Changes and modifications to my '85. [Archive]

Intrepidyota

07-03-2007, 02:03 PM

I have been wheeling my truck for a while now with plans to mod more later (read: whenever I find that money tree)...but I have decided that I need to make some changes before I hit Rausch Creek at the end of the month. (At least I left myself plenty of time) :shake: I was running 34x9.5's because I was on stock axles, but I have put in longs since then, chevy springs w/ AAL because the springs alone didn't give me enough height, and a dual case crossmember/skid from TG because the deal was too good to pass up, even though I only have a single case. Anyway, I find myself getting high centered on larger/harder obstacles lately with this setup and I have already trashed a driveshaft...twice, so I am looking for a bit more clearance, plus I want my rear springs to better match my front. Of course, all this has to be on the cheap since this truck is a ghetto budget build. (wabbit and cheese have begun to quiver in fear) :hillbill:

The chevy springs w/ AAL didn't give me enough lift to match the front and were too stiff compared to my rears up front (not bad, just that RUF are REALLY soft) plus they are too long to allow me to bob much. I am swapping in some Ford F-150 springs that I got for $70 from a local scrap yard, they are only 57" long and 31.5" from the rear to the center pin. I am running them reversed so that I can use the chevy mount in front and the stock rear shackle hanger, also I cut off the rear half of the overload but left the front to counteract axle wrap. These are thinner and have more arch than the chevy spring. On a test fit it looks like I will get 4-5" out of them and match my front height rather well.
They will be wired wheeled, primed, painted, and put in tonight.
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7505/springsmediumgs1.jpg

The dual case crossmember hangs pretty low (you can see it in the bottom pic), so I sold it and have ordered a budbuilt made for a 1" body lift, that should arrive friday. I got a set of worn 36" SX's that will be grooved and put on the truck hopefully in the next couple weeks...and last but not least I will be cutting my fenders tomorrow (finally, they are rusty and bondo'ed by the PO). Hopefully once I am back from Rausch I will start chopping the rear, I am looking to bob somewhere in the 11-14" range, I haven't settled on that yet.

(tire rolled forwards a little in this pic, disregard my soft top, it is still messed up from my flop)
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/5224/noname2mediumed8.jpg

Should be lots of pics to follow. :D

all_terrain17

07-03-2007, 10:30 PM

Done yet? I really want to see how this turn out!

Intrepidyota

07-04-2007, 05:14 PM

It is, as usual, taking a lot of time, the fender trimming is taking WAY too long because it is the first one we did, which means lots of, "Hmm...we can cut this here...hammer this here...wait...no, lets do this...". Also I had to grind off a lot of bondo and then hammer out a bunch of dents. :laugh:
We got the springs in and painted, it looks like they gave me 4-5" of lift, I haven't gotten to flex them out yet. I removed my crossmember and threw in a stock one until Friday when the new one arrives (guy I sold it to wanted to pick it up). Then we got a front fender done and a rear one cut and half plated...then it started to rain and put a stop to that. :(

Ok, here are the springs painted in my yard:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7030001Medium.jpg

This is the height above 34's that I got from the F 150 springs, I am uneven, about 38 5/8" on the driver and 39 5/8" on the passenger (ground to fender, innacurate, but I was really just measureing for levelness), but I am waiting to get a real idea until after I have driven it. the locker loading one side or the other when I turned it around could account for some as could one side being tighter than the other. I will wait and drive it around, then make changes as necessary. Overall though I am happy.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040003Medium.jpg

The plan was to cut 4" out of the rear and somewhere around 2-2.5" out of the front:

Close up of the fender:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040004Medium.jpg

Marking the line:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040006Medium.jpg

Planned cut:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040005Medium.jpg

Outer fender cut and hammered out of the way:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040008Medium.jpg

Inner partially cut and hammered back:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040009Medium.jpg

Cleaned up and ready for welding (the shiny part you see inside the fender is a vertical section that is the inner body panel, it cannot be cut because it is formed around the seat we plan to weld right to it):

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040010Medium.jpg

As I said, it started raining so the camera went away and I snapped about two snaps to keep the top semi-down. :hillbill: My brother welded on about 3/4 of the inner fender, we just have to cut and weld on the front and back sections (the harder to shape parts). I cut the front while he welded the rear. It started raining more though so we had to call it quits, we got one side mostly complete.

This is what we finished today, those 34's are looking REALLY small under there. :laugh: Hell, the 36's will probably look small under there.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7040011Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

07-10-2007, 07:14 AM

I will preface this by saying, I don't have any pics to put in this post. So I have saved you the time of reading it hoping for pics. :P

I changed the oil pan gasket instead of finishing my fenders because I had a couple minutes in between rain storms. :chair: I didn't want to have grinders, sawzalls, and welders out in the driveway if it started raining. :( I got soaked the other night running around to clean stuff up. On the passenger side, the front is done and the rear is almost done, just need to grind it and paint it, the other side I have to replace the front fender since I smashed it and the rear is cut and half plated. I hope to finish it up this weekend and get some pics.

I put in my Budbuilt single case crossmember and gained 2 1/8" clearance over stock and at least 1.5" over the TG skid I had. I am very happy with this.

I need to drill out the holes in my shackles to get the proper size bolt into the ford spring. I am 1" lower on one side than the other in the rear, I plan to swap the springs side to side to see if that changes anything, then make a decision based on that.

I hope to get my 36's mounted on friday and have them on the truck for this weekend, although they won't be grooved yet.

My aim is to finish this up and wheel on Sunday...that might be tough though. :D I need a garage so very badly. :(

Intrepidyota

07-10-2007, 06:56 PM

Budbuilt skid painted and ready to go in (it is in now of course):

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/P7080012Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/P7080013.jpg

MOST IMPORTANT/best off road MOD EVAR! ;D ;D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/P7100014Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/P7100016Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

07-12-2007, 05:54 AM

Last night I swapped sides on the leaf springs, it seems to have worked, I put jack stands under the axle and let the truck sit on its own weight, both sides appear perfectly level.Drilled out my shackles for the larger 3/4" bolt that the f150 spring needs, bolted everything up and torqued it down. Other than possibly swapping out my shocks, I am done with rear suspension for now. :thumbup:

I haven't wheeled on them yet, so I can't give an official recommendation, however, from what I have seen so far, I will recommend an f150 spring swap over a chevy spring swap from now on. I am SO much happier with these springs. I have much more downtravel than my chevy's had, I actually need longer shocks. They are thinner and I think they will match my rears up front perfectly.

Got my 34's dismounted yesterday, getting the 36's dismounted today, then getting the 36's mounted on my yota rims tomorrow plus draining and filling my diffs. Saturday I hope to finish the fender trimming so I can be ready to wheel on Sunday without crap flying into the inside of my cab. :D

Intrepidyota

07-13-2007, 04:25 AM

If I could ever manage to hold my phone steady, I might get a half decent picture... :headscratch: :laugh: :chair:

Here she is, trimmed fenders, ford springs, 36's, sitting on the ground! ;D Just need to do some grinding and painting to finish the fenders and I am good to go.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/303/nonamees4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5615/noname2zx6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Intrepidyota

07-13-2007, 04:25 AM

I realize it is difficult to see in the second picture and that the truck is facing the opposite direction, but I think you can get the idea:

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/5770/comparoxe6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Intrepidyota

07-15-2007, 05:32 PM

Finished up the fenders on Saturday, it is a 5 foot job, from 5 feet away, they look great, when you get closer they look a bit more rough. I could hit them with a relatively thin layer of body filler just to smooth them out, but it is a trail rig and the minute I slide against a tree, it will crack and I will be angry that it looks like crap. :laugh: So I am not going to bother.

More crappy cell phone pics!

36's:

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9403/36slz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is the worst of the two fenders closeup, there are some warps from welding, etc:

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2346/fenderfinalqy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Like I said, a layer of body filler would make them look mint, but I would rather see them be a little rough and NOT have to worry about body filler cracking. :thumbup:

Then I went wheeling today! :D It is a relatively easy trail about 40 minutes from my house. Great for a shakedown run though.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/07-15-07%20Erving%20MA/P1010006Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/07-15-07%20Erving%20MA/P1010051Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/07-15-07%20Erving%20MA/P1010045Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/07-15-07%20Erving%20MA/P1010009Medium.jpg

However, the most important event of the day...I GOT MY WIFE BEHIND THE WHEEL! :D :D This isn't a posed shot either, she actually wheeled more of the trail than I did, haha. I just ran the harder obstacles because she isn't ready for that yet. She had a lot of fun, we will be going to Rausch in a couple weeks, she will get some more seat time then.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/07-15-07%20Erving%20MA/P1010002Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

07-15-2007, 05:37 PM

One problem though, my truck was overheating all day. :( I could run the heat and sweat my balls off to keep the temp down a bit, but it was still really high. :( I have changed the t-stat and fan clutch but neither of those did the trick. I don't seem to be losing any coolant either. :headscratch:

all_terrain17

07-15-2007, 08:50 PM

Why no wheelin' pics? :D

Have you checked to see if coolant is moving at all?

reggie 00

07-15-2007, 09:21 PM

Intrepidyota

07-16-2007, 04:20 AM

Why no wheelin' pics? :D

Have you checked to see if coolant is moving at all?

I posted a bunch in my second to last post, are they not showing up?

One problem though, my truck was overheating all day. :( I could run the heat and sweat my balls off to keep the temp down a bit, but it was still really high. :( I have changed the t-stat and fan clutch but neither of those did the trick. I don't seem to be losing any coolant either. :headscratch:

Did you get all the air out too?

Might try to burp it if you didnt.

I believe I got all the air out, but I am going to double check that just to be sure.

Intrepidyota

07-16-2007, 06:00 AM

Plan for tonight:

-replace radiator cap
-re-burp system
-check hoses to be sure both get hot
-make sure bottom hose isn't pinching itself closed
-test mixture
-drill thermostat just for the hell of it

Anything else you guys can think of?

BruceTS

07-16-2007, 08:00 AM

Check the radiator, a buddy of mine did juat about everything else, including replacing the head gasket and it turned out to be a clogge radiator.

Intrepidyota

07-16-2007, 08:25 AM

Check the radiator, a buddy of mine did juat about everything else, including replacing the head gasket and it turned out to be a clogge radiator.

Lee has an infrared thermometer, I will probably borrow it and give it a try, see if I can find some cool spots on the radiator. Other than putting my hand on it and feeling for it, any other good way to check it?

all_terrain17

07-17-2007, 12:00 AM

Oops. Not sure how I missed those. Very cool.

Intrepidyota

07-17-2007, 04:46 AM

OK, last night I replaced the radiator cap and re-burped the system and I did get a little air out. Both hoses get hot and the thermostat is definitely opening. The bottom hose is not pinching itself closed and the mixture of coolant to water is good. I took it out to a local trail and crawled along, it did not overheat, but it did run really hot, I would say around 1/2-2/3 of the temp guage. I did not have the heat on and it did not go higher than that, although it was cooler last night than it was this past weekend.

I guess I will have to pull the shroud off and run it, then shut it off and try to feel for cool spots on the radiator to see if I can find a clog. Any other suggestions?

I should add, while idling in my driveway, the temp stayed about normal, while driving down the road doing about 40-45 it stayed normal, while crawling it went up.

Intrepidyota

07-24-2007, 05:11 AM

Ok, looks like the overheating was just the radiator, I replaced it with a new one and drained out some nasty rusty coolant. I will have to hit the trail tonight or tomorrow night and let it crawl along and see what the temp guage says.

Last night was productive, we made a simple and strong bumper:

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4936/p7230003mediumaj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/6934/p7230009mediumfc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/341/p7230015mediumjt4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6716/p7230017mediumpp7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6640/p7230019mediumjv0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I am very happy with the way it came out. Simple, clean, solid. I want to make a light/grill hoop, but we decided to just call it a night last night as it was getting late. Eventually I would like to plate just the top so that I have a flat surface up there. I have some diamond plate that will probably do the trick. The important part is done anyway. Those metal loops are for some LED turn signals. All I have to do now is bolt on my license plate and wire up the turn signals and it is all ready to go.

Another pic from the cell phone this morning:

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2234/nonamemediumdx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

tulsa_sr5

07-30-2007, 11:15 AM

I understand you did some more body work on it last weekend? Where are the pics?

Intrepidyota

07-31-2007, 07:28 AM

Yeah, some...creative...spotting mixed with some throttle to scrape that bumper over some rocks ended with a rock ledge jammed into the headlight opening, which destroyed the outer fender, headlight, and corner light, plus "accordianed" the inner fender and buckled the hood. :( Video of teh ownage here:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6970590439771551004

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l286/gus310/rausch%20creek%202007/P7280077.jpg

http://www.atarmor.com/wheeling_trips/takeover2007/images/P1010699.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/6783/nonamemediumld6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I am currently debating what to do with it. I had planned to bob the truck once I got back from this trip, so now I have to add another body mod to the list, haha. I am debating between just getting those pesky fenders out of the way by dovetailing the front or just comp cutting and tubing out the fenders with more front end protection so that this doesn't happen again.

