It could happen...

 

Hahahahaa.... Sweeeeeet! Love that truck, ...and videos, ...well, like Superbleeder(Travis), I find videos of the 'RUNNING STRONG' with a lil 'drive by' creativity in them, or otherwise, ...just LOVE watching them run, I suppose, hahaa. Especially the SWEET ones, like yours!

I'm re-doing most all of my IFS right now, including the 4crawler lift and new BJ's all around, OMEmu shocks, new Control arm Bushings(lower for now, ....no time for the upper), new Sway Bushings, diff and sway drop kit, ....... DANG, I hope I can finish by the time my motor is ready! lol. All in my build, ....if you have anything to add, I'd be GRATEFUL, as you've done some of it, right? lol.

 

I did the second oil change today, at 500 miles. The motor is running excellent. I have got a small leak from the oil pump, so it will be addressed sometime soon. Not sure if it's the seal, or pinched o-ring. I might just get a high volume pump and swap out the whole thing.

Mark, I checked out your thread. Looks like you are making some nice improvements, and using quality parts too. You may want to add an IFS brace down the road. I was impressed with the difference, even in steering response on the highway. Otherwise, keep up the good work.

 

I got the oil leak solved. I got a new harmonic balancer, to replace the old one since it already had a sleeve installed and wouldn't seal. I've got a couple hundred miles to drive tomorrow, so we'll see if there are any more leaks. I also adjusted the valves, which are now much quieter. I'm about 900 miles into the break in, and am feeling very good about all the extra performance mods put into this motor. I was able to pass a few cars on a pretty good hill the other day (Deadwood, for the locals), which has about a mile long passing lane, where I was going 50 MPH at the start of the grade and shifting into 4th at 65 MPH about 3/4 of the way up the hill. I had all my gear plus the wife and kids in the 4Runner too. Before the rebuild, I could barely pull the same grade at 55 MPH with no passengers. Also, I'm back to running 87 octane, since I didn't notice any real difference with the 91.

 

Thanks for the input! I will look into that, .....any ideas as to where I can find a good deal on one?(besides CL? lol)

That's great news on the breaking in! Should be firing mine up in a couple days(we'll see, time allowed, ya know? lol).

 

Your build is looking great, Mark! For the IFS brace, I had a buddy make mine, and he'd probably be able to make one up for yours too. I'll ask what he'd charge, if you'd like. Here's mine...









And, on that note, we finally ordered a new tubing bender and notcher. Back to making bumpers again! I'm going to be building a new rear bumper for my rig, with a tire carrier and hybrid square and round tubing. Just in the design phase now, but hopefully before too long, we'll get to fabricating it.

 

I got a new CB, since my freebie took a dump. My buddy is running this model, and loves it, so I figured I'd get the same one. I found a good deal on Amazon for just over $60 shipped to my door. It's a Cobra model 18WXSTII. I like that it has a weather band, and a forward facing speaker. I used the stereo trim out of a parts truck, and was able to get rid of the aluminum diamond plate trim the PO had installed. I think it looks a little cleaner without it. I haven't messed with the SWR yet, but that will be taken care of before it gets much use.





I also picked up some Airsoft BB's for my tires. Occasionally, I've had to re-balance my tires after wheeling with them aired down. I'd rather not have to do that, so the BB's seem to be the correct fix. I'm going to try them at a friends' tire shop, so I'll be able to see how they work on a balancer. The online calculator tells me I'll need 6-8 oz per tire for my 33x10.50-15's. I'm going to use 800 BB's, at 0.25g each, which is just over 7 oz per tire.

 

That might take a while to count

 

sweet.. let us know what you impression is using the airsoft method..

do you DD this vehicle?

 

Ha. I think I'll just use a scale.
I do DD it. That's actually why I want to do the BB's. I've heard they work very well, from several different write ups, but I guess I'll just have to see for myself. I'll definitely post the results.

 

I got my Wabbit's Foot today, so I figured I'd freshen up the Hi-Lift jack. I cleaned and lubed the jack, and painted the bar gray like my motor. Thanks for yet another quality part, Brian. Here are the pics...









Also, just a quick update on the engine's break in. So far, so good....still. I'm liking the fact that I'm no longer the one slowing traffic on the long grades, rather I can actually pass the slower folks. I've got about 500 miles to go 'til the next oil change, then it'll be time for regular 3k servicing. I figured out how to upload videos, so I'll get one up soon.

 

That Hi-Lift base looks sweet! Did it come powder coated or did you paint it?? What oil change intervals are you doing on your new motor?

 

I got the base and slider adapter powder coated black. I did the cam break in and drove about 30 miles, then changed the oil. Another change at 500 miles, then this next oil change will be at 1500 miles. After that, every 3000 miles. How's yours coming along?

 

nice runner. engine looks really clean.
are you using the BB and wheel weights? i tried it on my 32s. just BB no wheel weights and they work perfect to 50mph than after that its not so good. i used 8oz each wheel. i have the tires apart cuz im changing the rim color. im gonna use wheel weights and just a little bit of BB since i air down when wheeling
im looking for an IFS brace as well. how much if your buddy is will to build me one

 

Thanks. I haven't put the BB's in yet. I'm going to use about 7oz in my 33's, but I read that it doesn't hurt to use more. I'm not too sure about that though. I'd prefer to have just what's needed, and no more. My buddy said he'll make the IFS brace for $65, or $120 if you want him to install it. He and I are going to be building bumpers etc. in the near future, as well.

 

are you planning on keeping the wheel weights with the BB?
where you located? im in Fresno/Clovis area. i been looking for a rear plated bumper for my runner with a hitch. looking for a bumper similar to stock but a little slimmer. need the hitch to be functional as i have a 8x10 trailer for a quad.

nvm on location, just realized your Kentucky Jelly on marlin. sorry bout not making it to you earlier for the od button. i sent a message to you on marlin.

 

Sorry it took so long Adam. Hope you like the extra goodies.

:wabbit2:

 

that chart is what i used and with your tire size you will need 8oz. the chart shows 6 for Ply Rating. the last row on chart is how many oz.

oh since im redoing my rims. i got to see the inside of the rim and tires after a beating of the bb. cant really tell any signs of damage or wear done by time so its pretty safe to use them imo

 

The chart shows 33x10.5-15's with 6 plies on two separate lines, one with 6oz and one with 8oz. I figure I'll try right in the middle, and add more if needed. I'll be doing this at a friends' tire shop, so I'll have to opportunity to experiment a bit.

 

woops didnt see there was two lines for it haha. im gonna use sticky weights and add a few oz in at the same time to help. maybe because i got used tires and two are worn uneven that just using bb wouldnt balance them. i will know by the end of this week. hope the 7oz work out for you.