The Purple Nurple: a build(maintenance) thread.

[556.sig]

OME makes a 10mm and 5mm spacer you can put on the passenger side to even it out.

Thanks for the kind words.

I was thinking about a single spacer back there, I'll have to look more into that if that is what people have done. The LC springs I got used so they aren't going to settle any, and I have a whole inch to work with. I don't like ripping things back apart once I put them together, oh well, nature of the hobbie, I suppose.

 

[556.sig]

Well, not so fun news. Took it in for alignment today and the driver's side outer tie rod can't be budged. The mechanic is worth his salt - took me back into the shop, under the truck on the lift, and showed me everything he was talking about. He heated it up glowing red and it still wouldn't budge. While I wanted to do inner/outer tie rods eventually (like, in a few months), it looks like I will be doing them soon...like right now. Gahh. Coming off my weekend so that means the EARLIEST I can start this project is next week.

Since I'm going to be down there, I might as well do the LBJs (was planning on that at some point anyways) and the rack bushings.

Well shoot...I'm ordering parts and I might as well do the timing belt kit while I'm at it...

...$490 later.

 

[556.sig]

What a difference LEDs make. Replaced my reverse lights with LED light stacks from Superbrightleds.com.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/20160318_204005.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/20160318_204005.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160318_204005.jpg"/></a>

Ended up sourcing the new timing belt kit for SUPER cheap, $150. Also sourced all my LBJs and Inner/Outer TRE for cheap too. SOOO cheap, in fact...I may have ordered three rows of WeatherTech floor liners for the Sequoia.

 

[MattJakobs]

New post-lift hub to fender measurements:

Both fronts - 23.75"
Rr Pass - 24.5"
Rr Drv - 25.5"

I'm concerned over the height discrepancy in the rear...I know one of the coils was longer than the other, but assumed the longer went on the driver side. I was using the gas tank as my theory. Oh well. If anyone has any pointers on that, would be appreciated.

Looks good!

Do you know what color codes were on the LC coils. I'm running Purple Green While & Double Purple Dark Blue White LC 8 Wraps and 10mm spacers on both sides. Your gas tank theory is correct as someone stated above. I believe I sit level but can run out tomorrow and take a quick measure.

 

[556.sig]

Do you know what color codes were on the LC coils.

Mine are Pink/Yello/Green and Pink/Yellow/Blue. I ordered two OME 10mm spacers. I'll throw them in and see what it does once they arrive.

 

[MattJakobs]

Mine are Pink/Yello/Green and Pink/Yellow/Blue. I ordered two OME 10mm spacers. I'll throw them in and see what it does once they arrive.

Any chance you're the ones in bold below? If so, there's a .75" difference in height per spring which seems to be pretty significant. Mine only have a .25" difference which is likely why I think I sit level comparatively. With the 10mm spacers being about .4" maybe just throw one in your passenger side to hope it levels out out more. You'll still have somewhat of a lean to the one side but I'm sure it'll be less noticeable.

• 21" Blue Pink White 9.25 wraps
• 21" Grey Orange White 9.25 wraps
  [*]20.25" Blue Yellow White 8.75 wraps-one of these is a confirmed LX450
  [*]19.5" Green Yellow White 8.25 wraps-one of these is a confirmed LX450
  
• 19.5" Purple Green White 8 wraps
• 19.25" Double Purple Dark Blue White 8 wraps
• 19" Double Pink Light Blue White 7.5 wraps
• 18.5" Double Pink Grey White 7.5 wraps
• 18 7/8" Orange Orange White 7.75 wraps

you can also use the OME 851, which is a lift spring for the FJ80. that usually gives about 6 inches of lift.

 

[556.sig]

20.25" Blue Yellow White 8.75 wraps-one of these is a confirmed LX450
19.5" Green Yellow White 8.25 wraps-one of these is a confirmed LX450.

Ah, yup, you are right. Those are the ones. White, pink, same thing:loco: It is a significant difference, especially since it sits exactly one in higher while installed - granted, my fuel tank isn't full. I think I'm going to throw two spacers in there which should give me roughly .75''. I think it will work out in the end.

I still need to install the panhard drop bracket. Will probably throw the spacers in when I do that.

Frustrating because I haven't been able to drive it. The toe is so bad on the alignment that I don't want to mess up my tires. It just sits....waiting for the parts that are enroute via the FedEx. COME ON BOX MAN.

 

[zoombyu86]

Ended up sourcing the new timing belt kit for SUPER cheap, $150. Also sourced all my LBJs and Inner/Outer TRE for cheap too. SOOO cheap, in fact...I may have ordered three rows of WeatherTech floor liners for the Sequoia.[/QUOTE]

Where did you source your LBJ, and tie rods? I need to replace mine before I lift.

 

[556.sig]

Where did you source your LBJ, and tie rods? I need to replace mine before I lift.

I usually buy from Partsgeek.com, but I found virtually the same parts on amazon for half the price. My wife's uncle is a master mechanic at the local Toyota dealership here, and he gave them thumbs up before I purchased.

