I found "The One", 2001 Sport Ed. TRD SC'd

[BigFishAllDay]

On Saturday afternoon I had an hour and a half of free time, so I scrambled in the garage to get a tack weld on the steering column.

Diagnose and Fix Steering Play/Rattle - TTORA Forum

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/164396-diagnose-repair-steering-play-rattle.html

Thanks to [MENTION=87436]ugamurph[/MENTION] for the write up! Your method was much simpler than the TTORA write up and saved me some time for sure.

My steering wheel has always had an inch of rotational movement in both directions before it engages the rack and creates movement in the wheels/tires themselves. I have to correct side to side quite a bit at freeway speeds and on rough roads it actually rattles (with an audible noise) as the wheel kicks back and forth from left to right.

When I took the column out, my hex joint had about 1/16" of play, just as the write ups described. I only added one tack weld, which most of the write-ups suggested as sufficient. It made a big difference and the steering feels much tighter and more responsive. My '97 has never had this problem, so now I'm curious as to what the differences are between the newer steering columns and the early model years.

The only thing I would add about doing this job is to be careful to not allow the switch assembly to rotate on the column once you have everything removed. The wiper/light stalks are able to rotate freely and if they spin around and you lose track of where they started, you could end up with the clock spring over wound in one direction or the other.

I really need to clean my dash...

Out...

Welded...

It took me 15 minutes to put it back in the truck and get my tools cleaned up. The hardest part for me was getting the front section of the plastic trim clamshell separated. That thing fought me.

 

[cdrewferd]

That roof rack looks awesome. It's a very nice and yet subtle improvement that most people won't even notice. You're giving me more ideas, lol.

 

[Unner]

That rack came out awesome! As I was looking at the pics I was thinking I'm gonna ask him how much time he put into it and the cost of the materials. Then you answered it for me before I could ask haha. Too bad I have no fab skills at all, I'll probably end up just having to buy a rack somewhere if I do get one.

I know you take really good care of your truck so how do you plan to clean under the rack/wax it? I've always wondered this about people with roof racks. I may just start a separate thread on it.

My 01 has the exact same issue with the steering. I've been contemplating doing the same thing because the constant correcting and rattling when I'm off road is annoying... Do you feel that the slip joint in there would still function in the unfortunate event that it is needed? That's the only disadvantage I see to this and the reason I haven't done anything to mine yet.

 

[SCRunner12]

Amazing job in the roof rack. If I ever get one (no need for one now) it would be that style, but with some small removable crossbars for ski racks.

I did the steering tack mod as well and it's so much better. Glad it worked out for you!

 

[LittleCaesar]

Nice rack (I had to say it).

Since I don't have time to comb through 90 pages of build, did you ever change out your steering rack bushings with some poly ones beforehand? My steering has gotten some slop in it and I need to get my welder back from my brother, though that is easier said than done, to put the tack weld on the column.

 

[Charlene]

Yet amazed in your craftiness. So jealous of your skills and knowledge. Rack looks exquisite

 

[ugamurph]

I'm glad the write up helped, [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION]. It was a night and day difference for me when I fixed the steering slop.

And that roof rack! That is exactly what I've been designing in my mind. The full length flattop rack design and utilizing oem mounting rails. Excellent.

 

[Fishwerks]

That roof rack is so clean!

 

[Volcom]

Can't wait to see and touch your rack in person!! :whipping2

Hahahahaha! Looks good NickFishAllNight! I'm interested in what you're going to use the spindle for. I need to start a rear bumper and swing out tire carrier for mine. Hope to have it done by the Jambo.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

That roof rack looks awesome. It's a very nice and yet subtle improvement that most people won't even notice. You're giving me more ideas, lol.

Thanks, Drew! I was shooting for low key, and a design that wouldn't distract too much from the lines of the vehicle. Glad I could help to get your wheels turning.

That rack came out awesome! As I was looking at the pics I was thinking I'm gonna ask him how much time he put into it and the cost of the materials. Then you answered it for me before I could ask haha. Too bad I have no fab skills at all, I'll probably end up just having to buy a rack somewhere if I do get one.

I know you take really good care of your truck so how do you plan to clean under the rack/wax it? I've always wondered this about people with roof racks. I may just start a separate thread on it.

