Chiyo-chan, our 1980 4x4, is back! -- Some Cosmetic Improvements Only

[zembalayan]

This truck is our DD.  We call her little Chiyo.  I finally got some tires for her on Saturday thanks to Cruzr Dave and Chris , and I cannot be more pleased with the outcome. 


My wife is hiding from the camera.




You can see the 6 pin hub upgrade in this one.





[


I am not sure if many people on here like pizza cutters, but I am a huge fan.  I wanna get some old school Landcruiser hub caps for these wheels.  Maybe these:
http://www.cruiserparts.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=1194

http://www.cruiserparts.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=1195






Definitely need to paint the bumpers black to match the sliders.




Here's a bird's eye view.  You can see the sliders kick out pretty good.




And, another view of the sliders.  I'm still bummed that Fishmouth Fabworks closed down.




Both diffs are still open.  The stock 4.37 gearing helps push the 33s okay for now, but I will re-gear when I get lockers.






She's got an IFS rear axle.






Got an L52HD installed at Marlin's .  There were no problems with centering the tranny shifter for the L52 and spinning the shifter boot to keep the old L43 passenger side shifter hole covered . 










It's got Marlin's dual ultimate and HD drive lines.  There is a lot to be said for doing it yourself  ; you guys have my full respect and admiration, and I try to make do borrowing my friend's garage for smaller repairs and maintenance, but then there is also something to be said for getting it done by Marlin Crawler in Fresno, too.  Super clean work, of course!  Thank you. 




I had to remove my 1.5" spacers from the front axle because the extra width / turning radius was causing the tires to rub the cab body on full turns.  Once I removed those, the 33s fit without a problem.  My stock springs are so weary and de-arched now, I'm practically riding on the stock bumps.  I am going to have to think about some suspension upgrades soon.  What would you guys do?  I got a set of Downey 3" springs for all four corners that I think you will see in the Parts for Sale section of this board soon.  I am doing my research now for high steer options on shorter leaf sprung vehicles.  I know there is a ton of info and formulas out there.  Thanks to everyone for the knowledge.





As you guys can tell, I really like this truck . 

Thanks to Marlin and the guys down at the shop for everything! You guys are outstanding.

[zembalayan]

Oh, yeah!  Here are Chiyo's basic specs:

1980 Toyota Hilux (AKA チヨちゃん), 20R, MC L52HD, MC Clutch Kit, MC Dual Ultimate, BudBuilt X-Member, MC Heavy Wall CV Drive Lines, 1986+ Rear Axle, 1.5" Front Wheel Spacers, MC 6 Pin Locking Hub Bodies, Stock 4.37 Gears (Open), 33"x10.5" BFG Mud Terrains, Stock Toyota Wheels, MC Front and Rear Bumpers, Fishmouth Fabworks Sliders, Additional Ground Wire for Anti-Dieseling Solenoid (Idle Now Fixed!!!), Push/Pull Power Steering, Camper Shell, Round Eyes.

[*** YELLER ***]

nice rig

[jonathan82toy]

Its about time.  Its looks  with the new tires. So, when are you coming back down here to do some wheelin? 

[zembalayan]

nice rig

Thank you.  I really like your rigs and seeing what you and mini have done with RUF options. 

[zembalayan]

Its about time.  Its looks  with the new tires.

Doesn't it?  I totally love the tall narrow tires.  I don't think 33" x 12.5" would have fit for full turns with the stock suspension and the axle location, and certainly not with the 1.5" wheel spacers. 

So, when are you coming back down here to do some wheelin? 

I wanna go right now!!!!  I can't wait, really!

Definitely need to lose my snow wheeling virginity soon, too.  You just let me know when you are going and I'll be there, Jon.

[ajordan1975]

really nice truck!!  
i would go w/ a marlin 4" lift    

[jonathan82toy]

really nice truck!! 
i would go w/ a marlin 4" lift    

X2




Or a 5in and run 40's 

[zembalayan]

X2




Or a 5in and run 40's  

When I was in Sac on Saturday, I saw a set of 49" IROKs on a buggy at Silly Fab's.  Might need the six inch springs for those and a little trimming, too .

Jon, you know that I love your guys' 4" front springs on my Runner, especially the more mine break-in.  As an update, I swapped the 4.5" shackles I got from you into the front of my 4Runner two weeks ago, removing the bigger ones.  I also got a set of new old style 37" x 12.5" x 15" MTRs.  They fit really well, they got those Stauns inside 'em, too.  I believe the truck will continue to settle with time.  I am really happy with it.

Here are some pics of the 4Runner with the shackle change and the 37s.




