3eyedwagon

The throttle body spacer is definitely worth the money. I've used a fairly wide variety of them, and have found that as long as it is a 1 incher with twist, it will work great. A definite solid investment as the gain in mpg has paid off all of mine within the first year. Another tip I would highly suggest is to roller rocker that motor. I've done it to two of them now, and it is seriously the greatest improvement to any 4.3 I've ever made. The only reason I didn't mention it earlier is because it is expensive in relation to many other improvements. If you are looking to go as far as headers, this may be something you want to check into. I attribute my roller rockers with making my engine last this long. I have seriously run this engine very hard for over a hundred thousand miles, often pouring WAY too much nitrous into it. The roller rockers have made the engine roll so much smoother, it is actually noticeable in every aspect of performance. The engine even starts easier.... just a bump of the key, even after sitting for a month, and it just rolls so easily; it fires right up. From the sounds of it; that would be a project for later down the road, but, one I would highly reccomend. They just respond so well too it. Also, if you choose to roller rocker it, you can play with duration a little at the same time. That'll give you even more power. I've gone as high as 1.8 duration in the rockers, and found A TON of torque. I'll find my part numbers for you, as there are very few roller rockers that fit under stock 4.3 valve covers.

You will never hear me argue over most GM products. Alot of the early GM fuel injected stuff is really solid, and incredibly simple. The eighth position in the VIN is the engine designation. Engine designation Z was the only 4.3 available until 1992, or at least according to the books. I've got a stock early 1991 Blazer with a W code Vortec parked out back that would argue that point well. The best part about these motors is that they retain most of the parts, and geometry of their big brother 350 small block. All of the valvetrain parts I've ever ordered for my trucks I've ordered for a 350 of the same era. The cost is usually the same, and you get four spares... All of the hop ups are really quite simple. The best advice I can offer is a throttle body spacer. It may sound dorky, and gimmicky; but they honestly do work. I've had them on over a dozen LO5 small blocks (Caprice cop cars), and a handful of 4.3s. The 4.3 actually responds better to them than the LO5. I gained 2-3 mpg out of my 2wd by installing a $90 chunk of machined aluminum. My next best advice would be to free up the exhaust any way possible. Simple stuff, I know, but it can't be overstated for that big of a v6. I wouldn't exactly worry about revamping the entire exhaust, but just replacing the stock muffler, and cat (whatever you choose to do with it is up to you:lol:) to get more flow has helped all of mine ALOT.

I have a feeling that you may already know my opinion on these vehicles. They are a supremely well built vehicle, far superior to nearly everything offered around the same era. That engine alone is enough to put up with any other problems the truck could possibly have. In the event that it is a water pump problem; enjoy the half hour fix that it is, and spending the $45 it is to buy a new one.... Check your vin for what engine designation it is. I would assume it to be a Z code 4.3 with upright TBI, but they were sneaking a few TPI engines in around that era. I hope for your sake, it is the upright TBI motor, as that engine has alot of free horsepower in it. There are alot of incredibly simple little tricks to get free ponies, and better mpg out of it. All are breathing related, and costs are minimal. My most recent S10 is a 2wd ext cab 95 with a Z code 4.3, backed by a 5 speed. I've coaxed it into getting a very predictable 26mpg with 10.5" of rear tire, and a whole lot of power. Good purchase man, I seriously doubt you will regret it.

Not to tromp on your idea or anything, but you would actually be far better off using it on the actual door. Judging from your name, I'm guessing you are dealing with an older GM product. Having worked on just a handful of older GMs, I can tell you that you are way better off actually getting this foam in contact with steel. One of the major purposes for high density sound deadeners is to stop revirb. Generally, the larger the car; the bigger the revirb problem is going to be. Especially after the sheet metal has aged over 30 years. The laxness in the sheet metal will actually cause sound, and the foam will help eliminate the large sheets ability to create sound by creating more rigid points, and cells to absorb that energy. I've had the best success by putting the foam in the middle of large, unbraced sections of door, trunk, floor pan, roof, c pillar, even hood. I put some extra strips I had lying around under the trunk lid of my Nova, and you could actually see the "oil canning" style vibrations (from the motor running) stop. The inside of the door panel will still sound deaden, but it will not actually help to eliminate one of the major sound causing problems, and that's one of this products key design elements.

