Paint seems to be holding up well

 

Got a trip permit and been driving the Trekker for the last couple of weeks. Over the years I have been blowing the fuse for the gauges.. would replace the fuse and it would be fine. But the last two weeks it has blown 8-10x's. Really annoying. Tore the dash apart..
found something I hate and appears to be the root cause...a short wire off a crappy splice deal...WTF would someone pull power from there???

My theory is the little wire was grounding out...

 

Passing emissions is probably not a big deal to most but I am pretty stoked. A year ago is was failing for high hydrocarbons in the 600 range with 220 allowed. Passed today at 29...a good tune up and new cat I am good till 2014...

 

Time to rip out all the emissions!

 

15k on the odom!!!! lol

 

i got the top and the regular doors back on today..probably could have gone another week but had the time.
I was looking at the front end to see if I was going to have tie rod clearance if I pushed my front axle forward an inch or so by redrilling the spring pad...
Looks like that will not be an issue but found something I always knew was a possibility:

I know the right way would be to pull the steering box and plate the frame..that is something I want to do but am wondering if something like this might work for a good temp fix(borrowed from pirate):

this is something I had meant to do for a few years...might have prevented the crack above..
i am thinking I will see if I can do something about this gap that I believe is from the factory.

 

That gusseting will help. In fact, when I had my '88 4Runner SAS'd (see fist post of my build thread), the shop I had do the welding did similar gusseting as they didn't like the idea of just welding the hanger on.

They used smaller triangle cut pieces of 1/8" (IIRC) sheet and welded 4-5 of them across the length of the front hanger. I do like the idea of those larger gussets right at the frame though. Thats where most of the load is transmitted and is the best place to disperse the load from the spring.

I like it, if that means anything

 

Fix it right. Be done with it.

:wabbit2:

 

Justin - does your truck have the gap at the front crossmember too?

I will also had the gussets you mentioned. Won't hurt to have them.

I am heading over to TrekkerPaul's in the morning. He offered to help get it fixed..

 

Nope.. My frame does not have that gap.

 

thanks for checking...i guess i cut out more than i remembered when i cut out the old stock front spring hanger...it is filled now.

made some gussets:

first step make sure you lay the tire flat or else:

welds are fugly but they will work:



will pick up some more steel and poster board in a couple of weeks so I can plate the inside of the frame and the top.

 

I love this build!
It's hard finding a good Trekker that's being used offroad, so this really has been a fun read.

 

Just checkin in, DZ, ..... Nice work! How's life up there?

 

Thanks, appreciate it. I just wish I got out more often.,
Hey Chef-welds are the epitome of booger welds but should do the trick.
since getting this POS through emissions it has been nice. Put 700 -800 miles on in in last 3 weeks and that seems to be helping it.

 

Been driving the Trekker as a DD now for almost two months...it is cool.
With the rainy seasons arrival I have a small leak around one of the window frames that will need tone addressed

Scored a set of chains for $40 from a friend of a friend. Should be good if the weather is like some feel it will be...

Going to need to replace my Grant steering wheel soon. The cover is splitting and I hate the feel of wheel covers.
It needs to be another Grant wheel since I use the grant removeable steering wheel adapter . https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f105...system-240126/


Stock wheel is a little over 15", current wheel is 13" based on assumption they are measured to the outside of the wheel.
The smaller wheel was a freebie. It is a little small-what do you guys recommend-14" or 15" wheel?

 

I vote for the 15, that extra leverage is nice when your hubs are locked and you're in a tight space.
Plus, there is a satisfying thrill to using the OEM bus driver steering wheel.

 

Nice lookin' truck man...Like the extra seat in the back of a 1st gen

 

Nothing major..picked the missus up for lunch today and was reminded that heels and sliders don't mix.
So in the spirit of harmony in the marriage I converted my sliders into running boards with some diamond plate..

 

Wow, that turned out real nice!!!

 

Thanks Logan...it was nice too that it only took about half an hour.