4x4 AnswerMan: Expert Off-Road Advice for Trucks and SUVs

November 2010

October 2010


POWER TO THE SAMI

4x4 AnswerMan,
Do you know anything about how to install power steering on a 1988 Suzuki samurai?
Jim

Hi Jim,
If you’re tired of having bigger forearms than biceps, try putting in a Toyota power steering set-up from the following:

Pumps for the kit:
• Toyota Celica '78-81
(Pumps up to 05/81, 06/81+ pumps will not work)

The steering box can be off of the following vehicles:
• Toyota Celica '78-81
• Toyota Corona '78-81
• Toyota Cressida '78-81

The guys at Rocky Road Off-Road have the brackets you need and the experience to walk you through the installation. You’ll be glad you did it. More info at  http://www.rocky-road.com/powersteer.html
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DODGE DURANGO SAS

4x4 AnswerMan,
I have an ‘83 s10 Durango 4x4 350 I would like to put simple leaf spring straight axels under the front do away with independent but do I use full size Chevy axels or could I use like Ford Ranger axels the small size rangers and believe me it makes me gag even saying that sorry if your a fan?

Just the simplest way thanks.

Hi PJ,
There have been a few guys that have had luck using Dana44 and Dana60 in the rear. You can use the entire front end suspension off an early Ford F-150. You will just need to weld up some mounting point on the frame for the leaf springs.

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WIRED YOTA

4x4 AnswerMan,

I have a 1990 Toyota 4x4pickup. Does the wire harness that comes from the passenger side of the Engine Compartment to the engine that has all the wires for the fuel injectors and throttle control and then goes to the driver’s side fender for the distributor and coil unplug somewhere so I can pull the engine without disassembling the top half of the engine first?

I appreciate the help.

Howard B.
Tacoma Wa.

Hello Howard,
You will need to disassemble the dashboard to remove the wiring harness and safely pass it through the firewall cutouts. The engine computer (ECU) is located on the passenger side kick panel, so you’ll want to be sure to safely remove the plugs. There are also a number of other plugs leading back into the dashboard. There are a few other items that you can separate via clips.
Enjoy!

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RAM RUB
4x4 AnswerMan,

I have an ‘04 Dodge 2500 diesel quad cab and bought 35s and they rub on the front. Will a leveling kit work?

Larry Lusk

Hi Larry,

I think 35s will work if they are on the factory wheels. If you are using aftermarket wheels, then you might be facing a problem with the wheel backspacing if it’s rubbing at full lock (turn). If it’s rubbing while flexing, then the extra clearance from the leveling kit might help.

If the backspacing is the problem, you might be able to shim a wheel spacer to stop it from rubbing on the suspension or frame.

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SHAKE RATTLE … OH, NO!

4x4 AnswerMan,

I have a 2004 3500 5.9 Diesel truck that I added a 2 inch leveling kit on. Now I have a rattling noise coming from what seem to be the end links on the sway bar. I think what I need is drop blocks for the sway bar, but the only ones I can find are from Hell Bent Steel, but the ones they have don't line up correctly. Do you know anyone who makes the drop block that doesn’t angle forward like the ones at Hell Bent Steel? Or have any other remedies?

George Atencio

Hi George,

You might try adjustable end links from KORE Performance to fix your problem. They are made for up to a 3-inch lift. They will allow you to fine-tune the angle you are looking for. The spherical bearing will also outlive the factory bushing on there now.

More info at: http://www.koreraceshop.com/

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SASSY RUNNER

4x4 AnswerMan,

I have a ‘97 Toyota 4runner and I have been trying to find a good front straight axle leaf spring conversion and leaf spring rear conversion for it but haven’t found a good kit. Is there any way you can lead me in the right direction?

Hi there,

The most popular straight axle suspension (SAS) setup for independent front suspension (IFS) Toyota 4x4s is using an early straight axle from an early Toyota pick-up. It does require some welding for the hangers.

The guys at Trail-Gear have a nice kit you should check out too. It is built on the same principal.

More info at: http://www.trail-gear.com/tech/sas-instructions/sas-instructions.html

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DIESEL SUZUKI SIDEKICK

Hi 4x4 AnswerMan,

My mechanic and I are having a very difficult time trying to track down a PDF file or any info on mating a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick and a 1996 TDI engine. The engine is in the vehicle and is ready to roll once the wiring has been resolved. This particular TDi has the electronic pump system. I have contacted most of the conversions company (i.e. Acme, Rocky Road, etc) but no one seems to have any info.

