Builds My 1997 Desert Dune CE (1 Viewer)

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So after several years on mud I figured it’s probably time to start the build thread of my original 1997 Landcruiser.

2013 - I will fill in the blanks over the next few weeks. At least I will have a good place to document all that has happened up until now.

Fast forward

2020 - As preventive maintenance I figured it was time to do the head gasket. Better to do it now then wait. Well as some of you know from a few of my threads, once the head gasket was replaced and everything was back together it ran for about four seconds. The catalyst to the failure was The oil cooler. In a short amount of time there was at least half a gallon of antifreeze in the block. Needless to say it seized.

I purchased a new block. Had the cylinder head checked again and began ordering a lot of new parts.

Now that I have time, most of the parts, I am finally in the process of putting it together.

 

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Build 1

 

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Build 2

 

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Build 3

 

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Build 4

 

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Build 5

 

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Build 6

 

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Build 7

 

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While I have the engine out I am bringing it to the shop to get a full paint job. I took off the fender flares, and then I’m going to takeoff the molding as well.

I had already done soundproofing on the firewall. I am a dealer and installer for SeccondSkin so I will go ahead and do stage III soundproofing inside.

 

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September 9, 2020

Finally took the plastic wrapper off of the block. What a beautiful piece of machinery.

 

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Like others have noticed, when you purchase a new block, it has a thin layer of paint that can be scraped off easily. I decided that wasn’t good enough for me so I removed all of the paint on both sides of the block. Then I cleaned it and prepped it for paint. Took a little bit to carefully paint it with a tiny brush, but I am happy with the results.

 

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Installed some more pieces. Slow. Methodical. Thoroughly enjoyable.


Parts and pieces

Old guide was pretty worn. Replaced

 

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Waiting for the two bolt/studs that hold on the power steering pump. I have 1 of the old ones, can't find the 2nd. So, I installed the new oil cooler cover. I kept the cooler itself as I saw no reason to replace it. Torqued the 10 bolts and 2 nuts to 15 ft-lbf after installing the large gasket, and the 2 smaller ones. Simple, but I took my time. All new hardware.

 

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Got quite a few things done over the last few weeks. Upper oil pan completed. Lower oil pan completed. Lots of new parts. Timing cover installed, oil cooler installed.

 

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Installed the compressor bracket, and a few other things today.

 

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And then I put on the distributor and lined things up one last time.

 

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To finish up the day, I installed the refreshed valve cover, new valve cover gasket, and spark plugs. No pictures on this yet. Still trying to get the FIPG off of my hands.

 

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Installed oil sender gauge. A few other items.

 

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I found out just how easy it is to put on a redhead steering box while the engine is out. Easy.

This stuff is amazing.

Redhead steering boxes are awesome!

Perfect for my build.

 

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Awesome visuals - thank you and happy 4u!

Is there a thread or link to a sheet where someone's organized and listed all the part #s and qtys for a thorough engine refresh project like this one?