I'm back in a Toyota!!!

[Corey]

Nope, no SAS.
Just Downey coils in the rear, and SAW swaybars up front.
Here is the old site for it, and the mods for it are in the table of contents at the bottom of the page.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/tando/

I have read many run the LC coils in the rear and do the BJ spacers up front, as better option I think than the harsh ride from the SAWs.
I ran the SAWs though as I also had an ARB bumper and Warn XD9000 winch.
The SAWs helped with the sag, as the stock bars could not handle the weight when coming to a stop, it really took a dive.

I traded it in summer of '06 though for a new rig to build up.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/fjc/

 

[4Rescue]

Nice truck mate. honestly If and when you go for a new Front Bumper, I'd highly suggest Badlands Bumpers. THat's what I'm leaning towards becasue I like the covered top section more than the full Tube versions like Marlins (I have his rear bumper it's awesome) and All-Pro. It's like a combo between an ARB and an All-pro.

Nice truck and glad to see you back with the Big T.

Cheers

Dave

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Welcome and congrats. I've had a killer romance the last year with the same era pickups for a lot of the same reasons and have been having a blast, you'll dig it. Same tires size, same drivetrain, and it has been a lot of fun...

 

[jh504]

You could definitely use the Downeys (basically these *in the pic below* were the one's Toyota used for the service campaign, made for them IIRC by either Downey or their supplier) or just find a set of FJ Cruiser Coils, they're the exact same thing.
Yes, I said "they're the exact same thing"...trust me!!! Try a local lift shop, so many people have been tossing 2" lifts on their FJ's and tossing out their O/E coils needlessly. As for the BJ Spacers, Frank (SDORI) is the main source these days for them and they work great, in fact we're about to pick up another pair for another rig.

Oh I didnt realize the FJ Cruiser coils would fit as well. Do they provide any lift? From what I have been reading the FJ80 coils can give anywhere from 2.5"-4" of lift depending on the spring size of the cruiser. I really would like to keep it down around 2"-2.5".


Bumper wise, I would really like to throw on an ARB but I am not going to shell out that kind of money for a bumper. Unfortunately I was laid off theis week from my job so fabricating a bumper is now out of the question since I no longer have access to the machinery.

 

[jh504]

BTW, forgot to ask before, I didn't see it in the original post, 5 speed or auto?? I've some auto tech I'm happy to share. Is that what you meant by "standard"?? As in "manual transmission"??

Yes, it is a 5 speed. I guess I have some terminology from MS that might not be used everywhere else.

 

[jh504]

Here is a little update of the truck, with a better "parking lot poser" image.

I bought some rear LC coils, ball joint spacers, and shocks. Everything is on order and should arrive this week. Hopefully after the new shocks are on, the truck wont "glide like a caddy" anymore.

I've been looking at this winch mount from Trail Gear and it might be what I want. It is made to be a base for a fabricated bumper. I was thinking that I could hook it on and form the stock bumper around it for now. Down the road when I am ready for a full steel bumper I would already have the base to work off of.

 

[Tucson T4R]

I wondered about the approach angle on those things. I prefer a full bumper as well, but this truck is in great shape and I will wait until I beat it up a little (the bumper) to add steel bumper protection. Do you have any pictures of your old 4runner with the winch mount?

Sorry for the delayed response, I just noticed your question. I went back and looked but I can't find any pictures of my old 4runner with the winch mount. My son has since taken it off the 4Runner so I can't go take any new ones.

 

[jh504]

Sorry for the delayed response, I just noticed your question. I went back and looked but I can't find any pictures of my old 4runner with the winch mount. My son has since taken it off the 4Runner so I can't go take any new ones.

No problem, thanks for checking. Does the Trail Gear mount look similar to what to you had, as far as departure angles? It looks like since this is made to be a base for a steel bumper, it would not be that bad, the same as a bumper would be I guess.

 

[Tucson T4R]

No problem, thanks for checking. Does the Trail Gear mount look similar to what to you had, as far as departure angles? It looks like since this is made to be a base for a steel bumper, it would not be that bad, the same as a bumper would be I guess.

Yep, looks similar on the approach angle. The Warn mount bolted directly to the frame with lower and upper support attachment points. If I remember correctly, the lower mount bolted to the same holes as the stock tow hooks and the upper ones came through the decorative grill below the bumper and bolted to the top of the frame.

Looking at the current Warn website, this mounting system is similar to what I was running:

http://www.warn.com/truck/mounting-systems/trans4mer_mount.shtml

 

[jh504]

Yep, looks similar on the approach angle. The Warn mount bolted directly to the frame with lower and upper support attachment points. If I remember correctly, the lower mount bolted to the same holes as the stock tow hooks and the upper ones came through the decorative grill below the bumper and bolted to the top of the frame.

Looking at the current Warn website, this mounting system is similar to what I was running:

http://www.warn.com/truck/mounting-systems/trans4mer_mount.shtml

Thanks for the info.

I have a new problem with the truck. I have all of my suspension components in but all of my time has been devoted to finding out what is wrong with my power steering! At first it had a small whine when turning and braking, then it got louder and louder. I replaced the power steering pump and it fixed nothing. Next I bled the steering system for air. Nothing. Today I replaced the ABS pump because the power steering lines are run through the ABS pump. The truck no longer whines when turning but the power steering does not work anymore. It has a slight whine when braking but not like before. This problem is really testing me. I am not the best mechanic in the world but I do like to think that I can fix a problem like this. Anyone have any suggestion?? I am not familiar with this generation of Toyotas so I am running out of options here.
It could be that the ABS pump was bad but being that I drove it some before replacing it I damaged the new power steering pump that I installed which is why the power steering isnt working now. I dont know????

 

[jh504]

I guess no one has any suggestions for my power steering, its a tough one.

Heres a few snow shots from this week:

 

[jh504]

Have you tired turning the wheels lock to lock with the rig running to burp the system and clear out any pockets of air in the ABS box yet? Took us 3-4 tries last time I did one of those.

I'd have to pull out my FSM to see if there's something more that might be an issue there if this trick doesn't work for you.

..and yeah, it's possible you might have worn the steering pump a little, but you'd have to look at the fluid to find bits of seal/junk to know for sure.

You did use only ATF, not power steering fluid, right? Toyota's are only ATF, never power steering fluid, it blows seals.

I did try doing that once and some air did come out. I stopped after I couldnt see air coming out anymore though. I might have stopped too soon. I will give this another try.
The truck has always used Dex III but I unknowingly put ps fluid in it a couple weeks ago. I have since been repremanded and I am going back to Dex III. The problem started way before any of that though.

 

[jh504]

We bled the system again today and things seem a little better but really no major change. I have formed a plan of action though I think. I am goning to remove the ABS all together. It is a bad way of doing things anyway. I should just be able to find a non-ABS donor vehicle and take the brake lines and high pressure steering lines from it. Ill bypass the ABS actuator and remove it. We will see if it works.

 

[jh504]

Just wanted to give an update if anyone is still interested. I picked up a Warn winch mount/brushguard for my 8,000lb winch yesterday. Here's a picture of one (not my truck):

I also ordered a Lock Right rear locker, and it should be in this week. I will be locked and winch ready by the weekend!

 

[Wheelingnoob]

What was the problem with the P/S?

Winch mount looks good.