Plug this number into the search bar on Amazon: B00R8NJSYQ

I won't end up using the upper ball joint (I have after market UCAs), but for the price, who cares...Hell, I'll give the UBJs away.

Something to think about, if you want a little beefier tie rod ends, buy the LBJ and inner/outer tie rod ends for a Tacoma. I forgot to do it, otherwise I would have. The tacoma components are more sturdy. As long as you buy the tacoma LBJ, the tacoma tie rods will work. However, tacoma tie rods will NOT work with a t4r LBJ. Food for thought. Could reduce the amount of alignments you need...might hold the alignment more after a day of trails.

 

[556.sig]

I spent all day yesterday putting in new parts. I replaced the steering rack bushings (turned out to be more of a chore than I had anticipated), Inner and Outer Tie Rod Ends on both sides, and the lower ball joints on both sides.

When I went to get the alignment last week, the tech said I was about an inch out of tow in the passenger side. I tried to adjust that as best I could by sight while installing the new outer tie rods. We will see how far off I was by sight - don't expect it will be right on but hell, it's got to be better than the 1+ inch I was out before.

All in all, long day installing lots of parts on both sides but I think it will be worth it. Alignment scheduled for Monday. Here are a couple unworthy pics, but for your viewing pleasure all the same.

Taking out one of the LBJs
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/tmp_1881-20160324_1427181698171822.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/tmp_1881-20160324_1427181698171822.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tmp_1881-20160324_1427181698171822.jpg"/></a>

Bare Rack (pun) (Sorry for bad phone picture quality, looks like it focused on my AWESOME KO2s instead of the rack...oh well)
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/tmp_1881-20160324_142700933638748.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/tmp_1881-20160324_142700933638748.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tmp_1881-20160324_142700933638748.jpg"/></a>

 

[556.sig]

Today, the box man brought something to my door.





I went ahead and put them on. I couldn't wait. Also in the box were my two OME 10mm spacers for the passenger side rear. If you remember I have a 1 inch height difference between the right and left rear, so I'm planning on putting the spacers in to try and even the butt of the truck out. I didn't install those today, I'll have to wait until next week or so.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_141311933638748.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_141311933638748.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tmp_9245-20160325_141311933638748.jpg"/></a>

FRONT:

Before:
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_1133091229648573.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_1133091229648573.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tmp_9245-20160325_1133091229648573.jpg"/></a>

After:
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_1601291149747578.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_1601291149747578.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tmp_9245-20160325_1601291149747578.jpg"/></a>

REAR:

Before:
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_1133221956962070.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_1133221956962070.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tmp_9245-20160325_1133221956962070.jpg"/></a>

After:
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_151011-1385988748.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/4Runner/tmp_9245-20160325_151011-1385988748.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tmp_9245-20160325_151011-1385988748.jpg"/></a>

Using the picture below as a reference, I have been trying to figure out what to do with my rear driver side flare. I hit it on a submerged log while trail exploring a while back, and ever since it has been bent backwards towards the rear wheel. It is to the point that under flex it will rub, thus causing an issue. I like the look of flares but don't want to spend $480+ for after market.

I took the rear flare off, thinking I might run without them, but the clips on the door for the door cladding have left some significant damage. The clips were so tight they caused huge gouges and rust had set into the gouges. I guess my options are to find some used SR5 black flares, run without them and deal with the really crappy looking paint under, or spend a lot of money (about as much as it would cost me for a decent set of 4 wheels) and buy aftermarket.

All the parts came in for timing belt service and I won't get to that until around the 5th or so. Still to do, need some long sway links front and rear...waiting on the master builder to get back to me with those.

 

[556.sig]

Nothing crazy to update. I finally got around to the timing belt and it was definitely time. I know I have owned the runner for quite a while, but I never really bothered with the coolant...previous owner had green coolant in there and I didn't think much of it at the time (it hasn't been a pressing issue). When it was drained out, it ended up being clear, which worried me it may be water. It still smelled like coolant and had slight feel like coolant, but it still made me wonder. Anyway, the short of the long is there was no visible damage or signs of corrosion to the inside of the water pump, etc... Everything looked find and damage free. Phew. Needless to say the coolant was replaced with Toyota Red when all said and done.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/till_wehave_faces/media/Timing%20Belt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/till_wehave_faces/Timing%20Belt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Timing Belt.jpg"/></a>

I've been having an issue with the driver rear brake light. It keeps going out, and often. I noticed the bulb was black which tells me its burning up. I went through and checked some ground points, removed the grounds, roughed up the area around them, and made sure they had good contact.

I replaced the bulb (again) and hopefully this time it will last. If not, I'm going to have to trace back into the cargo area and check behind the panel for more grounds. I know there is one back there but I really didn't want to pull off the panel just yet. The two grounds I did check were up under the kick panel by the driver and the ground located directly behind the charcoal canister. Fingers crossed.

Of course, after the lift the my CVs started leaking. I don't know how long those axles have been under there so I'm just going to replace them. It would put my mind at ease and it is only $200 in parts.

