Red-Runner getting built

wish i could make it out sooner but being jobless at the moment, funds are low and gas gauge is lower lol. heat isnt to big of a deal but i guess some ppl it will bother them.
 
I thought I went from mall runner to mud runner in fast order, but you tore into this build with some serious quickness! And you did it with top notch gear, too... nice done!

You have one sweet build, my friend.
 
I did something a little questionable today.

Needed a battery, so I went out and picked up an Optima Yellowtop D34 today. Nice battery. High price. Winch, compressor...fine.

I should have ordered the D34R with reversed terminals, but was impatient. Had to rig up some cable extensions. Anyway, it looks worse than it is -- under the tape, it's quite organized and well-connected, I promise. Runner is back to crankin' like it should.

Suspension work should all be finished tomorrow.


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I did something a little questionable today.

Needed a battery, so I went out and picked up an Optima Yellowtop D34 today. Nice battery. High price. Winch, compressor...fine.

I should have ordered the D34R with reversed terminals, but was impatient. Had to rig up some cable extensions. Anyway, it looks worse than it is -- under the tape, it's quite organized and well-connected, I promise. Runner is back to crankin' like it should.

Suspension work should all be finished tomorrow.


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I did the same thing but I brought it back... there wasn't a d34r any where close so I revived my cruddy duralast. I'm going to get a enersys Odessey to replace it I think. With the winch it is too much load on the alternator to have a crappy battery.
 
Pretty much done for now. Still have to do the tranny cooler, but I don't feel like it's urgent.

This week we did: Lower ball joints, diff drop, poly LCA bushings, rear links, and seats. ORW did most of the work again. Costs more, but it's done right, and I can guarantee I would have had some major issues doing all of this myself. I'm a professional geek, not a mechanic (I do enjoy wrenching...still learning though).

Parts:

* OEM LBJs
* OBT USA bushings
* Total Chaos rear links
* 1" diff drop (not sure vendor) -- clears bud built skid no problem
* Corbeau Baja XRS
* Wedge seat brackets

Alignment seems better with diff drop. Mild shakes are gone over 60-70mph. Was pulling a little to right; no longer a problem. I'm a happy camper, so I'm going to try to enjoy this thing now. Heading to Ocotillo Wells tomorrow for a quick overnight -- gotta get back in time for Padres home opener Sunday evening. Go Pads!

Some pictures:

Seats are comfy. Note: make sure you attach the seatbelt latch before installing them...or, you'll get to install them twice. :redbrick:

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I seem to be accumulating stickers/logos under my truck faster than on top. Not sure how I feel about that. I guess they make it faster through the whoops...

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I envy the new seats. Going to have to do something about my seat back bolsters one of these days. What steered you towards these seats?
 
I envy the new seats. Going to have to do something about my seat back bolsters one of these days. What steered you towards these seats?

Old seats were a little tired, and I'm...errr...somewhat robust.

Tried out all the seats on the floor at ORW and 4Wheel Parts, and these were the most comfortable IMO. Probably sat in them 100 times before I decided to pull the trigger.
 
Nice build! Fast!!!

If you decide to sell the current coilovers, pm me. My sons 3rd gen needs better coilovers (current Fabtech are pieces of schit).

Someone mentioned it early on and I think you misunderstood - re the shock resi's and the air compressor in the back. I think they were suggesting the resi's were vulnerable, more than the air tank system. I agree based on your photos. The shock resi's on the front appear way too low and vulnerable from hits when offroading. Just my 2c.

Will hit you up one day when we head down to Anza - haven't wheeled down there for many years.
 
Nice build! Fast!!!

If you decide to sell the current coilovers, pm me. My sons 3rd gen needs better coilovers (current Fabtech are pieces of schist).

Thanks. Don't think I'll be selling anything but the original take-offs any time soon.

Someone mentioned it early on and I think you misunderstood - re the shock resi's and the air compressor in the back. I think they were suggesting the resi's were vulnerable, more than the air tank system. I agree based on your photos. The shock resi's on the front appear way too low and vulnerable from hits when offroading. Just my 2c.

Will hit you up one day when we head down to Anza - haven't wheeled down there for many years.

I'm really not worried about the shock resis. They are a little exposed, but I think the pictures exaggerate it. In person, they are pretty well tucked in. I AM still worried a bit about the air tank though. Anyway, only way to find out is to go get dirty. :)
 
Just got back from our brief trip to Ocotillo Wells SRVA. So much fun. I ran solo this time, while my wife rode shotgun in my buddy's RZR. I can't go as fast as the RZR, but I also don't have to drag my 4Runner around on a trailer...OK, I'm a little jealous...

Anyway, the 'Runner held up great. No surprises, and nothing broke. The seats were the most welcome upgrade. The stock seats pretty much beat the hell out of me when I wheel. The Corbeau's hold on well, and eliminated most of the fatigue. :thumb:

I have a heavy foot, and it didn't get me into too much trouble this time. Suspension is doing what it's supposed to, and I'm still kinda feeling out my limits. Probably need some bigger tires, but I'm gonna keep running the 265/75/16 Cooper ATPs Coopers for a while. Doubt 285s would sink and swim as much as the 265s. Still, I played in some pretty deep sand, didn't get stuck once, and was in control the whole time...for the most part.

Anyway, on with the pictures:

My wife posing next to a clean rig while we air down at the Discovery Center (last flushing toilet for 24 hours).
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My wife, the traitor, opted to ride in my buddy's RZR.
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Obligatory flex picture. Looking very tough on that little rock. :)
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The view from the top of Devil's Slide.
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Panorunner.
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Camp.
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Sunset in Anza Borrego Desert. Beautiful place.
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Wind got gusty last night and through this morning. Weather said gusts over 60MPH. Wife and I were cozy in the 'Runner (until packing up this morning -- see picture). My buddy and his brother almost blew away in their tent. Can't sleep in a RZR...
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Anyway, it was a good trip, and I'm super-happy with the 'Runner. Keep on wheelin'.
 
Apparently it's time for engine work. Loud knocking sounds coming from under the hood. Noise increases with RPMs. Best guess is an unruly rod/bearing. Sweet!

Runs, but I had it towed to the shop, since I'm not wanting any more damage than has already been done. Full prognosis on Monday.
 
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Hopefully it turns out easy, but best of luck whatever it is.

I'm prepared to do an engine swap (there goes the SC though), but I'm hoping for something simpler. I've heard noises like that before though, and it had that "expensive" tone.

I think the engine just got jealous of all the other stuff I've done, so it wanted a turn. Whatever... Worst case, I get a rebuild with a warranty, and practically everything is new. Not good economics, but that's not why I started this project anyway.
 
Sorry to hear that man.

What shop in SD?

How many miles?

I really wouldn't do a rebuild .. Better to source a new engine.
 
Red runner ,looks like you guys had a good time ! sorry to hear about the engine noise? i think a lot of us that get into a build with a high milage vehicle understand its luck of the draw before its time to face the inevitable and go down this road . well at least you will have a solid platform all said and done.Gotta laugh about putting your stuff away in 60 mph winds ,this is when you wad up your camp,throw it in the truck and deal with things when you get home.Good times!
 

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