My 01 has the exact same issue with the steering. I've been contemplating doing the same thing because the constant correcting and rattling when I'm off road is annoying... Do you feel that the slip joint in there would still function in the unfortunate event that it is needed? That's the only disadvantage I see to this and the reason I haven't done anything to mine yet.

Unner, when I started this build 5 years ago I had no fab skills either. It's a process, and you learn as you go. My advice would be that if you foresee yourself getting deep into a build with bumpers, skids, etc. then you should buy a welder now and start practicing. You can save a lot of cash and learn a ton building stuff yourself. Start with easier stuff like skids to get the hang of it and go from there.

As for the roof, I gave it a full cleanup before the rack went on... wash, bug/sap removal, polish, and 2 coats of wax. It's spotless right now, and the wax should help keep it clean. I have enough clearance to shoot under the rack with a pressure washer, and I can also spray right through the mesh, so I don't see it becoming a problem to keep it clean. Also, if I have to I can pull the rack in about 10 minutes for a more thorough cleaning.

To be honest, I'm not sure whether the slip joint would perform as intended, but that was a consideration for me as well and the main reason why I only placed a single tack weld on the joint. A lot of guys do two, but many have said in retrospect they thought one would be enough, so I did one. Tack welds break easily with a quick whack from a hammer, so I think it would let go in a bad wreck. It's like I told my Wife (she asked what the purpose of the joint was), if I get in a wreck that is bad enough to send me through the airbag and drive my body into the steering wheel hard enough to collapse that joint.. I probably won't fare too well anyway.

Amazing job in the roof rack. If I ever get one (no need for one now) it would be that style, but with some small removable crossbars for ski racks.

I did the steering tack mod as well and it's so much better. Glad it worked out for you!

Thanks, Rob! We'll have to see what I can come up with for removable cross bars, but I've got some ideas you might like.

Nice rack (I had to say it).

Since I don't have time to comb through 90 pages of build, did you ever change out your steering rack bushings with some poly ones beforehand? My steering has gotten some slop in it and I need to get my welder back from my brother, though that is easier said than done, to put the tack weld on the column.

I had a hard time not making a rack joke myself, John, but thanks! I did change out the rack bushings with Energy Suspension poly bushings about a year ago (July '14). I changed out the most of the front end on this thing last summer as PM... UBJ's, UCA's, LBJ's, OTRE's, rack bushings, etc.

Yet amazed in your craftiness. So jealous of your skills and knowledge. Rack looks exquisite

Thanks for the compliments, Andrew! Like I told Unner above, give it time... we all start somewhere and someday you may be hearing the same thing.

I'm glad the write up helped, BigFishAllDay. It was a night and day difference for me when I fixed the steering slop.

And that roof rack! That is exactly what I've been designing in my mind. The full length flattop rack design and utilizing oem mounting rails. Excellent.

It was a big help, thanks again. And thanks a lot for checking out the rack build, and giving feedback! Hopefully you can take some ideas away from it that will help you bring your design to reality.

That roof rack is so clean!

Thanks! I like to think of it as fresh AND clean.

Can't wait to see and touch your rack in person!! :whipping2

Hahahahaha! Looks good NickFishAllNight! I'm interested in what you're going to use the spindle for. I need to start a rear bumper and swing out tire carrier for mine. Hope to have it done by the Jambo.

Oh boy, neither can I. Maybe you can set a hot dog on my rack! :

Thanks for checking in, Aaron. I'm not sure where you saw a spindle, but I did buy everything else needed to build a tire carrier. I'm going to cut off all the crap that came on mine from CBI and build a better one for my needs. I can't wait for the Jambo, and hopefully I'll get to see your rig on a trail this year!

 

[BrianSD_42]

For Saturday, the group had already planned to run Kane Creek. Since I kind of piggy backed on their trip at the last minute, I went along with the established plan and ran Kane again (for the second year in a row).

Nick,

Did you have any serious run ins with the brush while on Kane Creek? I see you've run it twice now. This year will be my first time and I really would prefer not to strip the paint off my Limited Flares. I've had several people tell me to prepare for lots of paint scratches. I'm hoping this can be avoided by taking the right lines.

