Mojave Mad Man's - Multi Use - Build Thread
- Thread starter MojaveMadMan
- Start date
SCRunner12
New member
Will those bumps fit between the tire and frame in the back? I'm sure they will, but worry about it now that I got the F-5's and no spacers anymore.
BTW, amazing build and the truck looks great. I know what you mean about the Hankooks not being very aggressive, but they ride so smooth and quiet. Hopefully they work out for you.
BTW, amazing build and the truck looks great. I know what you mean about the Hankooks not being very aggressive, but they ride so smooth and quiet. Hopefully they work out for you.
MojaveMadMan
New member
Well I git the F-5's with the built in back spacing so it is equivalent to running a 1.25" wheel spacer. I put them in there with my hand and they appear to fit just fine. The real concern is when it flexes.
The tires do ride nice, I can agree with you on that one!
MojaveMadMan
New member
I should change the name of my build threat to the "Don't Go Full Retard" thread, haha.
So ever since my trip and overheat I have had the smell of burning oil. I know my valve covers are leaking now and I have tightened the nuts down in the various areas. I replaced the radiator already and checked the oil, no issues there. I had a different thread where I was asking about what I should do about my issue. The burning oil, poor MPGs and lack of power compared to my friends runner which is the same (same armor/tires/gears) I have decided to do what I termed an engine re-fresh. I also have a grinding sound in my transfer case so that is getting replaced at the same time. Here is what I mentioned in my other thread, it is what I plan on doing as of today.
So here is my plan:
- Remove Engine and transfer case. I need to double check but I am going to separate the transfer case, then pull the engine/trans together. Then splint the engine and trans once out.
- Put engine on stand, remove intake, timing cover, timing belt, water pump, then remove the valve covers followed by the heads.
- Take heads to Engine Shop for re-build. Then while I am waiting I will clean out all the old oil/grease/dirt that is all over my engine bay.
- Once they are done I will reinstall the re-built heads. Followed by water pump, timing belt, valve covers and rear main seal.
- Then do any other random stuff I need. I want to put new plugs in for good measure. Plug wires are only a year old so those will stay. PCV is also a year old so that will stay.
- Then I will re-install the engine/trans/transfer case.
- Last is new hoses and belts. I also think I am going to get some synthetic vacuum hose and replace the vacuum hoses in the engine bay. I noticed I have a number that appear cracked and old so I just want to get that sorted out. (anyone know what size hose I need?)
All my suspension stuff will be on hold until I get this done. We also are buying a house and will be moving so my fab/suspension stuff will be on hold until Aug more than likely. I can this the "full-retard" thread now because what I have purchased with suspension and now what I am doing with the engine... I just can't seem to stop dumping money into this thing. Which is honestly fine because I have grown to love and appreciate it again after getting a little annoyed with it previously. Ya I would say it is safe to say that I will never get the money back I have put into this thing. But it is a great truck and once this stuff is done I am hoping I can just put miles and oil changes on it for a little while... well until I decide I can't live without a super charger haha. We will see where this goes. It has a lot of various things going on and I feel all over the place with it. But I have a vision of what I want and I feel like I am slowly getting closer...
So ever since my trip and overheat I have had the smell of burning oil. I know my valve covers are leaking now and I have tightened the nuts down in the various areas. I replaced the radiator already and checked the oil, no issues there. I had a different thread where I was asking about what I should do about my issue. The burning oil, poor MPGs and lack of power compared to my friends runner which is the same (same armor/tires/gears) I have decided to do what I termed an engine re-fresh. I also have a grinding sound in my transfer case so that is getting replaced at the same time. Here is what I mentioned in my other thread, it is what I plan on doing as of today.
So here is my plan:
- Remove Engine and transfer case. I need to double check but I am going to separate the transfer case, then pull the engine/trans together. Then splint the engine and trans once out.
- Put engine on stand, remove intake, timing cover, timing belt, water pump, then remove the valve covers followed by the heads.
- Take heads to Engine Shop for re-build. Then while I am waiting I will clean out all the old oil/grease/dirt that is all over my engine bay.
- Once they are done I will reinstall the re-built heads. Followed by water pump, timing belt, valve covers and rear main seal.
- Then do any other random stuff I need. I want to put new plugs in for good measure. Plug wires are only a year old so those will stay. PCV is also a year old so that will stay.
- Then I will re-install the engine/trans/transfer case.
- Last is new hoses and belts. I also think I am going to get some synthetic vacuum hose and replace the vacuum hoses in the engine bay. I noticed I have a number that appear cracked and old so I just want to get that sorted out. (anyone know what size hose I need?)
