Rock Rat's Imperial Jade Mica "Next Adventure" Build

[Rock_Rat]

Power Stop Brake Calipers

Hey guys, figured I'd poke my head in here and say hey. Hey! Yea it's been a while. I've been busy with life and I found out that I spent far too much time on here so decided to take a break for a bit.

I do have some important info to post regarding the Power Stop Calipers, thus the main reason for stopping by. The QA/QC on these is non-existent. I'll keep it short.

Originally installed back in March 2015 (with issues with the bleeder). See Tundra Brake Upgrade in my build page.

I've changed pads once or twice (Wagners), but this past month or so I noticed my driver side was squeaking and brakes didn't feel right. Pulled the wheel off and saw I had a leak somewhere in the driver's caliper - all grimy and cruddy looking. No brainer as long as the brake line was OK, it's time to replace the dust boots and square seals.

Got everything all cleaned up today, replaced the seals and began putting the boots on. Passenger side was fine.

Driver's side - no go! Well, the "lip" (Loss of what else to call it) was missing on the outboard side of the drivers caliper - where the leak is. They are just "dust boots" so I shouldn't see any real leaking except whatever was bypassing the internal seal. That "lip" is used to hold the dust boot in place using an "o" ring. I believe it came from the manufacturer that way. Perhaps they both broke off, which I find extremely unlikely. I have no idea how those boots stayed on for so long.

Anyway, I figured this was important enough to post for everyone considering the PowerStops. You just can't go wrong with OEM. Seems to always come back to that, damn, they're expensive.

Off to the junkyard tomorrow to look for a set of used calipers.

I have a cpl thousand notifications to go through. I'll be back in here more regularly.

BTW - no changes on the rig. Supercharger still going strong, all is well. Looking to replace the tires in a few months. Probably Cooper Maxx or Pro.

 

[MattJakobs]

Looks good Mike, been on a bit of a hiatus myself but slowly showing myself around here again.

Check out Napa Calipers if you have no luck at the junk yard. I've been so far so good with them and I know a few other members have too. BFAD did a little review on them in his write up.

 

[Road Bull]

Good to hear from you Mike! Sorry to hear about your brake issues. Non OEM seems to always be a game of chance. For my TBU, I used OEM rotors, Napa calipers, and OEM pads and shims. I have, since 2015, had to replace both Napa calipers due seized pistons. I mean.. They are a lifetime warranty item, but they should be better quality to begin with.

Thanks for the info, and glad to hear that you will be around more. I haven't posted too much either as of late. I will try to throw in a little update soon as well.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Steering Rack Install

Hey everyone, so I just had to replace my steering rack after almost 400K miles. OEM of course! I've had it out before to replace the bushings with poly's. I also rebuilt it with new inner and outer TR ends at the time. The removal and install is pretty straight forward and only takes about three to four hours.

This post is about the easiest way to get your tie rods adjusted as close as possible before getting an alignment.

For me I did the following:

1. Made the standard alignment marks on the TR threads
2. Locked the steering wheel dead center
3. Installed the TR's as close as possible and kept the large "lock nuts" backed off.
4. "Lightly" Inserted it into the LBJ and ran the castle nut down hand-tight

Next it was time to "align the toe"

1. Placed a 1x2x8 on each axle assy. (It helps to just happen to have these lying around the house. haha)
2. Ensured they were level, vertically and horizontally
3. Using a tape measure I measured the distance between both across from the front and the back
4. Made adjustments as necessary
5. Re-took the measurements and finished the job

When I took it in, it was off by .018. Not bad. Hope this helps. It's been a while since I posted any pics. Hope they turn out OK

 

[TheShowtime]

Man, original owner and almost 400k miles. You had the vehicle for 20 years basically and you got your money’s worth! Toyota’s are the best