I got out after work on Wednesday and finished fitting the front up, it now sits on its front wheels, new shiny diff in, driveshafts in, all ready to go (just need to run over with the correct torque settings) At least now the front is on the ground I'll be happier jacking the back up nice and high to change the axle! I also assembled the handbrake mechanism.. all 9 springs per side! I usually only use Toyota parts, but in this case I used Pagid handbrake shoes, and a fitting kit (springs and washers for mounting the shoes) from a local supplier, the kit was good, but the end caps weren't as good as the Toyota ones, and make an already very fiddly job a lot harder as they didn't have the second "cross head" to make them easier to turn.
Here they are all fitted up. I put masking tape on the shoes to minimise any oil contamination.
This is my "cheat" tool for doing the push down spring caps that hold the shoes in... its an old injector ring from a 1G-GTE supra used to space open long nosed pliers with masking tape...
Proper.
lol
The weather was on my side today, so after work I went outside (the joy of working from home most of the time!) and started immediately.
I disconnected the ABS sensor wires from the old axle, and removed the ABS sensors.. the drivers side one came out easy (I changed it a few years back when I ripped the cable out off road) but the passenger side one put up a fight! luckily it came out intact, so I don't need to buy another one!
Moving inside as it was getting dark, I thoroughly degreased the new Toyota Disks and fitted them to the axle, remembering to remove the masking tape.. I nipped them up with two wheel bolts and started adjusting the handbrake mechanism. The LSD seems to work as when one side had slight handbrake tension and I started working on the other the axle "locked" and instead of just the pinion turning the opposite side tried to against the brake load...
At least we know the Truetrac works! I've not played with one in that situation before and it was quite cool seeing it do its thing, it did catch me off guard a bit.
Once done there I assembled and fitted the rear calipers and pads.. they went together nicely and my new trick (that probably everyone else has ben doing for years) of using a cotton bud (do you call them Q tips??) to apply copper slip worked a treat.. loads where I wanted it, not a visible drop anywhere else.
I started fitting the new goodridge stainless braided brake lines ( I already had a set but the Landcruiser ones are different... obiously!)
I actually bought these so long ago I'd forgotten about them, I'd not used the coloured ones before... I know they are a bit tarty, will never be seen, and soon be filthy, but I like they way they fit and go nicely with my "Black and Red" theme..
As always with Goodridge stuff they feel quality and fitted perfectly.
This is where I have a slight issue, I'd decided later on to order brand new hard lines and T piece from Toyota to keep everything fresh.. unfortunately they are japan stock, and we don't live in Fast and Furious land.. parts are more "about a month" as opposed to "overnight".. as Such to get the thing on the road again I'm going to reuse the manky old ones, so I pit a bit of paint on to freshen them up for now. (No Pics, they ruin the clean!)
So this is where I have got to...
tomorrow I'll fit the old brake hard lines, stick the wheels on and roll it up t the truck.. the current axle just needs the 2 trailing arms fully unbolting and that rolling out... then its connect the wires lines and tighten everything up... hopefully I'll have it tested by beer time.
I'm happy with how is taking shape so far.. it almost looks too good to put under a truck!
I also assembled the Ebay special rear arms.
New correct sized misalignment spacers fitted, upper ones shaved down 3mm for a better fit, new machined up bush inserts fitted, all assembled with copper slip.
I noticed one of the zerk fittings has taken a beating in the post, its still intact but slightly damaged, I'll order another set, like the heims, the quality on them is pretty low... Still they should do the job, and now should at least fit 100%.. Another job out the way before Axle fitting time!
I need a decent jack that gives enough height!
