Builds Penelope Cruiser (1 Viewer)

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This popped up in my feed. It's 3 of my 4 Toyotas. Can't wait to get home and work on them again.
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My deployment is nearing its end and I'm starting to plan a few trips I want to take. In order to confidently take Penelope to say the Ozarks or Colorado I'm going to need new tires and a spare. Looking at spare tire carriers that can mount on the tow hitch and carry a 40 inch tire easily. Does anyone have any experience doing this or recommendations?
 
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Back in town for a few days and decided to get everything running again. Big Red was the only truck to not give me issues, but did take a second to start in the freezing weather after sitting for 9 months.

Penelope gave me a hard time. I had to get a new battery, and figured out why it cranks but no spark. It came down to water and dirt getting in the fuel tank. I drained roughly 15 gallons out. Cleaned out what i can and changed 3 fuel filters before it ran right. But now I'm driving it down the highway and it pulls strong.


I had to jump start it at one point because I drained the new battery.
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it was easier to have the pump do the draining.
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This fuel filter was from 9 months of sitting.
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This one was from driving 5 miles down the road. It started hesitating so I bought more filters and headed home.
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This is where all the dirt and moisture entered the fuel cell. It's been sealed since.
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Found this mini truck truss in my garage. Been looking at ways to reinforce the 60 rear axle. This would fit perfectly but a bit short. I know it hurts the clearance by a few inches, but I'll be going from 37s to 40s once I'm back for good. Thoughts on this? Is there a better option I'm missing?
 
40 inch tires came in.
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When they say size wins, remind them it's the grip that makes all the difference.
 
Headed back overseas, but I did manage to mount the new tires on the beadlock wheels.
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Had some gunk in the fuel system, but looks like it's cleaned up mostly. The new tires are quiet and an improvement. The truck is mostly highway ready. I just need to change out the brake lines and all the metal fuel lines. At some point I'll install a sniper efi system. But that will have to wait until I return.
 
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Is the 1/4 elliptical sketchy on steep decents? They are usually super sketch and love to fully unload.

A little rear suckdown might be a good investment for that.
 
Ya them rear leafs setup like that are um.... interesting
 
Is the 1/4 elliptical sketchy on steep decents? They are usually super sketch and love to fully unload.

A little rear suckdown might be a good investment for that.
Been debating on doing coilovers. I will be replacing the limit cables with better limit straps.
So far I haven't really noticed them being an issue, but I also haven't really wheeled this truck much. I usually use my 62 and more recently my tacoma.
 
Ya them rear leafs setup like that are um.... interesting
They aren't my favorite but they work so far. Debating on going coilovers or just straight ORIs. We'll see when I get back
 
Is the 1/4 elliptical sketchy on steep decents? They are usually super sketch and love to fully unload.

A little rear suckdown might be a good investment for that.
Post #10 shows them fully stretched with no issues. But I still don't like it
 
Tires look good. Safe travels and return home.
 
After two extensions my 18-month deployment is over. I made it home last night and will be starting my terminal leave soon.

This morning, I decided to mess around with Penelope but had a no crank no start issue. I charged the battery and installed a brand-new starter. Still the no crank. I ordered an ignition switch which I'm hoping will fix this. We'll find out tomorrow I guess. I'm out of ideas as to what else it could be, so please chime in if you know.

I ordered so many parts including two sniper efi units, one for Penelope and one for the pickup. I have so many armored parts and lift kits on the way as well as accessories that I forgot I ordered. But for now I need to get the vehicles running and I need to figure out of all bushings are a universal fit for Toyota.
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After two extensions my 18-month deployment is over. I made it home last night and will be starting my terminal leave soon.

This morning, I decided to mess around with Penelope but had a no crank no start issue. I charged the battery and installed a brand-new starter. Still the no crank. I ordered an ignition switch which I'm hoping will fix this. We'll find out tomorrow I guess. I'm out of ideas as to what else it could be, so please chime in if you know.

I ordered so many parts including two sniper efi units, one for Penelope and one for the pickup. I have so many armored parts and lift kits on the way as well as accessories that I forgot I ordered. But for now I need to get the vehicles running and I need to figure out of all bushings are a universal fit for Toyota. View attachment 3385752View attachment 3385753View attachment 3385754View attachment 3385755View attachment 3385756
Welcome home. Time to enjoy your toys!
 
Welcome home. Time to enjoy your toys!
Thanks.

Well I got her up and running. Turns out the new battery was faulty. Only took me half the day to figure it out. Drained it from bad gas, the fuel cell doesn't seem to be water proof. Then took her for an easy drive. She did 70mph no sweat. She needs an oil change and the holley Sniper install
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It's back to having fuel issues. Seems like the foam in the 20 gallon fuel cell is disintegrating. It started hesitating at 65mph. Pulled over and changed the fuel filter ( I learned to always have a spare or two). Drive 5 miles home and the new one is already getting clogged.

Here's a two day old one.
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here's a 5 mile old one.
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I also stopped at a welding shop to get a quote for to reinforce the tow hitch. Looking to add a spare tire carrier and to be able to pull my trailer for the Colorado trip we're planning. I'm going to need a few more quotes as these guys can't get me in until at least October.
 
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Been looking for welding shops near me. None were allowed by their insurance to touch an automobile. However, I did get a referral to a guy who will take a look at in on Monday. Hopefully this gets done quickly before the spare tire carrier arrives.

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I also changed out the oil. I put in Mobil 5w30 synthetic, it was on sale and is generally a great brand. I ended up with 6.5 quarts in a Chevy 350. The oil filter alone took 1.5 quarts. I thought I might need 7 to accommodate the lines and the oil cooler, but will see how she does the next few days and I'll adjust as necessary. I drove it for a while, she seems to be doing well. No hesitation yet from the fuel filter getting clogged. I might power wash the inside of the fuel cell and take out the foam if that keeps happening. Managed 72 mph. It's crazy on my 62 with the Cummins it does 85 easily. This one seems to top off at 70ish mph.
Im going to upgrade the sound system in the next month or so, or start wearing hearing aids.
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Found this mini truck truss in my garage. Been looking at ways to reinforce the 60 rear axle. This would fit perfectly but a bit short. I know it hurts the clearance by a few inches, but I'll be going from 37s to 40s once I'm back for good. Thoughts on this? Is there a better option I'm missing?
Toyota axles tend to bend at the bump stop contact area mostly.
 
Toyota axles tend to bend at the bump stop contact area mostly.
I found some gussets for the front and waiting on a longer truss for the rear. Hopefully that alleviates any potential. Otherwise I might have to go with Dana 60 and a 14 bolt
 

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