Oh yeah and I mashed one of my nicely trimmed rear fenders this trip too. It saved me from flopping, but it is bothersome since they took so long to do. :shake:

fustercluck

07-31-2007, 09:17 AM

I liked the vid clip! :D

Relative to overheating, I wonder sometimes if the two core rad that these trucks were designed with are efficient enough for real off-roading. I bought a new stock rad for my runner and when I went out in the desert and ran the washes in low gear at about 3000 rpms, the truck overheated too. The water pump, fan clutch, hoses, t-stat (upgraded per 4crawler's directive) were all new too. I dumped the 2 core for a v6 three core and it seems to have remedied the issue.

I'm enjoying this thread. I haven't had time to post recently, but I am lurking....

Intrepidyota

08-08-2007, 05:28 AM

Inner fender damage, that outer edge should be perfectly straight. :chair:

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4929/p8070178mediumej5.jpg

all_terrain17

08-08-2007, 11:46 AM

Sweeeet.

This is the excuse you need to take all the hard lines!!

Intrepidyota

08-08-2007, 12:05 PM

One needs an excuse for that? :hillbill: This certainly didn't happen on an easy line. :laugh:

Unfortunately, it pushed my battery back along with everything behind it so it needs to be fixed. I got it mostly straight with the help of a come along, pry bar, and hammer last night. Just need to bend my battery tie down back bolt in the fuse box, battery, headlight, and new outer fender and it should be good to go.

Also, I might have scored a set of 38's today, I will hopefully find out by tonight. :clap:

Intrepidyota

08-09-2007, 06:13 AM

I didn't get started until late, but I made some progress even though I only got about an hour to work on it. Got the inner fender fully straightened, put the battery and fuse box back where they belong, dropped a new fender on, just need a couple extra bolts, put a new headlight in, and got the hood mostly straight. It needs a little tweaking as it pushes the grill down now. I tried to take some pics, but it was getting dark and even with the flash, they sucked. I was able to play with some settings on the camera to lighten it up, but it got blurry, so this is the best you get:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8531/p8080189mediumpu7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Just to compare to what it looked like at a normal setting with the flash:

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2443/p8080187mediumks6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The bumper was built with trimmed fenders on, so the bottom front of the fender doesn't fit over the bumper, it needs to be trimmed before I can fully bolt it on.

tulsa_sr5

08-09-2007, 07:00 AM

I'm impressed, looks like you managed to flatten the hood back out too.

So which corner 'gets it' this weekend? Maybe I should start a poll. :angel:

Intrepidyota

08-09-2007, 08:32 AM

I'm impressed, looks like you managed to flatten the hood back out too.

So which corner 'gets it' this weekend? Maybe I should start a poll. :angel:

:spit: :spit:

Not wheeling this weekend. Got some other stuff I have to do. :tongueout:

The hood needs more work on the front corner where most of the crushing action happened, but it is pretty close. It is tough to get it to round out correctly due to the substructure under the hood, I will give it maybe another 5 minutes of attention, but that is it. Hit it with some paint to match it, trim the fender, and it is good, haha. It is begging to wheel, I can't bear to see her beg. :laugh:

I am going to wire up the bumper lights as blinkers and corner lights and leave out the corners, I always manage to smash them.

Intrepidyota

08-11-2007, 11:50 AM

Good enough! :hillbill: :D

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2792/p8110190mediumsh6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

fustercluck

08-12-2007, 07:00 AM

Well done Dr. Frankenstein!!! :D

Intrepidyota

08-13-2007, 05:28 AM

Thanks, my body work "skills" aren't on par with yours, but I have a history of vehicular abuse, so there isn't much point it making it pretty. :D Just gotta fix it enough so that it doesn't flap and rattle. :hillbill:

fustercluck

08-13-2007, 08:19 AM

.....Just gotta fix it enough so that it doesn't flap and rattle. :hillbill:

Hehe. Sounds like my code for personal fitness....:hillbill:

Intrepidyota

08-14-2007, 04:35 AM

.....Just gotta fix it enough so that it doesn't flap and rattle. :hillbill:

Hehe. Sounds like my code for personal fitness....:hillbill:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Intrepidyota

09-06-2007, 08:06 AM

So I had a shot at some cheap bald 38's...we all know I can't resist cheap bald swampers, hahaha...so I grabbed them. They measure an even 37" tall and are worn from street use, whereas my 36's measured closer to 34.5" and had no outer lugs due to off road use.

Started to groove the rear, ran out of time and went wheeling. I will finish them up this week probably.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/9-3-07%20OFR/P9030145Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/9-3-07%20OFR/P9030102Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/9-3-07%20OFR/CopyofP9020001Medium.jpg

In other news, 5.29's go in this week along with a full detroit to replace my lockright. My crawl is about 80:1 now, it will jump up to about 100:1 with the gears. If I really want it lower I might go dual cases or relocate my fuel tank and run dual transmissions.

Intrepidyota

09-06-2007, 08:14 AM

I have replaced the radiator, t-stat, coolant, and hoses...but the truck is still running really hot. I also swapped in another fan clutch and fan to no effect. At idle it is fine, it can idle all day and not run hot, while driving on the road it also has no problem, but when I am crawling down long stretches of the trail at 2k rpm it runs over halfway up the guage. :(
I checked compression, I am good across the board. I have no oil in the coolant or collant in the oil, and there are no air bubbles in the coolant either. I have burped the system twice and gotten all the air out.
I am at a loss. I don't have a clue what is causing it. I think I may throw in a taurus fan on a switch and just run it constantly while on the trail. It should keep the temp down, I am just afraid of masking a more serious problem with it.

Intrepidyota

09-25-2007, 04:52 AM

Well, turns out, the fan clutch I put in was also bad. I swapped in a new unit and wheeled all last weekend without a problem. :chair: :thumbup:

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3546/pict0309ze0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Intrepidyota

10-03-2007, 05:18 AM

Lots of good stuff coming up...next month. :( I am moving at the end of this month, so I won't be wrenching or wheeling much, just packing. I am off to a magical place with a one car garage [pause to wipe up drool puddles]. So no more driveway wrenching pics for me!!!! I can't wait to get into a garage, I can leave my stuff out mid project rather than have to pack it up and make everything weather tight. Thus projects can take more than one day and not be a gigantic hassle.

I have a sale pending locally for my soft top, lately I have just been finding it to be a hassle since I don't drive this truck to the trail anymore, it won't fold down with my 38" spare in the cargo area, and when I flop again it will just get more destroyed. That money will be going to fund the beginnings of my poop pipe exo. (come on, who didn't see the poop pipe coming in my cheap-ass build, haha)

So 30 days until I move, approximately 32 days until I take a sawz-all to the back of the 4runner, and maybe 40 days until I start kinking pipe around my truck. (I will pretend like the wife will let me out of the house to work on the truck while there is still unpacking to do, but we all know that won't happen, hahaha)

So the plans for the next couple months are:

-mount new CO2 and fire extinguisher (got some quick fists from flyingwil that I never put on and forgot about, hahaha)
-weld random holes from soft top, antenna, etc
-wire electric seats (both for doorless winter driving and so that my wife can more conveniently drive my truck since she has been doing this a lot lately)
-bob bed and top 13.5"
-relocate toolbox to acoomodate 13.5" bob
-full exo w/ tire carrier
-tube doors (in progress)
-build traction bar, cut overloads down to a block, maybe add a leaf to the rear to level it some.
-replace and possibly reposition rear shocks (they are blown and too short, they limit travel now)
-cut and weld in a receiver hitch in the front hanger for a better tow point.
-relocate CB antenna to rear (maybe, just because I am sick of seeing it swinging around on the side of my hood)

04 Rocko Taco

10-03-2007, 05:42 AM

Sounds like a fun couple of months, keep it up!

Intrepidyota

11-19-2007, 02:28 AM

Took longer than I had hoped, but I sold the soft top and started cutting finally:

The plan, 13.5":

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170006Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170007Medium.jpg

First cut:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170008Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170009Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170010Medium.jpg

Second Cut:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170012Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170013Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170014Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170015Medium.jpg

Cut the bumper off:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170016Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170017Medium.jpg

Moved the body mounts to the inside of the frame in the rear, I was concerned about the tires rubbing on them if I put them on the outside.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170018Medium.jpg

Intended length:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170021Medium.jpg

Got as far as grinding the welds, I didn't knock the dents out. :P Hit it with some paint because, although it wasn't finished, there was a run that I wanted to hit the next day:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170024Medium.jpg

License plate location for now:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170023Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/PB170025Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

11-19-2007, 02:34 AM

I tried to rotate those in photobucket, some worked, some didn't, I don't know why. :(

Anyway, got the rear done and went on a short run totally unprepared. :laugh: She sits REALLY ass high with no weight in the back, but once I get a tire carrier and bumper built, plus load all my gear in, it should settle back down.

I also clearanced the bottom at the line made by the peice of moulding. I figure I there is no point in building side drops into the bumper for 6" of body, haha. Only got the driver side done the night before, then ran out of cutting wheels. :(

Pics from the run:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180039Medium.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180038Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180053Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180044Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180027Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180028Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180017Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-18-07%20Erving/PB180007Medium.jpg

fustercluck

11-19-2007, 07:06 AM

Looks good man! I'm recommending to Santa the you get a gallon of Bondo for Christmas this year....

Intrepidyota

11-19-2007, 08:49 AM

Why so that I can decorate the trails with it as I smash it off? :hillbill: :hillbill:

I plan to hit it with just a little bit of bondo. Hopefully it is short enough that I won't hit it before I can get a cage over it, haha.

I plan to finish cutting, grinding, and welding this week, wheel next weekend hopefully, then get some bondo on it and clean it up. After that I can worry about a rear bumper, top, and tire carrier, then the cage can start. :D

This was the first project in my new garage...I LOOOOOVE it!!!

Intrepidyota

11-23-2007, 08:47 PM

Finished the bob tonight, it is 100% welded up, cut down the bumper and remounted that, capped the clearanced fenders, plus, everyone sit down for this...

...are you ready.....

I got all Fustery and put some body filler in, (GASP), :confused: smoothed it all out nicely, hit it with a second coat to fill the low spots, smoothed it out again, gave it a couple coats of primer, then hit it with some paint. You really can't tell where the bob was now. I broke down and put the body filler on because looking at the welds was just too ghetto, even for wadada. :laugh:

Pics tomorrow in the light, she looks really nice.

fustercluck

11-24-2007, 02:38 AM

Intrepidyota

11-24-2007, 06:19 AM

I will do that, my drill crapped out so a buddy is bringing his drill by today, so that I can drill the holes to mount the body. I will try go get some pics from the inside and the outside today. :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

11-24-2007, 02:20 PM

You see what comes from putting bondo on a truck? :( I went to a friends place today and was playing around in his rock garden...

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8603/flop1qf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7294/flop2bq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8726/flop3pb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/3889/flop4po7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I straightened it all out with a hi lift, straps, come alongs and an assist from a couple friends, one with a winch. :D No more windshield, but ya know...oh well. :D

fustercluck

11-24-2007, 02:47 PM

I call dibbs on your sliders and lockers....:hillbill:

Dear Santa, Make that three gallons of Bondo and a cutting torch. :D

fustercluck

11-24-2007, 02:57 PM

ps Hope you were wearing your head gear....

http://www.zymetrical.com/images/products/beer-football-helmet.jpg

Intrepidyota

11-24-2007, 05:22 PM

:laugh: :laugh:

I have been saying that a bob and a cage are next...who knew I would need the cage within 2 hours of putting the final coat of paint on the bob. :confused:

The body is 99%% straight again, I will leave the windshield out for now, once I get to the point that I can put a cage on, I will get a new windshield put in. No point in breaking it.

....and I wasn't supposed to be on HARD trails until tomorrow. :screwy:

Intrepidyota

11-24-2007, 05:43 PM

Hey Fuster, have you ever used this tool for body work? :hillbill:

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7640/flop5qu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

tulsa_sr5

11-24-2007, 10:42 PM

I really need to send you the altimeter cluster i have in my attic, you clearly need it more than I do....

Seanz0rz

11-24-2007, 11:14 PM

Mistakes: Perhaps it is the purpose of your life to serve as an example to others.

hahahahahahahahahahhaahhahaa yea....

sorry bout the truck man, thats a shame, glad you got it all straightened out again. do you ever drive it with doors? if not then it wont be a problem!

Intrepidyota

11-25-2007, 04:38 PM

Mistakes: Perhaps it is the purpose of your life to serve as an example to others.

hahahahahahahahahahhaahhahaa yea....

I do have that there for a reason. :D

sorry bout the truck man, thats a shame, glad you got it all straightened out again. do you ever drive it with doors? if not then it wont be a problem!

I never really drive it with doors, so no worries. :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

11-25-2007, 05:45 PM

Wheeled today! I dragged the bob across a tree and it held up, no broken bondo. :D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-25-07%20Trail%20in%20Vane/PB250187Medium.jpg

Lost a drain plug in the rear. :( Fortunately I had a spare.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-25-07%20Trail%20in%20Vane/PB250197Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-25-07%20Trail%20in%20Vane/PB250180Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-25-07%20Trail%20in%20Vane/PB250160Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-25-07%20Trail%20in%20Vane/PB250201Medium.jpg

Lifting a tire:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-25-07%20Trail%20in%20Vane/th_PB250166.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/11-25-07%20Trail%20in%20Vane/?action=view&current=PB250166.flv)

So next up...cage...after a couple week break, I am tired of working on the truck, hahaha.

fustercluck

11-25-2007, 07:47 PM

Looks like fun man. How'd you like crawling sans windshield?

