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Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 4:58 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Hello! I wanted to start a thread to document my build and maybe get to know some of you as I go. I purchased my 2008 KUN26L in Minnesota about 6 months ago, I have no idea how it got into the States but it's been registered in 3 now and no problems so far. I bought it sight unseen and it has been full of poorly maintained surprises. I'm going to do a bit of catching up with the few things that have been done so far.

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:06 +0000
by hiluxxury
Excellent! Looking forward to this.

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:16 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
All that's really been done so far is to rip out some really poorly done wiring and try to get caught up on some maintenance tasks before I really get into it. It's been a real challenge sourcing parts and getting them shipped here for a reasonable price. The first thing I noticed under the hood was the poor wiring, eventually I'll have the front end off and redo everything electrical, in the meantime I have to prioritize due to financial and time constraints.

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Broken ABS wire:

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:19 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Also, noticed something may have nicked the fan :shock:

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:20 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
hiluxxury wrote:Excellent! Looking forward to this.


Thanks!

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:22 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Fabbed up some swaybar relocators:

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:25 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Did a bit of metal beating:

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:34 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Then I got to reading on this wonderful forum about the copper injector seal failures and resultant pickup screen clogs. I figured that would be my luck so I drained the oil and the screen was indeed clogged up. I cleaned it the best I could and after a bit of a parts search I tore into it.

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Two failed copper washers and one injector that had been replaced but not coded to the ECU. The other 3 injectors appear to be original at 272k kilometers...

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:41 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
I sourced injectors and a seal kit from Australia and all the injector piping and bits from UAE. So here we are this afternoon, waiting on the piping which should arrive tomorrow.

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While awaiting parts I decided to change the timing belt, pulley, tensioner and give the intake manifold and EGR a good cleaning. No sense in half assing fuel delivery at this point.

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:44 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Also fitted it with an EGR plate with 7mm hole and got some new rotors from Australia. Luckily I had some new pads laying around from an old 4runner that fit.

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 5:48 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
So that brings us up to current. I have a lot of plans for this truck after I get it to a good starting point. Hopefully this will make for a good read someday! Cheers! :)

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 9:27 +0000
by HK1837
I’ll freight you over a spare parts Hilux to you if you freight me that GTO in background in the pictures!

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Mon, 16 Mar 2020 1:08 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
HK1837 wrote:I’ll freight you over a spare parts Hilux to you if you freight me that GTO in background in the pictures!


PM sent... :lol:

Just kidding, that's probably the only thing I've restored that cost more to get parts for!

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Tue, 17 Mar 2020 2:39 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Everything is reassembled and truck is running quite well, pics and info to follow!

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Wed, 18 Mar 2020 3:50 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Everything went back together smoothly. Surprisingly the driveability hasn't changed much but no more smoke on startup and should be good for a lot of miles. I have future plans for a full length roof rack and OME suspension, for now I'm broke haha. I'll keep updating the build thread if there's interest.

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Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Thu, 19 Mar 2020 3:34 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
Today I found about 5lbs of mud stuck in the left and right fenders in the lower aft corners, visible from the driver and passenger doors. Took 30 Minutes per side to clear the debris... Is this a normal occurrence? Cleaned and treated for corrosion.

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Fri, 20 Mar 2020 6:04 +0000
by davo94
I vote you keep it updated. Build threads are always good. Im sure most of us aussies will help where we can of you get stuck for parts

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:28 +0000
by DeadlyBeast
AmeriKUN26 wrote:Also, noticed something may have nicked the fan :shock:

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Hahaha :lol: just nicked it
Hows the engine side of the radiator looking?
Keep it coming Minnesota 8-)

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:00 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
davo94 wrote:I vote you keep it updated. Build threads are always good. Im sure most of us aussies will help where we can of you get stuck for parts


Sounds good, and will do! It'll get more interesting after I get the mechanical side up to par :shock:

Re: Hilux KUN26L build in USA

PostPosted: Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:02 +0000
by AmeriKUN26
DeadlyBeast wrote:
AmeriKUN26 wrote:Also, noticed something may have nicked the fan :shock:

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Hahaha :lol: just nicked it
Hows the engine side of the radiator looking?
Keep it coming Minnesota 8-)


Amazingly the radiator was untouched, I found a big chunk of plastic from something (edit: it was the lower bracket that screws on to the headlight...) down in the ARB bumper, I think it fell in there and played some hell. Would've been a good excuse for aluminum radiator too... :D