Ambush - Build me up!

[ambush]

Alternator wire burned

Well, I may have found the potential issue (besides the incorrect fuses being used) to the burned wiring. I was just checking under that hood and I have paperwork stating the previous owner replaced the alternator at Goodyear (WHY!!). The alternator is not even close to being OEM and prob the WRONG DAMN ONE. The connector on top is BURNED and the wire going all the way down. The battery that is in this truck is a size 54 or something. The WRONG BATTERY SIZE too. WTH were they thinking. Now I must REALLY do the BIG 3 by default LOL. I will REPLACE the alternator with the CS144. May as well right?

 

[ambush]

Sorry for the delay....

Here are some updates
I directed my attention back to the engine compartment. I wanted to make sure the wiring was going to be good when I fired her up so I got a new battery, changed batter terminals, and installed the BIG 3 (4 gauge kit ) from Sky High Audio!! I would HIGHLY recommend their kits and the big 3 period.

 

[ambush]

Progress...

I located another 3rd GEN limited and me and a buddy decided it would be smart to get the ENTIRE wire harness instead of me soldering like I was about to do before as there would have been more headaches than needed (not pictured). I was able to put everything back in including replacing my bad blower motor (JUNK YARD FINDING of course). Some DOH DOH cut the wires to the harness I picked up that goes to the ECT, Security, Rear window, etc... Luckily I did not trash the old one. I just but connect/heat shrunk them from the old one (WHEW). Still NO LUCK finding the woodgrain radio bezel This again was the condition of it when I purchased the truck. SUX!!!!

To be continued....

 

[ambush]

Sorry I have been away - Brake issues, resolved? NO!!

Hello everyone. I apologize I have been away for awhile. Working on other projects I have accidentally neglected her. Well, I have put the truck back together but have run into a STUPID brake issue. For some reason the front brakes will lock up after 20 mins of driving or idle. Sigh. I have read lost of threads and tested and done the following as who knows how long this truck has been sitting:

1. Replaced Brake Booster from salvaged 4runner
2. Replaced Master Cylinder from salvaged 4runner
3. Replaced soft and hard lines to front brakes
4. Replaced factory calipers from salvaged 4runner
5. Replaced fluid with fresh dot 3 and bled
6. Replaced booster check valves (3xs with grommets)

SO! None of this works. I was driving for about 30 mins on the interstate then all of a sudden my truck came to a stop and could move the truck at all. Just SMOKE from the front tires. Had to wait about 20 mins then I was ok.

Fast forward, I found a wrecked Sequoia and got the S13We calipers, had them powdercoated, replaced caliper kit and got a stupid sweet deal on rotors and ceramic brakes from PepBoys ($95.00!!). Installed and what do you know, BRAKES LOCKED UP AGAIN!!!

I am so frustrated with this truck! I read on the Taco baords that it could be my ABS module. That is strange as I dont have any ABS lights on the dash. Umm I dont get it. Has anyone heard of the ABS giving out and locking up the fronts?

 

[ambush]

Pictures would help...

Hello everyone. I apologize I have been away for awhile. Working on other projects I have accidentally neglected her. Well, I have put the truck back together but have run into a STUPID brake issue. For some reason the front brakes will lock up after 20 mins of driving or idle. Sigh. I have read lost of threads and tested and done the following as who knows how long this truck has been sitting:

1. Replaced Brake Booster from salvaged 4runner
2. Replaced Master Cylinder from salvaged 4runner
3. Replaced soft and hard lines to front brakes
4. Replaced factory calipers from salvaged 4runner
5. Replaced fluid with fresh dot 3 and bled
6. Replaced booster check valves (3xs with grommets)

SO! None of this works. I was driving for about 30 mins on the interstate then all of a sudden my truck came to a stop and could move the truck at all. Just SMOKE from the front tires. Had to wait about 20 mins then I was ok.

Fast forward, I found a wrecked Sequoia and got the S13We calipers, had them powdercoated, replaced caliper kit and got a stupid sweet deal on rotors and ceramic brakes from PepBoys ($95.00!!). Installed and what do you know, BRAKES LOCKED UP AGAIN!!!

I am so frustrated with this truck! I read on the Taco boards that it could be my ABS module. That is strange as I dont have any ABS lights on the dash. Umm I dont get it. Has anyone heard of the ABS giving out and locking up the fronts?

