Grim Reaper
Expedition Leader
Well I have managed to get a few projects done on my truck. Thought I would start a build thread here since this site most reflects my direction with this truck. This is actually lifted from a build post on my clubs site so you may notice a little Cut and paste flavor.
Introduction:
The truck on this project will be a 1986 Toyota 4Runner. This is the First year of the IFS trucks from Toyota for the US market.
The truck is powered by the time and 3rd world proven 22RE (fuel injected). While this motor is not considered a power house it is considered one of the most reliable motors ever built. In September of 2006 a Gentleman rolled 1,000,000 miles on a similar Toyota 2wd powered by the same engine. While the engine doesn't have the full 1,000,000 miles it does have 600,000. The engine failure was a maintenance (lack of at 400k) issue. The transmission has never been rebuilt. http://www.racetoretirement.org/
The truck has the W56 5 speed manual transmission, Toyota Gear drive case with 2.28 low range, 8 Inch Toyota rear axle and the 7.5 inch IFS front. Stock the truck is gear 4.10.
The wheel base is 103. Starting weight is under 3800lb and its about 18 inches narrower then the last rig I had (K5). Despite its size it is a well planned out rig that has good comfort. It has remarkably strong components in stock form. The 8 inch is considered every bit as strong as the us market 1/2 ton offerings. Incredible aftermarket support since this vehicle had world market. The Aussies LOVE these trucks and have come up with everything under the sun for them.
It has respectable ground Clarence in stock form.
Build philosophy.
My build style on this project is going to stray from the norm. My last truck, 1975 GMC K5 Jimmy I had I had made a very conscious decision to stay with lighter running gear. For the most part I had good luck with that truck. I formed an early alliance with www.ColoradoK5.com and was fortunate to have the opportunity to have the truck featured as one the CK5's project vehicle as a Budget wheeler. I was given the opportunity to try out many products in the process. It was a great truck and I had quite a lot of fun with it but I hit a wall in that its weight was astronomical. In trail dress it was rocking the world at 6,600lb. :uglystupid2: I could easily stall my 9500I. Mean old Mr Gravity was killing me.
I had only a few options at this point.....Skin it alive to loose weight, throw one ton axles under it or start on a new platform. With the distance we have to go to get to our trails I had wanted to tow my trail rig in case I broke it I would have a way to get it home. Well that meant the 1 ton axles were out. I really wasn't ready to make a buggy out of it....So I sold it.
In comes the 4Runner. I find I am not quite as interested in Rock crawling these days. The plan is to make the vehicle more of a long distance expedition rig. I want to do some regular cross country travel to places like Silverton CO, the Maze, Monument Valley, Baja. So the goal will be a well rounded vehicle that is capable of running down the hwy with the A/C going at 75 mph while getting good MPG and then be able to run medium challenge trails. Then be able to support multiple days of off the beaten path travel.
While I have a solid axle that would be appropriate for a SAS I plan to retain the IFS for the time being. It will have better road manners. It will work better on wash board roads and desert style travel. I can keep a lower CG with the IFS. It is already on the truck so we will go with it for now.
Goals:
Weight to be maximum 4200lb in trail dress.
Maintain economy to nearly its stock 24mpg hwy.
Good hwy manners.
Support expedition trailer.
Selectable locker, again for better balance of Hwy and off road travel.
Capable camping transport including sleeping platform.
Insperations
http://www.expeditionportal.com/
http://www.brian894x4.com/
http://www.turtleexpedition.com/
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/
Plans:
Rebuild Engine: Done
Rebuild Transmission: Done
33's. Originally plan was 33x10.5's For weight reasons. Ran across a smoking deal on a set of 33x12.5's I couldn't pass up: done
2 Inch body lift :Not done
2 inch Drive-train lift: Not done
2 inch gas tank lift: Not Done
Custom cross member to optimize break over angle after body lift: Not Done
Selectable locker: Toyota electric selectable locker Acquired but not installed
Re gear to match larger tires: looking for a good deal
Storage system with sleep platform: In progress
Dual Battery system with battery gang feature and isolator for charging: Acquiring needed materials.
Rear power window control in cargo area: not done
Marlin Crawler: Second case acquired but still need install kit
Complete outfitting with support gear: Made a 12v refrigerator capable of temperatures down to 14degrees F. Lacking thermostat to control. but otherwise working.
On-board air of some type: I have a York available but due to space constraints under the hood my go with CO2 or electric.
Electric radiator fan: Working on adapting fan off Mitsubishi product.
optimize suspension rear longer shackles and custom spring pack to increase wheel travel to 14+ inches to make up for IFS front.: Planning
Optimize IFS travel while not compromising reliability: Planning
Skid plate: either custom or Bud Built http://www.budbuilt.com/new/ifs.html
Bumpers with winch mount for HS9500i I already own: planning On hold till body lift installed
Slider: planning On hold till body lift installed.
Side body protection: On hold till body lift installed
Tire and extra fuel rack: On hold till body lift installed
Power inverter for electronics: 300watt acquired but being evaluated if large enough
Front and rear Power access/Jump points: Forklift style disconnects acquired but not installed.
Expedition trailer: I am activly collecting parts to build an aluminum body trailer. It will be its own build post once I have the axle and steel aquired.
