Brian757's "Stormtrooper" Build Thread

here is that tool that I made for the crankshaft pulley. it worked perfectly :)

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Neat tool^^
I myself get a breaker bar and socket on the pully set the breaker bar on the fender to where it won't do any damage to electrical or what not, disconnect the coil and crank the motor to break the bolt loose.
 
Definitely man. Let me know. Now I know why people say the first time around is a little tough but I could do it pretty quickly the second go around. The only special tools you could use but are not required are a breaker bar, chain wrench or strap wrench(chain, in my opinion), a new hydraulic tensioner or if your using your original one youll want the tensioner compressor, and that 1/4" swivel socket. Everything else is either a socket or open end box wrench; and their roughly 10, 12, 14, 17 and 19mm bolts and nuts throughout the project.

I guess I didn't realize that Virginia Beach was 2.5-3 hours away...I wouldn't ask you to make that drive, especially when you would be helping me out...Do you think it would it be cool if I came down your way when the time comes?
 
[MENTION=88576]smkd13[/MENTION]: I don't know if it was you or someone else but before I started this project, I had seen someone who built one of those to keep the crank pulley from moving. You guys utilized those 2 holes. Thats cool man!
I just went to Northern Tool and snagged a chain wrench. I pryed it up against my wheel well and then used a 1/2" socket with a breaker bar for leverage.

[MENTION=88689]JamesDean91[/MENTION]: I have heard people mention that you have to remove the coil before spanking your starter or you'll start your vehicle. Couldn't you just disconnect the negative terminal on the battery instead of the coil to counter this issue?

[MENTION=82275]4ever4running[/MENTION]: Its not too bad of a drive. I can almost guarantee you I will spend at least 2 of those hours on I-95. Your almost right next to DC if Im correct. Let me know man. Also, let me know if you snowboard. Because you and I are surrounded by mountains, we're just not on 'em :D
 
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[MENTION=82275]4ever4running[/MENTION]: Its not too bad of a drive. I can almost guarantee you I will spend at least 2 of those hours on I-95. Your almost right next to DC if Im correct. Let me know man. Also, let me know if you snowboard. Because you and I are surrounded by mountains, we're just not on 'em :D

Sounds good man, I'm hoping to order the timing belt kit in the next couple weeks so I'll hit you up when I get it.

I love snowboarding! I grew up in the Southern Rockies so I was spoiled with awesome mountians/snow but I still haven't gone since I moved out here...
 
Sounds good man, I'm hoping to order the timing belt kit in the next couple weeks so I'll hit you up when I get it.

I love snowboarding! I grew up in the Southern Rockies so I was spoiled with awesome mountians/snow but I still haven't gone since I moved out here...

Well, maybe sometime after I help you, we can make plans for a VA group to hit up Wintergreen or Massa'nothing'.
 
They method I described uses the starter to break the crank bolt loose, so you can't disconnect the battery or else the starter won't spin lol. Its what a lot of backyard mechanics do.
 
They method I described uses the starter to break the crank bolt loose, so you can't disconnect the battery or else the starter won't spin lol. Its what a lot of backyard mechanics do.

Haha! That makes sense. Sorry bud. So you basically want it to kick over, but not start. I get it now. Thanks for the input! I read that on one of the "How-To's." But after they said it, they put "BE CAREFUL." So I just ignored it :D
Sounds like it would work nice though.
 
[MENTION=88576]smkd13[/MENTION]: I don't know if it was you or someone else but before I started this project, I had seen someone who built one of those to keep the crank pulley from moving. You guys utilized those 2 holes. Thats cool man!
I just went to Northern Tool and snagged a chain wrench. I pryed it up against my wheel well and then used a 1/2" socket with a breaker bar for leverage.

i actually had pictures of this tool on my last build thread before i deleted it and started over fresh :)
 
T4R went down when I tried to post this but, this is here for personal reference: Timing Belt Job done @ 120,357 miles.

Actual Parts replaced were:
  • Timing Belt
  • Idler Roller
  • Tensioner Roller
  • Front Crankshaft Seal
  • Both Camshaft Seals
  • Hydraulic Tensioner
  • Air Conditioning Belt
  • Alternator Belt
  • Power Steering Belt
  • Water Pump
  • Water Pump Gasket
  • Thermostat (Rated for 82°C/180°F)
  • Thermostat Gasket
  • Crankshaft Bolts (Old one's were stripped)
  • High Mileage 50/50 Prestone Coolant added. (Roughly 2 1/4 gallons)
 
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T4R went down when I tried to post this but, this is here for personal reference: Timing Belt Job done @ 120,357 miles.

Actual Parts replaced were:
  • Timing Belt
  • Idler Roller
  • Tensioner Roller
  • Front Crankshaft Seal
  • Both Camshaft Seals
  • Hydraulic Tensioner
  • Air Conditioning Belt
  • Alternator Belt
  • Power Steering Belt
  • Water Pump
  • Water Pump Gasket
  • Thermostat (Rated for 82°C/180°F)
  • Thermostat Gasket
  • Crankshaft Bolts (Old one's were stripped)

    [*]High Mileage 50/50 Prestone Coolant added. (Roughly 2 1/4 gallons)

Switched to the mean green??? Lol my buddy switched to it and just flushes every 30k. Not a problem yet. Btw he is a master mechanic and Offroad/Toyota genius.
 
