The Purple Nurple: a build(maintenance) thread.

[556.sig]

Well, I suppose you can't call it a 'build' thread, per se, but hey, you never know. And if you've already been through other build threads like Dirtco, or Ripcord, or any other REALLY nice builds...this is going to be a major let down.

This is my second T4R, the first was a '99 2WD and is long since sold.

Currently, I have a '99 SR5 4X4, 192XXX. It is a hideous purple but when she's dirty..well, you don't care WHAT color she is at that point. The rig had been in an accident prior to my purchase and she had been mostly put back together. (one day I'll get one that isn't beat up but we really needed the vehicle at the time)

First thing I did was get a good set of used tires, the ones on her were shot. Picked up some BFG ATs with plenty of meat left on them and got the slightly bigger size: 265/75/16. Duratracs are in the future....I can feel it.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo4.jpg"/></a>

Next step was to give an insta-lift and remove the running boards. While I was doing that, I noticed the flares were peeling and separating from the fenders, they were also rubbing.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo1.jpg"/></a>

I decided to take them all off, coat them in bed liner, and I also put the flare gasket on all the flares. Turned out very nice.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/13.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/13.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 13.jpg"/></a>

About a year into the purchase (last month) the rear axles were found leaking fairly good, I went ahead and replaced the axle seals and all bearings on both sides of the rear, that was fun job.

100 ways to use a .22 casing, use #37; plug your brake lines while working:
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo1-2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo1-2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo1-2.jpg"/></a>

And there was the starter contacts going bad so yesterday the starter contacts were ripped out and I replaced those. I also upgraded to 199 Tundra brakes, no more warped rotor wobble.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo2.jpg"/></a>

As she sits today, picture isn't great but it'll do:

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/15.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 15.jpg"/></a>

A lot all at once, but trust me, this isn't going anywhere fast. I'm mainly into just fixing her up right now making sure she runs right. She's the "weekend fun/wife hauling kids during the week" mobile.

Weekend fun:
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo41.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo41.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo41.jpg"/></a>

More to come I'm sure.

 

[ryhi]

even though you think its hideous.. i love the color! :thumb:

 

[Brian757]

Remember, its not purple, its Stellar Blue Pearl!
And I like it! Your moving pretty damn well. Keep it up!

 

[JWaldz]

Great upgrade to a 4x4! That color isn't that bad btw. Keep up the good work.

 

[556.sig]

even though you think its hideous.. i love the color! :thumb:

The color isn't SO bad, but due to the accident it was in the bonnet and the PF fender were painted by the PO but not clear coated or anything; it is matte and rough...detracts from the whole vehicle.

But, it doesn't have a locker...so this isn't THE rig I want to build, but it'll get stuff here and there for the wife (she doesn't want to drive anything other than a 4Runner-what a woman! ;-) )

 

[556.sig]

So we took a day trip last week to a local trail I enjoy, the trail ends into the south fork of the Yuba River in the Tahoe Ntl. Forest. We had a great day of swimming and relaxing...and the kids slept comfortably.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo31.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo31.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo31.jpg"/></a>

While we were up there I couldn't help grabbing a 'poser shot' of my 'awesome stock flex'!

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo2-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo2-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo2-1.jpg"/></a>

On the way home I suddenly was losing power on hills at freeway speeds, I could keep her (I named her Stella by the way) at about 55-60mph but she wouldn't go any faster. The RPMs would go up but not translate into power, I pulled over thinking something was wrong with throttle positioning sensor or something...opened the bonnet to find this:

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/image.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/image.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo image.jpg"/></a>

When I bought the rig (as mentioned earlier) she had been in a wreck and put back together. I knew the air box had been glued. Now...I'm an OCD perfectionist kind of person, but when I saw that the glued box worked, I kinda shrugged my shoulders and said "don't fix what ain't broke". Well it lasted a year. So now I have a new air box...and no, I didn't waste money on a CAI.

On our way up I found Stella's twin...couldn't NOT park next to it and sneak a picture. We're on the right...Stella is loaded with gear in the back, hence the sag in the picture.
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo1-3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo1-3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo1-3.jpg"/></a>

Two pictures from the trail:

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/76c1a2d7-d11c-4604-b97a-b9349f38930f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/76c1a2d7-d11c-4604-b97a-b9349f38930f.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 76c1a2d7-d11c-4604-b97a-b9349f38930f.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/DSCN0809.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/DSCN0809.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSCN0809.jpg"/></a>

 

[Bandit Runner]

Awesome pic! Enjoy them while they're little, they grow up too fast.

BTW, I really like the color of your 4Runner.

 

[556.sig]

Awesome pic! Enjoy them while they're little, they grow up too fast.

BTW, I really like the color of your 4Runner.