All my suspension stuff will be on hold until I get this done. We also are buying a house and will be moving so my fab/suspension stuff will be on hold until Aug more than likely. I can this the "full-retard" thread now because what I have purchased with suspension and now what I am doing with the engine... I just can't seem to stop dumping money into this thing. Which is honestly fine because I have grown to love and appreciate it again after getting a little annoyed with it previously. Ya I would say it is safe to say that I will never get the money back I have put into this thing. But it is a great truck and once this stuff is done I am hoping I can just put miles and oil changes on it for a little while... well until I decide I can't live without a super charger haha. We will see where this goes. It has a lot of various things going on and I feel all over the place with it. But I have a vision of what I want and I feel like I am slowly getting closer...
MojaveMadMan
New member
Ok new name number three, the "Always Changing Build Thread." Just jumped off the deep end!
Let's start with the motor. Purchased a long block yesterday with some add ins. Got a great deal on it and after a long grueling barrage of questions to this poor sole, I decided to pick up a rebuild from a guy on Craigslist. I brought my friend Sgt Taco from TW with me and he is a very educated engine guy. He asked tons of questions on every part on this rebuild. The guy selling was an engine builder and had two very cool MR2 race cars. The motor was meant to go in one of them originally. It is a full rebuild, bored 0.20 over. New internals with a polished crank. Heads and intake have a polish and very small port. LC engineering street valve train. ARP head studs, and a high volume oil pump. Guy is doing some finish work and putting it in long block condition and offering a warranty through his engine shop so I feel good about it.
And the big fun one, and why I decided to go with that engine is I ordered up a Super Charger!!!! So if you missed it Toyota announced they were discontinuing their SC program. Still selling replacement parts but now new ones. The report said each dealer can order 5 more. I went to the local dealer and they said they couldn't back order like that... But there were 2 more in the U.S. Inventory and well one is headed from LA to ABQ right now! Credit card isn't happy but I didn't want to miss my chance on one of these!
So motor will be ready next week and SC will be here Friday. Should make a great combo! Now I just need to order the 7th injector and some various other stuff. New engine won't go in until early Aug, going to be a fun summer for the 4Runner!
Let's start with the motor. Purchased a long block yesterday with some add ins. Got a great deal on it and after a long grueling barrage of questions to this poor sole, I decided to pick up a rebuild from a guy on Craigslist. I brought my friend Sgt Taco from TW with me and he is a very educated engine guy. He asked tons of questions on every part on this rebuild. The guy selling was an engine builder and had two very cool MR2 race cars. The motor was meant to go in one of them originally. It is a full rebuild, bored 0.20 over. New internals with a polished crank. Heads and intake have a polish and very small port. LC engineering street valve train. ARP head studs, and a high volume oil pump. Guy is doing some finish work and putting it in long block condition and offering a warranty through his engine shop so I feel good about it.
And the big fun one, and why I decided to go with that engine is I ordered up a Super Charger!!!! So if you missed it Toyota announced they were discontinuing their SC program. Still selling replacement parts but now new ones. The report said each dealer can order 5 more. I went to the local dealer and they said they couldn't back order like that... But there were 2 more in the U.S. Inventory and well one is headed from LA to ABQ right now! Credit card isn't happy but I didn't want to miss my chance on one of these!
So motor will be ready next week and SC will be here Friday. Should make a great combo! Now I just need to order the 7th injector and some various other stuff. New engine won't go in until early Aug, going to be a fun summer for the 4Runner!
RedSled
New member
Congrats. man, good to see things are working for you.
Kryptoroxx
New member
Looking forward to pics I can be jelly of 
MojaveMadMan
New member
Thanks guys! Not doing a celebration dance yet. But I am
Excited!
Excited!
Kryptoroxx
New member
You have given me lots of advice and tips over my build. I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve.
fightman80
New member
First time seeing this build.... looks good man! You do quality work!
MojaveMadMan
New member
Well huge change of events. 4Runner is now for sale, and cheap... Canceled the SC and the long block I was going to buy. The 4Runner just needs too much for me to tackle the entire project and keeps sanity. Plus my wife is getting very sick of me spending large amounts of time in the garage and away from her and my boys. Which I agree with as well.
So here is the skinny, I will post a for sale thread this weekend with more details.
Asking price: $3500
The good:
- Senoral Steel 1.2 complete kit installed
- All Pro Upper Control Arms
- Tundra breaks, Toyota and Napa parts
- SCS F5 wheels plus matching spare with Hankook tires 80% life left
- Front plate bumper and diff skid
- Many new Toyota parts, LBJ, Tie Rods, maintenance stuff
- Custom switch panel with wiring to water proof relay and fuse box
I have over $10K into this thing...
The Bad:
- Final engine diagnosis, both head gaskets are bad and leaking water, however it's not in the oil.
- Front diff is clicking and has a vibration. I am 90% sure it is the drivers side needle bearing and I have the East Cost Gear supply replacement pet to fix it which upgrades the bearing to an ARB style bronze bushing.
