Brillos Builds
- Thread starter brillo_76
- Start date
brillo_76
Elite Member
We bought this 2003 off a buddy. Somehow it missed the frame recall in 2018 as its only good for 15 year on the Toyota frame replacement program. If someone would have not checked this rig. They would have been severely burnt. I knew the condition and basically saved it from being junked and stripped. The cab and rockers are in great shape. The bed only has minor rust damage that we will fix around 200K on it the truck and will make a good work truck for all kinds of things. 
brillo_76
Elite Member
Well, you can see what I was working on. One of my frame projects.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
brillo_76
Elite Member
Yes, it was the last generation where they shared many components. Then, the 4 runner line shifted to a different platform. As did the Tacumas.
Surprisingly, because the 4 runner was built off the truck chassis. I didn't think Toyota would split them apart. I guess they had different ideas. The 4 runners were literally born in the USA by dealers who made a deal with winnebago to make caps for the truck beds to turn them into sport utilities.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
brillo_76
Elite Member
Well. My driver side caliper on Tetanus1. So I took it off for testing. The bottom 2 pistons are seized.
Rebuilding calipers is a time-consuming process. I went to my spare set, which I had pulled from the junk yard.
Upon testing, didn't I have my tool to far out and popped one of the pistons out. So I did rebuild that piston. Then hoped all was well as I did 3 of the 4 moving. So I threw my speed bleeder in the caliper bleed it out. Took it for a test drive, and so far no more sticking caliper.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
Rebuilding calipers is a time-consuming process. I went to my spare set, which I had pulled from the junk yard.
Upon testing, didn't I have my tool to far out and popped one of the pistons out. So I did rebuild that piston. Then hoped all was well as I did 3 of the 4 moving. So I threw my speed bleeder in the caliper bleed it out. Took it for a test drive, and so far no more sticking caliper.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
Colorado buff
New member
Beautiful job on the Tacoma frame. Shocking that it missed a recall? Your gain though.
brillo_76
Elite Member
Why thank you. My builds are mostly frame repairs. I figured maybe a few will enjoy these posts. I know it's not a 3rd gen but the front of the frame is very similar .
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
brillo_76
Elite Member
Tetanus 1 got an alignment today as it hit 290k miles.
So my power steering was humming and moaning. I pump out the fluid. Verified the screen was clean and it was. So I swapped it one I pulled from the pick and pull. Nice and quiet now. I wonder if these are worth rebuilding? I have 2 or 3 that can be rebuilt or set back as cores.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
So my power steering was humming and moaning. I pump out the fluid. Verified the screen was clean and it was. So I swapped it one I pulled from the pick and pull. Nice and quiet now. I wonder if these are worth rebuilding? I have 2 or 3 that can be rebuilt or set back as cores.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
Rushthezeppelin
New member
Man I really need to get after mine soon >< It's only whinny at full lock on the steering so I'm pretty sure it's the screen as well as old fluid.
brillo_76
Elite Member
Well mine is whiny all the time.. The used replacement isnt as bad but not quiet either.. I probably end up rebuilding a few of these as they really should be quiet all the time.
brillo_76
Elite Member
[MENTION=693474]Yeti2k3[/MENTION] and I working on the bed. You can see how I fix nuts inside things. We weld nuts to washers then weld the Washers to 1/8 plates . Drill and plug weld the plates to their proper location.
Its very hard to weld to 20 gauge that's rusty or rusted away. Yes we need to grind a little but making very good progress. Just need rebuild the fender wells. Then seal the seal ending up raptor lining both sides of the bed. The bed sides will be our next project. I believe the bed sides will be painted red.
Its very hard to weld to 20 gauge that's rusty or rusted away. Yes we need to grind a little but making very good progress. Just need rebuild the fender wells. Then seal the seal ending up raptor lining both sides of the bed. The bed sides will be our next project. I believe the bed sides will be painted red.
Last edited:
brillo_76
Elite Member
How l do you fix the o2 sensor rusty studs and nuts issues? Why you use 8mm 25mm x1.25 bolts stainless with a flanged nut and lock washer all stainless... you screw the bolt in snug then spring the nut down to hold the sensor in place.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
you screw the bolt in snug then spring the nut down to hold the sensor in place.
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Captive studsHow l do you fix the o2 sensor rusty studs and nuts issues? Why you use 8mm 25mm x1.25 bolts stainless with a flanged nut and lock washer all stainless...
Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
brillo_76
Elite Member
Those are an option as well. I just like how I could snug the O2 down on the sensor yet still just unscrew these bolts a few years down the road here..