A while back (refer to one of my first few posts) I did spray on bed liner on my fender flares. It lasted a good few years but it's all faded now, and one of my flares is all messed up. I have some used ones coming from a member here. I'm thinking of monstaliner for the new flares. I would keep it black in color, but want to add that something to it. Additionally, I plan to monstaline that lower panel on the doors anyhow, so I think it would look good with the matching texture on the flares.

 

[offroadxplr]

How are the ball joints and TRE's holding up, and how was the fit and finish? I'm strongly tempted to buy the same kit for my truck, as I know my UBJ's are trashed and its been 150k since my LBJ's were replaced.

 

[556.sig]

How are the ball joints and TRE's holding up, and how was the fit and finish? I'm strongly tempted to buy the same kit for my truck, as I know my UBJ's are trashed and its been 150k since my LBJ's were replaced.

Wow, I dropped the ball. Sorry not replying. Anyway, here we are almost a year later and everything is holding up just fine.

 

[the boo crew]

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.

We got those wheels on the LC90 in the UK there must be hundreds lying around in breakers yards

 

[556.sig]

It's been a while, that's for sure. Lets see, lots of little trail trips here and there but nothing major. Here are a few pics from about three or four different trips out. The white one is my buddy's.



In the third picture one of my rear sway links snapped while I was flexed and going over a boulder. I have some discos ordered from MStudt.

In November I stupidly rear-ended someone and they were completely totaled. I, on the other hand just needed an AC condenser and I opted to get a new radiator while I was at it.



I was out on injury with a broken wrist from September 30th - January 12th. I went back to work for 2 weeks and then I fractured my kneecap into 4 pieces on January 24th. :mmph: The truck was mostly sitting that whole time until recently. I got the bumper tore off and the Condenser replaced and took it to the shop to get the AC recharged. I put a new accumulator/dryer in right before I took it to the shop. And of course, the low side won't pressure up at all. Fantastic. So now I'm waiting on a new expansion valve and hopefully that takes care of the problem.



The only good part about a front end collision is I HAD to buy a bumper...trust me, I HAD to. At least, that is how I put it to my wife.:biggrin1: So my 4xinnovations bumper was ordered and came in REALLY fast. I mean, it was fabbed and to me within a couple weeks.



There were a lot of hard to reach spots covered by other metal, but I got the whole thing primed really well. I didn't feel like spending another $300+ for powder coating and I did a really good job on the primer. First coat of paint is currently drying and weather permitting I'll finish it up in the next couple days.

I'm getting a lot of water into the passenger side of the truck after a heavy rain. I tore apart the sun roof but that wasn't it (lubed everything down and cleaned out the tracks...works MUCH more smooth now). Next I replaced my broken automatic antenna with a black Taco whip. Even after changing the gasket leading into the body, that didn't stop the water. The rear window wiper cleaner line doesn't appear to be leaking...so at this point I'm at a loss. Soon the rain will stop here in the valley and I'll have to try and deal with the issue next season.

Otherwise. Been super busy. Just bought a house and closing escrow soon. I still need to install the new CV axles I have sitting in the garage before I can take the truck out again, and the weather has been super nice lately. The new grille is waiting and new headlights as well. My valve cover gaskets are leaking pretty good so I need to redo the gaskets and the parts are just sitting in the garage. I probably won't get to that until after I move to the new place, which, btw, is a mile as the crow flies from some of my favorite national forest trails. :banana: Just changed the oil at 218K. That's all for now.

 

[556.sig]

Axles and AC

I got around to changing the axles on Saturday and now I feel a lot better. Sunday I got the expansion valve swapped out too. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be and definitely better to do it myself than pay the shop $250 in labor.

A shot of the passenger floor w/o the evap canister there...lots of leg room


Evap canister was super dirty at the bottom. It was a solid 1/2 inch of gunk.


Top off the canister showing the evap.


Now this white piece here is ceramic. Others have said their have hit it the wrong way or bumped it and it shattered. They are relatively inexpensive as far as parts go, but I was careful and able to save myself about $30 or so.


It is located right behind this connection. For anyone else looking to swap out the expansion valve, no need to take this connection piece out.


The evap canister with the old expansion valve. Luckily no signs of leaks from the evap so that is always a plus.



This morning I went back to the AC shop, they vacuumed it out for about 45 min, added some oil to the system, and charged it. Results? FIXED! I now have ice cold AC for the upcoming summer. As far as problems go, an expansion valve was pretty simple, not to mention the part is sub $30. It took me maybe an hour from ripping apart the glovebox and having it all back together. Super easy.

Bumper is almost done, a couple more coats of paint left to go. I'm looking for some good fog light options (4") but lights are stupid expensive. Been kicking around the idea of some cheap amazon lights. We'll see.

 

[JZiggy]

I'm not sure I'd call that evap really dirty... Here was my '88 4Runner's after ~300k

 

[Nosmasamson]

I have a Purple Nurple as well! I will be following your build closely. Thanks!

 

[limitedvan8]

so i'm a little daft sometimes and although i've looked at the "yes will work" and "no won't work" pictures, can someone confirm the 99 limited wheels WON'T work with the 13WL's and that i NEED spacers?