Took an extra differential over to East Coast gear supply to have them install 4.88 ring and pinion with my TruTrac. Very pleased with the service from these guys.

Install didn't go quite as expected. I rounded off the threads in my driver rear brake line and had to wait an extra night to get a replacement from the parts store. As I have been breaking in the gears I noticed a leak where the brake line holder is spot welded to the differential housing. I ended up doing a temporary jbweld fix on this till I can get my IFS width axle swapped in.

 

Here are the 2 first gens together. My '85 and dad's '86.



Also I have been working on my interior panels. I need to get them installed prior to putting the top on for the winter.
New 1/8" particle board cutouts using the original panels as templates.
Glued down closed cell waterproof sculpting foam for a backing.
Finally glued down the cordura fabric to finish it off.

Here is the outcome of the first panel.

 

I like it! Nice work!

 

Great work! That is one great looking bumper!!

 

Wow! I thought the bumper turned out nice, and then I saw the interior panels! Nice work!

 

Thanks guys, Still working on getting the panels installed. I have been finishing up the wiring to the rear lights and reverse camera.

 

Anyone have excessive road noise from cargo area at highway speeds? I'm experiencing a little more than expected at 65-75 mph. Actually having to crack the window to mask it a little.

 

I would occasionally drive around without the carpet in the cargo area if I was trying to keep it clean and remember noticing the increase in noise without it- try throwing a rug down if you didn't hang on to the original carpeting. The factory stuff is pretty dense and absorbs a lot of noise. But, not sure how much difference it would make with the top off... or try just putting a blanket back there. See if it helps.
If it's low frequency stuff I would assume it is coming from tires.

 

And the 4runner looks fantastic, by the way.

 

I'm pretty sure its from the exhaust and coming up through the floor. I have a large rubber mat back there but it doesn't seem to be dampening any of the sound.

I may have to try some carpet that I can remove when not hauling anything. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Well spent 5 hours Friday night putting in the front 4.88 diff. Glad that is over, and definitely glad to have 4wd back!

 

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Great job w/ this build!

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Couple of fun updates.

I did recently install 95 v6 calipers as I have not been happy with the braking from my rebuilt '87 calipers. Much nicer feel now. I also installed 1.25" wheel spacers to clear the calipers. This will match up nicely when I swap in my IFS width rear axle.

Snow pic from this year.

 

Aquired a little Marlin Crawler happiness to fix my input bearing whine that had been getting increasingly worse. I opted for the standard duty as I don't plan on beating this trans too hard. For the initial fill I used Sta-Lube 80W90, GL4. So far getting smooth shifts and no noise!

 

The runner looks great. Your making a lot of big improvements along the way. Makes me want another one. Looks very similar to my, well my youngest sons now, 4Runner.

 

I love shiny parts! Nice new trans

 

Thanks Guys!

Definitely makes it nice to work on when you don't have to fight through an inch of old grease and grime.

 

Totally agree. Hows this thing running/driving as a daily? I mean it's pretty much a new rig now

 

Running awesome. It has been more of a night/weekend ride lately, I did drive it to work several days after putting the trans in, 80-100 mile round trip. She will run 70-75mph and have had her to 80mph once on the interstate.

The only issue is the engine using about 1/2 qt of oil every 100 miles. I'm pretty sure the rings have not seated. Trying a couple tricks to get them to seat. If not within the next week or 2 I will start diagnostics to try and figure out what is going on.

 

Copy that, hope you get the oil issue figured out soon