New 1st gen 4runner owner

[AxleIke]

In Denver: Slee.

Installing an Air Locker requires complete diff set-up, e.g. gear backlash, pinion depth, etc. Installing an Aussie or lunchbox locker is something you can do in your driveway, but since the Air Locker is a completely new carrier, it's starting from step one. So you'll need a dial indicator and know how to use it. I'd personally pay for it to be done or get someone in the club to help you, if you've never done it before successfully.

It really does come in waves. We've all dreamed about the unobtanium. My desire is just for a new Tacoma with diesel, but even that I'm over and would just like a Tacoma that the danged frame doesn't rust out from under you in 10 years.

I liked the shop guys that I met yesterday there. Seems like a really good place. They don't mind servicing old 4runners? I can put on some pieces of paper that say "Land Cruiser" so that I'm in stealth mode.




Good advice. Who wants to do my locker and regearing? I'll pay in

Not entirely Dave, IF you are only installing a locker. I've done it a couple of times. You DO need a dial indicator with a mag base.

It is also helpful to make/borrow an adjuster tool for the rear, but the front end uses shims. You do not have to reset the pinion depth when only installing the locker, you just need to set backlash. In the rear, this is very easy, you just rotate the adjuster nuts and make sure you have the appropriate preload on the bearings. The front is much the same, but you have to use shims and a caliper to do it.

Using a press is much easier, but in college, I installed my front ARB air locker in my 87 4runner in my apartment/apartment parking lot. I bought a cheap clamshell bearing seperator and a jaw puller from harbor freight and the puller from sears, and I removed the old bearings. I stuck the locker in the freezer and the bearings and ring gear in the oven, and slipped everything back on. I used an inch pound torque wrench rather than a torque meter to measure bearing preload, but it worked. I also got a cheap dial indicator from harbor freight.

I will add, I was single at the time. I do not recommend trying this in an oven that your significant other also uses, or might see you using. I take no responsibility for anyone being relegated to sleeping on the couch or in the garage

Later, I installed my rear locker as well, but in a garage with a press that time.

I'm not suggesting this is the best way to do this. However, installing a locker is not impossible, and it sounds like you have a good mechanical knowledge base to work from. I have several of the tools needed (home made adjuster for the rear, dial indicator with mag base, etc), and I also have a press. I am not, however, anywhere close to the best mechanic here, so while I'm happy to lend you tools and help(well, the press would be a little tricky, but the other stuff for sure), my recommendation would be to post up and see if someone a little better at this stuff than I can help you out.

Cheers!

 

[DouglasVB]

If you want to come up to Dumont either on saturday evening or sunday morning you are welcome to compare yours to our '85 4-Runner. Take them both for a little spin if you want to compare the stock SAS and IFS.

That would be great! How is the snow looking up your way? Maybe we could combine the IFS vs SAS shootout with my first off pavement trip with my 4runner? I don't have knowledge of good beginner routes so I'm all ears for good route suggestions. Either Saturday afternoon/evening or Sunday morning works equally well for me. I'll post over on the "4 wheeling and event staging area" sub forum to see if other people want to come along and tell me what I'm doing wrong with my 4runner off pavement once we figure out a good time and route

Okay... now it's time to go to the CSM graduation. Rain or shine, we still sit in our seats and listen to speakers.

 

[DouglasVB]

I will add, I was single at the time. I do not recommend trying this in an oven that your significant other also uses, or might see you using. I take no responsibility for anyone being relegated to sleeping on the couch or in the garage

Okay... so we're going to need to come up with a plan for my girlfriend to be out of the house for the day...

I've got a mag base dial indicator and a drill press that could serve as a very poor man's press. My torque wrench is my expertly calibrated arm. (I really should buy a good torque wrench someday...)

I was talking with my parents the other day and my mom really wants me to bring the 4runner out to California in June (they are retiring to the mountains there) so that I can take her on some 4x4 roads out around Shaver Lake. This might accelerate the timeline...

 

[Squishy!]

We've always done 90% of our work ourselves. For most of the work you need, basic hand tools will work. Gears are something I usually recommend having someone with experience do just because they're expensive and easy to mess up. If you stick with factory length rear lift springs everything is very straight forward. Learn the basics and don't overwhelm yourself. Doing as much work as possible in your own garage is very gratifying and as a professor friend of mine said "wrenching is cheaper than therapy".

 

[DouglasVB]

I officially declare it SUMMER!

Now don't even think about telling me that rain, hail, snow, thundersnow, and whatever other nastiness is on the way. I'm going to live over here in my little happy roofless bubble.

 

[mikeyhcrana]

Just in time...

Saturday is topless day. Mine is coming off too this weekend.

Your 4Runner looks very sharp.