Blackdiamond (Gup-C build-up)

[blackdiamond]

I did get them to load on the other work computer system.

I ended up going home  today after a late night changing a set of struts which lead to only 4 hours of sleep after spending several days with my sick wife.

After seeing the pictures, all I can say is  

[blackdiamond]

Shocks are scheduled for delivery on the 26th.  I wonder if I got the free upgrade? 

[MiniSimp]

  Looking really nice!

[Jakesteads]

god i can't wait to see this on the trail this is the exact build up im looking to do.

[blackdiamond]

god i can't wait to see this on the trail this is the exact build up im looking to do.

Oh...it's not going to be leaving the pavement, it might get a scratch on it!  Mall Crawlin or bust! 

I just ordered two u-joints from Marlin to go in the rear driveshaft when it gets chopped.

I considered getting one of the TG super u-joints because they are easy to grab online, but once I noticed they said, "Creeper Joint," right on them I immediately called Marlin Crawler.

[blackdiamond]

god i can't wait to see this on the trail this is the exact build up im looking to do.

I appreciate the "prayers" for me to get this out on the trails, but I don't think that God (proper noun) keeps up with the board and it is very likely that "god" can't read since it is an inanimate object.

[blackdiamond]

Well, the plan is for the bdrunner to be delivered this weekend. 

gotrocks has been busy recently so the updates have been minimal, but things should be on track for a great finish.  If things go well it might get wheeled a little this weekend before I have to return the borrowed rear driveshaft, then it's fwd for a couple of days until I can get mine shortened at a local shop.

I bet 4wd with an Aussie Locker will be "fun" to drive. 

[blackdiamond]

Calling Snowrunner or Gotrocks!



How tall is the roof rack?  I would like to do a garage fitment check.

[Snowrunner]

Got the hysteer all mocked up ready for final welds tomorrow im goin to paint the rear bumper throw on the sliders and switch out the rear thirds im hopin. Ill check on the roof heigth for ya too. Its comin along. Should be easily done by thursday or friday so long as the enigine has no problems.

P.S. Here is what the old Black Diamond is looking like these days

[blackdiamond]

It looks more like a Snowrunner these days. 

[blackdiamond]

 

One final 

Looks like the project is delayed slightly, we're working on the details.

It turns out that the twin stick that I have only works on a forward shift and doesn't fit on a top shift so I'm sort of bummed out about that.

[blackdiamond]

I visited the build site over the weekend and WOW!  Gotrocks is building me a SWEET 4Runner!

Saturday night we didn't get much done because the shop got turned into a paint booth for the new front fenders.  They turned out great and hopefully the hood will get done this week if the super painter gets time.

Sunday Gotrocks, with a little help from me, got the engine in and after I left Gotrocks got it to fire.  It sounds like there are a few minor "bugs" to work out, but the engine sounds good.

The list of things to finish are:

1. Do finish welding of shock towers and shock tabs on axle
2. Paint rear bumper and rock sliders
3. Finish the tubbing of the fenders
4. Align the front axle
5. Put front bumper back on.
6. Paint all raw metal
7. Round out the front spring crossmember
8. Install any remaining engine/drivetrain fluids
9. Install transfer case shifter
10. Finish welding Rock Sliders
11. Install fenders & hood
12. Install Bump Stops
14. Evaluate steering box location
15. Get spare tire moved from bdtruck
16. Swap "brake thingy" from bdtruck
17. Get fire extinguisher, flashlight and brackets from bdtruck
18. Install shocks
19. Install steering stabilizer

The 4Runner looks better in person that it does in pictures!  Can't hardly wait!

[blackdiamond]

Some update photos from this weekend.  Probably should have taken some more, and better, pictures but I was there.

[mrsblackdiamond]

Some update photos from this weekend.  Probably should have taken some more, and better, pictures but I was there.

I'm offended that you think the pictures should have been better.  Next time, you can take them.  

Truck looks pretty awesome though.

[Volcom]

I'm offended that you think the pictures should have been better.  Next time, you can take them.   

BD's in trouble now!

[blackdiamond]

Let me clarify: If I had kept the camera there were opportunities, that were missed, for other pictures to be taken and I intended to get a picture of the whole truck sitting on the full set of BFGs and the engine installed.  The pictures we have are excellent, but there could have been more.


mrsblackdiamond  blackdiamond

[mrsblackdiamond]

I couldn't resist.      

[Hayes]

That rig is just...sexy!

[blackdiamond]

 

Calling gotrocks...any updates?

[Volcom]

Calling gotrocks...any updates?

I hate to ask this but why is gotrock's building your rig?  Just curious??

[blackdiamond]

I hate to ask this but why is gotrock's building your rig?  Just curious??

I guess the best way to explain it would be that I have seen my work  , I have seen his work  , and he offered to help me out when and if I got a 4Runner.  If I lived closer I would have like to be more involved, but 300+ miles makes it difficult.

Even if I had the equipment, or place to do the work, I don't have the patience with auto projects (ironically I am normally a very patient person) to complete anything up to my standards.  Most of the projects, like bodywork, that I did on the bdtruck almost looked worse than before I started.  I needed professional help.

I respect people that built their own rigs, especially if it is a rig that I would be willing to own, but I don't have the interst to do it myself.

[Volcom]

That's cool, I just didn't know if you didn't have the resources or the time.  Sounds like gotrocks is a pretty nice guy for helping you build your rig!


My father helped me out a ton on my build.  I knew and had the tools to do everything but didn't have the time if I wanted to make it to Moab with my 4 wheel drive club.  So, he offered to help and even worked on it on his days off during the week while I was at work.

[gotrocks]

Calling gotrocks...any updates?

check back tonight

[blackdiamond]

I just hope it's coming home tomorrow afternoon/evening. 

If we leave by 3:30pm we can arrive at the meeting point before 6 pm (150 mi) if traffic is kind.

[blackdiamond]

Sounds like the 4Runner will be delivered in a driveable form tomorrow, but will have a few minor things to finish up when I'm at the build site in a few weeks.  My twin stick doesn't fit the top shift application so gotrocks is going to blank the rear t-case and it will be 2wd for a while.  The floorboard mods still need to be made and some switches relocated to the dash.  I think that is about it other than some minor painting of parts.  He said he took some "flex" pictures to make sure the front suspension and steering were going to work so pictures should show up in the next couple of days when he gets time.   

[gotrocks]

well bd like I said earlier in my phone call, I am really sorry it won't happend tomorrow.  I was really excited to get the runner to you but due to circumsances beyond my control it won't happen.  Maybe one of you guys might know why the oil pump doesn't seem to  be pumping oil.  Its leaking out of the main seal through the oil pump and its VERY dark/metally colored.  Nothing seems to be sounding wrong in there but its definitely not right.

Here's some pictures though like I promised.







there's lots of room now in the rear fenders.  You could easily fit 38's to 40's without worrying to much about rubbing.  These pictures are at full stuff without bump stops.

[gotrocks]

Oh and we measured the vertical travel of the front tire and its 31" before the rear starts to lift.  Not bad and pretty impressive considering these springs haven't even been driven on yet.

[blackdiamond]

No worries gotrocks, it's looking great! 

Was there any oil pressure previously when it was started?

[gotrocks]

there isn't a oil preasure guage so unfortunatly I dont' know what the oil preasure is.  I am going to try and figure something out to read it or get a better idea of whats going on.

Here are some more pictures that I thought i posted but as you can see it was kinda late when I got those other ones posted.

[blackdiamond]

Looking excellent! 

Other than the leaking, what tipped you off to the low oil pressure?