Florida Tacoma build

[Nullifier]

Hello all this some info about my rig. I bought her from a used car lot for $3500.00 a year ago. Long story but in the right place at the right time is all. This is my first 4X4. I have been building hotrods and bikes for about 12 years and the thought of a nice toyota truck was always in the back of my head. I own an outdoor shop here in Florida so having a vehicle that could get me to remote lands was always something that I really needed.

When I got it the Taco was a stock as could be 225/75/15 street tiresis what it had. It did however have a super clean underchassis, no rust or body damage, and a solid 2.7 motor. I wasn't really sure what to do with it since I hadn't really planned on finding a truck so quick but yo know how that goes.

I found a local club and went to a meeting that week and on the following Saturday I went on my first ride. Florida's most challenging place called the pit. An old limestone quarry that eats up vehicles left and right. Needless to say after some nerve racking trails and watching a Jeep go end over end 4 times that day I was hooked.

I have spent most of my time building the rig with stuff that wouldn't poin me down in any direction since I wasn't sure what my 4x4 niche would be. I have studied learned and driven the hell out of this truck and had a blast. Based on my ourdoor background and passion for travel expedition outfititing has always had the most appeal so no suprise I have finally mapped out a plan for the truck.

This is my truck on a trip to the everglades OHV area near Everglades City not to long after getting it. I had only put on sliders and racks. Even those little 225 were on it for this trip!http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/stuck.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/toyotacrossing.jpg

This was taken on that trip and set the tone for the day. I stalled out do to an usealed disributor and got stranded in this for about 5 minutes. The water was over the seats in the cab by the time I got pulled out it was hilarious! The worst part was I had ordered a snorkel from 4WPW 3 weeks earlier and it never arrived until the a day after we got back. LOL! Needless to say the snorkel and a sealing of the electrical stuff happened ASAP. http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/gotsnorkel2.jpg

After that week we started on armour so a custom rear bumper was first since I had no rear pull points then a new front winch bumper and 8000# ramsey winch. My friend Damon and myself built these parts from scratch along with a custom skid plate.

[Nullifier]

After that week in the Glades we started on armour. Since I had no rear tow point the rear bumper was first. THen a front to inclde an 8000# ramsey wicn and a set of lights.

The next pic shows the truck ready to go to Tellico OHV. We finished the Front bumper a day before and left for Tellico untested. It took a beating but performed flawlessly.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/frontshot2.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/upper2.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/peckerwood.jpg

[Nullifier]

The next two pics were taken local. The first about 10 minutes from my house at a place called articulation alley. The second in the Ocala national forest about a week after the 4th hurricane past through last year. Just thought it was agood pic.http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/bigair.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/inwatercrop.jpg

I have added Beard suspension seats, 31" BFG muds, hella lights,GPS,CB complete S.S. exhaust, and several other little gadgets that you can't see in these pics. I have some cool upcoming projects including a custom Electrical box in bed with OBA inverter, dual batts etc, planned very soon. I'll write up when I get that built. Hope you guys like my write up.

[Desertdude]

welcome! your truck has come along way nice armor -

That is a great stuck in the water photo :elkgrin:

you Flrorida dudes have some jungles to trail through :D

[bluerunner]

Welcome! and very nice work!

Lets see an interior shot please.

Looking at replacing my seats as well. :eatchicke

[Desertdude]

one with the water inside :Wow1:

[Scott Brady]

What a great looking truck, with lots of thoughtful modifications. Very well done.

I love this picture!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/inwatercrop.jpg

So, now that you have all of the cool off-road goodies on there, what are your camping plans? Tent, Roof Tent, Trailer, Camper?

It will be fun to follow your build.

[kcowyo]

Those are some good looking bumpers, nice job! The bottom of those sliders show they're earning their keep too.

I look forward to seeing what else you have in store for this cool rig - :ylsmoke:

[datrupr]

Great looking Taco, and those home made bumpers are perfect! You should consider going into the bull bar/bumper business. I know what you mean though, once the 4X4 bug bites, you are hooked :D . Welcome to the board.

[Nullifier]

What a great looking truck, with lots of thoughtful modifications. Very well done.

I love this picture!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/inwatercrop.jpg

So, now that you have all of the cool off-road goodies on there, what are your camping plans? Tent, Roof Tent, Trailer, Camper?

It will be fun to follow your build.
Whats funny about that pic, and I just realized it, is that was the last ride with the factory antenna. Had a tree branch come down on me mid day and snapped it off LOL.

Right now we use a 3 man tent with retactable fly. I am looking at the os tent though it is really neat. Just have to come up with a good mounting plan.

[Nullifier]

My next project is redoing the electrical system. I have a Diamond Plate tool box in the bed that will soon house 2 Yellow tops, Battery isolator, power inverter, viair compressor, winch control box, and a seperate fuse block for all acceriess. There is enough room for an onboard welder which will come down the road a ways.

The local club I belong to had a rally race fundraiser yesterday. They made me compete in the modified class even though I have stock suspension and 31" tires but I still took 5th. I would have been either first or second but I got there late, and didn't have time to walk the course. I missed 2 turns that cost me about at least 15 seconds on stage one. I don't feel bad finishing 5th out of 27 when everyone I ran against had 33-37" tires and most lockers. It was fun and the event raised over $3000 for charity. My roof rack needs minor repair from introductions to a tree. Tree won. I have a digital video camera and got my run on tape. I just need to figure out how to use the new pinnacle video software so I can post a clip.