Here are some pics of the 4Runner with my wife's 33s on the axles and the five 37s in the truck bed.  Because I also had to drive to Fresno on Saturday to swap my previous set of 35s for the 33s and then up to Sac to get the 37s, I got to compare the Runner's drivability with 35," 33," and 37" tires, all in one day.



I saw a pure 1985 EFI SA 4Runner on the drive home, which was cool.  Exchanged thumbs-up.

[jonathan82toy]

 



I like it! 

[zembalayan]

That's reaction I get from the people at the Yoga shop whenever I work on my truck in the street.  You gotta buzz the fans!

[freds40]

The 1st gen looks awesome!!! Just need the caps and you'll be stylin' Runner looks good too. Might need a bit of trimming though. 

[zembalayan]

The 1st gen looks awesome!!! Just need the caps and you'll be stylin' Runner looks good too. Might need a bit of trimming though. 

Thanks, Brendan!  You cruiser guys have a lock on Toy style for sure, but you can tell that I am trying to squeeze a little in, too!

Might need a bit of trimming though. 

You are definitely right.  Before I got the 37s, I tested the front shackle change, and I came pretty close to rubbing the 35s at full stuff on the bumps.  As for the rears, I rubbed the 35s a bit on the last two trips, so I know I will need to trim back there. 

I want to give it some thought though and do a nice job like yours.  Love the way you retained the wheel well shape in the rear of your 60 by trimming and extending the fenders.  The cut of your front fenders came out awesome, too.  Hope you don't mind if I post a pic for inspiration. 

[*** YELLER ***]

Thank you.  I really like your rigs and seeing what you and mini have done with RUF options. 

It was all MINI he has the brain and I can fabricate  but thanks

[zembalayan]

It was all MINI he has the brain and I can fabricate  but thanks

Your guys' trucks flex like nobody's business. 

[Yoat Goat]

How wide are the stock first gen rims? i would love to roll old school with them but fear blown beads all the time. Beadlocks anyone?? 

[*** YELLER ***]

Your guys' trucks flex like nobody's business. 

thanks   MINI designed the FLEX and I built it

[46&2]

Wow those are both really nice rigs!! Really dig the first gen 

[axled89]

looks tons better man.

[zembalayan]

looks tons better man.

Thanks!

Wow those are both really nice rigs!! Really dig the first gen  

The 1st Gen is my favorite.   Hope to get some wheeling pics up soon.  I took her to Hollister Hills when I first got her, and it was funny to hear the original springs creaking and groaning.  Have to see if I can un-fossilize them a bit .

[zembalayan]

How wide are the stock first gen rims? i would love to roll old school with them but fear blown beads all the time. Beadlocks anyone?? 

According to www.toyoland.com/trucks/land-cruiser.html, stock Landcruiser wheels were 15" x 7.6" in 1971.  That seems wider than what I have seen.  I am not sure what mine are exactly because I got them with the tires.  They are stock Toyotas though.

I hear that in South America a lot of dudes like to retain their stock wheels, but mount much bigger than stock tires. 

An expensive alternative might be to get a stock set of wheels widened by a wheel fabricator, such as Stockton Wheel Services, http://www.stocktonwheel.com/4wd_offroad.htm , and then maybe run internal bead locks   to keep the stock looks, but add safety and performance. 

[Yoat Goat]

So those are landcruiser rims you have?? Thanks man!! Love the 1st gen btw!!

[8D3TOY]

Put me down for the Downey springs if you decide to sell em.

[zembalayan]

Put me down for the Downey springs if you decide to sell em.

Cool! Glad someone is interested.  Where are you located?  I'm in SF.  I am hoping not to ship.  PM me your telephone number so we can talk more about a possible deal. 

Here are some pics.  The springs and matching shocks came off a 1980 Hilux.  I already prepped the the springs with brand new bushings where needed, which I got from Marlin Crawler.  One of the rear springs has one of its old bushings and its sleeve stuck in it.  I didn't drill or press it out.  Weak or not, I plan to keep the stock Toy shackle bolts that you may see in the pics. 

[8D3TOY]

PM sent, thanks.

[Yoat Goat]

Are you planning on running those black steelies?? Shipping to 98294 on the cruiser rims please. 

[zembalayan]

Are you planning on running those black steelies?? Shipping to 98294 on the cruiser rims please. 

No.  Those guys recently found a happy home on my 4Runner.  Thanks for the interest though.

[illinoisyotadriver]

sweet rigs like the 1st gen

[4x4yota]

thats a nice truck

[zembalayan]

thats a nice truck

Thank you.

You know that I'm gonna like yours, too.

It's tough seeing  your truck on 37s and sticking to my conviction that the 33s still look good on mine.  It just goes to show that the Toy 1st Gens look bad ass just about anyway they come, built or not built!