KidV's 1985 4Runner

[mikebontoft]

break something so we can post about it.

 

[KidVermicious]

Sorry, I was busy doing something else yesterday.

Here's the project for today:

I guess you can't really tell, but that's aluminum in the threads. Lots of it. Locktight didn't work, so I picked up a helicoil set and a right angle drill adapter yesterday. It's just barely warm enough outside that I can stand to be out there for more than 5 minutes at a time, so I'm off to the driveway. Gonna try and do it on the truck, wish me luck.

Remind me to helicoil this entire head on general principles if/when I pull it off again.

 

[SV_Dude]

Bummer! Make sure that you don't drill too deep into the head when you expand the hole for the coil. My technique for that is to just put some tape around the drill bit to mark the depth of the stopping point. Then drill till the tape hits the part you're drilling. Also, lube the thread tapper with some oil and it will help it cut the new threads better and cleaner.

 

[KidVermicious]

Bummer! Make sure that you don't drill too deep into the head when you expand the hole for the coil. My technique for that is to just put some tape around the drill bit to mark the depth of the stopping point. Then drill till the tape hits the part you're drilling. Also, lube the thread tapper with some oil and it will help it cut the new threads better and cleaner.

Right, and that's what I just came inside to check on - how deep? Do I match the length of the helicoil, or the length of the threaded portion of the stud?

 

[SV_Dude]

I would match the helicoil to the thread tapper. Make sure that you account for the tip of the thread tapper that won't actually make a complete thread. So, hold the helicoil next to the tip of the thread tapper but right behind the first full thread cutting section. That way you know exactly how deep you need to be able to insert the tapper into the new hole. Then match the length of the tapper up with the drill bit so you know how deep to drill.

 

[SV_Dude]

Measure the depth of the existing hole too. I would be a little nervous of going much further than the factory hole.

 

[KidVermicious]

Thanks SV, I think it went well. Got the drilled hole pretty dang close to square, considering I freehanded it with the head still on the truck. Gonna give the threadlocker overnight to set up and then see what happens.

 

[KidVermicious]

Replaced the stripped stud on Saturday (a $20 right-angle attachment for the drill made that very easy, finding a bit in the right size was the hard part), took her to Jiffylube on Sunday and passed emissions by the skin of my teeth, hit the DMV to pick up my plates on Christmas Eve, and she lives! Getting this truck back on the road has been an educational experience for sure, but it's a relief to have it done.

Next time I'm feeling frisky I'll start on the springs, but there's no room in the garage for that so it'll probably have to wait until the snow melts. After that I can swap out the 30s for my KM2s, then the 4.7 transfer case, then I can start thinking about rebuilding the knuckles.

 

[BucknutBob]

Glad to hear she's on the road! I have a feeling you're going to have a LOT of fun with this truck, Kid. One thing's for sure--you're going to know it inside and out. Can't wait to see what mods you do to it over the next few months!

 

[Hyde802]

After that I can swap out the 30s for my KM2s, then the 4.7 transfer case, then I can start thinking about rebuilding the knuckles.

Now the fun work starts... Congrats on getting it on the road imp:

Whats the plan for the springs?

 

[KidVermicious]

Now the fun work starts... Congrats on getting it on the road imp:

Whats the plan for the springs?

Two plans. I've got a set of 3" lift springs to replace the busted fronts, the back has my 2" bas**** pack from the '86 and I'm going to add a block to level it but that's a secret don't tell anybody. But I'm going OME as soon as the budget allows.

 

[BucknutBob]

and I'm going to add a block to level it but that's a secret don't tell anybody

HEY LOOK EVERYBODY! KidV's gonna use a lift block! Shame, shame. Oops, did that just slip out?

 

[KidVermicious]

It's been way too cold to work on the rig, so no progress updates. I did find a local guy cleaning out his shed and scored a 1" MC and dual diaphragm booster for $50, so that gets me closer to all the parts needed for my comprehensive brake upgrade. I've already got the v6 calipers and SS lines, all I'm short now are the Mustang calipers and Montero rotors for the rear disk conversion.

I took my wife's new '99 out for some snow wheeling the other afternoon, and the rear elocker was nice, but I missed my 1st gen. For one, I actually fit in my '85... I can't count the number of times I whacked my noggin on the ceiling of the 3rd gen. I also get much better mileage than her 5VZE. Just more incentive to get my own truck trailworthy!

 

[KidVermicious]

Today I yelled "come on" at my truck when I missed a downshift on a hill and had to drop to second to get going again.

So I don't know if it'll stick, but until further notice my truck's name is Eileen.

 

[mikebontoft]

lol way to go.

 

[BucknutBob]

Today I yelled "come on" at my truck when I missed a downshift on a hill and had to drop to second to get going again.

So I don't know if it'll stick, but until further notice my truck's name is Eileen.

Probably too obscure for the "young bucks" on here, but those of us familiar with the 80's music get it.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Come on Eileen, too loo rye ay

 

[KidVermicious]

Come on Eileen, too loo rye ay

For reference, Bob, this here's one of those "young bucks"... :rofl:

 

[Cartzo]

Love the build so far man. I need me an 85 also! I had a similar problem with seafoam in my 87. I put a can in a full tank and made my runner run like junk.

 

[KidVermicious]

Love the build so far man. I need me an 85 also!

Thanks! You're going to have a hard time finding one as clean as you want, I think... I only know of one other for sale in SLC right now, and it's pretty rough. Have you considered a restoration project?