Thanks for all the offers for help guys. It's nice to know everyone here is so willing to help out. I've since cooled off and am feeling a lot better now.

Suspension will be fixable I'm sure. The shuddering sounds like it's normal for a clutch that's brand new. The axle seals are a pain, but doable. And the steering will provide motivation for me to work out more.

Regarding axle seals, I contacted my local Toyota dealer today, and I think they're just plain stupid. A long time ago those axle seals were around $4-5 a piece (I replaced both when I first had my swap done), a couple months ago when I checked the seals were $42.15 a piece, and today the parts guy said they were $26.10 a piece.

I figured I'd see if the local Schucks has them, and they have Beck/Arnley seals for $4.09 and $6.49, so I think I'll pick those up and try those. $11 is a lot better than $55, so I think I can finance that.

Good to hear hopefully things will get better soon:D

i really didnt think that just taking off the pump would work. that rack's ratio is designed for power assist, so removing assist greatly increases the stearing input needed. i cant think of a good analogy other than its like using a 10" ratchet where you're supposed to use a 24" breaker bar.

So tonight I replaced the passenger-side axle seal/output shaft seal/oil seal (whatever you want to call it) and pulled apart the rear suspension. It turns out that my clunking was a gap in the spacers inside the driver's side strut assembly. So I added in another spacer, put it all back together, and there's no more clunk. The axle, or anything else, isn't leaking either, so that's good as well.

Anyway, I drove the car 55 miles tonight, and it ran beautifully. The clutch seems to be getting better. The only real problem is that the cooling system seems to cool too well. I was driving in 40-45 degree weather and if I had fresh air coming in and the blower fan on, the coolant temperature would drop (as low as 2mm away from the lowest mark on the coolant temp. gauge.) If I don't allow fresh air to come in and don't have the blower fans on, then the temperature will rise to or stay at normal operating temperature.

Perhaps a higher temperature thermostat would help, but in the summer (when I drive the car most) that might not be such a good thing. So I think unless it gets really bad, I'll leave it as is, unless anyone has any good suggestions. I don't really mind the way it is right now, and I rarely drive the car in weather colder than this.

Anyway, I'm off to put the rest of it back together and then drive home and get some sleep. It's technically my birthday now, so I just barely pulled off my goal of having the car done by my birthday.

either you didnt install the the thermostat correctly, or your sensor for the gauge cluster needs to be replaced.

either way, try to fix the problem because you'll get poor gas mileage if your ecu thinks the engine is not up to operating temp.

HAPPY B'DAY CHRIS~!

>

I really don't think it's the sensor. The problem doesn't seem like a sensor at all. I forgot to mention that the air coming through the heater actually gets colder too, so it's clear that the coolant temp. is cooling off when the gauge shows that it is.

And the thermostat is installed correctly. However, it's a really old thermostat. It's possible that it's stuck partially open.

Great work Chris, should probably just replace it seeing as T-stats are relatively cheap for our cars and not too hard to replace.
and like shin said

HAPPY BIRTHDAY kid

This post has been edited by playr158: May 5, 2007 - 11:49 AM

>


when my sensor went, it would start reading cooler on the highway and normal in city driving. bought a new one and fixed the problem. but try a new thermostat first. only buy an oem one. the aftermarket ones are really poor quality.

happy birthday, and im glad the car is back running again!

Happy birthday Chris. Glad it's running well. Is your fan running constantly or did you go ahead and use the stock temperature switch? It sounds like a dumb question but you know how easy it is to overlook the simple things.

This post has been edited by WannabeGT4: May 5, 2007 - 8:48 PM

Happy Birthday, good to hear things are better.

happy birthday mr coomer.

Happy Birthday did u do ur birthday burnout?
-dave

Thanks guys.

I figured you guys probably wanna see some pics...I'll do a full shoot soon once everything is done, but here's one for now.

wow...very, very nice work. looks incredeble!

holy crap that is clean. i could've thought that was your trunk with some engine sitting in it. very nice work coomer. more pics!

This post has been edited by j0e_p3t: May 6, 2007 - 1:16 PM

That is the s***!! Very nice Coomer, good job

Maybe a bit late, but still a happy birthday!
That is one shiny clean engine bay, very nice work, I like it a lot.

Chris - you never stop to amaze me man - that is totaly impressive - awesome job ONCE again... NO GET your car on featured ride

x2 for featured ride.

all of that room is just begging for a turbo (i know you never will)

you poppin adderal coom? cuz ur like tha energizer bunny man... u just keep goin and goin and goin - it's ridiculous

looks fantastic. i was wrong, the yellow bay works good. now make sure you keep it locked up. i dont want to see vandals or thieves damage this beauty again.

>

OH EM GEE! that looks Gorgeous!

Thats outstanding.

amazing~~~~~~~~~~

Wow...

New featured ride nomination.

no front strut bar?

umm..... stickied