Intrepidyota

11-26-2007, 02:31 AM

Looks like fun man. How'd you like crawling sans windshield?

Didn't mind it at all, it did get nippy while running between obstacles baja-style, HAHAHA! In truth, it made it a lot easier to hear your spotter. :hillbill:

The wife says I have to put a windshield back in though...I will, but not until after the cage gets started, I don't need to smash another one. :(

04 Rocko Taco

11-26-2007, 04:45 AM

Well, looks like fun anyway. lol.
Rolling over is the second best reason to build a cage....
The first would have been when you THOUGHT you might roll over. lol.

Intrepidyota

11-26-2007, 10:33 AM

Well, looks like fun anyway. lol.
Rolling over is the second best reason to build a cage....
The first would have been when you THOUGHT you might roll over. lol.

So that makes this flop the 3rd best reason since I already went over once. :shake: :screwy: :laugh:

One more trip without a cage coming up, then xmas, then I can get started hopefully.

fustercluck

11-26-2007, 11:54 PM

Well, try to keep the shiney side up this time!...:hillbill:

Intrepidyota

11-27-2007, 02:57 AM

Well, try to keep the shiney side up this time!...:hillbill:

but...but...but the shiniest side is the rims :( :headscratch:

Seanz0rz

11-27-2007, 08:43 PM

keep the rubber side down... happy?

Intrepidyota

11-28-2007, 03:45 PM

keep the rubber side down... happy?

Where is the fun in that? :tongueout:

fustercluck

11-28-2007, 04:00 PM

keep the rubber side down... happy?

Where is the fun in that? :tongueout:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Intrepidyota

12-10-2007, 01:06 PM

I got all Fustery...............and put the body filler on because looking at the welds was just too ghetto, even for wadada. :laugh:

Pics tomorrow in the light, she looks really nice.

Hehe. 'Fustery'...when good proper nouns go bad...

Looking forward to the pics. Could you get one of the new body mount location from the top of the bed?

Just realized that I never did this for you. I will do it this week. :thumbup:

Upon further inspection...I am not optimistic about getting my hardtop to bolt back up to the bent roof nor am I optimistic about getting a new windshield in. I had this great idea to cut the roof off completely and run without a windshield however. Unfortunately, my wife put her vote in for not cutting off the roof (which means it is up to me, but she doesn't love the idea) and put her official wifely disapproval on the no windshield idea (which means I can do it, but she probably will refuse to ride in it anymore). :laugh: I might have to procure a roof and pillars from a parts vehicle or some unfortunate sucker who leaves his 1st gen unsupervised in a parking lot. :hillbill:

Intrepidyota

12-19-2007, 05:24 AM

While trying to fit non wadada parts on my truck (pickup tailgate), I realized that every single part of my body is tweaked and bent...nothing will ever line up again. I experienced a momentary lack of judgment and started thinking about a parts truck for a body donor. I began imagining swapping on a nice new body, bobbing and trimming it, then exo'ing before I fawked it all up...

Fortunately I have realized how retarded that is and I am eagerly awaiting christmas, as that is when I will receive my new sawzall, which is the proper method of body repair for an off road vehicle. :D Not unlike an apple, I will just remove the bruised parts and move on. :hillbill:

My plans are to comp cut the front and rear and chop the roof. All my fenders are messed up anyway as is the roof, so I may as well remove as much sheetmetal as possible in advance. :laugh:

This is how she sits now:

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6033/20581761mp3.jpg

The planned cuts (poorly and quickly photochopped, use your imagination):

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4130/chopplansdt1.jpg

The VERY rough ms paint exo plan:

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/21/chopexoqz1.jpg

and last...a friend helped me out with the accessories that are required for every mexican hot rod, curb feelers and fuzzy dice:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r72/Chris92PU/random/chopandcomponlyid2copy.jpg

Intrepidyota

01-04-2008, 02:48 AM

Ok...in searching around for people who have cut their roof off...the majority of people seem to cut their roof and everything behind it off. :o Do you think I would be retarded and/or completely regret it if I decided to lose the backhalf of the body and just tube it out with a flatbed? I keep coming back to this no matter how much I try to convince myself that it would not be a good idea. :laugh:

Only difference is that I will be keeping the windshield.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/202048050-L.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/202048096-L.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/202047129-L.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/100_1120.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/100_1119.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/100_1118.jpg

I just keep staring at this rig and drooling about doing the same thing. :laugh: Once I decided to cut, then I got the urge to cut a lot. :rofl: I have been wanting to keep the back seats, but I figure if I do get a dog or have a kid in a few years, I can build a basket (for dog) or a seat (for kid) that will fit between and just behind the front seats... :screwy:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/stitch3.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/stitch2.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/stitch.jpg

Intrepidyota

01-16-2008, 11:01 AM

Well...my wife got me a new sawzall among other things for xmas and it has exerted massive amounts of peer pressure on me, taunting me and calling me names. :( After listening to my all the broken welds in my roof squeak, attempting to line up the pickup tailgate only to discover that both my bedsides are bent and twisted so they won't line up, then discovering that both bedsides are too bent on the front to ever line up a door again...the sawzall's vote won. I always made a point to straighten these parts when I would dent them, but I just can't straighten them enough...or I could, but don't want to put in the effort. :laugh:

Pulled out all gear, toolboxes, wiring, and lights:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner minor repairs/P1130103Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner minor repairs/P1130102Medium.jpg

My brother going nuts with the grinder:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner minor repairs/P1130104Medium.jpg

We have lift off:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner minor repairs/P1130106Medium.jpg

Final removal:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner minor repairs/P1130108Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner minor repairs/P1130107Medium.jpg

Parting shot before it drove back into the garage:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner minor repairs/P1130114Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

01-16-2008, 11:08 AM

The plans are:

-harnesses
-full cage w/ flatbed
-build traction bar, remove half-overload
-cut off sliders
-boatside
-move gas tank to rear between frame rails
-remove 1" body lift
-cut off extraneous parts from frame
-remove and rebuild both bumpers
-remove and sell 5.29 diffs
-install 4.10's, welded/lockright (or similar)
-install clocked dual case adapter to bring me down from 100:1 to 170:1
-install FROR center section/custom xmember
-raise drivetrain for flat/almost flat belly
-shorten/lengthen d-shafts
-build flatbelly skid
-inboard rear springs?
-cut and install lexan windshield
-slightly reroute exhaust

I cut off the rear cross member, body mounts, and one stock shock mount. This was on monday, I also ground the frame smooth so that the location is ready for the tank. Tonight I hope to get the forward body mounts and remaining stock shock mount off, drop the tank, and cut off the crossmember the tank bolts to since I will no longer need it and my shock crossmember can easily take it's place. :)

04 Rocko Taco

01-16-2008, 11:13 AM

wow, its gonna be crazy.... can't wait to see it.

Intrepidyota

01-16-2008, 11:18 AM

wow, its gonna be crazy.... can't wait to see it.

Perhaps...or perhaps I will be crazy. :rofl: I am still hoping that I haven't gotten in over my head. :shake: I am hoping to have it at least wheelable within a month.

04 Rocko Taco

01-16-2008, 11:22 AM

wow, thats a lot of work! Go to it! Your rig is one of my inspirations so keep it up.
Keep me in mind when you sell your 5.29's. I've got 4.10's with a welded rear.

Intrepidyota

01-17-2008, 02:46 AM

wow, thats a lot of work! Go to it! Your rig is one of my inspirations so keep it up.
Keep me in mind when you sell your 5.29's. I've got 4.10's with a welded rear.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4914/woohooru1.gif (http://imageshack.us) I am someone's inspiration! This is an exciting moment for me...sniff...I would like to thank...my mom...wabbit who was my original inspiration...my lovely wife, without her support I could never have gotten this far... :laugh:

I was just coming here to post them for sale actually. :D You have PM.

bigarms23

01-19-2008, 08:22 PM

keep up the good work

Intrepidyota

01-20-2008, 09:03 AM

I was thinking about something like this for the cage...just a rough sketch:

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8079/cagecg1.png

Obviously with what's left of my truck inside. :)

Yesterday we dropped the tank, cut off an unnecessary crossmember, found a small amount of rot, cut it out, patched it, then welded in some angle iron to mount the gas tank to. :thumbup: Not much progress because I had to get a tire mounted and dismounted, then spent a lot of time searching for the fittings I needed to extend the fuel line.

Intrepidyota

02-08-2008, 03:01 AM

I was sick all last weekend so nothing got done, the previous weekend I was out buying poop pipe for an exo. I stopped at Harbor Freight to buy a chop saw. Since I had 21' lengths of pipe on my trailer, I parked towards the back of the lot where it was empty and easy to maneuver. When I stepped out of the store I had the pleasure of seeing someone smash the driver side window on my tundra and try to steal my GPS. I was close enough to see it happening, but far enough away that I couldn't stop it. I got lucky though, apparently having a 250 lb man charging at you across a parking lot screaming profanity is enough to unnerve a guy. He dropped the GPS before jumping back into his car and taking off. When he pulled out of the lot I was about 6' behind him. I got his license plate, I only wish I had the chance to make him regret smashing my window. :chair: :chair:

[pulp fiction]It would have been worth him doing it, if I could have caught him doing it. [/pulp fiction]

Got some goodies last night! :D Clocked dual case adapter, traction bar mounts from Ruffstuff, bushings for the traction bar, and tabs and bushings for my crossmember. :)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5348/p2070128mediumrp6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here is the crawl box mostly assembled, I left it not quite done because I need to get someone to weld the keystock to the shift fork first.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5697/p2070129mediumlm1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Lacking a press and bearing separator, a spare rim and a 4 lb sledge got the 37 tooth 2.28 low gear and bearing off in one hit, no damage to the gear. :D

I am now just waiting for my front range center section and a flex joint from Ballistic Fab which I have to order today. :thumbup:

4runnerchevy

02-08-2008, 05:50 AM

Wow, big plans, good luck it seems your doing it!

poop pipe? are you using "pipe" for your exo or tube?

Just curious.

04 Rocko Taco

02-08-2008, 05:55 AM

That cage design looks great bud!
Seriously sick!! I dont think your going to make it to the 'wheelable in a month' goal you had set back around mid January...

But I a cannot wait to see this thing complete. I'll have to load up the runner and head out your way and wheel when you get done!!

Intrepidyota

02-08-2008, 06:38 AM

Wow, big plans, good luck it seems your doing it!

poop pipe? are you using "pipe" for your exo or tube?

Just curious.

Pipe for the exo. 1.25" ID sch 40. It is affordable as is the pipe bender and it is guaranteed to be stronger than the stock roof. :D

That cage design looks great bud!
Seriously sick!! I dont think your going to make it to the 'wheelable in a month' goal you had set back around mid January...

But I a cannot wait to see this thing complete. I'll have to load up the runner and head out your way and wheel when you get done!!

Thanks, I am sure it will change some once I start building it. Wheelable doesn't mean complete, just safe enough to drive. This weekend I plan to run the lines for the gas tank, shave the drain plugs, and reassemble the axles. That will have the truck driveable. Then all I have to do is build the cab section of cage and install harnesses and it is safely wheelable...technically. I would like to drive it for a meet and greet/run we are doing at the end of February, but that isn't looking too good since I keep piling on the plans, hahaha. For example, as I said, that would make it wheelable, buuuuuut I have this crawl box sitting here, so I will want to throw it in, which means I need to shorten/lengthen my driveshafts, etc.

I will hold you to that, hope you have gas money. :D

04 Rocko Taco

02-08-2008, 07:11 AM

I will hold you to that, hope you have gas money. :D

Deal. I'll have the gas money...as long as you help me install dual cases once I get there. haha.

Intrepidyota

02-08-2008, 07:42 AM

I will hold you to that, hope you have gas money. :D

Deal. I'll have the gas money...as long as you help me install dual cases once I get there. haha.

Done. :)

4runnerchevy

02-08-2008, 05:15 PM

Ok !

Intrepidyota

02-12-2008, 04:28 AM

Ordered a flex joint from Ballistic Fab, a Front Range Off Road center section, and a pair of 5 point harnesses from Race Safety Direct. :D

Shaved the drain plugs from the axles:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Parts/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2110140Medium-1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Parts/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2110139Medium.jpg

I also cut the sliders off, comp cut the front fenders, and cleaned and primed the rear half of the frame. Next up is to remove the body lift, get the dual cases installed, and shorten/lengthen the driveshafts appropriately.

