My First Pig - Where to Start?

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Y'know what Buddy? You're going to have to get a star.
Consider it part of the price of owning the flagship of the Toyota line.
You need help, we need pics, woody needs 20 bucks.
Woody does take trade (make barter) for stars too.
I've traded a Rubithon Cook Crew apron, and Marlin pinion seals (before they were available to the general public) for years of stars...
So if you have, like, a gross of fresh eggs, or a goat, or a transfer case, just be where woody is and offer a trade.
Or, save your pennies and figure out how paypal works.

Tech hijack: Choose an axle to check the brakes on first...Rear axle? Good choice!
Loosen the lugnuts, put it (the rear) in the air on your new jackstands in a nice shady spot and contemplate removing your rear brakedrums.
 
OK so I had no clue there was a subscription option... Consider myself starred!

I will get see what I can do about getting the rear in the air this evening or tomorrow.

Thanks!

C
 
C, sure wish I had a Pighead near by, a rubi too!

Looking at your original pics, one thing I noticed is the rubber fuel line hoses and water type breather hose. A pet peeve of mine. The rubber fuel lines, while common increase your vulnerability to engine fire. They are right above a heat source which leads to premature failure. The water hose isn't resistant to oil and will also break down prematurely causing rubber chunks to suck into the carb.

Certainly not a priority but you might consider in the future replacing the fuel lines with steel and the breather hose with an oil resistant version.
 
Took a few days, but I finally got home from work early enough to take a look at the rear brakes... Low-res photos here, with lots more hi-res photos on Flickr:

FJ55 Rear Brakes

It took slightly longer than expected as I couldn't find the tire iron in the vehicle. Had to go grab the iron from my Tacoma, which worked perfectly.

Apologies for the use of flash... It was after 9 before I could get the photos taken.

As always, comments and advice is appreciated!

C
Back of Left Rear from Left.webp
Back of Right Rear from Right.webp
Left Rear Inside.webp
 
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OK, so take the drums off. Oh, your exhaust pipe is kinda mickey-mouse too...
 
Yeah I noticed that about the exhaust as well.

Ran out of daylight or I would have pulled the drums... Hopefully they're as easy as they look after watching some videos as I've really never done brakes before. :D
 
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Doesn't look too bad. What is odd is how one side looks like new wheel cylinders, one side doesn't. I usually don't do it that way.

Also, I like the pic of your rear driveshaft...has it been cut and welded in the middle?
4794932871_a227bfab9d.webp
 
What is the custom wiring for?

I would guess that is old speaker wire running 12 volts to the electrical fuel pump...


Caio, you know what I might suggest? Buy 4 rear drum brake cylinder rebuild kits.
They're about 6 bucks each at Napa. I hate to see mis-matched wheel cylinders, and if I need one I get 4. Check the bore of your old wheel cylinders. I've got a hone you can borrow if you need it. Get a lot of good brake fluid too. I love spending other people's money.
 
Any particular brake fluid I should look for at Napa?


I use castrol, but any DOT4 should work. You're going to soak your wheel cylinders in it too, so see what's on sale...
 
Awesome. Thanks. I'll be purchasing the products tomorrow and doing the install Sunday morning...

If any one wants to come out and check out what I got going (or want to lend a rookie a hand!) let me know :)
 
Sunday morning? How about you PM your address to Pighead, I'll drop by and give you an attaboy.


Edit: Do you have a can of anti-seize? you're going to need it for this job. and forever.
 
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Slight hiccup already... Went to Napa and they didn't have the drum rebuild kits, at least not what they guy could find in the computer. Nor any in any other location. He also checked if he could order the part from their vendor and they no longer sell them. Hmm

Anyone have suggestions as to where to get these? Or I there an alternative equivalent?
 
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