body/interior too, its prettier

Always liked your truck btw, love the fender hoops.

 

[ajohnson]

You should swap the body/interior too, its prettier

Always liked your truck btw, love the fender hoops.

Thanks. I've always wanted a black and silver runner, to match my Tacoma. I love the '85, but the '87 is in MUCH better shape all around. I'm planning to add some similar fender bars.

 

[brifri01]

I like the black runner better but not the red interior. Let me know if there's any other tech help on the sas. I'm no expert but I'm learning as I go.

 

[ajohnson]

Made some progress on the '87 tonight. Got the rear axle and leaf springs out, hopefully have the tcase out and start on the front this weekend.

 

[Hyde802]

And it starts! Keep the pics coming.

 

[92-SR5]

Oh god my eyes. Please tell me you're going to swap interiors.

No love for the porno red color most the 80s vehicles had? haha

 

[ajohnson]

It'll be a panty dropper for sure

 

[ajohnson]

Did some more on the '87 today. With long work hours and wrenching, I am BEAT! Working half a day tomorrow and relaxing the rest of the day. Maybe I'll have the IFS on the ground by next weekend. Hoping to have it ready by Memorial Day.

 

[Chuckles89]

Man, you do some impressive work even without a garage. :clap2: Love the truck btw

 

[ajohnson]

Man, you do some impressive work even without a garage. :clap2: Love the truck btw

Thanks. If I had known 6 years ago I would be doing this, I would have gotten a house with a garage. Gotta make do with what I got for now.

 

[ajohnson]

Any suggestions for a header and muffler for the 22re?

 

[Rockdawg84]

Any suggestions for a header and muffler for the 22re?

love my LC header. Flows great.

 

[ajohnson]

love my LC header. Flows great.

Thanks! That's what I'm leaning towards.

Love your 84 BTW

 

[dorton]

I ordered a Doug Thorley header last week, should be here either today, or tomorrow. From what I've read,the Thorley should have a more usable power range than the LC. I've had 3 LC's in the past, and have nothing negative to say about them, just wanted to try something different.

 

[ajohnson]

I ordered a Doug Thorley header last week, should be here either today, or tomorrow. From what I've read,the Thorley should have a more usable power range than the LC. I've had 3 LC's in the past, and have nothing negative to say about them, just wanted to try something different.

I have read that they provide power gains in different rpm ranges. Please let me know how you feel about the thorley compared to an LC when you get the chance.

I need to replace my rotting exhaust so I figure I'll try to get a little more power. Thinking of getting a magnaflow or aero turbine muffler.

 

[ajohnson]

Finding time between my long work days, the IFS is pretty much ready to be cut off. Torsion bars suck.

 

[Hyde802]

How are you cutting the IFS out? I just torch the torsion bars out. As you heat/cut them they untwist slowly then then just cut in half like buttah. Then pull the pieces out.

 

[ajohnson]

I figured its best to remove the missiles before doing anything. I was going to drop the diff with everything attached to it, but the LCA bolts are seized so screw it. Never done this before so I'm just trying to make it easy. But I have a friend coming over with a torch to help, hopefully Tuesday if neither of us have to work OT.

I'm planning to get a welder soon and will have another friend help me with the frame brackets. Like I said I have never done anything like this so if you have some tips I am all ears. I have a basic understanding and know how to measure.

 

[sam24th]

Hey Andy if you need help sometime hit me up. Ive been helping a friend of mines SAS a Double cab 01 taco that had been wrecked. Trying to finish up most of the stuff today actually. We cut all the IFS stuff off his truck with my plasma cutter.