Intrepidyota

02-14-2008, 12:28 PM

I assembled the reduction box side of the dual case adapter, put in gasket maker, bolted it up, etc...and the shifter was binding really bad, had to hammer it to get it to move. :( Should have tested it without said gasket maker. :shake: After playing with the adapter for a bit, I noticed that the channel on the back was showing marks from my hammering the shift rod back and forth. I figured that this was the point it must be binding. I took it apart and slid the shift rod in and sure enough, that was the problem. I took a dremel and knocked down the corners, plus ground out the channel until the shift rod would slide through smoothly but not enough to make it loose.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2130003Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2130004Medium.jpg

In other news, the gas tank is in and I got my flex joint from ballistic fab, it is beefy! :D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2130008Medium.jpg

Rear of the frame cleaned of all hangers, bumpstops, brackets, etc with the gas tank mounted:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2130006Medium.jpg

04 Rocko Taco

02-14-2008, 01:06 PM

Lookin good buddy! Loving watching this thing come together.

4runnerchevy

02-14-2008, 04:04 PM

Looking good! :thumbup: definitly a top thread! I am interested in the outcome.

Intrepidyota

02-14-2008, 06:33 PM

Thanks guys! I am pretty excited for it to come together myself. :laugh: I wish I could pull this together as fast as some of the buildups I read, but this has to go at my slow annoying pace since I am doing a lot of stuff I have never done before. :( I was all excited to work on the truck tonight...then last minute I remembered it was Valentines day. :screwy: So no work got done, took the wife out to dinner, etc. However, my harnesses came in today! :clap:

Two sets of Peak Racing 5 point harnesses from Race Safety Direct, 3", wrap around style, 4 grade 8 eye bolts with nuts and washers, and 5 clip in mounts (came 5 or 10, so I will use 4 and have an extra). I plan to clip in the lap belts because that will save me having to angle them properly in double shear with the regular bolt-in mounts, then I can wrap the shoulder bars. I won't be running the crotch strap until I get seats that will accommodate it.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2140010Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2140011Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

02-16-2008, 03:06 PM

Got a fair amount done yesterday afternoon:

-drained t-case
-traced lines to be sure I had gas tank installed correctly
-painted gas tank flat black
-rebuilt front axle, repacked bearings and birfs
-removed ac condensers and all related equipment on the front of the core support
-cut opening in core support higher for steering box
-removed body lift replaced all bolts with shorter bolts

Then today things slowed down since I am back into uncharted territory (for me). I pulled the t-case today, bolted up the adapter, reduction box, and fror crossmember, removed the seats, and cut the floor. It is slow going since we are sort of learning as we go.

seats removed first cut made:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2160014Medium.jpg

cut floor:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2160015Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2160016Medium.jpg

tranny in position

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2160017Medium.jpg

flat belly ;D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2160018Medium.jpg

Tankota

02-16-2008, 07:04 PM

Intrepidyota

02-17-2008, 11:30 AM

flat belly ;D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P2160018Medium.jpg

One flat belly and one round belly. :rofl: sorry, couldnt help it :hillbill:

Awesome build up though. I been reading it for a while now. Is your bumper poop pipe too, I think I'm going to buid one like it.

Also, what are you doing with your old sliders?

I noticed the same belly comparison, fortunately, I am behind the camera. :D The bumper is poope pipe too, I plan to cut it off soon, I think a buddy wants it. The sliders I cleaned up and sold.

04 Rocko Taco

02-17-2008, 04:14 PM

Hey heath... what became of your body lift? :angel:

Intrepidyota

02-18-2008, 02:37 AM

Hey heath... what became of your body lift? :angel:

Actually, a guy from PA dibs'ed it not too long ago. If he backs out though, you are next in line. :)

Unfortunately, the bmw seats that are in the truck currently may not fit with the newly cut floor. :( I am looking into other options. My first thought was to go with some cheap plastic seats with covers:

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/6032/sumcsum110bvk2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I wouldn't say I have a bad back, but it certainly isn't the best back. :laugh: So I am not sure how well I would handle being slammed around in those. My wife's back gets sore in the current padded seats, sooooo...I am thinking about splurging even though it isn't in the budget and getting some Corbeau Baja SS's, which are cheap for suspension seats at $169 each:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/792/seatsls1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Maybe if I hold out a bit I can find some used. :D

Tankota

02-18-2008, 07:56 AM

Intrepidyota

02-18-2008, 10:41 AM

I've ridden around in a buddy's runner that had PRP buckets in it. Man talk about a comfortable ride, thy area so supportive of your back and dont let you slam back and forth when you are strapped in, like conventional seats do. Its almost like cruising in you favorite easy chair :D

I will relay that to my wife, I need all the convincing I can get since there is no more truck budget money remaining to cover seats. :D Anytime I can describe, in depth, the misery she will have to endure, then explain that it is avoidable, it makes it easier to convince her that I need to spend $400 on something, hahahaha! :confused:

yotastan

02-18-2008, 06:31 PM

what kind of soft top is that ?? just trying to find a good soft top for my 85???

thanks cheers

Intrepidyota

02-18-2008, 06:35 PM

what kind of soft top is that ?? just trying to find a good soft top for my 85???

thanks cheers

It was an STC soft top. I had no complaints about it, it was cheaper than comparable tops and was convertible. I don't recommend flopping with it on though. :shake:

Intrepidyota

02-25-2008, 12:22 PM

It basically took most of the day due to measuring, test fitting, checking, and re-checking, but this was the first time ever doing this, so I didn't want to have to cut it off and do it again. :) Got the crossmember made:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3102/p2240073mediumzs6.jpg

I am debating adding a plate along the bottom of the center section and gussets to add a little more strength.

04 Rocko Taco

02-25-2008, 12:28 PM

wow, looks great heath!! I look so forward to seeing updates on this thread!!

Tankota

02-25-2008, 12:56 PM

I like it :thumbup: Now will you just bolt a skid to the bottom of the t-case.

Is any of that member from FROR or did you fab the whole thing.

Intrepidyota

02-25-2008, 01:25 PM

I like it :thumbup: Now will you just bolt a skid to the bottom of the t-case.

Is any of that member from FROR or did you fab the whole thing.

The center section is from FROR, the bushings and sleeves are from Ruff Stuff Specialties, they came with tabs to mount them to the frame also. :thumbup: I plan to make a full flatbelly skid actually, to provide maximum protection under there.

Intrepidyota

03-04-2008, 02:55 AM

Couple pics, here is the inboarded hanger. It will be braced to the frame facing the rear, to the horsecollar in front, and to the cage from above. It shouldn't move anywhere:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3030077Medium.jpg

Looking down the spring, had to use no flash or you only saw the near side:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3030080Medium.jpg

The cross-member in place:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3030084Medium.jpg

I ordered my horse collar a bit late, but I spoke with Adam from 4xInnovations and he said he would rush to get it to me before saturday, even though I wanted a custom height on the raised center, thanks Adam! :thumbup: :thumbup:

04 Rocko Taco

03-04-2008, 04:50 AM

4runnerchevy

03-04-2008, 06:06 AM

Someday I would like to tear my runner down to frame. A complete redo, instead of this piece by piece crap. Looking good :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

03-04-2008, 06:22 AM

Looking good Heath!! When I make it out there, Im gonna let you go crazy on my runner. Gotta help me put those cases in!

Also, I dont know if you pulled the trigger on the seats yet... but if not you may want to look at these Hunsaker Synchro's.

Full suspension seat, and at $340 a pair, you cant go wrong. Let me get you a link.
http://www.hunsakersports.com/shop/category.asp?catid=3

I have not pulled the trigger on seats yet. I got a quote from a vendor on pirate which I was pretty happy with and is just a hair lower than that for Corbeau Baja Ultra SS seats. He covers shipping if you order two seats and offered a discount since I am a red star member, that put me actually just a little less than it would cost to get those Hunsaker seats, plus the corbeaus are a little wider and I would rather support a vendor. It gives me better peace of mind that I won't get hosed. :) That is a good price though, but $80 shipping and $30-40 brackets ruins it in this case.

04 Rocko Taco

03-04-2008, 06:35 AM

thats true!

Intrepidyota

03-04-2008, 06:36 AM

Someday I would like to tear my runner down to frame. A complete redo, instead of this piece by piece crap. Looking good :thumbup:

I am still doing mine peice by peice, haha. I cleaned and painted the front to the firewall when I did the SAS-equivalent, now I am doing the rear to the horsecollar. Once all this is done, I will be doing the middle section under the cab, haha.

4runnerchevy

03-04-2008, 11:58 AM

The Day I tear mine down is the day she becomes a trailer queen. Of course I will need a trailer and tow rig first.

Intrepidyota

03-05-2008, 05:05 AM

Cleaned up the garage some last night and got a couple more pics:

Inboarded hangers on the front:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3040093Medium.jpg

Inboarded (but not gusseted) rear hangers:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3040087Medium.jpg

Tankota

03-05-2008, 07:36 PM

I like those. Are you going to guss the axel too. Now that there is more leverage on the housing its self.

Intrepidyota

03-06-2008, 02:50 AM

I like those. Are you going to guss the axel too. Now that there is more leverage on the housing its self.

To be honest I hadn't thought about it. I would say probably not, there isn't going to be a ton of room on the housing once I add a traction bar and shock mounts.

Last night: welded the new perches on to rotate the axle, cut the diff armor off my old axle, slimmed it down some, cleaned it up, and threw it onto the new axle. :thumbup:

I hit the perches and armor with some primer, once it is painted I will toss the springs on and the rear axle will be complete minus the traction bar, which I don't want to put in until everything else is basically done.

Perches:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3050109Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3050111Medium.jpg

Cut around an inch off, so that it would sit closer to the diff:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3050112Medium.jpg

4runnerchevy

03-06-2008, 05:39 AM

How much did you rotate the axle ? I rotated a friends 7* and mine 12*, just wondering what the average is around here.

Intrepidyota

03-06-2008, 06:08 AM

How much did you rotate the axle ? I rotated a friends 7* and mine 12*, just wondering what the average is around here.

This is closer to 20*, I have never done it before, but we put it in, supported the weight of the truck, then aimed it for the t-case, which I have raised WAY up. It didn't look too insanely far, so I decided to go with it. I don't have to drive it on the road and it keeps the pinion out of the rocks. :)

4runnerchevy

03-06-2008, 06:30 AM

Intrepidyota

03-06-2008, 06:48 AM

Nice. Make sure you overfill the diff. don't want to starve the pinion. Run a hose for the breather just in case the oil needs somewhere to expand to. When I did mine I also pointed it at the case to figure my measurement. Just enough lift to stuff my 36" tires. I came out with 12* but that was then, probably could have done 15* or 16* for what it is now.

Yeah, I will definitely overfill the diff, that is my plan. I already have a hose on the breather, to keep water out, but of course it gives oil a place to go too. Keep in mind that 12* would be fine with a case in stock location, I moved my whole case up somewhere around 4-5 inches. So it had to be more to aim at it.

Tankota

03-06-2008, 07:50 AM

Intrepidyota

03-06-2008, 08:27 AM

I'm putting a new axel on my yota sooner or later here (tacoma 8.4" diff) and was planning on clocking it up some too. Do you think this would be a bad idea for a rig that still sees a fair amount of highway driving. I was thinking of mounting a second fill plug up higher on the rear cover to accomodate the raised pinyon bearings.

The particular axel that I have has a much deeper rear "cap" thing, and will hold way more oil that the stock axel. This is to accomodate the protruding diff carrier cross bracing.

I would love to put a taco axle in the rear of my truck, but the front axle is so damn narrow that I could never come close to matching widths unless I ran some ridiculous combo of spacers on there. I considered running an FJ60/62 axle in the front to match widths with my rear, then maybe run some small spacers all around or small backspaced wheels all around to be a little wider, but in the end, I decided that although I wish I was wider, I like the interchangeable thirds and the ease with which I can get spare parts. So I will run these until I can no longer deal with them or I break them on a regular basis, then I will consider going full width...hopefully that isn't for a long time. :laugh:

To answer your question, I don't think a clocked rear diff is a bad thing on a DD rig, it should help to alleviate bad d-shaft angles and should work fine. The main problem I would see with a taco axle is the width, both for what I mentioned above and because the tires would stick out a lot, which is illegal here in MA.
Trail-Gear has a weld in inspection/fill cover, you might check that out. :thumbup:
http://www.trail-gear.com/images/2007-0599-225.jpg

Tankota

03-06-2008, 11:10 PM

4runnerchevy

03-07-2008, 05:45 AM

As far as oil starvation of the pinion gear. One solution, I have seen, is to plumb the top of the diff and run a line up to an expansion chamber, like a reservoir. Then fill the Differential all the way up. When it gets warm it will move up the tube into the chamber. As it cools then the fluid returns. Just remember to put a breather on top of the expansion chamber.

Intrepidyota

03-07-2008, 03:20 PM

Mmm, that fill cap is a good idea. I've seen them on Tg's site but didn'e even think of using them before. Thanks.

As for the width of the taco axel, it is 5" wider than stock. I've been running 2" wheel spacers (=4" wider) all round. Therefore the taco axel will only be 0.5" wider on each end and I wont have to use rear spacers.

I had thought about the interchangin diffs thing, but that would be one heckofa job on the trail anyway, so I'm not really worried about it.
the only problem about reading your buildup is that I keep getting dangeroulsy inspired :chair:

Well, I didn't so much mean to swap one diff to the other on the trail, but more with the thought of carrying a spare diff. I am running a 58" rear and 55" front with 1.5" spacers and it really isn't that bad. I wouldn't want to run wider spacers on the front, steering radius isn't that great as is. :laugh: I WOULD love to run a diamond front and a tundra rear though. :D :D

Are the perches the same width and is the pinion flange the same on the taco as the mini?

