I joined the club today! - and now build thread

[phattyduck]

If the strut mount has a bushing on the bottom of it, you don't need to use the smaller of the two bushings included with the wheelers kit.

It looks like you just didn't get the setup fully seated when the lower washer was loose - the spring should be in compressors and loose while assembling the top hat/bushings.

If you look at the above picture from Wheeler's, you can see how the smaller bushing has the centering lip on it, which matches the size/shape of the bushing already included on your mount. The smaller washer matches it and should be on the bottom. The larger bushing and washer goes on top, then the nut. There should be a number of exposed threads on the top of the shock when the top nut is correctly tightened. Something like this:

-Charlie

 

[metallitera]

If the strut mount has a bushing on the bottom of it, you don't need to use the smaller of the two bushings included with the wheelers kit.

It looks like you just didn't get the setup fully seated when the lower washer was loose - the spring should be in compressors and loose while assembling the top hat/bushings.

If you look at the above picture from Wheeler's, you can see how the smaller bushing has the centering lip on it, which matches the size/shape of the bushing already included on your mount. The smaller washer matches it and should be on the bottom. The larger bushing and washer goes on top, then the nut. There should be a number of exposed threads on the top of the shock when the top nut is correctly tightened. Something like this:

-Charlie

Thanks Charlie! I'll update later this week when I put them back together.

 

[metallitera]

VOILA!!

 

[metallitera]

Been super busy with life, work, and school. I start my LAST SEMESTER on Monday!

Anyhow, I got the front struts installed.
Before:

...and After:

Squeezed a little grease out on the Lower Ball Joints (LBJs). I'm going to keep an eye on them.

I also replaced the fuel filter...

And put a different (lounder, deeper tone) horn on there...from harbor freight LoL

I also dug these out of a container of stuff I took off of my '90 Jeep Wrangler:

I'm looking at bumpers to mount them on (ARB more than likely)...and ditch light brackets.

I am also trying to find a place to mount an aux fuse block, breakers, and the solid state relay box for a 8 gang switch setup. The solid state box is too tall to mount over the carbon filter box where everyone usually mounts their fuse blocks. I'm thinking I'm going to have to fab up a bracket with a hinge that sits over the OEM fuse box and then put the relays and such over the carbon filter box. Still thinking on all of that.

Here's the solid state 8 gang switch setup I'm looking at:
8 Gang Switch Panel

and the fuse block....but it's so tall, I may have to go the traditional route of a fuse block and circuit breakers. I wanted to have the fuses to save real estate, but it's looking like that cant be an option :Cry:
SafetyHub 100 Fuse Block - Blue Sea Systems

Also need a trailer brake controller and 7 pin plug setup, tranny cooler, and probably TBU by Nov so we can rent an RV for the Texas Ren Fair. Busy busy summer.

 

[plcfcng]

Looks great If I where you and you have not changed the Radiator I would get that done soon. If it is the factory one you risk a pink milkshake Transmission.eep:

Retired Fire Captain:fencing:

 

[cheezfrys]

Looks great. Not bad mileage either.

 

[jgue467]

Looks great If I where you and you have not changed the Radiator I would get that done soon. If it is the factory one you risk a pink milkshake Transmission.eep:

Retired Fire Captain:fencing:

Yes radiator looks 'brown' showing age. I'd still hook up the OEM trans lines, many vehicles use this concept, just needs refreshing every 10 years or so.

Oh and those 'slightly' leaking LBJS gotta go, and as you've read don't go cheap, replace them with Nothing but genuine toyota parts, leaving as is or with inferior replacements can lead to catastrophic wheel loss.

Luck and enjoy that Runner. :cowboy:

 

[metallitera]

Looks great If I where you and you have not changed the Radiator I would get that done soon. If it is the factory one you risk a pink milkshake Transmission.eep:

Retired Fire Captain:fencing:

Yea, I'm gonna bypass it with a stand-alone tranny cooler.

I'm gonna be testing for driver at the next promotional process...climbing that ladder! :lookout:

Yes radiator looks 'brown' showing age. I'd still hook up the OEM trans lines, many vehicles use this concept, just needs refreshing every 10 years or so.

Oh and those 'slightly' leaking LBJS gotta go, and as you've read don't go cheap, replace them with Nothing but genuine toyota parts, leaving as is or with inferior replacements can lead to catastrophic wheel loss.

Luck and enjoy that Runner. :cowboy:

Yea I noticed the uppers are dripping grease as well, so I'll do all four ASAP.