Switched to the mean green??? Lol my buddy switched to it and just flushes every 30k. Not a problem yet. Btw he is a master mechanic and Offroad/Toyota genius.

Yeah. Is it called Mean Green cuz of the color? Mine was orange/reddish. I am going to monitor it as well.
 
Yeah. Is it called Mean Green cuz of the color? Mine was orange/reddish. I am going to monitor it as well.

Ha ha no was asking if you used green AF. I call it mean green cause it is everywhere. Lol I used some oriely's universal extended in mine. They call it "gold" but pouring it out it had a green tint to it but was goldish colored. No problems yet. The Toyota pink stuff is recommended cause it is extended life and doesn't corrode the radiator iirc. But most radiator fail around 100 to 150k anyway regardless. I have an aftermarket in ATM as a loaner until I order a koyo. No problems so far.

Here is an interesting piece of info for you. On thestock toyota radiators, where the tranny cooler is there is a seal between the AF and ATF areas. Over time it will wear out. When I installed my rad. I tried to adjust the position of the return nozzle. I turned it and it got loose and spun free. Upon inspection the threads were stripped. I don't have any pictures but we cut the old rad open and saw how it seals and also found the most likely place of failure. Sorry for the drawing but it is what I have as visual aid.
yteva3u9.jpg


Just sharing what I found
 
Got my 4Runner ready for the Snowshoe trip tomorrow! Finally a break, and some god d@mn snow! Last March was amazing, hope it follows up identically.

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So, Im back home from my trip. It was awesome. Snow was everywhere... My kind of place. Although, there were a few issues with my truck in which I would like to document, to fix later:

1) Going up the mountain; my foot was on the floor and the throttle wide open, and im slowly going up the hills. (Need to build engine/SC)

2) Hitting the brakes on the way down, insufficient braking capabilities due to larger than factory tires. I am currently running brand new ceramic disc brakes up front and ceramics in the drums. (Will do 231mm Brake Upgrade)

3) My passenger side inner tie rod is destroyed. I had to deal with popping and minor loss of steering throughout the trip. (Replacing Both sides - Inner & Outer Tie rods/ends)
 
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OHH! And on the way home from my trip, I was in the back of a tight pack of vehicles on the interstate on the way home. State Trooper popped me going 83 in a 70. He gave me a reckless driving charge and I must appear in court 2 hours away from home. In the state of Virginia, anything 20 MPH over the limit or anything above 80 MPH is reckless. I hate Virginia's strict as hell street laws. The scary part is that Virginia is coming down hard on speeders, putting 7 out of 10 reckless drivers into jail for some period of time. Don't worry guys, I will still be on T4R in jail :D

I will get my truck calibrated and present it in court with my lawyer. I have already received a reckless ticket, about 2 years ago but was dropped because it was a multiple lane change in an area where it is necessary to do a multiple lane change to get where you're going. Virginia cops do not play. I paid $1,500 for my last lawyer. I wish my state wasn't a commonwealth.

(I can only be thankful that I didn't share a story like some of us on here, posting a picture of a flipped 4Runner on the interstate from some stupid driver not seeing me.)

P.S. - Why the HELL does my girlfriend laugh every time I get pulled over?

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Where is the "dislike" button when you need it?

That sucks man! I actually got pulled over the first week I moved here to VA, needless to say I learned my lesson.
 
Where is the "dislike" button when you need it?

That sucks man! I actually got pulled over the first week I moved here to VA, needless to say I learned my lesson.

Yeah, and I thought I learned my lesson as well. The primary purpose of the "state" police here in VA is for revenue increase. They do not care about people's safety. I have never received a warning, nor have I ever received the proper citation, it is always a degree higher, and I have to fight to reduce it to the proper charge. The court system here is lethal. I have received equipment violations (Tint, license plate covers, headlights & exhaust -- by city police, but I have no complaints, they are doing their job.) Its the state pigs I hate.

And I respect officers of the law. I have never been rude, nasty, or belligerent with an officer. I know the shitheads they must deal with.
But, why do I always get the prick of the precinct!

My sisters husband is a VB police officer and I take all of my police anger out on him :D
I always tell him your better off calling Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts instead of 911 if you want an officer around here..
 
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Yeah, and I thought I learned my lesson as well. The primary purpose of the "state" police here in VA is for revenue increase. They do not care about people's safety. I have never received a warning, nor have I ever received the proper citation, it is always a degree higher, and I have to fight to reduce it to the proper charge. The court system here is lethal. I have received equipment violations (Tint, license plate covers, headlights & exhaust -- by city police, but I have no complaints, they are doing their job.) Its the state pigs I hate.

And I respect officers of the law. I have never been rude, nasty, or belligerent with an officer. I know the shitheads they must deal with.
But, why do I always get the prick of the precinct!

My sisters husband is a VB police officer and I take all of my police anger out on him :D
I always tell him your better off calling Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts instead of 911 if you want an officer around here..

Yeah I hear ya man. It seems like all State popo have a stick up their butt and are just out to write tickets and make money for the state.

A while back I got pulled over by a Virginia State PO. He pulled me over and gave me a ticket for having an expired vehicle inspection sticker. It had literally expired two days before and he could have been cool and just given me a warning...nope. I got to pay $75 to "learn my lesson". Gee thanks, dick!

To this day I don't know how he saw the expiration date because I was going about 70mph.
 

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