Pretty quiet in here... what are you working on?

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Decided to install the Ironman winch I had previously bought for the Tacoma but never installed while I'm sorting out the Warn 8274 that came with the 80 series. I tried to clock the Ironman motor but am not able to get it back on. It's hard to explain, but in the first photo (looking inside the motor housing), the four copper pieces I circled are on a spring, so when you press them away from the center, when you let go, they move back. Those four pieces need to fit over the piece of the motor armature I circled in the second picture, but it's not possible in their current position without getting pressed out to fit around it. The third picture is of the outside of the motor housing. Any thoughts on how to reinstall this or if there's a local shop I could reach out to?

FYI, I contacted Ironman and they essentially said I'm ****ed and suggested seeing if someone local that specializes in winches can put it back on.View attachment 4100492View attachment 4100493View attachment 4100494
Usually there are small holes on the outside of the housing (may be covered to keep water out). Push the brush (4 things at the bottom) in (all the way in) and then insert a small wire/paper clip into the hole to retain the brush. Do that to all of them. Insert the rotor and remove the paper clips. The springs will push the brushes out against the rotor.

Good news, the end cap of the motor housing popped right out with a long flat head screw driver and a couple gentle whacks of a hammer. After that it was super easy to put it together. Went ahead and clocked the motor, then hooked it up to a battery to test it. No issues running with no load, hopefully none when actually in use!
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Good news, the end cap of the motor housing popped right out with a long flat head screw driver and a couple gentle whacks of a hammer. After that it was super easy to put it together. Went ahead and clocked the motor, then hooked it up to a battery to test it. No issues running with no load, hopefully none when actually in use!View attachment 4107903View attachment 4107904
great job man! :)
 
Fred @DC470 came over on Saturday to help me get the transmission mated to the motor. We struggled for about 6 hours and then finally it decided we had it aligned and, WHAM!, the whole assembly finally traveled the last inch to mate nice and flush up against the motor.

Big shout out to Fred as I definitely would not have been able to do that solo. Getting closer to being back on the road! WOOHOO!
 
Fred @DC470 came over on Saturday to help me get the transmission mated to the motor. We struggled for about 6 hours and then finally it decided we had it aligned and, WHAM!, the whole assembly finally traveled the last inch to mate nice and flush up against the motor.

Big shout out to Fred as I definitely would not have been able to do that solo. Getting closer to being back on the road! WOOHOO!
I need you in front of me on the trail to pull me out like you did at GER in case this new winch doesn't work! 🤣
 
Pretty sweet setup, looks like everything is pretty well thought out. I still need to finish my drawers...I cut out the pieces recently but need to find time to put them together.
Thanks...now I understand why these go for $4k+...lots of work plus reconfiguring for V2 once I realized how I really wanted it. Probably have 40+ hours into everything for the drawers/platform alone and about $800+ in materials. Very satisfying to have it just the way I want, but there's always room for improvement! First big test will be the cross country to Moab in a couple of weeks, so stoked for that trip!

Now I still need to:
Wire in a new transfer pump from my aux tank (mine sounds rough!)
Some fluid changes (oil, transmission, differentials)
Exterior cleanup
I did the coolant and transfer case not too long ago, and my u-joints & drive shaft still have fresh grease on the nipples
Get a 3rd job to cover the $500+ in extra fuel costs due to our Middle East Excursion (450+ gallons expected consumption round trip)
Throw in a few extra happy endings for my wife as she's been extremely patient with my weekends holed up in the garage!
 
Just an FYI, Andrew and I split the purchase on a new Harbor Freight heavy duty transmission jack in case anyone needs to borrow it. I also have a cherry picker and 20 ton press too.
 
Making more progress...April 11th go time to Moab is here in no time...

Installed my sub box, got a 10" Alpine loaded box, downfiring style, mounted under my fridge.
Got the fridge fully installed on the platform, finished wiring up the QPM so all is fully functional now.
Sorted out where to mount my Mojab jack, was able to use some factory mount points in the passenger footwell for now.
Got a spot for my PowerTank next to the drawer, need a tie down strap for that, but have D-rings already installed underneath.
Cleaned out my differential breathers...I was getting some oil up from the rear locker, ARB says this is usually the cause...they were crusty!

Tomorrow hopefully changing oil, both differentials, and transmission fluids.
Since I'm planning on the 5 speed conversion soon, I just wanted to do for this trip, so no filter, etc., just a drain/fill.
Install my TEQ Offroad under hood lighting strip.
Install my catch can from Epic Cruisers.
My wife deserves more than I can say for begin so patient with me and this project!!!

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Along with everything else I've been working on, I did a quick install of a TEQ Offroad light strip kit under the hood. Nice little kit that has a well built harness and switch that is right next to the battery on the fender. It comes with a hood plunger too, but I opted to skip that and just use the switch. I had a brain fart and took some pics in the garage with the lights on..thought it would be great to take some night pics...oh yeah, my windows are blocked and with the garage door closed, it's as black as midnight! Imagine being in the middle of nowhere (or even the Cove) and having to do some under hood work at night. I did wire this to my secondary battery, so I do have some backup there for extended use.