 

[metallitera]

After a couple of months of not doing much on the T4R, I have been busy the past 2 weeks.

New LBJs...out with the old, in with the new!

And bypassed transmission cooler:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5tdlQKazvTWOVSk0gPmtIr8NwCwqokp7ZELVyrKSAgQlut6fRoz2Vc3G_bn0pURNA3FHCEeVOW5E--kRQJ-hGEhP1TEbFd1d4ChAS3eM6RE6juBDP_1wXuMdyc0CqrP9LJd0YTJqhfdBMtRuMJDWm6EU8DjS8ZgyC8YZupKP7yMwYx6fSfzGrKl4lE-oQSqadjfFw8kY5xVs5Rx18FvxXLcbpjiZQpAmJnrZpF5NE6oVcYyPwa_LUyuaJClHd1O1iYKF1TzMX-tcrvcicBOhtXOOLc5ezbM82NyK66xJ-2s-va9VsOCIF0mwbYddaQVnFTUJ07YrIWybrurjurtM7C5BSzv-AXmQDNOGZ_2rHHjwMnONwWe1Xh6CtX_sMEa65QQ30mSu0HdEj5UcEkLm-S_AHtScg-FGcSAb5a6vxtTlp3wNGAIdIbRgzdMZyWVSBUtHCV7zh2rU24kiN1YXBSAdccoE3LN__4eCJUxRrtffAsEUJES8FtP9vqbjoAKDmViQKaIRA7ZMtq1EcaMyyt8MeJFEsEQzAkWIFLlWPOwv5u6RMZ3xpGp5_IWbuO3_kyaVF1CSAV3nB--wGU1w4vqkpPR_Rhna2Uz49xcyBe1TdsCmnJDQNQBDZCdajj603eiAaXRaSht8WkIQ5Cur-H3K4GasNkE9KE4C1QG8dDS0UU5N7sbZhHLM4JmzRo9zzpdYeFm8vSHyeT0Y_Q61BYkmO_r_HhDAESWW37H1thbhr9ZBAA=w493-h657-no

added cargo lights:

and yesterday I installed airbags. A friend gave me his old bags so I just bought a new install kit. I really wanted to use a metal T fitting as opposed to the plastic one that came with the kit. I was unable to find a brass version of the barbed T that was in the kit. What I ended up using is an air line fitting like for air brakes on a truck that seems to be working perfectly. It was a little pricey ($18), but im only into the whole airbag setup for less than $50 so I feel good about it!

I also have this waiting on the floor of the garage for me...but it may have to wait another couple of weeks. I have been prepping the T4R for pulling a small camper for the Texas Ren Faire.

I have been really surprised at how easy this thing is to work on. It's turning out to be a real joy!

After the ARB bumper, I'm looking at doing the big 3 upgrade, installing the switch panel I have, lights, and a roof rack. Then the Tundra Brake Upgrade. Oh! and I need to replace the bottom leather in the driver's seat as well. And add a better stereo.

 

[metallitera]

I got busy again the other day....

She towed the 17' RV just fine, and transmission temps only peaked to 190 as I was slowing down from highway speeds.

I ordered some LED warning lights that i think will be direct bolt in replacements for the ARB turn signals....more pics when that happens. I need to change my transmission fluid and filter too...

 

[CDXLIV444]

Cant see the images? Broken? Or is it just me? And congratulations

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

 

[Ryan and Jerri]

Cant see the images? Broken? Or is it just me? And congratulations

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

Yeah I can't see em either! Just use imagination.

 

[metallitera]

Hmmmmm. I'll check it out tomorrow.....

 

[metallitera]

Cant see the images? Broken? Or is it just me? And congratulations

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

What about now?
Was it all the images you couldnt see or just the last post of pics?

OK, it looks like I got them all working now.

 

[metallitera]

More progress! Hopefully these pics work the first time!

New to me wheels and new tires. (the take offs are for sale!)

....aaaaand a buddy from work detailed her inside and out. Clay bar, wax, steam clean...the whole 9-yards :jump:

A vid of the walk around:
Walk Around vid Link

He couldn't get the white paint off. I haven't decided what to do about that yet.

I also found some direct fit LED light heads for the ARB bumper. I may make a new thread about it because it seems that those VW lights are kind of a pain to find, and even then most I saw were halogen.

Heres a link to the lights (2 different styles)...

STL Z-6 TIR

STL Z-6 Linear