My current plan is to bring a 2" roll of blue painters tape (for this one trail) and just tape off my front flares which I assume will get the most damage. I don't expect scratches to be a major issue on the White Rim trail.

(sorry if this has already been talked about .. I need to re-read your thread again)

It made a big difference and the steering feels much tighter and more responsive. My '97 has never had this problem, so now I'm curious as to what the differences are between the newer steering columns and the early model years.

My 97 has also never had this issue. I have a remanu-d rack, poly bushings and new OEM inner & outer tie rod ends. For the moment everything is crisp.

 

[sschaefer3]

You will get brush scratches on Kane Creek, there is no way to avoid it. Great trail though. That is the one trail that I was glad to have headlight hoops on my front bumper for the branches.

I have not done it since 2007, so it mat have changed.

 

[TCMach]

Nick,

Did you have any serious run ins with the brush while on Kane Creek? I see you've run it twice now. This year will be my first time and I really would prefer not to strip the paint off my Limited Flares. I've had several people tell me to prepare for lots of paint scratches. I'm hoping this can be avoided by taking the right lines.

Yes. I just ran it in March and it was brutal on the paint. You won't really have much choice with lines either. Your paint is gonna get beat up. Just depends on how much.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

I can't tell you guys how good it felt to do this...

At last, a clean slate with which I can start over.

Also, some stuff got delivered.

I'm currently the owner of three front diffs and two rear diffs...

 

[TBuzz]

I bet you are excited to apply your creative detail to that project. Curious what you do and what you out on the swing out beyond a tire. Can't wait to get a call and go do some wheeling too tire going to be unstoppable..

 

[TCMach]

I can't tell you guys how good it felt to do this...

Looks familiar.... :flamethrwoer2:

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Did you have any serious run ins with the brush while on Kane Creek? I see you've run it twice now. This year will be my first time and I really would prefer not to strip the paint off my Limited Flares. I've had several people tell me to prepare for lots of paint scratches. I'm hoping this can be avoided by taking the right lines.

My current plan is to bring a 2" roll of blue painters tape (for this one trail) and just tape off my front flares which I assume will get the most damage. I don't expect scratches to be a major issue on the White Rim trail.

My 97 has also never had this issue. I have a remanu-d rack, poly bushings and new OEM inner & outer tie rod ends. For the moment everything is crisp.

If you covered both sides of your 4Runner from rocker panel to roof line with painters tape, you might have a chance at getting out of there without scratches on your paint, but it'd still be iffy.

If you run it, you're going to get scratched up. It's a price that you pay for running the trail and you're either ok with it, or you're not.

You will get brush scratches on Kane Creek, there is no way to avoid it. Great trail though. That is the one trail that I was glad to have headlight hoops on my front bumper for the branches.

I have not done it since 2007, so it mat have changed.

True story.

Yes. I just ran it in March and it was brutal on the paint. You won't really have much choice with lines either. Your paint is gonna get beat up. Just depends on how much.

True story.

I bet you are excited to apply your creative detail to that project. Curious what you do and what you out on the swing out beyond a tire. Can't wait to get a call and go do some wheeling too tire going to be unstoppable..

It's already half done, I'm was just catching up with some intro pictures this afternoon. I don't want a bunch of stuff hanging off the back of the rig, so you should only expect to see a tire/hi-lift and maybe some fuel storage. The roof rack will carry the rest. I have a trip planned to northern CO in late May so I'm trying to get everything done before that. The diffs may have to wait until after that trip, but I should be ready to roll by the second week of June. After that, I won't be digging into this thing again until next winter. The plan is to just use it and enjoy it this summer.

Looks familiar.... :flamethrwoer2:

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

At last, a clean slate with which I can start over.

Let me know if you wanna bend some tubing... I got a 1.5" diameter tube die collecting dust on my shelf haha.

 

[fightman80]

Nice additions man! Glad I took the time to open this thread up again!

I'm just enjoying my mildly modded rig... might revamp my front driving lights.... but that's still up in the air. Just repainted the housings on the old ones.... but having some wiring issues.... no power going to them right now... :/

Anyway.... I'll be around to check in.... hoping to see some upgrades before I go back to work!

 

[MasonT4R]

I've been thinking about a flat rack for awhile now. Looks awesome!