2001 4Runner build/fix log

[tx_shooter]

Tools and parts arrived today for the e-locker install coming up at the end of the month. Just ordered diff armor for the e-locker axle as well. I plan to get the drum brake pads replaced with a brake kit this weekend. Hopefully everything goes smooth enough so I can install it ready to wheel at the end of the month. I am getting this rig upgraded to badass once piece at a time.

 

[balakay]

Tools and parts arrived today for the e-locker install coming up at the end of the month. Just ordered diff armor for the e-locker axle as well. I plan to get the drum brake pads replaced with a brake kit this weekend. Hopefully everything goes smooth enough so I can install it ready to wheel at the end of the month. I am getting this rig upgraded to badass once piece at a time.

Disk brakes?

 

[tx_shooter]

Not in the credit cards right now. I was going to do the Tundra brake upgrade up front at the same time but am going to hold off so as to not bite off too many upgrades at once.

 

[tx_shooter]

Diff armor is here. Now just need to get home in time this weekend to get it cleaned up and a few modifications done to it before welding it onto the axle.

 

[tx_shooter]

I removed the drums on the e-locker axle. The pads look like the brakes were just changed out on the axle before it was removed. So I might just hit the drums with fresh coat of black spray paint and get started on the front axle prep.

 

[tx_shooter]

It was interesting swapping in an early 3rd gen 4Runner axle under my '01 4Runner. I did a decent bit of prep work and still found an unexpected issue on the early gen axle. The early 3rd gen 4R axles use a single brake line from the master cylinder to the axle and then it splits to the two drums. The later 4Runners have a single line to each drum from the master cylinder so I ditched the brake line that came with the axle. Because of the difference in the brake lines the locker axle was missing a bolt hole that is for the brake line holder on the driver side. I bent the locating tab and let it rest for the time being. I plan to tap it for the bolt when I get a chance.

Just a few notes on the axle swap for future reference if anyone needs it:

1. Dropping the spare tire is not optional.
2. Remove everything that is attached with the 12mm and 10mm bolts before any of the big parts. I removed the emergency brake first, then the ABS sensors, and finally the brake lines. I put some needle nose vise grips on the brake hoses to keep the the dripping to a minimum.
3. Remove the big parts in this order: driveshaft, sway bar, shocks, panhard bar, upper control arms, and then lower control arms. Reconnect the new axle in the exact opposite order.

Pic of missing bolt hole on the upper control arm bracket.

 

[tx_shooter]

I decided to check out the front 4.30 axle to make sure the gears were okay. This is also the first time I split a clam shell so I figured it would be easier to learn on a bench than under a 4Runner. I am happy to say the gears look like they are brand new. The axle is going to get put back together and I will just swap out the whole front axles this weekend. Hopefully this will be easier than swapping just gears.

 

[tx_shooter]

For future reference for bench testing/ engaging the locker without a full harness:

On the 8 pin plug (hold the plug catch up so the empty spot is top left) the next two wires are Light Green and Light Green w/ Red Stripe. These are the two wires that engage and disengage the motor to engage the locker. LG to positive, LG-R to negative and it locks. Reverse the + - for unlocking. I used a spare battery to test this but will use my 4Runner battery on Saturday at Bridgeport to engage the locker when I first get there.

While this is not a harness replacement; it is good enough to engage the locker for an afternoon and then unlock it before going home until my harness gets here.

 

[Silverback]

Glad you decided to use the 4Runners battery for lock and unlock.

 

[tx_shooter]

Much easier than trying to take the motor out to manually work the locker. This process should take ~5 mins to setup, lock, and then put away.

 

[taco4x4rar]

Did you ever consider the manual conversion for the locker?
://www.chilkatdesigns.com/E-Racer.html
It seems pricy but well worth it when the motor fails

 

[tx_shooter]

I thought about it and may go that route if/when the motor fails. That route is twice the cost of the wiring harness.

 

[tx_shooter]

Added TRD Supercharger install manual to first post for future reference.

 

[tx_shooter]

So I have found a problem with a lifted vehicle - the stock backup lights are completely worthless when you really need them. I was backing out of a driveway last Friday night and went into the ditch because I could not see anything on the slope as it was going away from me. So I Amazoned a solution.

Today I received some cheap-o flush mount LED lights. I had to make a template since they did not come with one; but I think they will fit the need nicely. I plan to wire tap the reverse light at the trailer plug to wire them in. They are going to get installed into the lower part of the rear bumper.

 

[Mauzer]

Didn't Sam have some aux lights in the back?

 

[tx_shooter]

Didn't Sam have some aux lights in the back?

Now that you mention it I think he did. Smart guy.

@SamSter0077 did you wire them to the reverse lights only or have them on a switch? Or a combo of both?

 

[Silverback]

He had his mounted on his rear "spoiler".

 

[Silverback]

My Dualies on the Taco are wired via a relay into my reverse lights. No secondary means of turning them on. I figure thats less likely that I will hit the button driving down the highway and blind someone behind me by mistake. I do have some others LED's mounted up on my rack but they are sorta pointed down and only operate via remote control. If someone is that close they deserve to be blinded and run off the road.

 

[Silverback]

Also, I forget where I bought my led bulbs, but they are either 5 or 7 watt cree backup bulbs and those fuckers are BRIGHT! I've had them a good while now, at least 4 years.. got them before the BB trip in 2012.

 

[tx_shooter]

That is kind of what I was thinking. I really want these for the backup light purpose. Once I get the Baja Rack mounted I can decide if I want lights on top or not.