As far as oil starvation of the pinion gear. One solution, I have seen, is to plumb the top of the diff and run a line up to an expansion chamber, like a reservoir. Then fill the Differential all the way up. When it gets warm it will move up the tube into the chamber. As it cools then the fluid returns. Just remember to put a breather on top of the expansion chamber.

I figure in stock configuration, the diff is only around half full, so chances are, the entire pinion isn't completely submerged anyway. I figure I will fill it like normal, then pop the breather off and add another quart or less and that should do the job, plus not be completely full.

This afternoon I got the axle bolted in, brake lines reattached, etc. Then I cut the horsecollar out, which was a huge PITA :shake: and I started measuring the driveshaft so that I could cut it down. I am aiming for it to drive out under it's own power tomorrow. :D

Tankota

03-07-2008, 08:42 PM

Well, I didn't so much mean to swap one diff to the other on the trail, but more with the thought of carrying a spare diff. I am running a 58" rear and 55" front with 1.5" spacers and it really isn't that bad. I wouldn't want to run wider spacers on the front, steering radius isn't that great as is. :laugh: I WOULD love to run a diamond front and a tundra rear though. :D :D

Are the perches the same width and is the pinion flange the same on the taco as the mini?

Yea, I guess having an extra pumpkin would be a nice security system.

Well I dont really know about the perches becaue they've already been ground off, I have new ones adn will clock the piyon angle. I havent tested the pinyon flange, but I have heard that they will match up with the existing flange. If not it can be modified or replaced.

Cant wait to see the monster on its own four feet again :drool: be sure to get some picks up!

Intrepidyota

03-08-2008, 06:21 AM

Intrepidyota

03-10-2008, 04:26 AM

Minimal progress this weekend. :( We lacked some materials we needed and were unable to find them, things went wrong, and taco bell burned down so even our intended lunch was a failure. :(

All we got done was plating the frame, installing the horse-collar, and gusseting the rear shackle hangers:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/P3080114Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/P3080113Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

03-17-2008, 03:07 AM

Minimal progress this weekend, but at least there was progress. :laugh: In the morning we helped a friend's dad put a winch mount and winch on his TJ with a new front bumper. Then we went to work on the tranny tunnel again, we had started it last week only to realize that the frame covered the bolt holes for the shifters, so we had to start over...stupid noob mistake. :shake: This time around it is coming out better. :D Also dropped the gas tank back in and discovered that the frame had tweaked when we removed the rear crossmember. :( Took some effort to get it back in, but it is in anyway. :thumbup: We are that much closer to having it drivable.

The low light pics came out better than the flash pics sooo...

Tranny tunnel:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3160122Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3160121Medium.jpg

How the truck sits currently:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3160124Medium.jpg

Tankota

03-17-2008, 08:10 AM

Nice! whats wrong with driving it like that :D

Intrepidyota

03-17-2008, 10:57 AM

Nice! whats wrong with driving it like that :D

First, there are no d-shafts and it is too tall for flintstone style, second, I have this odd propensity to roll it over. :(

Tankota

03-17-2008, 07:34 PM

Nice! whats wrong with driving it like that :D

First, there are no d-shafts and it is too tall for flintstone style, second, I have this odd propensity to roll it over. :(

Haha, those are good enough reasons.
Also I think if you stepped on the brakes to hard, you might nose over

4runnerchevy

03-20-2008, 06:06 AM

A lot of work, yet to go. Keep it comming :thumbup: nice thread.

Intrepidyota

03-21-2008, 02:51 AM

Ordered up these this week:

http://www.corbeau.com/products/ultra/3_02.jpg http://www.corbeau.com/products/ultra/3_02.jpg

mmmm...cushy suspended goodness :clap: :clap: :drool: :drool:

Should have them in a week to a week and a half. :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

03-24-2008, 06:40 PM

Tranny tunnel done...but I ripped the shift boot some :( :

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3240126Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3240127Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3240129Medium.jpg

All the bracing except vertical done:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3240130Medium.jpg

Top of traction bar, the bottom piece is done, we are waiting to weld them together until we have weight on the truck since that will change the angle some.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3240132Medium.jpg

It is zip tied together because I need the bolts to go buy some lock nuts tomorrow. :laugh:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3240131Medium.jpg

04 Rocko Taco

03-24-2008, 06:46 PM

Looks good, I am really digging that tranny tunnel Heath, what size sheet metal did you use for it? I am getting ready to redo the front floorpan, and was curios what you used, and how stiff it is...

Intrepidyota

03-25-2008, 02:58 AM

Looks good, I am really digging that tranny tunnel Heath, what size sheet metal did you use for it? I am getting ready to redo the front floorpan, and was curios what you used, and how stiff it is...

It was 18 guage, but there is a frame made of 3/4" flat stock underneath it to stiffen it up more. The hassle with doing anything with the stock floor is that it is corrugated and in my case, bent all over the place, not sure if all of the bends are stock or not, haha. I am pretty happy with the way it came out.

Intrepidyota

03-27-2008, 02:39 AM

Driveshafts shortened/lengthened and in primer:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3260135Medium.jpg

I figured out that you can clearance the firewall without cutting a huge hole and patching it. If you cut the seam at the pinch weld, you can hammer in the inner part back a few inches, then fold the outer part over it, then weld them closed...since there is an overlap, you could even just use that body glue they use and it would probably work fine. :thumbup: I will get some pics of the process when I get the passenger side done. This pic is the passenger side, I have already hammered the pinchweld flat, but you can gain clearance in this whole area (of course you can go as high as you want, I just opted to stop lower since I don't rub up there):

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3260134Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

03-29-2008, 02:56 AM

Tubbed the firewalls yesterday, got the driveshafts in, and painted everything. Firewall tubbing was easy, check it out:

This is the firewall with the pinch weld not hammered down:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280001Medium.jpg

I unbolted the computer and zip tied it up out of the way:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280002Medium.jpg

Cut off the pinch weld with your weapon of choice:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280003Medium.jpg

Tap it with a hammer and you should see that the seam is open:

outside
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280004Medium.jpg

inside
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280006Medium.jpg

Take a hammer and hammer the inner piece back a few inches, I pushed it all the way back to the edge of the body mount:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280005Medium.jpg

Then hammer the outside back and in to cover the gap:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280007Medium.jpg

then weld it all up, look at all the clearance :D :

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280008Medium.jpg

Then hit the whole thing with some undercoat:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280010Medium.jpg

I ran out of undercoating, so here is a picture of the completed and coated driver side from inside the wheelwell:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3280011Medium.jpg

Tankota

03-30-2008, 10:13 PM

I really like the fender clearance thing. Gonna have to try it soon.

Always been a little hesitant about really tubbing the inner well because I didn't want to have to cut a huge hole and patch it, but this looks fairly easy.

04 Rocko Taco

03-31-2008, 06:07 AM

Good work Heath, thats a great way to tub the inner fenders! I've never been crazy about the idea of cutting gaping hole and patching either. lol. Even I can do this one!

Intrepidyota

03-31-2008, 09:47 AM

Good work Heath, thats a great way to tub the inner fenders! I've never been crazy about the idea of cutting gaping hole and patching either. lol. Even I can do this one!

Yeah, this way seemed easier to me, not quite as neat and clean looking, but still easier. :D You will have to move the computer, it won't fit back after and depending on how far back you go, you might have to trim one side of the fuse block to get it back in place, I did. It works well and if pretty quick though. Welding old sheetmetal sucks BTW, I only recently learned to weld and that is a miserable job to attempt. :laugh:

04 Rocko Taco

03-31-2008, 10:04 AM

haha
I need to relocate the comp and fusebox due to the deep water corssing here in the south anyway. :)

Tankota

03-31-2008, 10:19 AM

Did you floor have that funny tar stuff all over. Mine does, I'm afraid I'm going to gass my self trying to weld on it.

4runnerchevy

03-31-2008, 07:03 PM

Love it :thumbup: If my tires get bigger so will the cutting !

Intrepidyota

04-01-2008, 04:38 AM

Did you floor have that funny tar stuff all over. Mine does, I'm afraid I'm going to gass my self trying to weld on it.

Yeah, I think they all do to be honest. I have discovered that it will crack and break off if it is somewhat cool and you pound the floor with a hammer, haha.

Intrepidyota

04-01-2008, 04:41 AM

Ok, pics, I realized that my entire body if bent to the passenger side from too many flops to driver, haha. The windshield was too bent even without the body and I couldn't get it back straight, so I cut it off and capped it (this one needs more grinding still, but someone got excited with the primer) :laugh:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310018Medium.jpg

New seats arrived, these are the baja ultra ss, glad I went with these rather than the baja ss, I fit in it PERFECTLY and it holds me in snug, while not restricting my legs at the knee. :thumbup: If I were any bigger though, I would definitely need the wide version. :laugh:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310020Medium.jpg

My brother came over with his new 220 mig to do some welding:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310017Medium.jpg

The boatsides/sliders:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310013Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310014Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310016Medium.jpg

Yes, that sheetmetal will be cut/bent out of the way and the boatside will get some plating later.

Main hoop and halo tacked in:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310021Medium.jpg

Halo from underneath:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Cage/P3310019Medium.jpg

Thats all from this past weekend. :D Most of it isn't perfect, but I between never having done this before and the horribly imprecise tool that is a pipe bender, I am lucky I got anywhere close! :laugh:

Intrepidyota

04-06-2008, 02:42 PM

My brother and the same friend who have been helping me all along came by and we were able to blast out a ton of work this weekend. Worked saturday and just a couple hours today.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4060030Medium.jpg

This roof was a HUGE cocksucker to get done, lots of small bends and angles. :doh: Came out decent though:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4060027Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4060023Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4060024Medium.jpg

Tankota

04-06-2008, 02:53 PM

Intrepidyota

04-06-2008, 06:54 PM

Man, every time you post new pictures I get even more jealous. I really like how that cage is coming along though.
Are you going to install a rear seat there, or just the two front buckets? By the way, where did you order your seats from? I'm really thinking about getting some now.

No rear seat, this will be a two seater from now on. :thumbup: If I have a kid I will buy another suspension seat and mount it just behind the two seats, if I get a dog I will build a small basket type setup for a dog to lay in without getting tossed around too much. :hillbill:

I ordered my seats from vendor "Snoopy" on pirate from http://www.dandcextreme.com/. Great guy, answered all my questions plus gave me free shipping plus a discount for being a red star member. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

04-10-2008, 04:43 AM

Additional crappy cell pics, we got the X in the main hoop in last night. :thumbup:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname.jpg

It meets up exactly with the bars at "the top of the door". :laugh: Once I cut the old chevy hangers off the frame, I will make legs to support the main hoop. I realize that the diagonal down bars in the back don't meet at that same node, but I figured there was nothing actually supporting the top bar of the cage other than that bar itself, so I ran them straight up to it...not sure if it matters or not.

This saturday I am hoping to get the seat mounts and door bars done.

I started adding up the remaining work, then punch list type small stuff that needs to be cleaned up or finished...my list is getting longer again. :(

-Install rock rings, drill out broken bolt.
-Replace all felt bolts and hub face bolts with new
-Fill diffs with fluid
-Re-attach e-brake cable (buy circlip)
-Re-route/shorten exhaust
-Bleed brakes
-Mount brake line and e-brake brackets
-Finish traction bar
-Build belly skid
-Double check torque on all bolts
-Build seat mounts and shoulder bar
-Install seats and harnesses
-Build door bars
-Finish bracing cage
-Build flat bed
-Paint

Also checked a couple measurements, I am 4" wider (front to back) on the door opening than a stock body, but I am about 1" narrower (side to side) than a stock body. I haven't measured height, but my upper windshield bar is exactly where the top of the stock windshield was, so I think I am about stock cab height. Thats not too bad IMO.

Intrepidyota

04-13-2008, 06:18 PM

Worked on seat mounts which might have been the biggest PITA yet. :laugh: Also got the brakes mostly bled, got the truck started and running (started quick once the wires going back to the fuel pump were connected :chair: ) and ripped it around the driveway a bit. :D :D

Primed some of the welds until I ran out of primer...now the truck takes up residence in the driveway while we work on my buddy pats.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4120032Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4120033Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

04-15-2008, 02:39 AM

Drove it around last night...even though the seat mounts aren't done, it has no seat belts, and the brakes only sort of work :rofl: so I couldn't go too crazy, but I couldn't help but find some small rock to climb. :D Once I am securely in the vehicle and there is some weight in the back I can get real flex pics. :P

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4140043Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4140042Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4140044Medium.jpg

tulsa_sr5

04-15-2008, 05:36 AM

Looks good, that looks like it should flex well. Now when are you going to fix your hood? :hillbill:

Intrepidyota

04-15-2008, 06:25 AM

Looks good, that looks like it should flex well. Now when are you going to fix your hood? :hillbill:

Battle scars. :P

I need to bolt everything in so that I don't fall out, then get some weight in the back, plus maybe some bump stops, haha, and it should work fairly well.

The hood and fender will be replaced eventually. Currently I am debating about whether to throw some bars around the hood to protect it and leave it for a while or attempt to dovetail it.

