Topic: First Crawler

[JToyotaCO]

If you were to build a crawler from a stock pickup, what you be your go to vehicle/year, and why?

Looking to setup a truck to crawl around the mountains in next spring and would like input on what to look for.

[OTO Phil]

I would find a 1st gen 4runner shell with no motor, trans or seats for less than $800

Swap in 3rd/4th gen leather interior

Find a 4bt/TDI/OM617 diesel and corresponding manual transmission..

Rear ARB, front Tru Trac



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[Congill77]

The first gen runners are good but try and find an 85 and older so it already has solid axle. That said I wheel an ifs and other then smashing control arms I really like it. But I'd like an 80s single cab pick up with a  solid axle up. Depending on where in co you are (guessing from your name) http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5849486866.html


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[Jarhead]

X2^ on 85 or older 4runner because of the factory solid front axle.


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[OTO Phil]

X2^ on 85 or older 4runner because of the factory solid front axle.


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But then you've gotta deal with the factory hanger if you wanna move the front axle forward..

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[Congill77]

But for a nice truck to start with. Something just to hit the mountains. I am more the confident in my ifs on 31s but I think a stock solid axle with some lockers and 35s would to pretty damn good. I suppose it's really up to JToy on this and what he really wants it to be as well as the funds he has. I agree with you excab that a diesel in a first gen would be sweet, but as something for some one just getting in to it? I don't think it's a good idea to have that set as what he needs to have first. Any older Toyota would be good. Doesn't really matter what old Yota but I would stick to the mid-late 80s with a 22re and the gear drive case. Put it on 33s and maybe armor it, find a group local to you that is active (foco has the mountaineers) and just go wheel it. See if this is something that you really want to do. See what the truck in stock form can do then decide what upgrades you want to make it a better wheeling rig. That's just my 2 pennies.


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[dbbowen]

If I could do it again, Id get a 1985 Xtra Cab. I got the 4runner because I thought I would need the room in the back... but I dont. And bobbing the bed of a truck is MUCH easier than a 4runner. Plus they are lighter. If you ever do any crazy rear suspension with links and coil overs you can go through the bed... or you can flat bed it. So much you can do with a pickup. Xtracab if youre tall like me.

Also, if youre looking.... get a SR5. Dont bother with dlx or std. The cluster alone is worth it

[Congill77]

I totally agree with the pre 85 xtra cab. But when it really comes down to it for the sr5 vs the dlt and std, for something just for wheeling? I'd love to have the sr5 cluster in mine but I also daily drive mine. If you want something that your going to rip the interior out if you choose to put a cage? For a crawler it the sr5 tach worth the extra money your going to for it compared to a bato zone generic tach?


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[OTO Phil]

If I could do it again, Id get a 1985 Xtra Cab. I got the 4runner because I thought I would need the room in the back... but I dont. And bobbing the bed of a truck is MUCH easier than a 4runner. Plus they are lighter. If you ever do any crazy rear suspension with links and coil overs you can go through the bed... or you can flat bed it. So much you can do with a pickup. Xtracab if youre tall like me.

Also, if youre looking.... get a SR5. Dont bother with dlx or std. The cluster alone is worth it

I have the DLX and have the cluster with tach and stuff

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[dbbowen]

nice, I didnt know the sr5 cluster came with the dlx too. Main reason for me suggesting to get the sr5 is to save time swapping the stuff in like cluster, center console arm rest thing, fancier seats, etc

[Congill77]

I suppose JToy needs to respond and with wether he want to daily it (I hope not if its a true crawler) and so the extent of wheeling he wants to do.


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[Snowtoy]

Starting from scratch, depends on your size, and how many seats you need.  If you are over 6', and want bucket seats, will need to consider a 2nd/3rd gen X-cab, if need more than 2 seats, need to consider a 1st or 2nd gen 4-Runner.

Base on your other post about where you would be using the 4x4, either a straight axle or IFS rig would suit your needs just fine, and the IFS will increase your potential pool of choices.

[Jarhead]

But then you've gotta deal with the factory hanger if you wanna move the front axle forward..

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You are right about the factory front hanger. I'm running 35" tires and I did notice after I was done with the lift and tire combo that my axle is a little back.


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[Slabzilla]

85 Xtra-cab, because of injected 22re, 5 speed for freeway and lowest 1st gear and wheelbase for crawlin'.  Just my goofy opinion from years of wheelin'.   

[blackdiamond]

85 Xtra-cab, because of injected 22re, 5 speed for freeway and lowest 1st gear and wheelbase for crawlin'.  Just my goofy opinion from years of wheelin'.   

My 85 extra cab was a carb 22R but it did just fine.

If you can find an EFI 85 extra cab the OEM solid axle will work great for enough lift for 33s. Unless you want to wheel wild that's all you need.