Don't worry Eric; I laugh at everyone, and poke fun at them too. You should really only worry if I'm always deadpan serious with ya. Hello everyone. My name is Will, and I'm an ***hole.

How's that coming by the way? ZING!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!! Sorry, had to do it. How did you not see that coming btw? :-p

A single engined Scirocco is enough of a headache to work on. I don't want to even think about what that thing would be like. I bet it goes like wee though.

Yup. I doubt you will really even need much modification for the HI/LO linkage. You will however need to check the gear ratio of your rear differential. It is probably a 3.7, and you will need to swap it for a 3.9 diff to match the gearing of the front diff in your Dual Range trans.

That's about officially the worst ending position I've ever seen. Did they end up just kinda sliding it outta there on its' lid? Got any pics of the aftermath?

I've just always used the standard Subaru lug nuts with my steel Pugs. Never had any problems. Maybe there are some oddball ones floating around out there, but mine always seemed to tighten down well.

It's funny you should mention that. I ran into the same exact problem when I very first started working on Subarus. The same problems could be mentioned for any car company in the world, especially when a person isn't used to working on them. I still remember my senior mechanic explaining to me the installation procedure for the roll pin on Subaru axles . I enjoy working on Subarus now, but still have to admit that a 2 degee off centered roll-pin is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever encountered. Like I said; the list of ANY car companys mistakes could be vast, and would get larger the longer they've been in business. Luckily for your daughter Gunnails; the 07 WRX isn't on Subaru's list. My friend had a black 07 STI The 07 front end is one of the most beautiful designs I have ever seen. The whole car came together quite well that year. And the thing was a DREAM to drive. It is honestly one of "those cars" that deserves to be put on a pedestal. I can only imagine that the WRX is just as well built of a car.

^ Even with their recent lackluster sales numbers, I'd still take their profit margin last year over yours.

WORST IDEA EVER Even more so.... why would you admit it to a board full of jerks like me???

I try not to talk complete, and utter crap about a car company. Especially one that has been around far longer than any of us here. Chances are that in that time, they have made at least a few good vehicles. The list could get pretty long for them, and I'm not even a big Ford fan.

Some people would call that a sickness. I'd call it art. Dare to be different

I love it. EA82T eat your baby? :-p

Be sure to speak up before the next trip. I'll do my best to find you a seat in mine. IF it decides to play nice this time!

That is probably my favorite show on TV. Jeremy is the man. But, just for the record; Pretty much any well made modern pickup could've/should've survived that fall. Did you see Mr. Slow top out the Bugatti Veyron? 253 mph / 407 kph Magical, I think I would've had tears in my eyes.

