Well after the usual stretch of binge procrastination, I started my 85 runner build-up. As with most refinements, one must disassemble the object to it's basic components before overhauling. I'm tired. Here are some pics. I have others, but can't find the upload cable for the digi-cam.


Removing the last of the axle paraphernalia.



Like father, like son. "Dad, this gun is heavy"



Displaying our prize. Ready for disassembly...



Here it sits all stripped down. Parts are stored for cleaning and re-assembly. The other axle is from an 89 V6 runner....I may use that one later.



An example of the contortions I must practice to appease the Student Housing Compliance Officer. While there is no axle/leaf springs secured to those wheels, at least they are under the vehicle and if the usual drive-by inspection is executed, he'll never notice my flagrant violation of the rules.



And finally, the carnage. Apparently, pneumatic tools and a heaping dose of grease/dirt amalgamation is not manly enough, I must also bleed....

 

Sweet what are your plans for it?

 

x2...?

 

Well the plans are contingent upon circumstance. As some may know, we are in flux right now as Mrs. Fuster finishes PA school and we examine our options to re-settle and put down new roots.

So far, it looks as though this runner will pass through two renaissance periods; this one being the most abbreviated. For now, I'll install the the 3" leaf spring lift with Wab's shackles. The front axle will get cross-over steering, new bearings, gaskets, seals and upgrades, but not the hard core goodies like the ARB lockers and Longfield 30 splines (maybe the six stud knuckles, if the venerable Mrs Fuster can be momentarily distracted). It already has the vented brake and caliper upgrade with longer braided lines....and let's not neglect to mention the ubiquitous diff. breather mod....

If I can get to it, the rear axle will be the V6 example I listed earlier. I have two of them. I'll see which one I use. I plan to do a full floating conversion with disc brakes. Of course, I'll install the ARB locker at that time.

Time is a cruel and relentless master and since our move date progresses, I'm forced to do the body before the rear axle. This truck began life in Virginia and suffers from the cancer as a result. I have collected various rust free parts and have coated them with POR15 on their various vulnerabilities. The largest part is the new bed. I'll finish welding that on in two weeks. The rest of the body/paint is cake. I'll be shooting a Dupont Chroma-base/clear in anthracite in honor of my beloved 97 limited that I sold last summer :cry:

The second revision session will involve bilstein shocks and the lockers etc. That will have to happen during the summer of 08.

True to my moniker, there's likely to be more carnage and gore to photogragh and post. I can't wait. Fortunately, Mrs. Fuster can fix what I break...

 

So Madeline messed you up a bit, eh?

Sounds good. *subscribing*

 

She's a cruel mistress and is not cooperating willingly

edit: more pics coming; including an example of why I call myself fustercluck

 

Rub some grease/dirt on it ya big

 

Good idea Wab, maybe some Windex too....

 

Here we have the front axle cleaned of about 1/4" of dirt/grease/oil build-up and the surface rust scaled to receive the POR15 coating.




After the POR coatings



The new inner seal installed



New trunnion bearing races installed



Here we have the French Special Forces.....



Some say that the mother of invention is necessity...I say the mother is desperation. Here is a pic of the tool I made to set the inner axle seal without damaging it or installing it askew. It is the 2 1/8 axle bearing nut socket with the drive adapter placed on the inside with an extension for striking with the BMFH (also pictured). I used a similar version to start the trunnion bearing races and finished driving them home with a brass drift (hard enough to do the job, but softer than steel so as not to damage the part.)



Below is the driver side the knuckle and some other part, the name of which escapes me...

 

I'll get your pitman arm on the way by Saturday dude.

That part you forgot the name of...it's called a "doohicky".

 

HEY! DON'T FORGET MY PITMAN ARM!!!!!


I need that 'doohicky' thing, right?

 

that looks like lipstick on your elbow...

 

Nice pictures and ideas, Fuster! I'm paying attention because my front axle is leaking gear oil at both knuckles.

 

Knuckle service kit and replace your axle seals...as that is always the culprit and they are easily damaged when inserting the axles...so I'd get some "spares".

 

More pics and commentary like this one posted here

 

Monday is some national day off and I think USPS is down, I'm gonna check on that, but your pitman arm will be on its way Tuesday.

 

My wife works for the USPS and no, it's not a Nation Wide holiday. It is a Holiday in Washington D.C. - USPS is up and running, especially considering Taxes are due tomorrow!

John

 

new/newly rebuilt axles always look really good to me.

 

That 4runner is lookin sweet Fuster!

 

I AM INVINCIBLE!!!!!











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