Hi-desert Cheapskate build thread

[Hi-desertT4R]

Chevy blazer washer nozzle mod

Factory washer fluid nozzles were piss poor. Read about swapping them for Chevy Trailblazer nozzles. Quick easy and cheap upgrade. Fan type spray vs streams.

Amazon.com: Direct Replacemnt Adjustable Windshield Washer Nozzle Mist Spray Type for 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002-2009 GMC Envoy, 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, Replace OE for 15878745 : Automotive

Found mod in this thread post #7 Windshield Washer nozzle mod?

Also a really good write-up by @ Bluesky07 post #39 in his build thread here Tales of the Silver Beast: Bluesky 07's Long Overdue Build Thread

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

I didn’t like how exposed the core support was. I modified the filler plate I had made previously. It’ll do for now but I need to replace the skids. It stood out too much as bare aluminum. I rattle canned it flat black.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Plasti-derped the grille. The chrome center bar is broken in one spot and it’s days are numbered until I go full Satoshi.

Felt like the bumper mounted light bar looked out of place. Removed it and plan on installing pods in the tube wings of the bumper.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Added some cheapie Nilight led pods to the bumper.

 

[Emgbc]

Do you have any pictures of how you ran your ditch light wiring from the pods? I just installed mine and trying to figure out the best way to run the wires from the pods to the relay near the fuse box. I started by running them behind the little rubber corner between the fender/a pillar. Trying to figure out how to get it across the plastic down to the firewall without interfering with the hood hinge. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Do you have any pictures of how you ran your ditch light wiring from the pods? I just installed mine and trying to figure out the best way to run the wires from the pods to the relay near the fuse box. I started by running them behind the little rubber corner between the fender/a pillar. Trying to figure out how to get it across the plastic down to the firewall without interfering with the hood hinge. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Sorry I’m a shitty picture taker haha.
I pulled the corner filler pieces out and haven’t bothered to put them back in. I thought about drilling some holes in the fillers and stabbing the wires through those. Maybe some day. I just ran the wire under the edges of the plastic cowl piece and split the power wire and ran in across through the cowl in wire loom.

 

[Emgbc]

Sorry I’m a shitty picture taker haha.
I pulled the corner filler pieces out and haven’t bothered to put them back in. I thought about drilling some holes in the fillers and stabbing the wires through those. Maybe some day. I just ran the wire under the edges of the plastic cowl piece and split the power wire and ran in across through the cowl in wire loom.

Thanks for sharing this - appreciate the help.

 

[thewellcon4]

top seo companies

top seo companiesI’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!..

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

top seo companiesI’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!..

Um, ok yeah man. Thumbs up

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Repairs and maintenance at 139200

Over a couple days I completed some much needed repairs and maintenance.
Mileage was at 139200.

I completely flushed the power steering with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I greased both driveshafts and UCA’s. Checked fluid levels in the T-case and rear diff. Removed the roller bearing in the diff. Felt like it had a lot of play but wasn’t broken. Installed an ECGS solid bushing. A torn CV boot turned into a CV replacement. One of the bearings fell off the tripod upon removal. Stretched the inner boot.

Lowered the Bilstein 5100’s from 1.75” down to .85”. Wish I would have done this months ago.

After all that I found both 4hi green light and Diff lock yellow light flashing and wouldn’t engage the front diff. Pulled the A.D.D, soldered the motor and micro switch connections.

Write-up No 4WD 4hi and center lock flashing

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Installed this ScanGauge II. I need to find a better mount for it than Velcro strips.

 

[originalg00kster]

great spot for it, I would recommend double sided tape or magnets. 3M

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

great spot for it, I would recommend double sided tape or magnets. 3M

Yes, it sits perfect right there and doesn’t block any gauges. I like the idea of magnets because I want to easily be able to swap it over to my Scion. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

Removed the roller bearing in the diff. Felt like it had a lot of play but wasn’t broken. Installed an ECGS solid bushing.

Great looking build!
It's amazing Toyota is still using and having problems with that bearing 20 years later. Never understood why they didn't go to the bushing since it's been a proven fix. If you take into account just the Tacomas that have done this mod, ECGS has probably made a couple bucks with the sales of those bushings and SST over the years.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Great looking build!
It's amazing Toyota is still using and having problems with that bearing 20 years later. Never understood why they didn't go to the bushing since it's been a proven fix. If you take into account just the Tacomas that have done this mod, ECGS has probably made a couple bucks with the sales of those bushings and SST over the years.

Thank you sir! Truthfully I didn’t even know it could be an issue until within the last year haha. My bearing was in ok condition but I have peace of mind with the solid bushing in there. I do plan on keeping this rig for life. I wonder if ECGS has made more off of the bushing or the puller?

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

Thank you sir! Truthfully I didn’t even know it could be an issue until within the last year haha. My bearing was in ok condition but I have peace of mind with the solid bushing in there. I do plan on keeping this rig for life. I wonder if ECGS has made more off of the bushing or the puller?

I had never actually tallied up all the vehicles this affects, until this morning. ECGS sells a 7.5", 8.0", and a 9.0" diff bushing. 12 vehicles listed just for the 7.5 and 8.0".
I'm sure they made quite a bit off the bushing, puller, and the installation tool.
At $135 for all 3 items, no one is gonna scoff at that price, so I'm sure they've sold several hundred sets over the years.
I plan to be a lifer as well. Although lately I've been thinking about a scooter for around town. Hardly ever get offroad lately, too expensive SMDH.

Anyway back to your build thread. The GM spray nozzle is a great idea.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

I had never actually tallied up all the vehicles this affects, until this morning. ECGS sells a 7.5", 8.0", and a 9.0" diff bushing. 12 vehicles listed just for the 7.5 and 8.0".
I'm sure they made quite a bit off the bushing, puller, and the installation tool.
At $135 for all 3 items, no one is gonna scoff at that price, so I'm sure they've sold several hundred sets over the years.
I plan to be a lifer as well. Although lately I've been thinking about a scooter for around town. Hardly ever get offroad lately, too expensive SMDH.

Anyway back to your build thread. The GM spray nozzle is a great idea.

Good on the ECGS R&D dept for the solution. 135 dollars beats 700+ for a new clamshell!

I’m definitely going out less too with gas this expensive. I’m glad I have my wife’s little Scion for around town and I drive my employers commuter van so I don’t have to pay for fuel for the 140 mile a day round trip to work. Btw scooters are fun to put around on. No justification needed lol.

The GM sprayers are cheap and work really good. I’m glad I found that solution here on the forum. I appreciate all the members for solutions like this. The only thing I want to change is to mod the top so the nozzle sprays a touch higher.

Edited the post about the sprayers to give credit to those who deserve it.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Night wheeling with Battle Born Toyotas out of Las Vegas on Rocky Gap in the Spring Mountains. About a dozen Toyotas and one JK ran the trail in about 5 hours.

 

[Napalm]

Awesome build! Great looking titanium metallic!!

 

[Combustion8]

Sweet 4Runner dude, I love the build thread and your bumper is slick asf. Your pictures are awesome!