Steve's 81 Toyota "angelo" build

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks James. I never knew how long it took to grind off all the old axle brackets and weld up that new stuff, waiting 15 min between each inch of weld for it to cool. But I agree, progress is progress. Just not a ton. I"ll probably rebuild my front axle next. I've got all the parts, I've just never done it before so it'll take me a little while as I triple-check everything.

I still have to clean out the inside of the housing (metal shavings galore), as well as jb weld some magnets in for metal shavings. Then I'll be ready to put in my new seals and bearings.

 

[ricsrx]

I think the Rears were so flat that the shackel doesnt move that much, I liked the rears because it moves the axle forward, I still have the stock front hangers and dont see myself adding a new hanger, I know that the front hanger your going to install is going to give you an extra inch of lift and maybe thats what i was missing with the RUF...

 

[sixstringsteve]

That's good to know. Maybe the rears aren't that much longer and I'm over exaggerating. I'll have to build my leaf packs and see how they sit. I think a 1" drop hanger is the way to go, even though I don't want all that lift. I want to keep it low like yours rick. How's your front driveline angle?

 

[O'neal]

When I played with yota's back in the day I run RUF,in the stock front hanger
s with boomerang shackle's in a 4runner...worked great

BTW your toy looks great,take your time and you will like the outcome.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks O'neal. Do the boomerangs move the bottom of your shackle back a bit? I thought they were to clear the body mounts.

And thanks for the compliments, I remember your toyota back in the day.

 

[O'neal]

I dont remember if it moved the shackle angle back.They made up the difference in the spring length and did not hit the mount's or frame when compressed I do know that.....

 

[sixstringsteve]

Good to know. I'll be cutting off my body mounts since they're not even touching the floor anyway due to rust. But that's still good info.

 

[ricsrx]

I have a high pinion so my angle is minim.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Cool. I figure with my hi pinion and dual cases I should be fine.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I got my leaf packs pulled apart last night. Tonight I have to cut the added pack, clean them up, and paint them.

On Thursday I plan to finish cutting off the brackets and put the front hanger on. Worst case scenario I spend all night Thursday cutting, and Friday is the day I put the hanger on.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've just gotta say that Low Range Offroad has really helped me out on this build. They have tons of advice, great prices, and they know what they're talking about. Their prices are great, and their customer service is absolutely top-knotch. I couldn't be happier with the way they've treated me. I HIGHLY recommend them. They have way more than is listed on their website, and they have some great stuff in the works. We're lucky to have them local.

 

[sixstringsteve]

BBQ at my place on Thursday night. I'm not going to bed Thursday night till my hanger is installed . If you want to come hang out, shoot me a PM for my address. Bring your own meat. I'll get chips and drinks and have the grill going. Even if you've never met me and you just wanna hang out, come on over.

 

[zukking01]

PARTY AT STEVES PLACE!!!!!

I might be able to be there. Sounds like the wife might be leaving state, it she does I will try to make it. PM me your addy.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Bring steak, burgers, links, whatever you like. I'll have buns and lettuce and drinks.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks to my awesome brother, Brian, this project is moving forward. WHile I tried to track down a headlight issue on another brother's civic, Brian was in the garage taking a flap disc to my 12 leaves. Thanks Brian.

I cut them down to size tonight. My leaves are the following:

Anti-wrap made from 2nd pack main
Main - 1st pack (stock rear)
2nd - 1st pack (stock rear)
3rd - 1st pack (stock rear)
4 - 2nd pack cut down 3.5" in front and 4" in back
5 -2nd pack cut down 3.5 less in front, and 4" less in back

Most guys run 6-packs (not including the anti-wrap leaf). I don't want as much lift, so I figure a 5-pack will be the right compromise between streetable and flexy. Still trying to decide on the rear springs. I'm thinking 59" s10 springs will be great. I may also make a tacoma hybrid pack.

Since there's no perfect formula, I figure I'll be tweaking it over time to perfect it. I think this is a great start for now though.


Tomorrow I'll paint the leaves, then on Thursday I'll put the pack together and mount my front hanger.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Today I primered and painted my leaves for the RUF pack.

Bare metal (with some rust)

w/primer

This is a mental note for me so I don't get confused about which one goes where.

And finally, painted flat black, my new favorite color.

 

[sixstringsteve]

If anyone wants to swing by, I'll have hot dogs, hot dog buns, and hamburger buns. If you want a burger, bring your own meat. Should be a fun night.

Does anyone have any ideas of good substitutes for the teflon pads that go between each leaf? I was thinking of chopping up a cutting board (the thin sheet-like ones) and epoxying it on there. Does anyone have any other ideas for a DIY spring pad? The spring steel is so hard that drilling holes through it is next to impossible, so the traditional pads won't work for me. Maybe I'll just run my pack without the pads. i wish someone made some sticky pads that you just stick on there.

 

[SAMI]

HDPE cutting board cut up and some industrial adhesive might not be a bad idea.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I picked up a little $3 flexible cutting board/sheet and it looks like it'll be perfect. Still trying to decide how to attach it. I'm thinking either JB weld or RTV

 

[sixstringsteve]

Hah, I knew it would take a married man to spot that

Yeah, I tried to convince my wife that the paint was starting to flake anyway and that I was actually doing her a favor. She didn't buy it and wasn't too thrilled that I was painting on that table. I'll take a flap disc to it and hit it with some rustoleum hammered finish to make her happy.