- Steering rack is leaking oil out of the top seal. From what I have read the bad leak is on the ends where the tie rods connect. So you should be able to just buy a new seal for the top and replace that and be fine.
- Stock rear bumper installed but paint is a diff color. Not from a wreck but because I sold the plate rear bumper already. Rear bumper and limited body peices could use re-painting.
Like I said $3500 is my asking price. Come pick it up with a trailer or I can drop it off with a vehicle shipper. I also have a friend that has a great runner motor from a 1999 with 220K miles on it. I can include that for $400 (negotiable). He is buying the high performance long block I was gunna buy and building the super beast SC engine for his. But the motor runs greaking awesome. I have driven his 4Runner and it is just super solid.
So here is the skinny, I will post a for sale thread this weekend with more details.
Asking price: $3500
The good:
- Senoral Steel 1.2 complete kit installed
- All Pro Upper Control Arms
- Tundra breaks, Toyota and Napa parts
- SCS F5 wheels plus matching spare with Hankook tires 80% life left
- Front plate bumper and diff skid
- Many new Toyota parts, LBJ, Tie Rods, maintenance stuff
- Custom switch panel with wiring to water proof relay and fuse box
I have over $10K into this thing...
The Bad:
- Final engine diagnosis, both head gaskets are bad and leaking water, however it's not in the oil.
- Front diff is clicking and has a vibration. I am 90% sure it is the drivers side needle bearing and I have the East Cost Gear supply replacement pet to fix it which upgrades the bearing to an ARB style bronze bushing.
- Steering rack is leaking oil out of the top seal. From what I have read the bad leak is on the ends where the tie rods connect. So you should be able to just buy a new seal for the top and replace that and be fine.
- Stock rear bumper installed but paint is a diff color. Not from a wreck but because I sold the plate rear bumper already. Rear bumper and limited body peices could use re-painting.
Like I said $3500 is my asking price. Come pick it up with a trailer or I can drop it off with a vehicle shipper. I also have a friend that has a great runner motor from a 1999 with 220K miles on it. I can include that for $400 (negotiable). He is buying the high performance long block I was gunna buy and building the super beast SC engine for his. But the motor runs greaking awesome. I have driven his 4Runner and it is just super solid.
Last edited:
Kryptoroxx
New member
So sorry to hear about the 4runner man. If I was in the market I would take a look but I'm already saving to get a family hauler and that's going to hurt. Best of luck with the sale.
sschaefer3
New member
You have the 1.2 kit, there is no 2.0 kit.
BrianSD_42
New member
Sorry to you go man.
This thread has been all over the map lately. One day you but a whole new engine the next you are selling the truck.
Don't leave us!
This thread has been all over the map lately. One day you but a whole new engine the next you are selling the truck.
Don't leave us!
MojaveMadMan
New member
Trust me this was not an easy choice for me. If it wasn't for the wife and kids I would be dropping in the new engine and going crazy. But sometimes we have to make the tuff choices... I think that is why the thread has been all over the place, I have been fighting to keep this thing and trying to find ways to keep it.
This 4Runner will be a great buy for someone who can turn a wrench or wants a trail rig. It's not the 3rd gen platform that has become a problem, it's just family needs for me...
MojaveMadMan
New member
Well I sold the 4Runner yesterday. Very bitter sweat. I really loved that thing and it is hard to see a project that I have put so many hours into go. But like I mentioned above, sometimes we have to make the hard choices. Next rig fore is a 2ng Gen Tacoma. I have been using my 4Runner as a truck for a while so it will be nice to have a truck again. Now I will have more time to spend with the wife and kids which is the end goal here.
But I still havey 4th Gen 4Runner so I will still be around. Also the 4Runner is going to a friend here in ABQ who pans to swap out the engine, get it fixed up and more than likely keep it as a trail toy. So it is in good hands and will be on the road again soon.
Thanks everyone for all the help and advice on this road. I have made some friends here and look forward to seeing you guys some more!!!!
But I still havey 4th Gen 4Runner so I will still be around. Also the 4Runner is going to a friend here in ABQ who pans to swap out the engine, get it fixed up and more than likely keep it as a trail toy. So it is in good hands and will be on the road again soon.
Thanks everyone for all the help and advice on this road. I have made some friends here and look forward to seeing you guys some more!!!!
Kryptoroxx
New member
Wherever you post a build thread I will pay attention to it lol. I learned quite a bit from watching what you've done and the advice you've given as well. Hopefully you're happy with the taco. As far as expo rigs go that wouldn't be a bad way to do business.
MojaveMadMan
New member
Thanks to both of you guys!!!! Keep your builds going, I love what both of you are doing. I'll post up here when I start the next one...
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