Thanks,
Waterfowler Hunter

Hello Hunter,

I hope you also got the complete engine wiring harness and ECU when you acquired the Volkswagen diesel TDI engine. It’s going to be the easiest way to make this motor tick.

If after using the factory harness you are still having issues, you need to bring in the expertise of an automotive electrician, preferable someone that works with fuel injection swaps and such.  They’ll be able to eliminate many of the sensors and unused wiring to make it work.

There’s a company called Howell Engine Development. It’s worth giving them a call to see what they say. They’re in the wiring harness business for aftermarket engine swaps.
http://www.howellefi.com/customer/
 
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GIANT RAM LIFT

Hey 4x4 AnswerMan,

I got a 1995 dodge 1500 and am looking for a 10" lift where can I find one?

Larry

Hi Larry,

If you want to go that big, try the guys at Full Throttle Suspension out of Fresno, CA. Those guys make big lift kits, all the way up to 15-inches. (559) 271-8685 http://fullthrottlesuspension.com/

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GETTING GEAR RATIO

Well 4x4 AnswerMan,

I bought a 1989 Toyota 22re 4wd manual and I love it and it 4 wheels great but when I go on the highway the RPMs are real high. I don’t have a tachometer so I don’t know the RPMs. My question is. Is there a way I can figure out the gearing in the rear diff because I believe it has been lowered?

David

Hi David, the best way to tell what gearing you really have is to count the number of teeth on the ring and pinion.

Use the formula below:
Ring/Pinion = Gear Ratio
e.g. Ring has 37 teeth, Pinion has 9 teeth
37/9 = 4.11

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RARE HARDBODY

4x4 AnswerMan,

So I'm really trying to find out if my 1986.5 Nissan Hardbody short bed single cab 4x4, pickup is rare or maybe worth holding on to or possibly selling to the right person who knows its value. I've had the truck since I was 16 and now 26 it is in great condition with lots of chrome. Chrome roll bar, grill guard, KC lighting and chrome 15-inch steel wheels looks great! Runs just as well with a rebuilt 4-cyl and trans! Please e-mail me if you can help me determine the value of my pickup?

David Gonzales

Hi David,

You’re right, there aren’t too many single cab short bed Nissan Hardbodies – at least not out west. The best way to find out what you have is to do some additional research. You can start by getting a baseline value on http://www.nadaguides.com/

It would also be a good idea to talk to some other Nissan 4x4 enthusiast to get their opinion. Try our Nissan board on Off-Road.com here http://forums.off-road.com/nissan-all/

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FORD F-150 HEADERS

4x4 AnswerMan,

I’m trying to find out what would be the best headers and what size would go on a 2007 f150 sport 4.6 v8.

-Gatlin

Hi Gatlin,

JBA makes some really nice headers that bolt up to your factory y-pipe. They are also 50-state smog legal. They will not only increase your HP, but you will notice more torque.

More into at http://www.jbaheaders.com/cat4ward.asp

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CNC HYDRAULIC PEDAL ADJUSTMENT

4x4 AnswerMan,

I am pretty satisfied with my CNC pedals. However, I am looking for the CNC instructions to bleed the hydraulic throttle. Can you help me with this?

Thanks,

Alan

Hi Alan,

CNC does make some killer brake and clutch pedal assemblies for racing and off-road. I’m sure that you will like them even more once you get the spongy feeling out of the line.  Here are instructions on how to do it:

BLEEDING
We strongly recommend that you use a pressure bleeder with a rubber bladder that separates the air side from the fluid side. If this is not possible follow the following procedure:

Fill the master cylinder reservoir 3/4 full with clean, fresh brake fluid.

Push and hold the pedal down.
Open the bleeder valve on the caliper, or wheel cylinder, until fluid is released. If you are bleeding a Dual Cylinder Brake Pedal Assembly you will need to open a bleeder screw on the front brakes and the rear brakes at the same time.
Close the bleeder valve and release pedal.
Wait three to five seconds and repeat.

DO NOT PUMP THE PEDAL
Pumping will only aerate the fluid and prevent complete bleeding. Complete your bleeding procedure all the way around the car. Bleed each caliper until clear, air-less fluid comes out of each bleeder screw. When finished be sure to run master cylinder only 3/4 full of fluid.

More information on Bleeding, Maintenance and Troubleshooting can be found at http://www.cncbrakes.com/maintenance.asp
 

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