Intrepidyota

04-21-2008, 03:13 AM

Got some smaller stuff done this weekend. Ignore the grainy pics, camera sucks at low light shots.

Seat mounts finished and painted, passenger (immobile):

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4200056Medium.jpg

Driver (slider):

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4200057Medium.jpg

Shoulder bars for harnesses:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4200055Medium.jpg

Plus primed the majority of the cage, a couple pics of the whole deal:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4200053Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4200054Medium.jpg

04 Rocko Taco

04-21-2008, 10:54 AM

it's looking great man! Once you get those seats and harnesses in let me know what you think, looking at a very similar setup.

Intrepidyota

04-21-2008, 05:55 PM

it's looking great man! Once you get those seats and harnesses in let me know what you think, looking at a very similar setup.

Saturday I took some time off from working on the truck to test out the seats. I have discovered that they function very well to hold me in comfort while I consume adult beverages and enjoy the sun in my driveway. :D I will keep you posted once they are all in and wheeling. :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

04-25-2008, 03:07 AM

Over the past couple evenings I got the two lower harness mounts done and welded on, got two bars cut and welded in to brace the rear diagonal bars so that all the welding above the seat area would be done. Then we bolted up the drivers seat, fit the harnesses, and got them fully installed on the driver-side. :drool: Then sat in it, snugged the harnesses down and made VROOM VROOM noises. :clap: :clap:

The whole deal (you can see the two angled bars bracing the rear bars in this pic):
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4240001Medium.jpg

Lower harness mount:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4240003Medium.jpg

Wrapped upper bar:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4240004Medium.jpg

Whole harness:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4240005Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

04-27-2008, 06:00 PM

I forgot to grab specific pics of the traction bar and the last two bars to the frame under the main hoop, but you can see both in some of these pics.

Door bars:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4270007Medium.jpg

Spare tire mount (not finished):

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4270008Medium.jpg

Jeep parts? :headscratch: :screwy:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4270009Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4270010Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4270011Medium.jpg

04 Rocko Taco

04-28-2008, 10:17 AM

its really starting to come together man! Looks good!

MasterWIII

04-28-2008, 11:16 AM

Looks like it can handle way more terrain than my ride...awesome work man.

Tankota

04-29-2008, 08:19 AM

Looking awesome man, did you say way back that that was all poop pipe?

4runnerchevy

04-29-2008, 08:25 AM

Looking good :thumbup: Its giving me ideas, which sometimes are my worst enemy. When I roll my truck again, or the body is too damaged to function. I think I may tube my runner. Is that thing gonna be a trailer queen, or you planning street legal ?

Intrepidyota

04-30-2008, 06:50 PM

Looking awesome man, did you say way back that that was all poop pipe?

Yeah, all poop pipe. Only bit of non poop-pipe on the truck is the 4xinnovations horsecollar. :hillbill:

Looking good :thumbup: Its giving me ideas, which sometimes are my worst enemy. When I roll my truck again, or the body is too damaged to function. I think I may tube my runner. Is that thing gonna be a trailer queen, or you planning street legal ?

I have been staring at the "leaf sprung buggies" thread on pirate and getting nasty ideas about the front end. :chair: :screwy:

She is a trailer queen for sure, I decided not to waste any time playing games with trying to make a horribly illegal truck pass inspection.

So tonight I went to put in a new Cold Start Injector and realized that I had the wrong one, the clip wouldn't work. :( Then I realized that my optima battery crapped the bed and wouldn't take a charge. I got frustrated and said screw it...

and took it out to play. :confused: :confused:

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1312/wheelin1eq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6720/wheelin2kw3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:drool: :drool: :drool:

tulsa_sr5

04-30-2008, 08:22 PM

Looking great Heath, so what else is on the list?

Intrepidyota

05-01-2008, 04:12 AM

I am waiting for the steel to come in to make my flat belly skid, I need to make a spare rear driveshaft, run the exhaust (right now it is disconnected at the flange before the cat and just chillin' there...sounds good though :laugh: ), then spend a week doing all kinds of small crap. I replaced some brake lines last night, swapped some new bolts into my hubs, I need to put on the rock rings I bought, repair the rear brakes, brace up the cage more, get some grab handles welded on, build a flat bed, replace the head unit, buy a new battery, and get some paint on there. I am also debating on putting some sort of a solid roof on to keep sticks and stuff from coming in the open roof.

04 Rocko Taco

05-01-2008, 06:32 AM

For the roof, just a neat idea to keep that 'open' feel - Use Lexan or plexi. just put it on the inside of the cage. Just use sheetmetal screw or whatever you want, and bolt it to the inside of the cage.

Intrepidyota

05-01-2008, 06:54 AM

I want something that won't look like crap after a roll or two. Sheetmetal I can touch up with paint...plexi...not so much.

*oops, just noticed that you said inside the cage. :chair:

problem there is that I want all the clearance I can get between my head/helmet and whatever is above me.

04 Rocko Taco

05-01-2008, 07:01 AM

Yeah I can understand that.... there is always the redneck expanded metal outisde the cage, it will keep most stray objects out of there....

Intrepidyota

05-01-2008, 07:56 AM

Yeah I can understand that.... there is always the redneck expanded metal outisde the cage, it will keep most stray objects out of there....

I was considering it, I wasn't sure how ghetto it would be, haha. I might just put some thickish sheetmetal up there. For now it will stay the way it is.

Intrepidyota

05-27-2008, 04:37 AM

Been busy doing small unexciting stuff lately. Modified a FROR skid a buddy had to fit my rotated cases, got some sections of exhaust and redid my exhaust plus painted it with high heat paint, chained the engine mounts, finished up replacing brake lines in the rear, temporarily shimmed the shackles with washers since I realized that I messed that up a bit, (it will work for now, but I plan to redo it later), painted the cage black for now, got some lower shock mounts made for the rear, braced up the rear fender and diagonal bars as I won't be doing the fender plating and flatbed for a little while, and generally tried to finish up small stuff.

All I have left to do to get it wheelable (not complete, but drivable) is get in touch with Optima to warranty my red top, get some upper shock mounts done in the rear, and get my computer mounted up solidly in the glove box. :D Shakedown is next sunday. :clap:

Also, my wife and my family chipped in and gave me enough money to get a winch for my bday, just gotta order it! :love: A friend of mine and his wife got me a winch plate too. So that is next on my list of things to do. :thumbup: I will try to grab some pics tonight.

Intrepidyota

05-27-2008, 03:40 PM

SHE'S STEALTH!

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P5270028Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P5270030Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P5270031Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P5270032Medium.jpg

Bracing on the rear bars :

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P5270039Medium.jpg

Cut the crossmember to fit the rotated case. Disregard the hanging exhaust I need to get a gasket before I bother bolting up the other half. :laugh:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P5270038Medium.jpg

traben27

05-27-2008, 04:05 PM

Dang dude that looks sweet. Now take it out and wheel it, I know you're dying to!

Intrepidyota

05-27-2008, 06:18 PM

Dang dude that looks sweet. Now take it out and wheel it, I know you're dying to!

You have no idea. :( Sunday will be the shakedown run on some easy trails, then once everything works as promised I can both hit some harder stuff and work on completing the stuff non-necessary for wheeling like the flat bed, etc. :thumbup:

tulsa_sr5

05-27-2008, 08:05 PM

Sunday will be the shakedown run on some easy trails, ...

Any time you say easy stuff, I expect you'll roll it. :flipoff:

Intrepidyota

05-28-2008, 04:25 AM

Sunday will be the shakedown run on some easy trails, ...

Any time you say easy stuff, I expect you'll roll it. :flipoff:

How else does one test a cage? :P

Intrepidyota

06-01-2008, 04:49 PM

Took it out for a gentle shakedown today, even in incomplete form, it did great. :thumbup: Still got more work to do, but it was nice to enjoy the fruits of my labor some. :D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310001Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310002Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310004Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310005Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310020Medium.jpg

My wife enjoyed driving some:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310023Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310026Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/P5310027Medium.jpg

Tankota

06-02-2008, 10:13 AM

Damnnn!!!

04 Rocko Taco

06-02-2008, 11:33 AM

It looks great buddy! Loving it!

Intrepidyota

06-02-2008, 12:00 PM

Thanks guys, I am pretty excited about being able to wheel it. Now I just gotta finish it. :hillbill:

I am heading up to Maine this weekend, so I need to get my rear shocks done, exhaust finished, build a flat bed, and mount a toolbox. Since this was a local, gentle test run, I had a guy from the club carry my tools and stuff and I ripped it around with no shocks and no bed. :laugh:

YotaFun

06-02-2008, 12:50 PM

You Gonna Make it to the Northeast Takeover in July?
OR the EC4RJ in June?

Intrepidyota

06-02-2008, 02:00 PM

You Gonna Make it to the Northeast Takeover in July?
OR the EC4RJ in June?

I will be at Takeover, I can't wait. :thumbup: :thumbup: I have made the past 3 years and I don't plan to miss this one. :D

I would love to hit both, but it will run me about $300 just in gas for the trip down and back...so it's a once a summer deal for me. :(

YotaFun

06-02-2008, 02:02 PM

Awesome!
I will see you at takeover!
You and the Local guy will have to have a roll over contest, since he always rolls his stuff too :)

Intrepidyota

06-03-2008, 02:40 AM

I have a cage now, I will probably never roll it. :shake: :laugh:

A couple vids:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/th_SANY0003.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/?action=view&current=SANY0003.flv)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/th_SANY0001.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Ashburnham%2006-01-08/?action=view&current=SANY0001.flv)

YotaFun

06-03-2008, 06:27 AM

Lol, let joe get his hands on you, he will make you roll LMAO!!!!

Intrepidyota

06-19-2008, 04:22 AM

Not much work done, been busy looking at houses, getting financing set up, etc. My wife and I actually put an offer in on this, which was accepted yesterday :D :

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/House/70701082_1000.jpg

It's a serious fixer upper, I plan to cut it in half and just cage out the back. :hillbill:

Aaaaanyway, since last post I made some rear shock mounts, finished the exhaust, and bolted in a toolbox, then took it out wheeling at a new trail cut.

http://www.leded.com/g_trailcut/images/Guttertrailcut_07.jpg

We hit this this wet, sloppy, very loose hill (pics don't do it justice):

http://www.leded.com/g_trailcut/images/Guttertrailcut_11.jpg

No one made it up, first guy got stuck and slashed a sidewall open while winching up (didn't have a spare either, fortunately, mine fit his jeep), trashed a shock, and bent a link. Second guy got hung up just into the rocks at the bottom and winched, third guy couldn't even get into it, then I had my turn. I made it farther than anyone else, but I got hung up, while trying to hammer my way over the rocks under my diff, my engine started puking coolant. :(

http://www.leded.com/g_trailcut/images/Guttertrailcut_12.jpg

http://www.leded.com/g_trailcut/images/Guttertrailcut_13.jpg

http://www.leded.com/g_trailcut/images/Guttertrailcut_14.jpg

(disregard the sweet 70's/80's bandanna, it was incredibly hot and humid, especially while cutting, haha)

We couldn't find a leaky hose or anything, so I ended up getting towed out of the trail. I finally got some time to get into it last night. I don't know how something like this happens, but I blew out a section of the intake gasket at the thermostat housing. The one that goes between the intake and the head. :( My only thought is that maybe I pinched it or ripped it when I put it in last year when I replaced the engine. :shake: I got it mostly torn down last night. Hopefully nothing is warped or cracked and I can just replace it and get back on the trail.

Northeast Takeover at Rausch is just 35 days away. :confused:

Intrepidyota

06-29-2008, 06:22 PM

The culprit:

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/38/p6200038mediumxe4.jpg

Blew out the gasket between the thermostat and the head, plus stripped out the threads for that long bolt that goes through the thermostat. Helicoiled that hole and one of the thermostat bolts and got it all back together finally. I hate engine work so it dragged on for a bit. :laugh:

Anyway, before the end of July I need:

Replace rear crossmember, change shackle angle
Build basket in bed for cooler
Build flat belly skid
Install winch (ordered on sale at 4WP today)
Build front bumper
Plate boatsides
Weld on knuckle gussets

Intrepidyota

07-10-2008, 05:04 AM

Apparently I am retarded when it comes to charging camera batteries. :headscratch: So cell phone pics have to do. I wasn't happy with the rear crossmember or the shackle angle there, so I decided to redo it.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname4.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname3.jpg

Shackle angle is much better than before:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname2.jpg

Winch plate: http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname-1.jpg

Intrepidyota

07-14-2008, 07:06 PM

Complete, with sticker. :D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7140064Medium.jpg

Started the platform in the rear, basically just need it to hold my cooler for the upcoming trip to rausch. :) Just tacked it in place right now.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7140066Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7140067Medium.jpg

Intrepidyota

07-16-2008, 04:18 AM

Sitting in primer as of last night:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7150069Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7150068Medium.jpg

YotaFun

07-16-2008, 05:17 AM

Lookin Good!
Are you gonna be camping at Echo or Rausch?