Calipers:

Calipers2:

Calipers3:

 

[gamefreakgc]

Hello everyone. I apologize I have been away for awhile. Working on other projects I have accidentally neglected her. Well, I have put the truck back together but have run into a STUPID brake issue. For some reason the front brakes will lock up after 20 mins of driving or idle. Sigh. I have read lost of threads and tested and done the following as who knows how long this truck has been sitting:

1. Replaced Brake Booster from salvaged 4runner
2. Replaced Master Cylinder from salvaged 4runner
3. Replaced soft and hard lines to front brakes
4. Replaced factory calipers from salvaged 4runner
5. Replaced fluid with fresh dot 3 and bled
6. Replaced booster check valves (3xs with grommets)

SO! None of this works. I was driving for about 30 mins on the interstate then all of a sudden my truck came to a stop and could move the truck at all. Just SMOKE from the front tires. Had to wait about 20 mins then I was ok.

Fast forward, I found a wrecked Sequoia and got the S13We calipers, had them powdercoated, replaced caliper kit and got a stupid sweet deal on rotors and ceramic brakes from PepBoys ($95.00!!). Installed and what do you know, BRAKES LOCKED UP AGAIN!!!

I am so frustrated with this truck! I read on the Taco baords that it could be my ABS module. That is strange as I dont have any ABS lights on the dash. Umm I dont get it. Has anyone heard of the ABS giving out and locking up the fronts?

I have never heard of it but if it's not the calipers themselves with issues, it has to be electronic. Unfortunately it seems you've had to swap and change so many wires it might be near impossible to track it down. Replacing the module would be a good first step.

 

[ambush]

Hi Gamefreakgc:

I will def try that this weekend. I do recall the brakes acting weird like that before swapping out the wire harness but you may be on to something! Thank you!

 

[ambush]

Hi Gamefreakgc:

I will def try that this weekend. I do recall the brakes acting weird like that before swapping out the wire harness but you may be on to something! Thank you!

WELP! Another frustrating weekend.
Swapped out ABS module. Everything went well untillllll....
It locked up AGAIN!! I checked everything. I thought I had it. After 20 mins of driving, wheel drag and brakes begin. I have no idea what is going on. FRUSTRATING. My old 2000 Limited NEVER had a brake issue.
If anyone has any suggestions or the FIX, please chime in.
I guess I can try to work on my sunroof while this is being researched. This is so frustrating....

 

[ambush]

UPDATE:
Fixed. I want to kick myself. I saw a video of a Toyota Camry that had ABS issues/locking up. The solution was to clean the ABS sensors on the front wheels. Welp, I did not have a blinking ABS light on the dash so I did not think anything of it. So what the hell, I took each of them out and cleaned them well with electronic cleaner and some brake cleaner. I kept my fingers crossed, started her up and drove for over 1 hour with NO HARD BRAKE PEDAL!!! Who would have thought that was the solution to this dang blasted issue! After all of the $$ and time I put at it!
Oh well...Keep in mind if anyone is experiencing this issue, check everything including the wheels speed sensors. They may just need a good cleaning.

 

[Quantumkiwi]

Man, you really got the short end of the stick with those wires.
I admire your perseverance and willingness to jump into the electrical deep end.
Nice job man!

 

[ambush]

Man, you really got the short end of the stick with those wires.
I admire your perseverance and willingness to jump into the electrical deep end.
Nice job man!

Thank you so much! I love a challenge and this has been one of my biggest automobile ones yet! Excellent. Work in progress.

 

[ambush]

Brakes failing again!

So I thought I found the answer to the HARD brake pedal. Well, guess I was wrong. I drove the stupid truck less than 20 mins and the trucks PASSENGER side wheel decided to lock up. I could not go backwards at all and only forward at a maximum of 15 mph. SO! I have done everything so far and I am stumped. I did end up at the salvage yard, I saw a 4runner and snatched the Master Cylinder off of that one. Low and behold, there was a paper make shift gasket...Mine did not have one at all. Do you think that is the prob?

 

[ambush]

OK..I had to wait until the storms passed a bit and the heat decreased a bit in the Carolinas.
So, doing some LONG thinking, I remember seeing a gasket of some sort on the Brake Booster right in front of the master cylinder. So I made one to fit the same shape as the MS. Slapped it on and put a newer MS on. Bled the brakes and what do you know, MORE dirty a--- brake fluid and now I have brakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I drove around for about 4 hours with no issues. PERFECT BRAKING THIS TIME. IT was the gasket!!! uguhuguh
Learn from me!