[BajaTaco]

Dang, I have no idea how I missed this thread :confused: :smilies27

That is a SUPER NICE truck and some great photos! Looks like you ardon't mind taking your rig through some pretty serious stuff there! :ylsmoke:

Congrats on your 5th place! And out of 27!

[Nullifier]

Thanks Baja. Thats a big compliment from a guy with a truck like yours. Your right I don't mind running my truck hard. I only use it for wheeling so I have no worry about getting to work on monday LOL! here si a video of running a ledge in tellico. This was a blast wish I had a locker though. peckerwood in tellico (http://66.49.158.131/albums/videos-bb/BB_Trail7_Peckerwood_Brian_001.wmv)
I am as you know getting ready to lift it so all that stock suspension is gonna go. It will be nice to have a good performing suspension it should make a huge difference in comfort and capability.

[datrupr]

OMG! You are lucky you didn't put it into the rock wall on the right side there. I can see how lockers would have helped on that run. Looks lieka good time and a good chance to get some pucker factors up there. Aand I am impressed, that with a stock suspension! I know my stock Trooper would never have made that. All Praise the TACO'S!!!!!! :victory:

[Nullifier]

Well due to my crazy summer/fall I haven't had time to do anyhting to the truck. It looks like I will be getting 1-2 days a week off again starting next weekend OH YEA!

First project is the electrical system. I'm building a bed box with my optimas, battery isolator, fuse panel for accessories, 1500 power inverter, 12v plugs, and viair 460 compressor with tank and air relocation kit.

Then on Monday I am ordering my yukon 4.88 gears and F/R ARB lockers Yea!
Hopefully I can get it all installed by the end of the month. Just depends on when the gears and lockers show up.

[Scott Brady]

Then on Monday I am ordering my yukon 4.88 gears and F/R ARB lockers Yea!
Hopefully I can get it all installed by the end of the month.

SWEET!

[BajaTaco]

That is a lot of stuff! Have fun :clapsmile

[Nullifier]

Oh yea Got my gears in today! :jump: That was fast since I ordered them on monday. They lockers are gonna be here next week! The guys at DC4WD are really good :clapsmile . That is unheard of shipping time after Thanksgiving weekend. I figured 10-14 days.

Anyway having those bad boys show up today has got me chomping at the bit to get to work. Now all I can think about is when can I slip out of work a day to start getting on the electrical / compressor system install, so I can get to the fun part.....AXLES! I just can't wait to crack open those thirds. This will be my first time doing gears so it will be fun. Been doing some studying on gears the last to weeks looks like it's not tedious but definetly not rocket science.

I've always learned out of neccesity like how to build a motor. Blew the engine in my bug on my way to school when I was 16. Went to the VW shop and got an 1835 kit with weber carbs and all. tore it apart and had it up and running for school on monday LOL got the crash course LOL!

[Nullifier]

Well Santa came early. He dropped off these goodies. :jump:

Genuine 4.88 gears
Timken Master install kits
Front ARB locker
Rear ARB locker
Viair 460 Compressor
Viair install kit
2.5 gallon tank
air relocation kit
air fittings kit

Here are the other parts sitting in the garage also. Hella driving lights, carraige lights, under hood light, 12v accesory ports, battery isolator, fuse block, second yellow top, and inverter.

Between these and the parts for my electrical box, the parts are really piling up! I have to get some time off to start installation. Anyone want to fly in and lend a hand LOL!

[flyingwil]

Nice build up you got going! Looking great and some great pictures so far! Keep up the great work! What are you using for an antenna now? Do you have a power antenna?

Wil

[erin]

:arabia:

Have santa stop by my house after he's done with you!!

[Nullifier]

I am using an ebay antenna. It is all rubber so I do not have to worry so much about getting it snapped off. I think it was like $7 for it.

[vanguard]

Then on Monday I am ordering my yukon 4.88 gears and F/R ARB lockers Yea!
Hopefully I can get it all installed by the end of the month. Just depends on when the gears and lockers show up.
I am planning on doing the same thing (regear and ARB lock) in the spring. I'm wondering how much you have budgeted for it? $2k? $2.5k?

[Nullifier]

Well I got my gears and lockers for $1850 shipped! I am doing the install myself so a few $ more for gaskets lube etc but that's it. Oh well I guess I'm going to replace my wheel bearing at the same time since I'm in there. I think that most installers get about $400-$500 per axle to set up gears and arb. If you have an axle with a third member and pull it out for them you could save a few $'s I'm sure. But you will have to take on drilling the axle housing for the air line. Scary for non mechanical types but not difficult.

I'll post pics of the install after it happens.

[Scott Brady]

Congrats! This is exciting news :jumping:

Gears and lockers baby!

[riverguide]

late to the party here. Those are some sweet pictures and a funny video. Great work on that truck.

i'll be lookin forward to seeing you build this truck up.

[LostSol]

sweet pictures, i love the front bumper! I wanna see that thing in person!

[erin]

:coffee:
Very sweet vid, i somehow missed that earlier. I think you should be glad you had the yank strap instead of the lockers, seems like it saved you more than th traction. Would be cool to see the same run after the gears/ lockers just to see if you could smooth things out coming down.:D

[Nullifier]

Well I will check it out this year when I go to the Great smokey mountain traill ride hosted by TLCA in may. I willl shoot a ton of video so if we end up coming down peckerwood then I'll have some footaage. I hear the park service is going to dynamite that opsticle soon so it may not be much of anything by the time I get there, we'll see.