I'm obviously never going to be able to make you see what I am trying to say, and I'm obviously at fault as much as you are. When I say a negative thing about something, be it a Toyota Pickup, or a Dodge Coronet; I'm very, very rarely calling it a total piece of crap. Like I've tried to say repeatedly; Toyota's do have bad things about them, they aren't all sunshine, and lollipops. I don't think I've said that Toyotas out, and out suck. I even checked back to make sure, and couldn't really find a case where I had. I will however stand by my guns that there are things ABOUT THEM that do suck. Not being able to get off the gas fast enough to stop front axle hop before it breaks a Birfield = SUCKS. Changing Birfield Joints = SUCKS. The cost of a Birfield Eliminator kit dropping hundreds of dollars AFTER purchasing my last one = SUCKS! (the last Birfield Eliminator kit I bought was just under $700.... ) Looking up the interstate from the overpass, to look for a gap in the traffic before hitting the onramp = SUCKS Electrolysis mysteriously whiping out heads/headgaskets, despite efforts to alleviate it = SUCKS Mysterious grounding issues = SUCK But hey, I can go down a list about Subarus, and do the exact same thing. Breaking the same front joint design as a Toyota, while not being able to go as many places = it sucks. Not being able to haul all that crap = it sucks NO gearing options = oh yeah, that sucks Trying to figure out my rear axle geometry to stop breaking rear axles on a car that I really enjoy driving = yup, definitely sucks. Worrying about every last ounce of weight in order to make up for my lack of gearing, especially when I'm a fat *** = that kinda sucks The reality that I am probably going to beat the car to death to go everywhere = that sucks too This list can be made for pretty much anything. I can assure you; only one of my Toys was a lemon. Jeff actually helped me load it on a trailer, and take it to some friend's house here recently. Heck, I'm even damn proud of how some of them turned out. Especially both the ones my bro ended up with. They are out, and out machines. But, it took a LOT of work to get them there, and I honestly think it would be inaccurate to give the credit to Toyota, because there are alot of other parts on there to get them to work well, and ALOT of hours spent staring at stuff trying to figure out how to get it on there, and working right. That's why I'm not giving the credit to Toyota. They built an OK platform, and other people have made it great. As for your idea of issuing a challenge to Zap; I honestly don't think I'm quite ready for that one. As is now, none of my Subs could go quite as far as a Toy on 33"s. But, I'll keep working on it, and I'll let you both know when I'm ready. And, when the day comes that I give you a call; even if I don't make it quite as far... I'll still have won in my mind. Because I'll have designed, and built every last piece of my inferior pile of crap. The journey will have been made by the sweat of my brow. I won't have Trailblazer, or Skyjacker, or AllPro to thank. OR BLAME. It will all be on my back, and even if I'm sitting at the trailhead, trying to figure out where I went wrong; I'm ok with that.

Like I said; they all have upsides, and all obviously have downsides. I'm just pointing out the Toyota's, because nobody else wants to. If you guys really want to, we can go through each older mid-size one by one, and ALL call out their problems. Heck, it might even be fun! Maybe Rooinater could unwind by calling some of my crap out. Just to let you know Rooinater, my weakness is the s-10. The 4.3 V6 (aside from its' one oil galley) was sent to us directly from Jesus F. Christo himself. Any slightly older 1/2 ton domestic, be it Dodge, Ford, GM, will never fit in the places a Toyota will. At least not for the first few trips, until you get it good, and rounded off. But, it will haul alot more crap, and be able to tow the boat, camper, etc. There are alot of IFS trucks out there that, with a little lift can keep up with a Toyota on 33"s, and have some other great attributes about them. Many of them have superior drivetrains, and higher-end capabilities. Some of them are even newer Toyotas! I know you are gonna curse IFS, but hey; its' here, and we are gonna have to start dealing with it/cutting it out sooner or later. :-p That's all I want to point out. If everyone decides to wheel nothing but pre-86 Toyota's, or Jeeps; we are going to run out of Jeeps, and Toyotas. And more importantly; miss out on some good vehicles, and some possibilities for some truely original ideas.

Kinda makes you realize why they keep all the trails so harshly regulated. Looks to me like there has been maybe an 18+ inch drop next to the shark fin. Just think, alot of that dirt has been hauled back into town.