They are 2 and 1 and man it is already going too fast.

The color has been growing on me more and more...although the hood and PS fender are matte which is bugging me to death...I just might do a cheapo maaco paint job on that fender and hood.

 

[Ol'Blue]

I love the purple people eater color. You do not see it often at all so when I do I excited. Cool Trucks, that and the Color of Dirtco's are my fav!

Blue

 

[556.sig]

Took another small trip two weeks ago during the random rain we had, 100+ degree weather and then cold rain. That's the valley for you.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo7.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo7.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo14.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo14.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo14.jpg"/></a>

The trail we took this time was only clear to the height of the beginning of the windscreen, sometimes only up to the bonnet. There wasn't enough clearance on the sides either, made for a really cool trail run.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo4-2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo4-2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo4-2.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo3-2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo3-2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo3-2.jpg"/></a>

Anyhow, more recently I've been searching for a rattling noise that only occurs over small, consecutive bumps. Noise is coming from the front end...I was thinking the "skid plates" (AKA small debris deflector plates). When I ripped them off I noticed this on the front passenger axle...

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo10.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo10.jpg"/></a>

Being only that one bolt it wasn't causing any immediate damage but I tightened it up right away. Couldn't find the source of the rattle though, I tightened the "skids" tightly back in place but that didn't stop the rattle.

Christmas in July!

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/photo11.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/photo11.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo11.jpg"/></a>

Fuel/Oil/Intake filters, and plugs and wires. I have an inside contact with the local toyota dealership, I get the parts at wholesale...sure is nice:roll:

For my reference:
Oil changed 193330Mi.
Intake filter changed 193330Mi.
Rotated tires 193330Mi.

I went ahead and sea foamed the intake, good amount of smoke, and put some in the fuel tank. Going to drive it a bit before I change the plugs, wires, and fuel filter so as to get the full effect of the sea foam.

To do:

Need to buy recovery equipment asap. Stupid to trail run without it...

I noticed the passenger rear suspension sagging...Need to measure but I'm looking to lift at some point anyway. Gotta start saving up, once you lift you need tires as well. Don't be hating but I'll be going the 255/85 route.

Rear diff breather extension, need to do that. Especially since I recently rebuilt both rear axles and my frequented trails require creek/small river crossings.

 

[Monkeybutt2000]

Cool ride,I like the color actually. Where did you get the flare gaskets?

 

[556.sig]

Cool ride,I like the color actually. Where did you get the flare gaskets?

Thank you. The flare gaskets were bought from my local stealership...they are for Tacomas. I asked for part #75696-35020 and bought 5 packages. I had just a little left over and it covered all my flares. Couldn't have done it with 4 packages, so best to get 5.

 

[jusgroovin]

Nice truck

I have the same, identical year, model, mileage. I wasn't sure about the color when I first got it, but now it's my favorite.

 

[556.sig]

I have the same, identical year, model, mileage. I wasn't sure about the color when I first got it, but now it's my favorite.

Nice rig! Yeah, the color has definitely grown on me. How are you liking your lift? Do you have any rubbing on your UCAs with the tundra coils? What perch are you sitting on in the picture in the front? Sorry for 20 questions. I dig your limited wheels, I would really like to get my hands on some.

 

[jusgroovin]

I'm happy with the lift for what I need it for. It rides very nice. I'm on the 1st or lowest perch with the the tundra billies and I have a 1" rake with the OME 890's. However, I'm probably going to move them to the second notch. No rubbing on the UCA's and I'm running 265's. Hope that helps.

 

[556.sig]

I'm happy with the lift for what I need it for. It rides very nice. I'm on the 1st or lowest perch with the the tundra billies and I have a 1" rake with the OME 890's. However, I'm probably going to move them to the second notch. No rubbing on the UCA's and I'm running 265's. Hope that helps.

Wow, the 265's don't look bad either. Thanks man, I've been trying to decide between the Eibach coils or the Tundra TRD coils...Eibachs are cheaper but I may...in the long future...get a bumper, which people seem to say get the tundra coils if you run a bumper. We'll see. You running the 5100 billies in the rear too, yes?

 

[jusgroovin]

I have the 5125's but have to install them. Am running the RC rear shocks from Wheelers Offroad for now.

 

[Monkeybutt2000]

Thank you. The flare gaskets were bought from my local stealership...they are for Tacomas. I asked for part #75696-35020 and bought 5 packages. I had just a little left over and it covered all my flares. Couldn't have done it with 4 packages, so best to get 5.

Cool,thanks for the info.

 

[Hepar]

At first I didn't like this color, but it's growing on me every day.

 

[Thorgan112]

[MENTION=94657]556.sig[/MENTION] I pm'ed you. Had a question, and didn't want to hijack your thread.