[Nullifier]

Ok so I decided to go back and do some reports on some old mods. you will notice in some of the pics that the armour predates tires since it has 225/75 tires on it!

First up was my custom rear bumper. When designing it at that time I had only seen the tube wrap around bumpers but did not like the look of them since you could see through them . I decided I had to have full wrap around sides to protect the sheetmetal since I did not want to cut the sheet metal off the bed side. I wanted the main rear section to be solid and have 2 pull points and a reciever.the following pics are stock rear.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/rearstock.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/rearsidestock.jpg


We started this project at my buddy Damons shop with some rectangular tubing and 1.75 tube, and a bunch of scrap plate.

We first started by measuring the width of the rear and deciding how wide to make the box tube. once cut to length with the chop saw we made the 2 pull points. We started with some 1/4" plate and cut out 4 pieces (same shape) with a plasma cutter. then took 2 pices and tig welded them together making a 1/2 piece and repeated. then we took our pull points and centered them as closed to the frame as possible. Holes were cut on both sides of the box for each pull point. Then we made our markes and cut a hole for the center reciever. both pull points and center reciver tube were then tig welded on both sides of the bumper for maximum strength. finally the main section was caped with 1/4 plate tig welded into place.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/bumperpieces1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/damontig.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/pullpoint.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/rearbumperassembly.jpg

[Nullifier]

next up was adding some wrap arounds to protect the body from all those rocks.

We started by bending up some tube and test fitting and bending and testing. A long and tedious day making them all symetrical. then we added some vertical stiffiners to the arms to keep them together. Finally after they were fully welded into place we made some supports that tied the wrap arounds to the frame, and capped the ends of the tube.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/sidebars1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/sidebars2.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/testfit.jpg

After it was done it got painted rattle can black and installed. Here are the final pics of it painted and then installed.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/afterpaint1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/afterpaint2.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/Trexbumper1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/trex%20bumper/trexbumper2.jpg

I have been considering adding some plates to my frame and adding on a spare tire holder, ammo can, and jack rack but have not decided yet.

[Scott Brady]

Having seen your truck in person, I can speak to its coolness!

[Nullifier]

Ok so I finaly got my new top secret mod all sorted out. One of the big issues with Florida wheeling is the water. There is alot of it and it gets deep real quick. Just look at the new issue of Peterson 4wd and you will see what I mean. So being tired of getting out to wade or even worse GO FOR IT!, I decided that a new plan was needed.

I added a Hummingbird smartcast depth finder to the truck. I mounted the castable transducer to kids Sponge Bob Squarepants fishing pole that fits perfectly on the back wall of the cab between the two seats. The main unit runs on a few AA batteries and fits perfectly in between the seats on the top of the tunnel. I plan on adding a bungie cords to hold the unit in place but allow it to be removable for use on my kayak. Now all i have to do roll down the window cast out the transducer and bam, I know how deep the crossing is!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/P5100028.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/P5100033.jpg

[CLynn85]

Now that's pretty slick! Have you done any trials with using the depthfinder in muddy water. How does it react to soft mud on the bottom of the hole? Any change in the display based on a thick mud vs. watery vs. solid?

[Scott Brady]

too much fun :luxhello:

:lurk:

[Nullifier]

Now that's pretty slick! Have you done any trials with using the depthfinder in muddy water. How does it react to soft mud on the bottom of the hole? Any change in the display based on a thick mud vs. watery vs. solid?

I haven't official tried it in the truck on a trail but generally speaking the way the bottom reads on the screen is a grey scale. the harder the bottom the darker the image.. I have used these alot on kayaks over the years but never a smart cast. It is however a standard hummingbird operating system so it functions the same. I will give more feed back on this as trails beging. The rainy season is about to get going here so all those dry trails are about to get deep.

[p1michaud]

Ok so I finaly got my new top secret mod all sorted out.

Very cool!

Nice updates on the "old" mods. I've been brainstorming for quite some time on how to build my rear bumper. Thanks for the pictures.
Cheers,
P

[Nullifier]

Ok so it looks like tuesday's and wednesdays's for the month of june are going to be the build days. I am running out of time to get stuff built and ready for the Idaho trip. First up is the electrical with dual batts, isolator, inverter, viar compresor and tank, fuse block, rock lights, some extra 12V plugs, lap top in cab with navigation and some driving lights. Then the new 4.88 gears and dual arb lockers. Then the ARB suspension and finally fitting 33X10.50 bfg muds. I figure that's a good 8 days work. I also have to fab up some brackets for the batteries and some storage boxes in the bed but that is no big deal. Since my truck is a '96 and I'm putting the late model springs so new leaf spring mounts will have to fabed.

I will start posting pics of the progress on thursday.

[Nullifier]

Oh man well we finally made progress today. I got the truck and all the goodies down to the shop. Inventoried everything and got all my measurements for batt wires got a list of other things like grommets, fluids fastners etc I will need. We got all that stuff and assembled the front OME coilovers.

Tomorrow we are going to drop in the front coil overs and then we are going to convert the Diamond plate tool box in the bed to the "electrical" box. Then we will fab up the new hangers for the longer late model OME leaf springs and call it a day.

[BajaTaco]

:lurk: I know just getting together all of the elec. pieces and mapping out the wiring is a time consumer. Sounds like you are humming along.

[Nullifier]

:lurk: I know just getting together all of the elec. pieces and mapping out the wiring is a time consumer. Sounds like you are humming along.

