A descent into madness

[pray4surf]

pray4surf – 98 Tacoma build thread

Start with a little background on the truck…

Purchased as a first vehicle for my daughter. She wanted a truck, and had her heart set on a Ford Ranger. Then one day I saw this 1998 Tacoma PreRunner advertised in the local paper. $6500 dollars later, we were the proud new owners. Basically, it was a stock 2.7 non-TRD with ~165,000 highway miles; previous owner had been diligent with all maintenance and had records to prove it.

Having had Toyota trucks in the past, I started eyeing her truck and scheming on how I could take it away from her. And about at that time I stumbled upon the TTORA website, which further fueled my desire.

Ultimately, I convinced my daughter to go out and buy her own truck, she could afford the payments now that she was out of school and working full-time. She found another PreRunner, this time a 2002 TRD edition and this 98 became mine.

Now fueled by all the great trucks on TTORA, I started lusting after many of the mods. Started simple, diff breather extension, deckplate mod, etc - My descent into madness began to pick up steam. Next thing I know, I’m contacting Wheeler’s, then the UPS trucks start arriving, coilovers, leafs, shocks spilled out of those brown trucks. My weekends became all consuming with more and more mods. Still I was not satisfied.

I convinced my wife to join me for a SoCal TTORA club run in Calico. And despite having a non-trd with pretty worn AT tires we had a blast. It was with this run, I was able to convince her that the truck needed more, and the descent into madness intensified.

Calico Mtn - Apr 2007
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/Calico%20April%2007/calico07_35.jpg

Once again, brown delivered; an ARB locker, 4.88 gears, body lift, OBA components, CB radio and more kept arriving, and each weekend I continued to work on my truck.

One fateful day, I rode along with a TTORA member with a 4x4 Tacoma and experienced John Bull, and Gold Mountain up in Big Bear. This only intensified my dementia, which could only be satisfied by spending more and more money.

Once again, I convinced my wife to join up with the TTORA crowd out in Anza Borrego. And once again I began scheming on my next phase – conversion to 4x4.

Anza- Borrego - Nov 2007
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/Anza%20Borrego%201107/DSC00472.jpg

And this brings us up to date. I’ve started locating and buying the parts. Soon, UPS will once again be stopping at my door. Out of the brown trucks will pour more and more parts, transfer case, transmission, diff, hubs, spindles, CV’s and more. I’m afraid this will only temporarily satiate this madness…

To be continued

[pray4surf]

Wow! that was a pretty cheesy first thread now wasn't it... Well, I never claimed to be a writer - LOL

Went back out to Coyote Canyon shortly after I posted the first thread. Used the forum to locate another member who accompanied me out there - never wheel alone....

Thinking I had overcome the 'worst' that Coyote Canyon had to offer the last time out, we pushed further up the trail. After climbing and clawing over more rocks I found myself stuck between a couple of the larger rocks - could'nt go forward and couldn't go back - And suffered some minor sheetmetal/bumper damage
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/Anza%20Borrego%201207/DSC00540.jpg
So out came the tow strap.. and in the process of dragging my truck forward, we blew out the bead on the drivers-side front tire
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/Anza%20Borrego%201207/DSC00525.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/Anza%20Borrego%201207/DSC00526.jpg
About an hour later we had managed to get the tire/rim removed and the spare installed. Note to myself - sliders and hi-lift would have greatly simplified matters and a proper rear bumper would have saved my sheetmetal.

Not knowing that we were now past the last of the rock obstacles, and not wanting to further chance losing another tire, we parked my truck and explored the upper area. At the end of the day, returned back to the truck and uneventfully came back down the rock garden and drove home...

Had I ignored all the advice and gone it alone, I would have been truly up the creek without the proverbial paddle.

Parts accumulation for the 4x4 conversion is coming along nicely. I'm looking forward to the challenge...

[pray4surf]

After the trip out to Calico in April 2007, I realized that a rear locker was a must if I was to continue going offroad with the TTORA group. An open diff just wasn't going to cut it...

I had two options, graft in a Toyota e-locker or go with an ARB selectable locker. I did what all of TTORA asks us newbies to do and that was search and read. And so I did.... All the while keeping my eyes peeled on the Parts for sale section. Then one day, an ad appeared for a 'never installed' RD-89 ARB unit. So out came the wallet and a few days later I was the proud owner.

Next, I had to address the subject of compressed air in order to use the ARB. Additionaly, I wanted to be able to use the compressed air for other purposes than engaging the ARB. I finally settled on a package deal that included a Viair 450c compressor, 2.5 gallon tank and assorted fittings and lines.

The first challenge was locating a spot to put the compressor. I decided my options were: under the hood, in the cab, in a bed mounted toolbox, (and thinking outside the box) just outboard of the drivers side frame rail between the cab and rear tire.

I really didn't want it in the cab (stuffed into the cubbyhole behind the driver), nor did I want to spend the $ to purchase a bed mounted toolbox, and while I toyed with the idea of fabbing up a mount (ammo box maybe) to the frame rail, I finally decided to mount the compressor under the hood just forward of the firewall on the passenger side as there was plenty of room. Here are the brackets
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5088.jpg

The completed install is shown here which also shows the BlueSea fuse box
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5287.jpg

With the compressor out of the way, it was time to tackle the tank. I spent way to much time lying under the truck trying to figure out just where I could mount the tank. The only place where that tank could mount (and retain my spare tire under the bed was just above the rear axle. As many of you know, there is a channel (u-shaped) support that runs across the bed. The tank wouldn't fit in front of nor behind that support. Short of cutting the tanks mounting legs I had to find a way to suspend the tank.

Here is the bracket I created and you can see the tank is positioned in the bracket (which is upside down in this picture)
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5149.jpg

And here is the tank mounted on the truck
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5152.jpg You can even see some holes I drilled through the bed with some of my first attempts :)

I was concerned that mounting directly to the beds sheetmetal would not withstand the rigors of offroading, so a couple of supports were quickly fabbed to strengthen the mounting location
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5155.jpg

With the two major components in place it was time to run airlines from the compressor to the tank and from there to the pressure switch, ARB solenoid, and quick disconnects - I scored 100' of 'roofers' airhose at harbor freight (which also provided me with the majority of the brass fittings I would need) and except for the hideous orange color the price was right - I think I paid $15.00 for the 100'.

These pictures show some of the work:

QD in passenger rear wheel well. I have another in the drivers rear wheel well also. Sitting on the frame rail is the rubber cover that protects the QD from the elements. In the background, you can see the filter and the air tank to the left

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5289.jpg

This one is looking up from the underside and shows the fittings, filter and the ARB solenoid. The rear of the truck is towards the top of the picture
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5284.jpg

The last few pics show a little more of the detail

Close-up of the compressor mounts
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5084.jpg

Another of the compressor as seen looking from the front of the truck. Yes, I did 'clock' the compressor and its brackets
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5081.jpg

Looking down on the compressor, the pressure switch in the upper left hand corner of the picture and another good picture of the fuse box - Look at all the room for future add-ons!
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5288.jpg

The air filter for the compressor is inside the trucks air box, it breathes in air already filtered by the trucks air filter
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSC00212.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSC00208.jpg

The center console mounted switches (one is for some aux lighting) and the 'idiot' light I added which lets me know when the compressor is operating
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/OBA%20Install/DSCN5286.jpg

If you've read this far down, I better share some of my wisdom.
1. Don't buy the Viair 'package deal'. Just get a compressor and tank and then buy the necessary fittings/hoses etc separately.
2. Just cut the damn legs on the viair tank. Had I had the guts to do so, I wouldn't have had to fabricate that fancy cage to hold the tank.
3. I still have the pressure gauge that came with the 'package deal'. I just haven't found a good spot to mount it up in the cab yet - plus I would have to run an airline into the cab. I do have a gauge hardmounted to the tank, but it does me no good unless I get out and crawl under the tank to look at it.
4. I spent a lot of time fixing small leaks in the system, a spray bottle with soapy water is your friend.
5. I initially started with a 110-145psi pressure switch, but was thoroughly dissapointed with what pressure regulators I tried. Ultimately, I traded my pressure switch for another set to 85-105psi. With this pressure switch, I no longer needed to reduce the air pressure before introducing it to the ARB.

Have any questions, please PM me - I'll be happy to answer them

Rick

[pray4surf]

I am pleased to report that every component (as listed in the Wiki/Tech/FAQ) necessary for this conversion has been located and I am in the process of obtaining from the various TTORA members... Life is good!

As I begin the conversion, I will attempt to document the process and will continue to update this thread. First thing this weekend is to get my garage cleaned up and ready for the influx of parts.

Once done, I'll get to go more places like this
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/surf1.gif

and here:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/Image6.jpg

Stay tuned...

Rick

Added later: Here is the transmission and transfer case.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00067.jpg

[pray4surf]

Picked up 4 Hella 500 lights from a member (Thanx Animal :)) After a TTORA poll and conceptualizing, I went to work..

Previously, I had picked up an extra grill with the idea of doing a Satoshi-inspired grill. Took a hacksaw blade and sandpaper to it.

Now you see it
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00236.jpg

Now you dont
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00239.jpg

Yep, I can fit four lights across - no problem
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00242.jpg

Some careful measuring, and drilling resulted in this.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00253.jpg

Here is a side view
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00246.jpg

would liked to have inset the lights a bit deeper.

Here you are looking down
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00254.jpg

I drilled through the plastic bumper cover and also through the sheetmetal support structure. Lights 'seem' stable enough.

Still want to complete the grill modification at a later date - some sort of mesh / expanded steel to protect the radiator itself. I also need to wire them up. I want to see how well they work. But w/55w bulbs, that HID conversion sounds appealing.

Rick

[pray4surf]

Picked up a used set of wheelwell gap guards from someone here on TTORA. Without instructions, I looked to the internet for the "how to". Apparently, the 'right way' to install these was to weld a small tab to the bottom of the truck, or simply screw through the bed sheet metal itself. Without ready access to a welder nor the inclination to drill more holes in my bed, I had to come up with another way.

After installing the OBA, I wanted a way to further protect my airline QD's I stuffed above the frame in the rear wheelwells.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00322.jpg

Here it is with the gap guards installed

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00338.jpg

Here is one (well used) gap guard and fasteners.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00328.jpg

Due to the length of the gap guard, I decided to wrap the rubber till it meets the metal mud flap brace. I used one of the existing bolts (top) and drilled a new hole for the bottom fastener (not visible in photo). Also visible is another bolt to attach to the frame.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00334.jpg

Once attached to the mud flap brace, the gap guard is forced in the the corner, then bolted to the frame. I wanted the bend to have a tight radius.

At the front, Drilled a small hole and used a sheet metal screw. This picture shows how the gap guard is tucked up behind the plastic wheelwell tub

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00333.jpg

So now I had the bottom of the gap guard attached to the frame. Want I wasn't happy about was the droop at the top. Fooled around with some scrap steel laying around, a hole at one end and a hole at the other. Basically a brace bolted to the BL support block (used that fastener) and to the top of the brace. Once installed, I pushed to the top of the brace inboard holding the gap guard tighter against the bottom of the bed.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00330.jpg

After running with it like this for a number of months, I haven't had a single problem. I'm actually quite surprised that leaving the gap guard tucked up behind the wheelwell plastic, towards the front, hasn't been an issue. And it makes access to the airline QD's fairly easy

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/DSC00339.jpg

Prolly one of the lamest of mods. Certainly not much to write home about...

But it works for me.. :D

Rick

[pray4surf]

As disjointed as this thread of mine is getting....

As mentioned earlier, my Yota with an automatic transmission and 2.7L motor just wasn't going to 'cut it' when / if I go to larger diameter tires. This was evident just going from the stock 225/75R15 tires to a set of 265's (31"). My goal was to run with 33's (or the metric equivalent 285/75's or 255.85's).

After locating a 'spare' non-TRD third, I called our sponsor JT's and ordered up a set of 4.88's. These gears along with the RD-89 ARB locker I picked up from another member and the spare 3rd were sent of to ZUK in AZ for the internal work

Here are the pics on Zuk's site of the build

http://www.gearinstalls.com/pray.htm

Rick

[pray4surf]

Long time no update :(

Progress has been slow...

BUT

This completes the 2WD -> 4WD conversion
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/transmission/DSC00836.jpg

The lengthened driveshaft...

Once I slap this piece on, I will have completed the conversion. Ended up just bypassing the factory harness for the 4WD Tcase Position switch by running the neg side to a ground and the power supply wire to the relay - no dash light to indicate whether the 4WD is engaged - but maybe later...

I'll post up more as time allows

SEE YOU IN BIG BEAR!