Build Big Red Toy

[The Phoenician]

I got to drift in big red a few times. It's really fun on gravel roads.

 

[The Phoenician]

For you diesel folks, what's better for cooling using a stock water pump, a 4 row aluminum radiator or a triple pass radiator?

 

[boots4]

In general, the more cooling surface the better. Radiators of the same size/rows - the bypass design will offer more cooling potential. It forces the coolant to take a longer path in the radiator which will increase heat exchange.

 

[The Phoenician]

In general, the more cooling surface the better. Radiators of the same size/rows - the bypass design will offer more cooling potential. It forces the coolant to take a longer path in the radiator which will increase heat exchange.

Thanks, I just read I might need to upgrade the water pump if I go the triple bypass route.

 

[The Phoenician]

Picked up Sushi Roll, she got an engine transplant. Went from a 22r to a 3rz. So far very pleased with the increase in power.

Next big step is likely to be portals and 37s on the tacoma. Big Red also needs a new radiator.

 

[The Phoenician]

This popped up in my feed from my first big bend trip.

 

[The Phoenician]

It's that time of year again. Big Red still needs a radiator, so I'm taking sushi roll. Did a practice run, she can do 65mph with the trailer. Looking forward to round up 2026

The gsd puppy jumped on the trailer, I guess he wants to go too.

 

[The Phoenician]

Since we're taking a break from this not war we're not having with Iran, I finally have few days to myself. So I can tackle a few house projects and do some maintenance on the cars. I've missed driving big red and can't wait to go out and camp with it again.

I bought 37s and portal axles for the tacoma, waiting on them to be delivered. Bought some hardware for the VW, also waiting on the delivery. Big Red has a radiator that's been sitting here for months, so no better time than now to have it installed. It's a stock 60 radiator but it's aluminum with 4 rows, so hopefully this works great with the two turbos.

I dropped it off at Land Cruiser Specialist to do the work. It used to be Hunter's high school truck, so I love taking back to him. Anyway here are some pics.

 

[zeeklafreek]

Since we're taking a break from this not war we're not having with Iran, I finally have few days to myself. So I can tackle a few house projects and do some maintenance on the cars. I've missed driving big red and can't wait to go out and camp with it again.

I bought 37s and portal axles for the tacoma, waiting on them to be delivered. Bought some hardware for the VW, also waiting on the delivery. Big Red has a radiator that's been sitting here for months, so no better time than now to have it installed. It's a stock 60 radiator but it's aluminum with 4 rows, so hopefully this works great with the two turbos.

I dropped it off at Land Cruiser Specialist to do the work. It used to be Hunter's high school truck, so I love taking back to him. Anyway here are some pics.

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Say hi to Edwin and Shane from me, lol. Let them know Betty got shipped from Texas to Germany.

 

[The Phoenician]

Say hi to Edwin and Shane from me, lol. Let them know Betty got shipped from Texas to Germany.

Will do. I'm here now.


Thinking about deleting the AC compressor for more space and wrap for the alternator.

 

[The Phoenician]

And finished...

Drove it home in traffic. Top speed was about 75 mph. It kept the temps between 190 and just under 200. Looks like I'll see above 200 when I get on it and the weather gets even hotter.

 

[boots4]

Honestly I'm surprised the alternator even spins with such little belt contact. Since you have several rigs to choose from perhaps the Landcruiser becomes more fair-cold weather and your other options can fill in during really hot months/trips. Or maybe the heat just doesn't bother you so it's not a big deal to eliminate the AC compressor anyways. You could remove the AC condenser and get more flow through the radiator too.

 

[The Phoenician]

I put a larger pulley on it when we first built it. It's a 200 amp alternator and seems to be keeping up with the demand. The solar panel and dual battery setup helps as well.

That's been the plan, Texas is way to hot for not having AC, so building up the Tacoma to be nearly as capable. The modern comforts are too good to deny.

Big Red is an October to March truck now. Though we were discussing adding a second alternator just to power an electric AC. If that ever happens, it'll be years down the line.

 

[The Phoenician]

You could remove the AC condenser and get more flow through the radiator too.

I removed a the condenser a while ago when the mechanical fan broke loose in the Ozarks. I had to remove it and install an electric fan to make it back home, it's been electric since. I installed a small engine oil cooler in place if the condenser.

 

[The Phoenician]

I went ahead and deleted the AC. The hardest part was finding a belt that fit. The alternator it giving slightly more juice now.

As far as the temps go, it hovers at 190* under 70 mph, but from 70-75 it hits about 200*.
Nothing major to worry about. I'll worry when it goes above 210*.

While working on it a two different cars stopped by to ask if Big Red is for sale. Told them no, so one guy asked about buying the 40 and the other the 911. I might sell the 40 in a year or so. The 911 stays.

 

[The Phoenician]

Found the original pulley that came with the 4BT and decided to reinstall it. It's a smaller pulley so it should rotate faster and create more voltage. The hardest part was finding the correct belt for it, but all in all it was an easy upgrade.


Larger pulley at idle.

Smaller pulley at idle.

Belt size for reference, but will likely go one size smaller.

 

[The Phoenician]

Updating this with the correct size