Lee

07-16-2008, 07:28 AM

he and the rest of ntc/ttora will be at echo :)

Intrepidyota

07-16-2008, 08:21 AM

he and the rest of ntc/ttora will be at echo :)

It's definitely the place to be, regardless of the pirate hooker/golf cart nazi lady. :laugh:

YotaFun

07-16-2008, 09:32 AM

Lee

07-16-2008, 10:05 AM

you wont see me unfortunately, i am unable to make it this yr :(

Intrepidyota

07-16-2008, 10:09 AM

LOL
I wish I could join you guys, the guy and his GF I am heading up with are stayin at a hotel.
He might try to get a cabin though, if he does then I will see you guys there.
Since I am coming up Saturday morning I just don't want to wheel with all my camping gear in back...

I will still see you guys Saturday Night for the raffle/dinner

You sure do have a lot of excuses, last I heard you were too busy looking for your skirt to spend any time trying to find your camping gear. :tongueout:

You should just show up early saturday, drop all your gear off at camp, and then go wheel. ;)

Intrepidyota

07-21-2008, 05:23 AM

So I welded some tie downs to the tray, welded some studs onto the cag to mount my high lift on:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7170002Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P7170004Medium.jpg

Then I put the baffles back under the shifters (how I forgot them I don't know), added some vertical supports for the inboard mounts, welded on the lower knuckle gussets, then wired up a brake controller in the tundra. After all that, it was off for one more shakedown in the usual spot just to make sure nothing was going to fall off. :hillbill:

Only real pic of my truck:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Pats%20Shakedown%20Ashburnham/P7190034Medium.jpg

Tonight some tabs I ordered should be in so I can finally plate the boatsides, I picked up some HDPE on friday. If I can get those at least mostly done tonight that would be nice. Other than that, I have to change the oil in the tundra and I am ready to go. :D

YotaFun

07-21-2008, 09:01 AM

I am camping at echo valley Friday night!
I can't wait to see this thing in person!

Intrepidyota

07-22-2008, 04:54 AM

I am camping at echo valley Friday night!
I can't wait to see this thing in person!

Boatsides won't be plated unfortunately, I opted to spend the time throwing gussets at the cage for good measure. Oh well.

I should be at Echo Valley late Thursday night, leaving Sunday morning. You can admire my booty-fab all you want. :D Alternately if I break it, you can watch me drink too much and cuss at it. :hillbill:

tulsa_sr5

07-22-2008, 07:53 AM

Can't wait to see some pics of this beast in action.

YotaFun

07-22-2008, 08:46 AM

Intrepidyota

07-23-2008, 04:31 AM

Well then wait to play on the comp course till Saturday.
This way i can take video for everyone on here to see :-)

That is the plan actually, wheel trails the first day and maybe the first half of the second day, then see if I can't break it on the comp course. :hillbill:

Painted up all the new gussets last night and other than maybe a sticker or two, that's all she's gonna get. Going with no winch and open rockers. :laugh:

Tonight I will change the oil in the tundra, then pack up the truck and load the trailer, leaving tomorrow afternoon. :thumbup:

YotaFun

07-23-2008, 04:51 AM

Intrepidyota

07-23-2008, 06:10 AM

That is the plan actually, wheel trails the first day and maybe the first half of the second day, then see if I can't break it on the comp course. :hillbill:

Painted up all the new gussets last night and other than maybe a sticker or two, that's all she's gonna get. Going with no winch and open rockers. :laugh:

Tonight I will change the oil in the tundra, then pack up the truck and load the trailer, leaving tomorrow afternoon. :thumbup:

Sweet!
Can't wait to see you there!
And since your slacking on the pics I guess I will have to make up for them at takeover!

Not much to show really, welded a bunch of triangular gussets onto some joints of the cage, painted them black. :) I wish I could have gotten the boatsides plated just because I hate the way it looks with the floor sticking through, but oh well. There are pics of everything else really. :)
Only other pics I have:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Pats%20Shakedown%20Ashburnham/P7190032Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Pats%20Shakedown%20Ashburnham/P7190033Medium.jpg

YotaFun

07-23-2008, 09:35 AM

Sweet!
So when I whoop your behind at beer pong, can I drive your runner?

Intrepidyota

07-24-2008, 04:54 AM

YotaFun

07-24-2008, 05:13 AM

Sweet!
So when I whoop your behind at beer pong, can I drive your runner?

You are welcome to give it a shot even without winning at beer pong. :D (only because I would feel like I was depriving you of your chance to drive it when I spank you at pong) :flipoff:

Thank you for that very generous offer :D
Who knows, maybe I should form a hybrid team like the last time, so this way we can be freinds :laugh:
Deprivation from driving another Toyota.... I am glad you feel my pain!

Well I guess you will be leaving soon so I will see you up there forst some good wheelin and good :drink:!!!

Intrepidyota

07-24-2008, 06:55 AM

04 Rocko Taco

07-25-2008, 08:03 AM

you lucky kids!! I hope some of you plan on coming to national and/or southeast takeover too.....

YotaFun

07-25-2008, 09:29 PM

well there is a few UltimateYota stickers here ;-)

tulsa_sr5

07-26-2008, 06:08 AM

so, yotafun, has heath kept it rightside up so far???

Intrepidyota

07-29-2008, 06:29 AM

you lucky kids!! I hope some of you plan on coming to national and/or southeast takeover too.....

I wish I could afford to, I spent about $310 in gas just for the tow rig this weekend to get to PA. :( Someday I would really love to come down to Southeast Takeover though.

so, yotafun, has heath kept it rightside up so far???

I did indeed. There were a couple points where I thought for sure I was going over, but I did not. :clap:

A certain Yotafun who talked some trash about beer pong was too sleepy to come over and play. :D

Overall, it was an awesome weekend, weather was beautiful, my truck worked incredibly well and I didn't break anything even though I ran black and reds all weekend and wasn't overly gentle. Also, I won a 10# Ultimate air setup at the raffle Saturday night. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

A couple pics:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Takeover%202008/P7240043Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Takeover%202008/P7240052Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Takeover%202008/P7250078Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Takeover%202008/P7250080Medium.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Takeover%202008/P7260114Medium.jpg

Video on tombstone, not incredibly exciting:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6863934657565560798

Very end of Otter:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1936998182785213268

My wife driving:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/Takeover%202008/P7250087Medium.jpg

(a little slow to get started, but entertaining after that)
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/rtrac1/th_MVI_3299.jpg (http://s326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/rtrac1/?action=view&current=MVI_3299.flv)

YotaFun

07-29-2008, 07:41 AM

04 Rocko Taco

07-29-2008, 08:16 AM

Looks good Heath! I know how you feel about the tow rig gas though, its going to take me about $300 in gas to get to National Takeover in KY next weekend, and then another $150 or so to get to SETO in Tellico in October.

YotaGirl

07-29-2008, 10:41 AM

Chris, since you're carting me around all weekend, I'll be chipping in to help with gas at SETO. :D

04 Rocko Taco

07-29-2008, 10:44 AM

Not neccesary Jenn, but greatly appreciated!!

I make the drive every weekend to within 40 miles of Tellico anyway, so Im used to that gas bill. haha.

Intrepidyota

07-29-2008, 11:37 AM

Well Good thing you had someone in you camera crew to take pics, cause I never got a call over the CB to come and watch!

Yeah Well After almost drowning Tess in a 5 foot mud hole I had no energy left to do anything...

Congrats on the with on the Powertank.... I soooooo wanted that lol!

I will start thread here soon enough for the even report, there was another guy from UY there :-)

I don't think my little CB has enough range to get you if you are too far away, especially through the woods and hills. The second day I didn't hit the comp course, once Aaron's redneck tow truck carted Kieth out with his broken knuckle, I called it a day and climbed onto the trailer.

Also, its an Ultimate Air tank, not a powertank, figured I would specify since he supported the event by donating to the raffle. :thumbup:

I just remembered, you also missed out on a chance to rip around in the 4runner, I offered you the chance in the morning on saturday. :P

YotaFun

07-29-2008, 12:28 PM

I don't think my little CB has enough range to get you if you are too far away, especially through the woods and hills. The second day I didn't hit the comp course, once Aaron's redneck tow truck carted Kieth out with his broken knuckle, I called it a day and climbed onto the trailer.

Also, its an Ultimate Air tank, not a powertank, figured I would specify since he supported the event by donating to the raffle. :thumbup:

I just remembered, you also missed out on a chance to rip around in the 4runner, I offered you the chance in the morning on saturday. :P

Yeah This is ture, but you never know, some Heep guys came on my channel and they where on the south side while i was in the far west...

Yeah i thought I had that wrong....
Its an awesome prize though!

Yeah I figured I better keep what ever adrenaline I had in me for the trails, I had to lead....
Open front and rear, 31s, and no sliders make it fun to run the blue trails...

Intrepidyota

09-11-2008, 05:11 AM

I realize that these pics suck, but since I have no internet connection at the new place, I didn't bother setting up my computer, thus the only picture taking ability I have is through my cell, which sucks. Anyway, I threw these 37" MAxxis Creepy Crawlers on yesterday, any width I lost due to the losing my old 10" rim was gained back by the backspacing on these. Then I went out and ripped it around the block a few times, I used to live in the woods, now my property doesn't even border any woods. I don't think anyone was expecting to see this thing on the road, HAHAHA! Nothing makes people stare quite like a loud black tubed out monstrosity sliding the rear end out around paved corners in a generally quiet neighborhood. (welded rear FTW) :hillbill: I actually was able to stop an entire basketball game down at the park when I slid around the corner there. :rofl:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/creepy1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/creepy2.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/creepy3.jpg

Ignore the shittay garage, its on the list, but the house needs the work first. :(

4runnerchevy

09-11-2008, 05:33 AM

Nice, gotta love the new shoes. Let me know when a buy a hydro ram, cause I need 1 measurement.

Intrepidyota

09-11-2008, 05:59 AM

Nice, gotta love the new shoes. Let me know when a buy a hydro ram, cause I need 1 measurement.

Will do. I got a deal on these tires and rims, so I jumped on it, but my wife wasn't overly pleased with me spending money on tires instead of our new house. :P

4runnerchevy

09-11-2008, 06:02 AM

lol, I get the same thing. I am still getting crap for my swampers, I bought 4 years ago.

tulsa_sr5

09-11-2008, 06:35 AM

Well, the old tires + a piece of plywood would make a great coffee table, and then you were spending money on the house, right?

Looks great man, you still have spacers on the front too I'm guessing? They really stick out past the dust shields.

Intrepidyota

09-12-2008, 05:03 AM

:hillbill:

Yeah, spacers are still on. I didn't actually gain any track width going from my last rims to these, the 8" width with less backspacing ended up leaving me about the same width as the 10" rim with more bakspacing. So you see the dust shield more, but the tire is more narrow.

tulsa_sr5

09-12-2008, 06:21 AM

Yeah, was just curious, looks really good!

Intrepidyota

01-08-2009, 04:50 AM

Wow, I am third page news these days. :laugh: Been busy with the house, only made a couple trips on the creepy crawlers. The rims sucked and leaked air constantly, I loved the dry traction on rock with these tires, but was disappointed with the wet traction compared to swampers, especially in wet dirt/leaves/etc, also I was having trouble getting used to the size, they measured really small compared to my old swampers. Then I started thinking about the cost to replace one of these, $400 a tire is not in my budget. :( So with all these issues in mind, I decided to go back to swampers. I picked up 4 brand new 38" TSL's for about the price I paid for the 37" CC's used, got some used rims cheap, and I am currently waiting while UPS is attempting to find the DIY beadlocks I ordered that they lost. :chair:

Old donor rims:
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/2688/yotawheeljn9.jpg

New Swampers:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname-2.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname3-1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/noname2-1.jpg

Currently non-existent beadlocks:

http://www.offroadoverstock.com/ezcart/products/weldon-bl.jpg

I have still got a ton to do on the truck, first up is to get the beadlocks done and get the tires mounted, then I need to get my winch mounted, and I have some drive flanges to toss on in place of my stock sfa hubs. Beyond that I hope to get my boatsides plated with HDPE, redo my flatbed to accommodate the fuel cell I picked up, and dove and cage the front end before I roll it and lose the radiator or worse.

Of course right now I am in the middle of renovating my kitchen, I am just getting antsy to get some work done on the truck and wheel more. Once the kitchen is done, I need to make the leaning ghetto dirt floored garage a little more usable, then hopefully I can get some of this stuff done this winter. :D

Tankota

01-08-2009, 09:52 AM

Nice to see your getting some play time on the truck.
Whose beadlocks did you get? I've been thinking about doing something like that too. Are you locking both sides of the rim or just the outer?

04 Rocko Taco

01-09-2009, 12:09 AM

...before I lose the radiator "worse"? :)

Tankota

01-09-2009, 09:06 AM

...before I lose the radiator OR "worse"? :)

Roco needs glasses :smokin:

tulsa_sr5

01-09-2009, 02:58 PM

Wow, I am third page news these days. :laugh: Been busy with the house, only made a couple trips on the creepy crawlers..... and I am currently waiting while UPS is attempting to find the DIY beadlocks I ordered that they lost. :chair:

Old donor rims:
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/2688/yotawheeljn9.jpg

those rims look too small for the beadlocks. you might want to double check the sizes on each :hillbill:

Intrepidyota

01-09-2009, 03:32 PM

Nice to see your getting some play time on the truck.
Whose beadlocks did you get? I've been thinking about doing something like that too. Are you locking both sides of the rim or just the outer?

