JimmyC's 2010 150 GXL build

[JimmyC]

So after replacing the tie rod ends on both sides I still wasn't happy with it feeling like there was still something not right. Took it to another mechanic in town and he found the lower control arm bushes were kaput.
While the arms were out he did the ball joints too. $1200 later and its handling like a dream again.

[JimmyC]

Had to buy a new aux battery today, got an Amaron dual purpose 95A/hr. With a little modification to the tray I was able to fit it in only just touching the air-con pipe.

[JimmyC]

Installed a Piranha Alternator Output Compensator (aka voltage increasing diode) today. Now charges in the 13.9-14.5 range whilst driving. Much better!

[JimmyC]

Cleaned out my intake up to and including the elbow yesterday. Bigger job than I expected but most of it was spent arguing with hard to reach bolts.
Haven't noticed much difference other than slightly smoother idle.

[JimmyC]

Installed an external UHF speaker today. I'm doubting my placement a little bit as it seems too damn obvious, like I'm missing some major fault. The cup holder seems not to be affected in it's water bottle carrying capacity but haven't tried the trusty maccas cup.

https://s16.postimg.org/w5757eab9/17...09595309_o.jpg

[Hollywood]

Thanks for the pic.

[JimmyC]

How did you go with the new upper control arms mate? Got any pics for us?

All installed. Happy with the outcome, knowing I have all new gear there with plenty of room for expansion. I have about a 35mm lift in the front and there was still enough adjustment in the OEM gear to get the camber right so the adjustability wasn't essential however for only paying 200 more than replacing the bushings/joints in the OEM gear was worth it.

https://s24.postimg.org/s64yx0fmd/Up...ntrol_arms.jpg

[Hollywood]

How did you go with the new upper control arms mate? Got any pics for us?

[JimmyC]

Hi Ghandi just give me a buzz if you need a hand! I'm usually free. Yeah I go through StJohn usually, otherwise I've heard very good things about that outback mechanical bloke up near Bunnings too.

I noticed the other day that my tyres are down to about 5mm all round. Time to start looking. Thinking about sticking with Cooper at3's or going to Bridgestone duellers. Just trawling through the threads about them but it seems they are pretty much the same.

[Ghandi]

Yeah great, I'm still in Ali Pring , but headed away for xmas.

My thoughts exactly with the flush, especially as I'm still under New car/extended warranty. Going with your standard mechanic? St Johns mob from memory?
Let me know if they know what they're doing with the flush and how much!

As for cooler, thanks for the offer, will look at doing that early next year.

[JimmyC]

Going for a flush with a mechanic in town. The fluid that came out was so black I thought i'd copped an oil line, I'll let you know how it goes. I looked too and the flush seems straight forward but has so much potential for errors I'd rather have it on someone else's head if it goes pear shaped.
If you're still in the Prings I'm more than happy to give you a hand installing the trans cooler if you're unsure about anything.

[Ghandi]

Fitted a transmission cooler today. Got a Davies Craig 678 on a mount bought from Ebay (made by someone on here i believe). Initial numbers are that it's running 25-30 degrees cooler than it used to.
Found the fluid that dripped out the lines to be black as black, now it's off for a transmission spruce up after christmas!

Gday Jimmy,

Are you doing a total Transmission flush or just fluid change? Doing it yourself or taking it somewhere in town?
Trans cooler and flush is my next job for the Prado, not sure if trans fluid change is in my scope of ability. Seems a bit tricky and annoying judging by the GSIC bible!

All my other fluids are pretty much changed and cleaned since bought now.

Cheers
-ghandi

[JimmyC]

Fitted a transmission cooler today. Got a Davies Craig 678 on a mount bought from Ebay (made by someone on here i believe). Initial numbers are that it's running 25-30 degrees cooler than it used to.
Found the fluid that dripped out the lines to be black as black, now it's off for a transmission spruce up after christmas!

[JimmyC]

Put EGR restrictor plate in today (7mm hole) nil CEL yet but from what i've read I wont get one. Still unsure if it actually helps but I've had several mechanics tell me to do it.

[JimmyC]

Ordered some Superpro adjustable upper control arms today. Mostly because the cost of ball joint replacement is about 400 so I figured new arms and arm bushes/new balls is a good thing. Plus I can self install them. I think I have the install sorted but any tips anyone can provide for prado specific install would help.