My budget build 3rd Gen

I used a medium stiffness nylon bristle brush. (A few bucks at Advanced Auto) and I used whatever detergent my wife buys, watered down real well in warm water. Literally took me about 2 minutes/door panel.
 
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I'm not sure, so forgive me if I'm wrong, but looks like the truck has been in at least a minor collision.....

Just looking at the headlight/bumper filler plate and the way your hood doesn't latch properly....I'm thinking the body isn't aligned properly.....

Again, I hope I'm wrong, but even if I'm not....still got a good deal.......
 
The hood cable is actually just stretched out, picked up a new one this morning from Sloane Toyota. The bumper is bent up just slightly, the rear bumper is too actually. I have no doubts that it obviously hit something or was hit by something but none of the body panels have ever been painted or anything like that.

Good eye though. I'm actually on the hunt for 99'-up bumpers :) But only if I can find them for a steal. LOL. Have to stick to my "Budget Build" idea.
 
Got home from work today, it was Christmas in September. Bunch of boxes on the porch: 99' Tall Springs, 5 Star Wheels, Steering Rack Bushings, Air Filter, PCV Valve.

Debating on selling the 5 Stars, I love the look of them but I think it kind of goes away from the "budget" part of the Budget Build idea. I really think they would dress it up nicely but I think I can get by with painting my Split Spokes. Thoughts?
 
wgy not keep em until the next time you need tires? you already have em?

i love my 5 stars but i plan to upgrade to tundra rims when my tires need changin:)
 
I got them today. But they're the same size as my split spokes, part of my build is going to be 265/75/16's, so I can put them on either wheels. Just thinking the $300 I spent on them can be used elsewhere in the build.
 
I got them today. But they're the same size as my split spokes, part of my build is going to be 265/75/16's, so I can put them on either wheels. Just thinking the $300 I spent on them can be used elsewhere in the build.

The $300.00 could be spent elsewhere....but the 5 spokes would look pretty sweet. You could still stay within budget and just sell the split spokes?? That being said, I've recently painted my split spokes.....and LOVE how they turned out!

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It's really up to you man.....
 
I've considered that too. I could sell the split spokes with the tires. Not as desirable obviously but maybe they'll sell on Craigslist with the tires on them. Maybe...

Your split spokes look great by the way. I saw your post in the "Which wheels look best" thread and that's actually what made me consider selling the 5 Stars. LOL
 
Friggin' Amazon.com. got home today, spark plugs arrived, now just waiting on the fuel filter and plug wires. I also picked up a can of Seafoam on sale at Advanced Auto.

I've never used Seafoam before but it's my understanding I should run 1/3 of the can in the gas tank, 1/3 through a vacuum line (any suggestion on which one?) and 1/3 through the oil. Is this correct or no? I know this stuff can be brutal on plugs and sensors but luckily I think I have replacements for anything it will effect. I just didn't want to run it until I had all the replacements "tune up" parts in hand.

Also, how much gas should I have in it when I run the Seafoam? Should I add it and them fill it up? Or should imrun it through less gas then that? And how long after I run it do you think it's safe to change the plugs, fuel filter and 02 sensor? Thanks for all the help guys.
 
Friggin' Amazon.com. got home today, spark plugs arrived, now just waiting on the fuel filter and plug wires. I also picked up a can of Seafoam on sale at Advanced Auto.

I've never used Seafoam before but it's my understanding I should run 1/3 of the can in the gas tank, 1/3 through a vacuum line (any suggestion on which one?) and 1/3 through the oil. Is this correct or no? I know this stuff can be brutal on plugs and sensors but luckily I think I have replacements for anything it will effect. I just didn't want to run it until I had all the replacements "tune up" parts in hand.

Also, how much gas should I have in it when I run the Seafoam? Should I add it and them fill it up? Or should imrun it through less gas then that? And how long after I run it do you think it's safe to change the plugs, fuel filter and 02 sensor? Thanks for all the help guys.
do not use it in the oil unless you are ready to change your oil gas tank is better to use chevron's techron formula, i would just dump the whole bottle in the vacuum line, and make sure you do it through the pcv line not the brake booster line
 
Quick update:
9/16: I Seafoamed it. Put a can in the gas tank and put 10 gallons of gas in it. Also put 1/3 can through a vacuum line and the rest in the oil. (I'll be changing all fluids next weekd.

9/17: I replaced my strecthed out hood release cable. It was a bit of a pain in the *ss but it's done. I also stripped and started prepping the 5 Spoke wheels. I bought a wire wheel attachment for my drill to use and an assortment of scuff pads. Started by soaking the wheels in degreaser, giving them a good scrub and then thoroughly drying them. Then I went at them with the wire wheel on my drill. Then hit them with a scuff pad for good measure. Then I soaked them in degreaser again, washed them to get rid of all the dust and an left over grease that was on them. They're drying now. Will update when I start coating them. For now, a few pics:

The one on the left has been sanded
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Little update:

9/17: I decided to degrease the engine and engine bay later on in the day. Soaked it with 2 cans of GUNK degreaser, let it sit for 15 minutes then pressure washed it. It doesn't look brand new but it looks a lot better than it did.

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VERY IMPORTANT, whenever doing this type of work, remember to stay hydrated.
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9/18: Got up this morning, hit the wheels with some Preps All, wiped them down real well and started priming them.

Cleaned up
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Primered 3 Coats Total
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Thanks Fightman. It cleaned up well. Like I said, not perfect but it looks a lot better.
Here are the wheels after 4 coats of Duplicolor Clear. I'm in love with them all over again. LOL

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Little update:
Bought a Transmission cooler for it, from another forum member. $50.00
Also bought a Stock Replacement Headunit, mine is cooked. $40.00

Since I've been driving it a little more I've noticed some tightness in the steering rack when I get close to full lock. Hoping it's maybe just low on fluid and that it doesn't need a rack but we'll see. (noticed it today on the way to work, haven't had time to look).

My tire search continues but I may put it on hold too. It has 3 very good Michelin X Radial LT's on it now and one beat Goodyear. I may just grab another Michelin and call it a day for now. Since this is a mild build at best, I'm thinking the money may be better spent on maintenance for now. Looking at aircabinmam's timing belt/water pump kit just for some preventative maintenance, going to do the LBJ's and tie rod ends too. Thinking I should hold onto the tire money in case the steering rack is actually bad.
 
I think I got a little bargain today. Picked up 4 265/70/16 Hankook DynaPro ATM's, 10/32" for $275. Now, since I'm at a stock size tire, do I swap in my 99' Tall Springs or keep the stock 97' Springs? Leaning toward the swap just because they have 125K less miles on them then the 97' Springs.
 

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