Builds 86 Xtra Cab Build (4Wheelunderground 3 link front, 4 link rear and 3.4 swap) (2 Viewers)

[aztoyman]

I got the grill clips and screw grommets and got the grill mounted. I ended up needing two more clips so I still need to do that.

Just for some info for you 84-88 2nd gen guys. There are several "similar" grill clips and screw grommets out there so pay attention so you get the correct ones.

My VIN shows clip 90467-12008. There's another part number that's maybe a newer number? Almost the same clip. Has some pointy tips but otherwise the same. Fits perfectly. I have both.

Clip 90467-12022. Here's a comparison pic.

 

[aztoyman]

The screw grommets for the 3 places a screw holds the grill instead of the clip is 90189-04008.

The screw is 93560-54020

An alternative screw grommet is a Rexka from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6KSG6Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[aztoyman]

The clips are kind of a pain and I see a way to mount the grill using the screws and screw grommets if you want to eliminate the dang clips.

Just trim off the protruding plastic tips in the clip slots of the grill and drill the screw hole round. Actually the screw self clearances. Put a screw grommet in the rectangle hole and screw it on.

I already bought the clips so I'm using them. I did try it on one hole and it works though. Better than doing the infamous ZIPTIE Toyota grill mounting method.

 

[aztoyman]

Just trim the tips off, get rid of the clip, put a screw grommet in its place and screw it on. The clip is normally pushed into the grill. I'm just showing that you can use either the clip or the grommet in the same slot.

 

[gnob]

The clips are kind of a pain and I see a way to mount the grill using the screws and screw grommets if you want to eliminate the dang clips.

Just trim off the protruding plastic tips in the clip slots of the grill and drill the screw hole round. Actually the screw self clearances. Put a screw grommet in the rectangle hole and screw it on.

I already bought the clips so I'm using them. I did try it on one hole and it works though. Better than doing the infamous ZIPTIE Toyota grill mounting method.

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View attachment 3925072

zip ties are way faster and cheaper

 

[aztoyman]

Today I decided I need to FINALLY make a bracket to mount my ECM and clean up the cluster fup of wiring in the passenger side kick panel. Back when I did my 5VZ swap I just tucked it all behind the plastic panel.

That plastic panel might not be going back on. It all depends on how the roll cage tubing works out.

Here's my high tech sheet metal bender and the brackets I made from some scrap aluminum sheet.

I used M5 screws into existing holes in the ECM case and M6 bolts to existing holes in the floor.

 

[aztoyman]

I made another bracket from 20 gauge sheet steel to further secure the ECM. There's two M6 bolt holes right there so I used them to attach to.

 

[gnob]

I made another bracket from 20 gauge sheet steel to further secure the ECM. There's two M6 bolt holes right there so I used them to attach to.

View attachment 3926395

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View attachment 3926397

not saying that i know from experience or anything, but that's a good way to get water in there...

 

[aztoyman]

I put the main piece of the plastic dash back in position to try and figure out how to run the A-pillar tubes. I have 3 of these blue dash parts so I'm not going to regret cutting this one as needed.

Like I mentioned, I won't be needing a speaker in this section of the dash. I don't like the way the available cages bend around this space. I just need to figure out exactly how I want to cut it.

I briefly thought about fabbing a dash and quickly changed my mind. I have time to think about this since I don't have everything I need to start bending tube.

Here's some pics of what I'm up against. Trying to attach right over the body mounts.

I have to decide what to do with the outer A/C vents too.

 

[aztoyman]

Here's a look at the driver side.

 

[aztoyman]

@gnob, I "originally" wanted to mount the ECM up in the glove box. I didn't because I have to pull the harness and rework it. I SHOULD have done it before I redid the A/C, heater and duct work.

I was thinking I should put some sort of splash hood or something as an umbrella over the top. I don't want it to overheat so probably shouldn't bag it. Any other ideas?

 

[gnob]

i was able to mount mine under dash horizontal without having to mess with the harness. i also packed the plugs with dielectric grease aft after the alleged incident.

 

[gnob]

shytty pic

 

[aztoyman]

That helps. I'll have to see what I have to work with. The dielectric grease is a good idea too.

I was surprised to see more crud than I ever expected down in the ECM socket. It's nice and clean now.

I found a new grommet that's a great fit for the firewall. It is from a place that sells LS conversion parts. Hopefully no more stuff coming through there.

 

[aztoyman]

My test piece to mount my momentary switch for my in cab winch control. "PERFECT" position for me. Now I just need to pretty it up and wire it.

The winch power switch will be in the center of the dash. The winch will be have no power until it's in use so accidentally bumping the switch on the shifter will not activate it.

My radio mic goes on my shifter as well. Best place for "me" especially grabbing gears a lot. I never have to look. I know exactly where they are.

 

[littlevulture]

Shifter mounted switches seems like a great idea. I've been a fan of that idea ever since I saw those old school auxiliary throttles people used to make for a trail cruise control. Where do you think the mic button will get mounted?

 

[aztoyman]

@littlevulture I've had the mic clip that came with my radio just hose clamped to the shift lever. About the 2 o'clock position looking at my pic above. So the mic just slid up out of the clip and right back in. Super easy.
The radio was in the cubby directly in front of the shifter so the coiled wire was never really getting in the way or caught on anything. The mics hanging from the roof bother me.

The coolest shifter EVER belonged to my buddy. In his 36 or 37 Ford was his control from his Cobra gunship he flew in Vietnam. His father was a design engineer for the Cobra with Bell and it was a rather "special" component. He passed away last spring so I have no way to get any more details.

 

[Manhattan]

@littlevulture I had a similar setup on a Jeep - a bike brake lever, on the trans shifter, as a hand throttle. It worked well for that poorly thought out build - a V8 with a lumpy cam and difs that needed to be regeared. For some reason, I burned up a few clutches in that Jeep.

 

[gnob]

i built a hand throttle out of an electric cruise actuator and window switch.

 

[clrussell]

i built a hand throttle out of an electric cruise actuator and window switch.

Interesting.