And on a side note, I used my ARB Brushless Twin to air up a bit...all 4 tires were at about 22 lbs, aired up to 30 (315's) consistently in about 25-28 seconds each. Pretty impressive in my opinion!

First pic, garage lights on...last 3, pitch black other than the strip. ;) 🦀

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@CrabCake I have the same on my Lexus and it is a great light for sure. It was simple enough that even I could do the wiring!!
 
With the weather finally getting better, I’m finally working on the truck again. Feels good to make some progress after letting it sit for like 4 months.

First thing to cross off my list is the Wolfbox G900 TriPro dashcam/mirror I got on Black Friday. Used the LJE kit, which replaces the OEM mirror mount and clips the rear camera right in front of the hatch glass.

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With this job done, I reattached a few more trim pieces that have been off the truck for months. So relieved that it’s starting to feel just a tad bit less like a s#!+box. My biggest gripe is that the mirror is now really close to the ceiling, but I’m sure that I’ll get used to it.

The next step is to manage this mess of wires and finally get the LRA 24G aux tank wired up properly. Also ran a wire through the firewall that I’ll connect to the locker harness so that I’ll be ready for the new front diff.

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These wires aren’t as bad as they look, mostly stuff is just too long.

Still have a long way to go before I’m done, but hopefully I’ll have things cleaned up enough to drive the truck to the meeting on Wednesday.
 
Along with everything else I've been working on, I did a quick install of a TEQ Offroad light strip kit under the hood. Nice little kit that has a well built harness and switch that is right next to the battery on the fender. It comes with a hood plunger too, but I opted to skip that and just use the switch. I had a brain fart and took some pics in the garage with the lights on..thought it would be great to take some night pics...oh yeah, my windows are blocked and with the garage door closed, it's as black as midnight! Imagine being in the middle of nowhere (or even the Cove) and having to do some under hood work at night. I did wire this to my secondary battery, so I do have some backup there for extended use.

And on a side note, I used my ARB Brushless Twin to air up a bit...all 4 tires were at about 22 lbs, aired up to 30 (315's) consistently in about 25-28 seconds each. Pretty impressive in my opinion!

First pic, garage lights on...last 3, pitch black other than the strip. ;) 🦀

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Yeah I need one of those
 
Took a trip down to NC to see the guys East Coast Gear Supply. 4.88s and added a Eaton Harrop locker to the front.

Also had them install a new set of diff bushings and swap the diff drop from a Trail Tailor to Slee. Changed the diff drop so I can eventually grab Slee skids when I’m out in Colorado (no plans yet).

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Took a trip down to NC to see the guys East Coast Gear Supply. 4.88s and added a Eaton Harrop locker to the front.

Also had them install a new set of diff bushings and swap the diff drop from a Trail Tailor to Slee. Changed the diff drop so I can eventually grab Slee skids when I’m out in Colorado (no plans yet).

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I'm in the same boat re: Slee skids. I'll be out there in 2 weeks and am getting their diff drop and front skid put on.
 
got almost all the electrical working. Rear side marker lights, reverse light, and interior transfer light still in progress. Also I need another blower motor switch. They are unobtanium for the ‘72. Can I use a 3 position toggle? Just wire it as middle for off up for hi down for low? Is there some secret in the blower switches? They seem pretty simple.

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I’m close to moving on to the next step which will be everything under the hood. I basically have all new gaskets and hoses etc….. might just do the HG whilst I’m in there. I have been filming some and will share the videos once I have them edited.
 
Been a hot minute.
Installed a hidden winch mount and a badlands 12k synthetic on the 1st gen sequoia.
Replaced the side mirrors. Spark plugs and coils.
Debating ripping off the side steps, but thats how wheeling rig projects start. If i do that, ill need sliders, and then...
 
got almost all the electrical working. Rear side marker lights, reverse light, and interior transfer light still in progress. Also I need another blower motor switch. They are unobtanium for the ‘72. Can I use a 3 position toggle? Just wire it as middle for off up for hi down for low? Is there some secret in the blower switches? They seem pretty simple.

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I’m close to moving on to the next step which will be everything under the hood. I basically have all new gaskets and hoses etc….. might just do the HG whilst I’m in there. I have been filming some and will share the videos once I have them edited.


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Took a trip down to NC to see the guys East Coast Gear Supply. 4.88s and added a Eaton Harrop locker to the front.

Also had them install a new set of diff bushings and swap the diff drop from a Trail Tailor to Slee. Changed the diff drop so I can eventually grab Slee skids when I’m out in Colorado (no plans yet).

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Even better! Didn’t even know this was a thing
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I swapped in a used charcoal canister I've had on the shelf for a few years. I'm hoping this resolves the gas tank pressure and strong fuel smell we all experienced this weekend during the trail clean up/BBQ feast.


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