Hate is a strong word. I'd just like to think that I'm a little more realistic about Toyota pickups. I owned a small fleet of Toyota pickups at one point, and probably wheeled them longer than you have. Not trying to start a pissing contest, just giving you an idea of how I came to my conclusions. I've spent ALOT more hours working on Toyotas than I have Subarus. They are a fine pickup. They do most things ok. I'm sure yours does everything you want it to just fine. The only thing I'm here to say is that they aren't as remarkable of a vehicle as the general Toyota owners wishes to claim that they are. They aren't bulletproof, they aren't unstoppable, and they aren't magical in any way. If someone wants to make a good wheeler out of one; it takes alot of work, alot of knowledge, and a good fistful of dollars to do so. The same goes for most rigs. There are a multitude of vehicles out there that can do everything as well as the Toyota pickup. every. single. day. Some may do some things better, and some things worse. But I'll gladly tell anyone, whether it be 3 people, or a million staring me in the face; the Toyota pickup is not a stand above the crowd, remarkable truck. It has survived the years by being mediocre, and that is the honest to god truth. They do about everything medium well, and they do nothing particularly, amazingly well. Own one long enough, drive some other similar sized pickups, and you will see that I am not lying, and I am not bashing on the Toyota. They are just another small pickup, in a group of about a dozen. And in the end, arguing about it is a joke; because in thirty years or so..... you 80-85 Toyota lover's are hosed! rust never sleeps.....:-\

I'm not here to argue that the XJ is the greatest wheeler on the planet. The comment was made that Jeeps are expensive to wheel, and I provided an example of one that isn't. Just one. There are plenty of other Jeep platforms that could be built for far less. My M38A1 was dirt cheap, and went everywhere (except if there was snow on the ground) . But, it also had an oddfire GM V6, Danas, and a NV trans, and a Saturn overdrive. Hardly a Jeep. I have however wheeled with at least a dozen that I can remember, and seen some pretty amazing stuff done. The SINGLE problem with the unibody that I can remember seeing is on my friends, which took a fairly long drive down a steep hill, unpiloted, and ended up dropping off a logging road onto a rather largish stump. Of course they have problems if you go big, uni-body construction is probably their major downfall. However it is also one of their strength. Flex is what we are after, isn't it? You left out a major part of my quote, which is probably what is leading to confusion. As far as your price quotes: You are a HUNDRED percent right. I won't argue that a bit. You can build a "Toyota" transfer case for far cheaper than that of a Jeeps. I just have to laugh at how into it you Toyota guys are. My brother is one of you, and he can't see the forrest through the trees. You all definitely show devotion. My point is this: You build a "Toyota", and claim how amazing your "Toyota's" are. By the time you are done, most of them barely even resemble, or ARE Toyotas. With all the aftermarket parts required to weed out the weak links, can you still really call it a Toyota? I mean, in the end, you are really bragging about a frame, cab, transmission/transfer (stuffed full of aftermarket parts), v6 third members from later Toyotas, and a motor that will barely push it all down the road at highway speeds. I understand that every single vehicle out there has it's strong points, and it's weak points. The path to build a decent Toyota has been made incredibly simple by the people ahead of you, and in the end; maybe you are the smarter one for taking advantage of a aftermarket so full of easy upgrades. All I find funny is that people out there are so incredibly tunnel visioned about how what they are building is the absolute tops, and all others aren't. Especially when most of it has been designed years before them, and handed to them for the cost of a paycheck.

I JUST got done fighting with this same problem. My D/R is 23 spline, and I think the case is 23 spline is 23 spline is 23 spline. No idea about all the trickery of which trans, versus turbo/non turbo..... would be which. It all gets a little confusing if you ask me. But, I do have a few suggestions to help get your axle in. 1: Loosen the strut tower nuts for a bit more wiggle room. I wouldn't normally do this, but if you just can't get it - something has to give. 2: And more importantly.... DO NOT put the roll pin in the axle before getting the bottom balljoint back in. That was the problem with mine.

And, anyone with two eyes, and a brain could have read/interpreted my post. NOWHERE in my post is the sentence, or could even be contrived the phrase: "A stock XJ is more capable than a stock Toyota pickup." I think you should really try re-reading it, and coming at me with a legitimate, well thought out post. That meaning; something other than a couple of quickly found Google pics, and a broadly painted mis-quote of my conversation with other people whom are having actual engaging thoughts with me, and bringing up strong points. My post spoke to the "capabilities" of each vehicles drivetrain. Not to their capabilities off of the showroom floor. If that were the case, I wouldn't be mentioning the XJ, but probably instead a Uni-Mog.