I'm going to guess $1,400. Anybody else?
It's looking really nice. How's the body work coming along? I really can't wait to see it start getting put back together.

 

Sorry for the confusion, I was in the middle of having a frothy beverage with my neighbor and wanted to answer Yotaboys question...I was just distracted. OME setup with springs, shocks, steering damper, greasable hangar pins and shackles, 8 U-bolts, and bushing set totaled about $1250. Shipping from 4x4 Connection in VA to me in Middle GA was about $150. It took about two weeks from order to delivery. I talked to several OME dealers and their were some cheaper but they talked to me like they had better things to do. It seemed to me to be impossible to get much info on this kit other that everyone likes it. So when I called 4x4 Connection and they were very knowledgeable about the product, answered all my questions, and helped me decide between firm or soft shocks it was a no brainer.

I have been collecting the parts necessary to put the body back together (weatherstripping etc.) I still need the front and rear windshield seal (can't put the windows in until the new headliner is installed anyway). The Line-X guy in town closed his doors a couple weeks ago so I've got to take the bed up to Macon to have it Rhino-lined when Bed prep is complete (going to coat it inside and underside). Then I'll bring it back to the paint shop for final paint. This means I've got to put a tow hitch on my 91 Toy to get it up there. Maybe this is a dumb question but does anyone know if by chance a tow hitch off of a 91 would fit on the 83 once all is said and done. Would be nice.

 

Not sure about the tow hitch.

I'm glad you went with 4x4 connection. I really don't understand how some places stay in business, and it's always so refreshing to find people who a) like their job b) know what the hell they're talking about c) are genuinely interested in helping you find the best product and set up for YOU and I like to see those places get more business and get rewarded for that attitude. Don't understand the other mindset.

I remember running all over town trying to get everything I needed...just wait until re-assembly time!

 

Stopped by the paint shop this morning and they have the underside of the bed coated. A little concern with it resting on the bottom lip edges of the sides so they are building a wooden cart to hold it up high enough for paint as well as for transport to the Rhino shop. Tailgate was primed but had to talk about the old sealing "caulk/glue" that is chipping off being thoroughly removed and resealed. Over all looking good, here are some update pics.

 

Nice. My tailgate still latches, but isn't salvageable for restoration. You're lucky!

 

Yeah Zach,
I'm still wondering how my whole bed will ultimately turn out. I'm skeptical, I suppose I've conceded that it may end up being replaced later down the road so what will be will be.

I did an initial test run with the POR-15 today. Finally got that Sandblaster working pretty well. Seems to have been several issues; compressor to small, too much moisture getting through the lines, and to large grit media. Reading the manual I found that the grit needed to be smaller than 80 grit. Funny that the place I bought the blaster from only carried 40/20 grit, go figure. I'm off to the VFW to celebrate my first productive day on the truck in weeks.

 

Good to hear. I may be looking for some pointers this summer if I get into some of this. I'll almost definitely repaint my cab this summer, and probably just sand down & prime the rust spots on the bed. Possibly work on the frame a bit too.

Good to see you wanted until afternoon to hit the VFW! Drafternoon.

 

Things are starting to pick up momentum again. Sandblaster is working well and POR-15 is getting used up. Went through first 4 oz can today on rear axle parts. Will have to order Marlin's kit soon. Here are some update pictures.

 

Those look veeerrry nice.

 

wow, i am jealous.....i wish i can get my diffs that apart....but my teacher is already giving me heck for taking to cab off and the whole power train out....yea i am only painting my frame

 

Thanks Zach! BTW I often hit the old VFW earlier. Some (non-firefighters) have given me a hard time about it. I figure most guys like to have a beer after work, not my fault that I get off work at 0700. it works out pretty good really, by the time my wife gets home at 5 I'm back in the real world. Plus with the 24 on 24 off schedule I don't get myself into a condition that would make it tough to make it in the next day. With all the talk of taxes on the news I may have to get more serious about home brew though. So I'd better get back to work on the 83 so I can make room in my shop.

 

right on .. and thanks , patients (as they say) is a vertue .. dont get "caught up" in the "posting on the internet" build your truck at your own pace ..

lookin' like you do nice work as well .


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Come on man don't let this work it's way down into the archive. Any news? Just waiting on things, or what?

 

I just found this post today and read the entire thing.. I just want to say you're a huge inspiration and I admire all the work you've done. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I need to find another yota fan in the area to wrench with as it would be much easier with a second set of hands and eyes!!

 

Progress has been slow for a bit. Weather, Work, and Wife have not been cooperating as much. I suppose the general state of things must make spending this much on a truck that wouldn't sell for what I have in it seem like a poor decision to my gal. I shouldn't need to spend much for a while so perhaps that will help. Paint shop seems to be moving a wee bit slow due to needing to do some smaller jobs to keep their doors open. I was planning to have the bed lined before final paint but every spray-in bed-liner shop for a hundred miles has gone out of business in the last few months (lineX and Rhino). Chipping away at it a little bit at a time. Just sent hub dials to Wabbit for powder-coating.

 

Yeah, I have freinds who shake their heads when they hear what I'm doing and spending, but no wife to get upset at it. Sometimes it may not be a bad thing, though, to have someone question whether spending money on this or that is a good idea.

 

Yeah I feel your pain. A passion like this can be very expensive but you could never find a truck that will be as nice or that you know as well as the one you're doing yourself. Plus sometimes it's both the journey and destination that make the experience worth while. Hang in there when you're finally done it'll be worth it.

 

just wait untill you buy your first 2007 ish Ford F350 ... and it needs head work ... you have to pull the cab off !!! ... could you imagine the bill for that ???? so far my buddy has had to do his twice (under warrenty)


I always use this as my recourse ...



thing is once you have a running toyota ... you can alway fix it for less ! + shes a classic baby !!!


.

 

Pull off the cab for head work??!! And they're the one domestic company not taking the bailout money (yet)!! Oh boy, what'll they think of next. Maybe they could make it so you've got to remove the radiator to do an oil change.

 

Had to remove the steering linkage to replace spark plugs on my old 97 S-10 Blazer. Of course I tried to come up with an easier solution which resulted in a bloody knuckle, broken windshield, dented (double-wall) quarter panel, and ultimately a Volkswagen. The knuckle and dent because I slipped trying to be a contortionist but the windshield might have had something to do with the tools I started throwing.