Oh man Baja you are correct. Getting all the stuff together to do a quality install is a major time consumer.

Today I got the OME coilovers insatalled. It took about an hour total. Everything went like clockwork. Just undid the sway bars, undid the bottome bolt poped it out then the 3 bolts up top. Stuck in the OME and reverse. Made a big difference to ride hieght and stifness thankfull. Now my 31"s look to small :clapsmile

Unfortunetly I spent the next hour arguing with my buddy who is helpng, over stupid stuff :( . He wanted to fab battery brackets from steel and I wanted aluminum. After an hour I said fine do what ever you want. He fabbed up the mounts and I started working on the tool box. After an hour he had cut all the angle and tacked it up. I said ok and then made a set out of aluminum. I hate arguing it's anti productive and besides it's my rig damn it. He is really into the hardcore stuff and doesn't understand my mentality on some things. I drive my truck hard (which is what he sees) when it's apropriate but as we know GVWR is an issue so anything you can do to save wieght you should.

Then he got a call from a mutual friend that got him mad and he "had to leave". Unfortunetly we rode together so that was the end of today. I think I will be doing the work on my own from here out LOL

END of Rant. Hopefully next week I will finish the Electrical box and get all the wiring and air lines done. That is next weeks goal. until then :lurk:

[UncleChris]

Unfortunetly I spent the next hour arguing with my buddy who is helpng, over stupid stuff :( . He wanted to fab battery brackets from steel and I wanted aluminum. After an hour I said fine do what ever you want. He fabbed up the mounts and I started working on the tool box. After an hour he had cut all the angle and tacked it up. I said ok and then made a set out of aluminum. I hate arguing it's anti productive and besides it's my rig damn it. He is really into the hardcore stuff and doesn't understand my mentality on some things. I drive my truck hard (which is what he sees) when it's apropriate but as we know GVWR is an issue so anything you can do to save wieght you should.

Then he got a call from a mutual friend that got him mad and he "had to leave". Unfortunetly we rode together so that was the end of today. I think I will be doing the work on my own from here out LOL

Sounds like a new reality TV Show:D

[BajaTaco]

Whoa! :smilies27 Hopefully next week will be better. Glad to hear that you like the OME results :)

[Nullifier]

Ok so I finally was able to get started on the rear suspension. This part of the suspension took as long as I thought it would, so it was done over 2 days.

First we removed the rear bumper, suspension, brake line, drive shaft, BPV assembly and gas tank. Then put it up in the air.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/dissasemble.jpg

Since my rig is a '96 it has the shorter leaf springs. Since the OME stuff is several inches longer we had to make some extensive mods to the mounts. First we took some measurements and decided that 1" forward was perfect. After some debating we decided to try and use the existing hanger for the main bolt. We drilled a new hole in the bracket and filled in the old ones. After grinding it down you can only tell where it is filled on the inside of the bracket which you can't see with the spring in. the tough part was the inside of the hanger. It was shaped to be recessed for the main bolt. so it had to be reshaped. We took a piece of square tube, placed it in the hanger heated it up and flatened it with a BFH so it would ready for the new leaf spring. We also decided to take the time and mount a "skid plate on the leading edge up to the frame to help it slide over rocks and stiffen it some. Here it is before a coat of paint. This thing is now really stout witht he skid you can't see in frome this angle.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7070112.jpg

Next up was removing the rear hangers this only took about 1.5 hours LOL!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7070113.jpg

Then we disigned and started making new ones this is my lovely assistant Damon (the brains of the operation)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7080115.jpg

Hey it's starting to look like a hanger!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7080117.jpg

[Nullifier]

Next up was some test fitting.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7080118.jpg

After 3 attempts of tacking them into place, mounting and settling springs to check for proper shackle angles, they were welded into place.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7080123.jpg

Then some stiffening supports were added since in order to align them properly they had to stick out 1/4 inch outboard the frame.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/f05728dd.jpg

Finally a smiling face at the sight of success!!!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7080121.jpg

[Nullifier]

Here is a side shot ofter being put back together and lowered to the ground for the first time in 2 days.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/63759e52.jpg

Then the big guns came out for a little flexing of the new muscle.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/c68aa145.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7080136.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/P7080141.jpg

Then we measured to make sure the OME N85 shocks were long enough and sure enough they were not. For those of you running them I would say your missing out on about 3" if travel easy! I did not mount them and will be getting longer shocks next week.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/200f0a8e.jpg

Lastly was weather we got the tire centered. We were shooting for 2 1/4" between my 31" tire and the shet metal at full stuff. We sit at 2 3/16" so pretty good. Should be just enough so I do not have to trim when the 33 10.50's go on.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/rear%20suspension%20build/9b395088.jpg

Next week we will tackle the electrical stuff. Dual batteries, isolator, 1000w invertor, viar 460 comp with 2.5 tank, lowrance navigation, fuse block, hella lights, and few other goodies I'm sure I forgot LOL!

[CLynn85]

Wow, you have been busy! Looks nice and flexy though. I still think that truck looks uber-cool with the steelies still. Ah, toyota envy....:jumping:

[gjackson]

Wow! Nice pics of a cool set up. Sweet shop you have as well!!

cheers

[Nullifier]

Wow, you have been busy! Looks nice and flexy though. I still think that truck looks uber-cool with the steelies still. Ah, toyota envy....:jumping:

Thanks it was a big job. Hopefuly next sunday I'll be posting pics of the all the electrical workcompleted.

I wish I could keep the factory wheels but unfortunetly I rud the upper a arm when I'm stuffed on 31"s so when the 33"s go on next week it will be a bigger issue. I am getting some ARE 15x8 wheels. I will probably take them off this winter and get them repowder coated a similar silver to the stock steelies. I searched for a slim spacer that I could have just added longer studs but could not find a 1/2" or 3/4 set up so new wheels it is unfortunetly.

[Nullifier]

Oh I forgot I called up Demello's shop to day and ordered my new shocks. They are sending a pr of 5125 series Bilsteins with 255/70 valving. Probably a little stiffer then I really want but since it is a trail truck I guess I will give a little here in order to get max flex. These shocks have length measurements of 28" extended and "17 compressed.

Demello's employee was very thorough. He asked alot of detail questions about how we set things up and measured. After looking up the shocks he was concerned about the shocks having a 12" body so decided to call bilstein and talk with them to make sure that things would be ok since they had not personally treid this set up. Verdict from Bilstein was good so I should have the shocks beginning of next week. Awesome service from demeloo's shop. I had heard great things but honestly did not expect it to be that thorough. Truely impressed with them.

I also called to check on the status of my Lowrance Baja 480c and it will be hear on Wednesday WOOHOO!!!!

[p1michaud]

Excellent progress. Cool pics and good fab work. Keep the pics coming!
Cheers :beer:,
P

[BajaTaco]

This is a great thread - very fun stuff. Nice work on those rear springs, the flex looks fantastic.:beer: I hear ya on the stock wheels. I really like them too. Let us know what you think of those shocks.

We'll be watching for the updates on the Baja GPS and the other goodies :lurk:

[Nullifier]

WOOHOO!! I just a call From my Buddy Mike Lokey @ the 4wd shop. My Lowrance and wheels are in. I'll pick them up tonight! Tomorrow we head to the shop @ 7am to start on the electrical system so hopefully I will be posting pics on sunday with everything installed.

[BajaTaco]

:jumping: :luxhello:

[Nullifier]

Ok not as far along on this as I had hoped but since I hate all this wring crap I shouldn't be supprised. My buddy came down who is a 12v master and helped me put together my wiring diagrams and shoping list for all the odds and ends.

I headed out for lunch and then some shoping. Now I always try to support local shops but damn thay want to much money for connectors and stuff. I was getting 4 battery terminal 1 ground blocka nd 150 amo circuit breaker and they wanted $270 bones!!! needless to say I decided to order it all on ebay for $63.00 so that stuff will be here wednesday.

Anyway here is the list, battery isolator, optima, fuse block, inverter (1000w), viair 460 compressor w tank and 105psi switch, 6 lights, 3 additional 12v plugs, tool box vent with filter, arb switches, and a partition to keep my tool boxes from getting into the electrical stuff. Here are some pics.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7140154.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7140156.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/electrical.jpg

The fuse block will go next to the isolator and the box vent and circuit breaker for the isolator will go above the compressor.

You can see in the secon pic the partition I put in. I got apiece of scrap from the steel yard for $3.00 and fabed it up. The battery mount we made bolts down throught he bed floor securing that whole side of the box.

Hopefully I will have it all wired up friday night so more pics to come.

[Mlachica]

cool stuff man! man, you've got a lot of work ahead of you. Kinda strange how the mods never cease, I can never figure out why? :confused:


So what kind of vent are you using? Is there a fan? Do you have to worry about water getting in the box?

[Nullifier]

The vent is a composite louvered vent. the vent flange protruding into the bux is 1.5" so I will place a foam filter in it to help keep dust out. Think weed eater filter here. I will silicone it and place it toward the top of the box to prevent leakage.

There is no fan for now. I figure since the compressor will only be run when I'm filling tires or engaging the locker, heat will not really be an issue. Also since my box is diamond plate not black I do not have any issues due to color. I am only placing the vent on it so the compressor can breath.

I figure down the road the other side of the box will eventually hold a PPW but that will be late next year.

Once I get that installed I will post more pics.

[Nullifier]

WOOHOO ok today I got in my shocks from Demello, my vent and battery monitor from seadog and my circuitbreaker and betery terminals from ebay. Tomorrow at 10 am the wiring begins.

[Nullifier]

Well after 2 bust *** days we have got almost all the electrical stuff done. Tool box is wired and mounted. So far the inverter, battery isolator, fuse block, and compressor all work. All the dash switches and air pressure guage and battery monitor are working as well as the lowrance unit. All that is left is adding the custom wiring for the rack lights using a trailer pin connector so I can remove my roof basket, and hook up the fog lights in the bumper. Then the main wiring harnes running from the bed to the cab needs to me mounted to the frame but that is all.

The baja 480c is bad *** and I have to admit that this install came out way better then I thought possible. I will have pics up in a few days. I forgot my camera at the shop so I will have to run over there and get it.

Looks like friday we start the gears and lockers yeaa!!!

[Nullifier]

Ok so here is where we left off.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7140156-1.jpg

Here is the battery isolator and fuse block wired up

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220159.jpg

Here is the compressor and invertor wired. Notice the circuit breaker for the invertor in the top corner. it's 150 amp Also the relays for off road lights.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220158.jpg

Here is a top view of it all complete with compressor pressure switch and battery terminals.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220168.jpg

Here is the mess coming out the back of the box there are grommets now.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220162.jpg

And here is is going through the bed. This happens behing the box so it's out of the way.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220163.jpg

[Scott Brady]

Really nice work Brian. Sorry I missed your call. I was in the mountains :)

Are you running some additional signal and power lines in the bundles? It is nice to have a few extra's already run for future mods.

[Nullifier]

Here is where the loom comes up from the frame and into the cab. The red wires in the fire wall ar to and from the battery isolator from the alt to the main battery.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220161.jpg

Here is a shot of the passengers side dash. Air guage with on/off switch battery monitor red switch selects battery. 3 black switches for offroad lights. As you can see the radio was removed. for something better

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220160.jpg

Here is a larger look at the dash.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220170.jpg

A closer look at something better then a radio!!!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/f9490604.jpg

There is a 12v outlet in the box which you can't see in the pics. I still have to wire up my 2 arb switches and add 2 12v plug ins to the cab but then it's done. I have used cable clamps to mount all harnesses to frame of fire wals to secure them. I think it is turning out very good so far. I plan on redoing my wiring diagrams and getting them laminated and mounted inside the top of the tool box lid.

[Nullifier]

Really nice work Brian. Sorry I missed your call. I was in the mountains :)

Are you running some additional signal and power lines in the bundles? It is nice to have a few extra's already run for future mods.


Yes we have 3 power wires behind the dash for extra's. There is also a ground block behind the dash so it all ties in together neatly.

[Nullifier]

Oh here is apick from the tail gate with the air tank mounted.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7220166.jpg

[BajaTaco]

Man, that is a lot of stuff in a short time. I am having ExWest taco flashbacks... LOL. It looks great. I see you got the color unit - Lucky dog! So what will you do for tunes? (no tunes?) Where do you plan to put press. regulator and solenoids for the lockers?

:lurk:

[Nullifier]

Well the solenoids will be on the back side of the tank. Switches will be on the dash next to the black ones.

My preseeure switch is the 80-105 psi unit so no pressure regulator is needed.

We have decided to forgo the cd player for now. will use my portable xm for the big drive. I'm thinking when I get back from Idaho. I might make a nice fiberglass overhead console for the radio and possible ham unit. Since I used to work in a composite shop I know how to build composite stuff from scratch.

[BajaTaco]

10-4 on the solenoids, switches and regulator.

Composite project - now that sounds fun. I would really enjoy trying that sometime. I have had ideas about custom panels and pods that would improve the layout. I'll be iterested to see what you come up with if you decide to do it.

[Nullifier]

Ok a few pics from yesteday. We got all the odds and ends on the electrical done. mainly just securing wire harneses etc.

Installed the Bilsteins.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/2dbc56d0.jpg

Somethings missing!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7290171.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/P7290173.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/90dddf2e.jpg

Hopefully wednesday we will have the reinstaled and the truck will be ready for a test run!

[Nullifier]

Since I was behind schedule and I wouldn't be able to start the gear assembly till wednesday I decided to drop them off at a local shop to have them set up. They are charging $180 per axle to set the gears and arb's up. I think it's a deal. So Wedneday afternoon I will have both the front axle and rear third remounted and ready to test out.

My new u joints, axle seals, wheel bearing, belts, hoses and all in. We will replace the seals and bearing but I will carry the hoses, belts and u joints as spares since he existing ones look good.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed LOL! Vaction starts wednesday so every day after that is a day lost on the trail somewhere :eek:

[Nullifier]

IT RUNS WOOHOO. well sort of LOL. I started the long drive home last night. 10 miles and then 30 minute stop, for 100 miles. Got home at 4:30 this morning. It drives great. I'm very happy with the street feel of the new OME suspension. Can't wait to get it off road. the Navigation is the bomb.

The only problem I'm having so far is witht he charging system. I think the isolator I have is shot or it could possibly be the stock alternator just flat out is to weak. I am getting ready to dive into that. I have to bypass my isolator system on the wy home last night cause I was getting 0 charge tot he batteries. I'm going to try and make one quick reconfigure today and that will tell my if it's the isolator ir if I need a bigger alternator.

The 4.88 gears have mad a huge difference from those 3.57's! I babied it driving last night but can tell by the rpm's at 45mph that there is a major difference.

[Scott Brady]

You should look into the SurePower (http://www.surepower.com/separator.html) separators. Ultra simple and reliable. A relay with the following logic.

13.2v Connect Batteries
12.8v Disconnect Batteries

[Ramdough]

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

I think we need another emoticon with more drool.... this one does not drool enough!

Nice Work!

[BajaTaco]

I don't recall, but isn't there a sense wire connection req'd for the Tacoma alternator when used with the diode-type isolators? If that isn't connected, maybe it is not sensing the voltage properly - just an idea.

Glad to hear it is on the road and you like it!

[Nullifier]

Ok so I got out the volt meter today and started testing. After about 10 minutes I busted out laughing. We accidentally put the wire that runs from the alt to the isolator on the battery 1 output terminal and the batery wire on the isolator in terminal. As soon as I sswitched those 2 wires everything was fine. Of course in the process of unhooking ky primary battiers positive terminal I accidentally touched the snap on 1/4 inch drive tot he new batteyr hold down bracket. Lots of sparks (enough I jumped back like a school girl LOL). By the time i realized what happened and grabbed the wrenchit got so hot I burned my hand and had welded the damn wrench and socket together LOL! I also snapped the allen head off the socket and it stuck intot he termianl allen screw. Another 10 minutes of fidgeting and I got out the broken allen head LOL!

Any way long story short, gears are broke in, ARB lockers are working, No air leaks to be detedted and electrical is 100% operational. All systems are a go!!! IDAHO HERE WE COME!!! Packing the truck tomorow.

[Nullifier]

Ok almost ready for baja. Got in my parts from TRD4U today. so I will get them installed by Friday, when my 5 new Maxxis Big Horn MT's are scheduled to arrive. 255/85/16 so I'm joining the ranks. Picked all 5 up for $630 shipped from select tire. I also got a super sweet deal on some lightly used enkei 6 spoke aluminum wheels. 150 for 5 so I'm all set for baja!

I still need to fab up a mount for my extra gas cans but that is no big deal. I may also may be pulling a Campa trailer to Ensenada for delivery but that is not decided yet. Waiting for Chris from Campa to confirm this week.

I will also know for sure by thursday but I might be getting a free suspension upgrade for the truck. So I may have to switch out the OME suspension for another much more highend system but that install is a snap and can be done in a day. I'll let you guys know if the sponsorship comes through.

Counting the days to Nov 9th!!! :jump:

[Nullifier]

pics with new and old wheels. The new whels had some swampers on them so they are on there till friday when the new maxxis tires show up.

old rims 15x7 steel six spole

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/oldwheels.jpg

New to me used rims 16x7 enkei 6 spoke

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/newwheels.jpg

[Nullifier]

Final pic with the new Maxxis 255/85/16 and enkei 16x7 wheels

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/sideshot.jpg

The spare mounted in factory location.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/sparetireshot.jpg

Now I have a little wider stance aven though these tires are not as wide as my old 31x10.50 bfg tires. obviously due to rims.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/fronttireshot.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/reartireshot.jpg

I have done the obvious pinch weld mods and so far have had no rubbing in the wheel well even after a little jump yesterday. I am getting rub on the drivers side frame rail close tot he firewall at full left lock. What's wierd is I do not get this on the passengers sde at full right lock.

Even at road pressure it is amazing how much the taller tire smoothes out the corrogations in the trail.

[Ursidae69]

How did your Maxxis tires do in Baja, especially the sand? Heck, how'd all the recent mods do? :costumed-smiley-007

[Nullifier]

Thanks for asking chuck,

I know we have been slow to get a trip report done. I have everything typed up I have just had a hard time getting and organsing all the pics to go with the report.

Anyway. I'm very happy with the bighorn tires. Although I did take out my drivers side fender on a "little" jump (not so little) when I came down hard on the d-side and it pushed up into the fender. I had trimmed the pinch weld but since the tire sticks out it bent up the sheet metal between the tire and the cab door. Oh well. looks like a new fender and a saws all someday.

The bighorns performed excellent in all conditions. Sand was no issue. I was very happy on road as well. Hell even pulling the campa through some head light deep crossings was no problem. The only time I got stuck was busting a u turn in the mud flat. I got out over the hard crusty layer and fell through. I don't care if you had 40's you were not getting out with out a winch.

The only mechanical problem I had in baja was my front arb line ruptured. The wierd thing is I ran it inside the frame rail from the mid point of the truck and out of the frame up front. somewhere in the frame it busted. I have not fixed anything on my truck from the trip yet but am anxious to determine why it broke.

Hell I had more issues trying to get home for thanksgiving on the road trip back then anything else. It's all my wifes fault. She prayed for me to make back into the states rather then home and that's what happened. after I crossed the border in mexicali all hell broke loose LOL! but that's another story for another day.

final aswer..bighorns 2 thumbs up:exclaim:

[devinsixtyseven]

I am getting rub on the drivers side frame rail close tot he firewall at full left lock. What's wierd is I do not get this on the passengers sde at full right lock.thats usually the alignment...the rear cams are probably at slightly different horizontal positions, one is close enough in to show a little rub.

it can be corrected...i dont remember if youre running adjustable coilovers or not, but make sure they're dead even side to side, then have a chat with the aligning technician and see if you can get both cams as far out as possible and still get a proper alignment. all the guys ive talked to at alignment shops are willing to give this a shot, just gotta find a shop that's cool and will let you talk to the guy actually doing the work :p.

-sean

[Nullifier]

I am running the ome suspension but I'm running trimpackers on the d side. I will look intot he alignment thing again. I just had it done before I left for baja but if that solves the issue I'll shell out some more $ for it cause it drives me crazy.

[Ursidae69]

thats usually the alignment...the rear cams are probably at slightly different horizontal positions, one is close enough in to show a little rub.

it can be corrected...i dont remember if youre running adjustable coilovers or not, but make sure they're dead even side to side, then have a chat with the aligning technician and see if you can get both cams as far out as possible and still get a proper alignment. all the guys ive talked to at alignment shops are willing to give this a shot, just gotta find a shop that's cool and will let you talk to the guy actually doing the work :p.

-sean


I have the same rub with my truck, just on the one side frame rail. Had it with both the 255s and the 285s. I'll mention it to Firestone next time I have an alignment done.

[Scott Brady]

Mine only rub on one side too. I think it is just a frame shape issue

[Nullifier]

Mine only rub on one side too. I think it is just a frame shape issue


thanks guys now i do not feel like a a super freak. Scott ond Chuck do you guys have fender issues too? specifically at the bottom of the fender lip toward the cab. you know where the lowest mounting point for the inner fender liner is. I have crushed that in with the tire from stuffing it at speed. the only way I can see to correct the issue is to cut the fneder back some.

