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This is just a little motivator for people to remind us that not ever truck has to end its life at the wreckers!
I bought a 1989 Extended Cab 4x4 3VZE 5 speed base model that had been rolled. The PO had installed a Pro-Comp stage 2 4" lift, a 3" body lift, 5.29 gears, and a horrible front bumper. The cab was rusted out, but the drive train was worth saving, and the box surprisingly survived the roll and will work for the mean time.
I found a 1990 2wd SR5 3VZE 5spd at the local wrecker, it had all options except A/C (that will come soon). This 2wd had a blue interior as well, and it had 90% of the items I needed. The cab had been hit in the front, so a new front clip would be needed, but there was no rust on the rockers. And minimal on the cab, just a bit on the drivers door.
The cab went on, and I wanted to keep all the SR5 goodies like cruise, power doors, locks, windows, etc, so I used the entire truck harness, engine harness, etc from the 2wd. All was there except of course the 4wd light which I will add later, and a sensor in the engine didn't have a plug to go to it. All is now hooked up and working fine. I didn't put the body life back in, that would have been tooo tall. I have a set of Sway-a-way torsion bars to still go in, and if i want more lift, I have a set of 1.5" BJ spacers if needed.
Last edited by ianjadkins; Oct 15, 2016 at 02:18 PM.
Now, to, fix the front clip. I cut a front clip off a 1991 4Runner at the wrecker. Cut all the spot welds, prepped and installed it. Also threw on a set of 4Runner power mirrors I got at the wrecker as well. The bumper is ugly, but it sure is nice to stand on!
Fenders and hood on before welding to make sure all lined up. I found out the hood hinges are bent from the roll and the hood sits crooked, so the next trip to the wreckers and I will get some straight ones. Front bumper and valance from the same 91 4Rinner as the clip. Grill from the rolled 1989 pickup.
Today, I cut out a windshield from a 1994 4Runner at the wreckers, and installed it in my truck. $90 total for windshield, clip kit, urethane, and glass cleaner and prep. Not bad, fingers crossed for no leaks!
Looks like $600 for a new set of 5.29 ring and pinion and a master rebuild kit is in my future. So the build price just went up. Tires are going to have to wait I guess.
Looks like pinion nut backed off causing this wreck. I think I better pull the rear and make sure the set is correct before it grenades as well....
Last edited by ianjadkins; Oct 19, 2016 at 05:25 PM.
So I have run the truck a few times, sorted out the high idle issue, and driven around the block to get a feel for any issues, noises bangs etc. Decided it was a good day to change the oil once I warmed it up.
Who wants a milkshake. I hope is that since this truck has been sitting for 2 years through the hot summer and snow covered winter that this is condensation. The dipstick was clean oil when I first pulled it. The PO did the timing set and water pump, and speaking to him (my brother) the engine never showed any signs of A head gasket issue. But I will drive it, do a compression check on each cylinder, and pressure test the cooling system to be sure. Time will tell as I will be driving this multi coloured beast in the next few weeks.
Ordered a longer rear shackle today to get rid of the saggy bum look. Guess the rear springs must only be 2" or 3". They don't quite match the front Pro Comp 4" lift.
Shackle installed. Sits much better. But I sure wish I knew more about these springs. The Center pin is pretty far forward and the axle is not centred. I have to take out a small shim that is in place so I will see what I can do about this.
Oct 15, 2016 | 01:51 PM