I will post updates as projects are worked on.
Picture of truck as aquired:
Introduction:
The truck on this project will be a 1986 Toyota 4Runner. This is the First year of the IFS trucks from Toyota for the US market.
The truck is powered by the time and 3rd world proven 22RE (fuel injected). While this motor is not considered a power house it is considered one of the most reliable motors ever built. In September of 2006 a Gentleman rolled 1,000,000 miles on a similar Toyota 2wd powered by the same engine. While the engine doesn't have the full 1,000,000 miles it does have 600,000. The engine failure was a maintenance (lack of at 400k) issue. The transmission has never been rebuilt. http://www.racetoretirement.org/
The truck has the W56 5 speed manual transmission, Toyota Gear drive case with 2.28 low range, 8 Inch Toyota rear axle and the 7.5 inch IFS front. Stock the truck is gear 4.10.
The wheel base is 103. Starting weight is under 3800lb and its about 18 inches narrower then the last rig I had (K5). Despite its size it is a well planned out rig that has good comfort. It has remarkably strong components in stock form. The 8 inch is considered every bit as strong as the us market 1/2 ton offerings. Incredible aftermarket support since this vehicle had world market. The Aussies LOVE these trucks and have come up with everything under the sun for them.
It has respectable ground Clarence in stock form.
Build philosophy.
My build style on this project is going to stray from the norm. My last truck, 1975 GMC K5 Jimmy I had I had made a very conscious decision to stay with lighter running gear. For the most part I had good luck with that truck. I formed an early alliance with www.ColoradoK5.com and was fortunate to have the opportunity to have the truck featured as one the CK5's project vehicle as a Budget wheeler. I was given the opportunity to try out many products in the process. It was a great truck and I had quite a lot of fun with it but I hit a wall in that its weight was astronomical. In trail dress it was rocking the world at 6,600lb. :uglystupid2: I could easily stall my 9500I. Mean old Mr Gravity was killing me.
I had only a few options at this point.....Skin it alive to loose weight, throw one ton axles under it or start on a new platform. With the distance we have to go to get to our trails I had wanted to tow my trail rig in case I broke it I would have a way to get it home. Well that meant the 1 ton axles were out. I really wasn't ready to make a buggy out of it....So I sold it.
In comes the 4Runner. I find I am not quite as interested in Rock crawling these days. The plan is to make the vehicle more of a long distance expedition rig. I want to do some regular cross country travel to places like Silverton CO, the Maze, Monument Valley, Baja. So the goal will be a well rounded vehicle that is capable of running down the hwy with the A/C going at 75 mph while getting good MPG and then be able to run medium challenge trails. Then be able to support multiple days of off the beaten path travel.
While I have a solid axle that would be appropriate for a SAS I plan to retain the IFS for the time being. It will have better road manners. It will work better on wash board roads and desert style travel. I can keep a lower CG with the IFS. It is already on the truck so we will go with it for now.
Goals:
Weight to be maximum 4200lb in trail dress.
Maintain economy to nearly its stock 24mpg hwy.
Good hwy manners.
Support expedition trailer.
Selectable locker, again for better balance of Hwy and off road travel.
Capable camping transport including sleeping platform.
Insperations
http://www.expeditionportal.com/
http://www.brian894x4.com/
http://www.turtleexpedition.com/
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/
Plans:
Rebuild Engine: Done
Rebuild Transmission: Done
33's. Originally plan was 33x10.5's For weight reasons. Ran across a smoking deal on a set of 33x12.5's I couldn't pass up: done
2 Inch body lift :Not done
2 inch Drive-train lift: Not done
2 inch gas tank lift: Not Done
Custom cross member to optimize break over angle after body lift: Not Done
Selectable locker: Toyota electric selectable locker Acquired but not installed
Re gear to match larger tires: looking for a good deal
Storage system with sleep platform: In progress
Dual Battery system with battery gang feature and isolator for charging: Acquiring needed materials.
Rear power window control in cargo area: not done
Marlin Crawler: Second case acquired but still need install kit
Complete outfitting with support gear: Made a 12v refrigerator capable of temperatures down to 14degrees F. Lacking thermostat to control. but otherwise working.
On-board air of some type: I have a York available but due to space constraints under the hood my go with CO2 or electric.
Electric radiator fan: Working on adapting fan off Mitsubishi product.
optimize suspension rear longer shackles and custom spring pack to increase wheel travel to 14+ inches to make up for IFS front.: Planning
Optimize IFS travel while not compromising reliability: Planning
Skid plate: either custom or Bud Built http://www.budbuilt.com/new/ifs.html
Bumpers with winch mount for HS9500i I already own: planning On hold till body lift installed
Slider: planning On hold till body lift installed.
Side body protection: On hold till body lift installed
Tire and extra fuel rack: On hold till body lift installed
Power inverter for electronics: 300watt acquired but being evaluated if large enough
Front and rear Power access/Jump points: Forklift style disconnects acquired but not installed.
Expedition trailer: I am activly collecting parts to build an aluminum body trailer. It will be its own build post once I have the axle and steel aquired.
I will post updates as projects are worked on.
Picture of truck as aquired: