Builds Blue Cruiser Thread

[ufg8r]

Thanks, it was time to make the cut finally. I’m happy with the way its going so far. Started on passenger side first incase I screwed up I wouldn’t have to see it too much.

On the gaskets, I like cork for the diff cover. I use them with no RTV and can usually reuse a few times before they need replaced. Since I had to order that I got the one for both 3rds too. Got all three oem for about $20. I’m in no rush...

 

[ufg8r]

Rockers on both sides gone, I’m diggin it...

 

[ufg8r]

Little more progress. Rear diff with Aussie is back in the truck. I went ahead and did the 2-Lo mod after that since I now have another Aussie for the front...

Then I went ahead and took off the factory bumper supports so I can start working on that project...

Next up is cleaning up all the metal chips and other mess before putting the RCVs and locker in up front.

 

[ufg8r]

And for my 500th message on mud...

Had some time before family arrives this afternoon, so I got the front axles and 3rd member out. Then went ahead a put the front locker in...will be stopping here for a few days...Merry Christmas all!

 

[cruisermatt]

Front lockers are awesome.
The first time you go up a hill with both diffs locked in low range is awesome. It will feel like a total mountain goat.

 

[ufg8r]

Front lockers are awesome.
The first time you go up a hill with both diffs locked in low range is awesome. It will feel like a total mountain goat.

Cool, I’m getting antsy to go give her a spin and check it out, I remember the first locker making a big difference.

 

[cruisermatt]

Cool, I’m getting antsy to go give her a spin and check it out, I remember the first locker making a big difference.

Just make sure you do the 2-Low mod. With the front lockright I do probably 80% of my wheeling in 2-Low with the hubs locked, and just use 4WD when I need it. Less stress on axles, diff, etc. and easier to steer.

 

[ufg8r]

Just make sure you do the 2-Low mod. With the front lockright I do probably 80% of my wheeling in 2-Low with the hubs locked, and just use 4WD when I need it. Less stress on axles, diff, etc. and easier to steer.

Did it yesterday! Posted about it up above.

 

[franklin40]

What gaskets do you need? Put the third in with just RTV. That’s the way to go.

Rocker chop looks good.

isn’t the paper gasket that goes on the third member important for the alignment with the axles. yes it’s only a mm but i thought that was necessary. am i wrong? i agree with the diff cover. rtv is fine for that

 

[ufg8r]

isn’t the paper gasket that goes on the third member important for the alignment with the axles. yes it’s only a mm but i thought that was necessary. am i wrong? i agree with the diff cover. rtv is fine for that

RTV fills up some space too, don’t know if it’s equal to the gasket. People do use RTV for that application all the time and I haven’t heard of any ill effects....but I do prefer the gasket.

 

[cruisermatt]

Doesn’t really matter... I doubt the factory tolerance on the housings are even that tight. They’re just Toyota parts after all

Yup, scrolled right past your post on the 2-Low!

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

@ufg8r are you or maybe I missed it, planning on chopping the rear quarters? I’m thinking of doing mine. I found a mess of bondo covered rust and wondering what it will entail. @GLTHFJ60 you did yours way back. Do you happen to know how much you went into it on your thread and about where? I would imagine I’ll need to chop and weld in a floor of sorts?

 

[ufg8r]

@ufg8r are you or maybe I missed it, planning on chopping the rear quarters? I’m thinking of doing mine. I found a mess of bondo covered rust and wondering what it will entail. @GLTHFJ60 you did yours way back. Do you happen to know how much you went into it on your thread and about where? I would imagine I’ll need to chop and weld in a floor of sorts?

Thinking about it but no first hand experience yet. A couple things I know I’ll have to watch for. The filler hose for the gas tank on tha passenger side and the wiring that runs inside both quarters. I do think i’ll weld in some caps if I go this route.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Yeah I did see those when I had my tail light wires pulled out to clean. Things would need to be shifted.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Just found this post from a few years back on how he did his quarter chop.

I cut off the lower portion of my rear quarters and used aluminum angle and plate to patch it back up. The joints are a combination of rivets and seam seal. I used DIY bedliner on the finished product.

 

[ufg8r]

Got back to it today. Installed the front 3rd member with locker and then the RCVs. Got to drive it for the first time in a long while. Everything seems to be good with the rear axle, hopefully I finally put that issue to bed.

I do have a new vibration above 50 mph but I suspect it’s because I replaced the u-joints and haven’t balanced the drive shaft.

Next I’ll be moving on to bumpers and sliders.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

@ufg8r are you or maybe I missed it, planning on chopping the rear quarters? I’m thinking of doing mine. I found a mess of bondo covered rust and wondering what it will entail. @GLTHFJ60 you did yours way back. Do you happen to know how much you went into it on your thread and about where? I would imagine I’ll need to chop and weld in a floor of sorts?

Not a whole lot to it. Chop it off where you want, make a template of the hole, cut out new metal, hot glue a new piece of steel in the hole.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

hot glue

I can’t help but ask... my blond roots will be showing but you don’t really mean hot GLUE right? Weld? Seam sealer? And I was pondering sawzall or angle grinder? Sawzall would vibrate the metal panel a ton right? But less sparks?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

hot glue = weld. @kevinmrowland did his with panel adhesive back in the day.

Recip saw is fine if you use a fine tooth blade. I prefer angle grinder or plasma to ensure straight cuts.

 

[ufg8r]

Little more progress over the last couple weeks.

Got the rockers primed and painted and started working on the rock sliders. We’ll see if I can get the kick out welded up tomorrow.