My 1987 4-runner adventure

[toymaniac]

I originally built a 1985 regular cab mini-truck:



I loved this truck, dual t-cases, flat belly, 1/4 elliptic rear, bobbed bed, etc.

Then I got married and adopted a couple black labs.  My wife persuaded me to get a 4-runner to build.  I found a great deal on a 4-runner here on the board.  Then began the build with a SAS:



I had cut the floor open on the mini truck and never got it sealed back up.  This time I put in a 2" body lift.  I haven't figured out if I regret it yet.

For the steering I moved the box as far forward as I can and stood it up to use a flat pitman arm.  I used a RUF pack and everything worked out really well:



Here is the front flex:



More to follow....

[toymaniac]

I had an R151 in the 85 that had been rebuilt by Marlin with 5.15 first gear.  I absolutely love it, the extra gearing in 1st really life nice.  Well that and the turbo flywheel. 

I used a FROR type t-case x-member and lifted the t-cases for a flat belly:



This time I also put in marlin 4.7 t-case gears in the rear case.  It absolutely crawls.     I love it!!! 

In my mini truck the 4-link x-member was a single bar across the frame.  The welds cracked and I was amazed that it didn't fall out on me.  This time I reinforced it a little more:





So far it has worked out really well.

On to the bad choices....

[toymaniac]

So for the 4-runner I chose to put in coils instead of 1/4 elliptic springs.  I saw a friend break a main spring on a 1/4 elliptic and then he was totally stuck.  We had to strap a chunk of wood in place of the spring to get him off the trail.  I used 2.5" coilover springs:



They do not flex like the 1/4 elliptic springs do.  They don't compress or droop out as far.  Plus the truck isn't as balanced as the mini truck was.  I guess I'll be playing with spring rates. 





Oh well...live and learn.

I have since moved to New Mexico from East Texas, and began working on some body armor.  I have installed a front bumper and sliders.  I'll get pics this weekend, I'm going snow wheelin!!!  I love NM

Leni

[pumkin toy]

looks pretty good man!  get some softer coils and you should be pretty happy

[toymaniac]

Yeah....I'm looking into some progressive coils.  Think they might help some.  Right now I'm working on installing a 4xinnovations roll cage.

Leni

[88_Pathy]

Why not some Jeep Cherokee coils?

[toymaniac]

Well I got a 4xInnovations 5RIC family roll cage installed.  Now I feel better about topless wheelin: 





Leni

[REG535]

where in nm? i know the farmington area and stuff. nice 4 runner