I went with Off Road Overstock, they had a great price with no additional shipping and they have been great to work with so far. UPS lost my first delivery and they were on it quick.

...before I lose the radiator "worse"? :)

Are you ok? :drink: :screwy: :P

those rims look too small for the beadlocks. you might want to double check the sizes on each :hillbill:

You and I are going to have words. :chair: I received the second shipment of beadlocks today and they sent me 16" beadlocks by accident. :( :(

tulsa_sr5

01-09-2009, 04:04 PM

those rims look too small for the beadlocks. you might want to double check the sizes on each :hillbill:

You and I are going to have words. :chair: I received the second shipment of beadlocks today and they sent me 16" beadlocks by accident. :( :(

are you sure you didn't buy 14" rims? Sorry man, that totally blows - hope they sort this out for you quickly.

bigarms23

01-09-2009, 09:44 PM

those diy beadlocks will work fine with those rims

Intrepidyota

01-10-2009, 07:17 AM

Sadly I am just not that bright. :shake: Of course the inner beadlock is 16" the bead of the rim has to extend beyond the edge of the tire. :chair:

Tankota

01-12-2009, 06:33 PM

Hehe... :tongueout:

4runnerchevy

01-12-2009, 07:41 PM

I just want to see the build pics, cause I gotta have some. :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

01-16-2009, 05:11 AM

4runnerchevy

01-16-2009, 05:12 AM

Nice, I want some.

made in canada

01-16-2009, 05:43 AM

I just want to see the build pics, cause I gotta have some. :thumbup:

Welded all the rings on, ground the welds smooth, and now they are in the basement with primer. It was -8 degrees according to the old thermometer outside my house this morning, glad I didn't leave them in the shed to dry, haha.

[img [/img]

they look good man, i have been following your thread for a while now and i have been getting a lot of ideas for my pick-up build. i woke up this morning to drive to school and she was around -25 to -30 before the windchill.... the ol' yota fired right up :smokin:

Intrepidyota

01-20-2009, 04:58 AM

Three out of four beadlocks are mounted and the bead is seated in the back, just need to find more nylon lock nuts to get the remaining bolts in (only 12 per rim right now). The fourth tire has a leak at the weld that I need to take care of before it will be ready. Took about 10 minutes per tire to get em on the rim.

Tire on rim:

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/175/tirerimgr0.jpg

Almost complete beadlock:

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7203/beadlockedmy5.jpg

Intrepidyota

01-22-2009, 04:49 AM

Snugging these bolts down sucks, it takes a long time, and kneeling on the floor, hunching over a tire is tough on the back. Also, since you have to torque each bolt, every time you snug one, it loosens the one next to it, so you pretty much have to hit each bolt a minimum of 4 times. Thus you are basically tightening 96 bolts PER WHEEL...its miserable.

So I figured I was in the clear since my wife wasn't home, unfortunately she came home early and added reason 776 to the list of reasons she will be attaching to the divorce papers. :laugh: (ignore the condition of the kitchen, I am mid-renovation)

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7726/tirelovevv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Also, my wife found the battery charger for our camera, so maybe we will get some non dark, non blurry pics soon! :D

04 Rocko Taco

01-22-2009, 05:36 PM

Awesome Heath, lets get this thing wheeling again, huh? and then trailer it down here to Tellico or something. :) I want to see it in person!!

Intrepidyota

01-24-2009, 03:30 PM

My optima was deader than dead this morning, wouldn't take a charge at all. :chair: Fortunately, my brother had one in his jeep project so he ran it over and we tossed it in this morning, then it was ON! No pics yet, open cab means my co-driver/photographer was just shy of hypothermia all day, haha. I will post some when other people get back from the run. Had such a blast ripping around in the snow though!

Awesome Heath, lets get this thing wheeling again, huh? and then trailer it down here to Tellico or something. :) I want to see it in person!!

Someone on the run today said "wow your truck looks really sweet in person...I had only seen it online and it looks kinda ghetto" :laugh: My front end is pretty beat, I can't wait to tube it out and narrow it.

I tell you what, every year I think about the logistics of getting me to Tellico, I would love to try it, but its like a 16 hour drive or something like that. Someday though I would love to get down there and give it a shot!

Got it up on the trailer this morning with the new swampers and beadlocks. They look SO narrow.

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/1465/newtiresql3.jpg

YotaFun

01-24-2009, 04:11 PM

Awesome Heath, lets get this thing wheeling again, huh? and then trailer it down here to Tellico or something. :) I want to see it in person!!

I tell you what, every year I think about the logistics of getting me to Tellico, I would love to try it, but its like a 16 hour drive or something like that. Someday though I would love to get down there and give it a shot!

Awww, we can do it!
Meet me while your passing through PA and we will caravan on our way down :-)

04 Rocko Taco

01-25-2009, 06:40 AM

I trailered 10.5 hours to Harlan in Kentucky with my Tacoma. :) You can make it to Tellico. I may have something up my sleeve as far as getting a lot of people down to tellico. Stay Tuned. :)

20005spd

01-25-2009, 02:45 PM

ill go, but i can drive my truck there, just maybe not back hahah.

heath, truck looks hot with the swamps, and sure looked cool hammering at redline in the snow yesterday :thumbup:

Intrepidyota

01-26-2009, 04:26 AM

I trailered 10.5 hours to Harlan in Kentucky with my Tacoma. :) You can make it to Tellico. I may have something up my sleeve as far as getting a lot of people down to tellico. Stay Tuned. :)

It's not that I am afraid to tow, I tow 8 hours to PA every summer, its more finding the time to do it and the money. 16 hour drive means I can't do it straight through, if I found another person to do some driving I could probably get there, but I would need one full day to get there and one full day to get back plus a recovery day after before I head back to work, if I am doing that, seems like I need to spend at least 3 days in Tellico to really get my moneys worth. That means I need a whole week plus someone who is comfortable driving and towing down. While I am 100% willing to make it my regular summer vacation...my wife may not be. She is very tolerant of my wheeling habit, but I am not sure she is tolerant enough to deal with that. :laugh:

ill go, but i can drive my truck there, just maybe not back hahah.

heath, truck looks hot with the swamps, and sure looked cool hammering at redline in the snow yesterday :thumbup:

Thanks man, I had such a blast dropping the hammer and going at it on those hills! :hillbill:

mustang_mechanic

01-30-2009, 08:45 PM

Hey intrepidyota, what brand is the top that you had on your runner in the pics towards the beginning?

Intrepidyota

02-27-2009, 11:22 AM

Hey intrepidyota, what brand is the top that you had on your runner in the pics towards the beginning?

Sorry I didn't get back to you, haven't spent much time on the forum for a while...house mods are killing me, haha. That was an STC soft top (Specialty Top Co). I bought it used, so it was in semi rough shape, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Tough to stretch on in the cold though.

Intrepidyota

07-30-2009, 05:59 AM

Wow, its been a while since I have updated anything here! Back in April I decided I was tired of looking at my busted up front end so a dovetail was in order, plus I have had a winch sitting here waiting to go on, so a winch mount was required. So I started cutting, extended my AFM wiring, built a custom intake, mounted up my ps rese and fuse box, built a winch mount, cut the hood, zip tied on a grill, and rushed off to make the next trail run...aaaaand while loading up and moving a steel ladder rack, I completely blew my back out. :( Needless to say, "a little back pain" wasn't gonna stop me from wheeling after I rushed all that work, so I still went wheeling that day, but by an hour in I had intense burning pain shooting up and down my leg. By the time I got home, things I previously took for granted like walking, sitting, and enjoying life in a pain free manner were all things of the past. Sadly, now one more project was done "enough to wheel" but not fully complete, I seem to make a habit of doing that.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3200146.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P3200150.jpg

Some tube work on with a sectioned 40 bezel I had hanging around:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1637/frontendgrill.jpg

Hood cut down:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4030006.jpg

Intake squeezed in:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4050024.jpg

I want to weld fenders on to the hood to clean up the gap between hood and bar, plus I want to run a stinger to protect the winch, but its done enough to wheel:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/intrepidyota/4Runner%20minor%20repairs/P4100035.jpg

Went wheeling:

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2526/img0246r.jpg

Intrepidyota

07-30-2009, 06:17 AM

I went to the doctor at that point and he thought I had pulled muscles/ligaments in my leg and knee due to the fact that 90% of the pain was there. So I got a nice prescription for percocet and he said to rest a lot for 3 weeks and it should heal up on its own. Three weeks went by and there was minimal lessening of the pain so I went back. He sent me to physical therapy to help solve the problem. Being unable to not work on the truck at least a little, I threw my winch on and made another wheeling trip, this turned out to be a less than wise decision, I was in a lot of pain when I got home.

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1862/winchmedium.jpg

http://www.leded.com/gutter4_09/images/gutter4_09_35.jpg

Three weeks later, still with no less pain. Coming down my stairs in socks I slipped and caught myself before I fell, but the tensing of muscles caused a fresh explosion of pain so I called for an appointment with the doc again. This time he was on vacation so I saw his associate, within 5 minutes he had diagnosed a herniated disc and pointed out that the muscles in the leg with the pain were already starting to atrophy some and I lacked reactions like I had in my other leg. He sent me in for an MRI. The day I was scheduled for the MRI, I was on my way to work and got rear ended on the highway, HARD, which pushed me into the truck in front of me. This did not assist my back in healing and it also totaled my tundra. :(

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/2145/accident2.jpg

This is from the tow yard, the car that hit me:

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8008/taurusr.jpg

So after getting to stand on the highway in the rain for a couple hours while they cleared that mess up, I went for my MRI, which showed that I had two bulged discs and a severely herniated disc. My doctor referred me to an orthopedic surgeon, who's reaction upon opening the mri images was, "WOAH WOAH WOAH!", thats never a good sign. Four days later I was in the hospital for back surgery, a few day stay, then home but out of commission for 6 weeks, no walking, no lifting, no bending, no WHEELING. :(

I am finally back to work and hoping to make my first wheeling trip since getting hurt in April, sadly I can't head down to PA for Takover. Soon I will be able to get back to work on the 4runner and hopefully get it a little more buttoned up. :thumbup:

YotaFun

07-30-2009, 06:46 AM

Hope you get full recovered soon.
Sucks you won't make it to takeover but sadly neither will I.

Did you get a replAcment for the tundra yet?

Intrepidyota

07-30-2009, 07:09 AM

Yup, the old one was an '01 access cab with 136k on the clock, I found an '04 double cab with a limited slip, tow package, and 74k on the clock. I LOOOOOOOOVE the roll down rear window! :D

Dealer pics, I haven't taken any of my own yet.

http://pictures.dealer.com//mcgeetoyota/f3c3d2c77f00000101cd003758d5aa58.jpg

http://pictures.dealer.com//mcgeetoyota/f3c40a2f7f00000101cd003739321af5.jpg

http://pictures.dealer.com//mcgeetoyota/f3c416257f00000101cd0037c9cf7f60.jpg

-ditched the bug guard because it was broken and flapping
-repaired the velcro on the tonneau
-removed the nerf bars (i hate those)
-installed stickers :D
-put in new spark plugs
-new head unit plus the module to use the steering wheel controls with it (had help for that part, turns out though, the module I got was mis-wired from the factory and fried the controller, that was a hassle)
-had a buddy of mine install a remote starter I had hanging around
-installed basslink from old truck

I have a nice set of air bags for the rear that I bought for the last truck but didn't have time to install that will be going in this one to make towing better. I also have the pigtail for my brake controller and a new 7 pin plug to replace the busted up stock one. Hopefully soon I can tint the front windows to match the rear and if I can manage to find some spare cash that isn't being spent on the 4runner or the house, I would love to toss in a leveling kit and just go up to a 32" tire when I replace these. Its all minor, but its the most a DD/tow rig is gonna get from me. :)

I seriously considered getting a diesel of some sort, but they are so pricey and other than leaf spring capacity, I never had any complaints about the old tundra, makes a great DD and weekend warrior tow rig IMO.

04 Rocko Taco

07-30-2009, 07:34 AM

4runner is looking good Heath. The new tundra is great as well!!
I am incredibly sorry to hear about your back, and hope you get pain free very soon!!
I know how hard it is to take a forced break from wheeling. :)
Get better soon, and keep the updates coming buddy!

It's good to see you around here again!

Intrepidyota

07-30-2009, 08:05 AM

I feel pretty good now, just get an ache in my leg if I do too much or sit for too long. Doc says that usually goes away within a year. He said the nerves in your spine don't just bounce back once the pressure of the herniated disc is released, it takes them time to heal, thus, the ache. Still though, I feel 99% better. I did some yard work last weekend and I am going to try wheeling this weekend. In a month or so hopefully I am good enough to build the deck I hoped to have built by May. :shake: :laugh:

In the mean time, my birthday came and went, I sold my 110v Lincoln 3200hd and my wife covered the difference (as a bday present) to a used 220v Lincoln SP175+ with a co2/argon tank. Just got an extension cord put together for it last night, 220 with gas is so much nicer than 110 with flux. :clap: :clap: