1995.5 Tacoma Save

[Bob Otte]

Purchased this about 3 weeks ago, was sitting in a field no hood, busted quarter window, full of junk and just in terrible condition. I should have walked away but me being me just does not allow for that.

Originally 3rz auto 4x4

Here is is on it's way to what should hopefully be a better life

Here it is;

No surprise what was found with the bed removed;

Blasted it for a better evaluation of condition;

So you patch, plate and box

Then POR-15 the frame inside and out

 

[Bob Otte]

Here is the driveline donor, a 99 4runner with the 3.4 and 5-speed. This thing had 140k on it and just had the tb and wp changed at the dealership prior to being rolled;

The motor mounts had to be cut off the frame and moved back in the 95.5 taco since it was a 4 banger and had to alter the transmission mount to accept the 5-speed

engine sitting pretty

trans plate

front ds fitment

 

[Bob Otte]

Driveshaft from the 4runner was too long, taco too short so I purchased a used ds from a 96 5-speed v6 taco as well as new carrier bearing and u joints so I can rebuild it completely prior to install. I also procured a instrument cluster, ecu and 3.4 engine wiring harness from the same 95.5 Taco to make this installation go a little easier for me from the wiring standpoint.

Some new parts coming in;
Bumper;

New bed (old one rusted to pieces)

cut out a rocker from a solid taco at the yard to fix the rusted one on mine;

 

[Bob Otte]

New rotors and calipers from a Taco

Picked up a camper shell as well, started the prep to black

 

[Bob Otte]

Bed and camper shell painted

New shoes arrived

Suspension (still waiting on rear leafs, shackles and uca's

 

[Bob Otte]

Care package from Beno (thanks Beno!)

 

[Bob Otte]

There is no provision to mount a clutch master cylinder, but that will not be too difficult to get around;

Did I tell you I have much love for manual hubs?

 

[Bob Otte]

Rocker welded in;

Turned attention to nasty interior. and stripping it out;

Nasty seat, and the carpet was so rotten it just came apart in my hands;

Put in seats from the 99 4runner as well as the front seat belts and carpeting. I still have some trimming to do for the carpet at the back of the cab. Not perfect and the interior still needs a good deep cleaning but much better

 

[onemanarmy]

very nice work

 

[Bob Otte]

very nice work

Thank you sir, it is taking a minute but is getting there

 

[Bob Otte]

Three harnesses became one. Just about there with the wiring

 

[Bob Otte]

These apparently arrived yesterday but sat on the porch as there was not a knock or notice of delivery by the mail person :/

 

[vipergrhd]

First of all great work you have done and good job on saving the truck. Did you check with Toyota about the rust recall I don't know much about it but check it out. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Bob Otte]

Thanks. They bought back all the pre 2000 trucks that presented with rust issues at the time of the recall but this one was not inspected and that offer was over with in 2010 I believe. You hardly see ony of the 95.5 trucks on the road due to most of them being bought back and crushed, at least in this area.

First of all great work you have done and good job on saving the truck. Did you check with Toyota about the rust recall I don't know much about it but check it out. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Bob Otte]

Worked the rocker and was sprayed today, better pics tomorrow. I also picked up a much nicer tailgate than the rusted hulk that it came with

 

[vipergrhd]

You work for a body shop.? Still 2 thumbs up on saving the truck and giving it a 2nd chance.

 

[Bob Otte]

No sir I do not, just love wrenching and playing with toys and have friends with nice shops to assist. It's nice to have a space out of the weather with proper equipment to work with. I have been told by more than one person that this build is foolish but when it is said and done I will have < 8k in a truck that I will know every part on with some pretty decent upgrades.

You work for a body shop.? Still 2 thumbs up on saving the truck and giving it a 2nd chance.

 

[vipergrhd]

Do you still have the 4Runner?

 

[Bob Otte]

No, it is gone. Was their something you needed off of it?

 

[vipergrhd]

Yes, i just noticed my right headlamp was getting moisture inside after a few cold nights. I could also use a front seat cushion in good shape,no big deal if you no longer have it.