[Ursidae69]

thanks guys now i do not feel like a a super freak. Scott ond Chuck do you guys have fender issues too? specifically at the bottom of the fender lip toward the cab. you know where the lowest mounting point for the inner fender liner is. I have crushed that in with the tire from stuffing it at speed. the only way I can see to correct the issue is to cut the fneder back some.

Hey Brian, look at the pics on my tire page (http://www.chucksweb.net/Pages/Trucks/Tires/Tires.htm#Maxxis) and you'll see where I had to cut away some plastic and then put in something more recessed. I still rub on a hard compression.

[Scott Brady]

No fender issues after trimming.

[devinsixtyseven]

mine currently rubs just a little at full lock after the last alignment...didn't in the past. when the forward cam is pulled in, the steering knuckle goes forward and inward, increasing caster (which is good) and increasing camber (which can be good or bad)...everything is pivoting around the upper ball joint. when the rear cam is pushed out, caster is increased again, but camber decreases. the rear cam position has a range of lateral movement around two inches or something, i forget otoh, so during the alignment you can go from not rubbing at all to having the tire act like the frame's in heat.

the frame is the same side to side, but the engine bay is asymmetrical (at least on my truck)...dunno why offhand but probably something to do with routing connections past the engine--i can tell by the way the inner fender sheetmetal hangs over the coil bucket on each side.

with adjustable coilovers, it can be very difficult to get everything dead level side to side when it's on the stand--driver weight, fuel weight, stuff in the bed, etc...the result is one coilover is higher than the other, and the higher coilover is low on caster and camber from the upper control arm sitting at a deeper angle (pointed toward the ground more). since you're adjusting caster over a range of about two degrees, even a little difference in height side to side (like 0.5") creates enough change to caster and camber that evening everything side to side results in either different mounting surface dimensions side to side as measured from the centerline of the truck, or a sacrifice in camber on one side to keep caster high and equal on both sides so the truck runs flat and stable.

if you're only rubbing on one side, look at the alignment cam positions. ideally, both pairs of cams should be at the exact same setting, just mirrored side to side. one pair is probably set different; if that's the case, check that the truck sits exactly level side to side.

once youre certain the truck is level, talk to the alignment tech and let him know what you're after. you might have to play with it a little (helps if youre standing next to the machine), and give the tech an acceptable range of numbers, for instance caster as high as possible (limit of mfr's spec) and camber within spec vs. a particular number.

hope that helps & makes sense.

-sean

[erin]

Mine barely rubs the frame on the drivers side, just enough to etch the paint on the frame. My biggest problem is the bottom lip on the fender flair, I always catch that thing in the front for sure, and in the rear as well, but under real hard flex only.

[Nullifier]

Well guys I have been talking about it for long enough. I got aline on one and luck has turned my way. I have a buddy bringing it down to me from ohio this feb. I will get started on the swap after I get back home from the Galapagos so it will be April before I get out the tools for this one. But I should have it done end of april early may. I just simply need more cab space. The reg cab is great for short whel base but the wife hates it and I want to carry my valubles in the cab rather then in the bed.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/xtracab.jpg

[Mlachica]

:bowdown: wow...

Do you plan on doing all of the work yourself?

[BogusBlake]

Whoa, dude! Now that's a project! It'll look sweet if you can keep all the seams looking clean.

*tuning in for more*

[Nullifier]

:bowdown: wow...

Do you plan on doing all of the work yourself?

for the most part yes. I will cut my cab up and fit the new section on. Plus do all the pre paint work. Then I will take it in to have it painted. I will recuit a few friends that are more knowledgable about some of the fine points of this type of swap, but since I have built several ground up hot rods and done a fair amount of my own work on those, I am not expecting to many head aches. It is part of the reason I decided to section in a new half cab rather then do a full cab swap. I felt that it was less of an evil to section the body then undo all the dash and wiring and steering and on and on.

[p1michaud]

will get started on the swap after I get back home from the Galapagos so it will be April before I get out the tools for this one.

I have read at least one thread on TTORA where the guy swapped an extended cab over to a double cab. Pretty cool read and lots of work. Will you be keeping your existing frame? What are you going to do about your bed?
Can't wait to see this project unfold!
Cheers,
P

[Nullifier]

I am keeping the same frame. The stock bed is obviously going away. I am going to replace it wil an aluminum flatbed. I will incorperate fold down removable sides and tailgate. I plan on making the side panels strong enough to use as sand and bridging ladders.

[Scott Brady]

What about a double cab bed?

Check out the UTE bed too.

[Nullifier]

What about a double cab bed?

Check out the UTE bed too.

I thought about that but my feeling is that there is just to much real estate with a factory bed. To much paint and crap to worry about. I think an all aluminum side panel will be easier to maintain and less to worry about on the trail. I looked at the ute bed but they are so much wider then the cab. I was planning on building a bed equal in width to my cab. THis way there is less to drag along the tight walls of tellico when I'm up there.

[4Rescue]

I thought about that but my feeling is that there is just to much real estate with a factory bed. To much paint and crap to worry about. I think an all aluminum side panel will be easier to maintain and less to worry about on the trail. I looked at the ute bed but they are so much wider then the cab. I was planning on building a bed equal in width to my cab. THis way there is less to drag along the tight walls of tellico when I'm up there.
Bro, I'm with you, the ute beds stick out ALOT!!! I racked more than a few and if you can build things witch you obviously can, you could just build a ute bed, they're pretty much a simple straight forward flatbed with a few pin hinges for removability and some swinging latches to hold it all together...

[Nullifier]

Bro, I'm with you, the ute beds stick out ALOT!!! I racked more than a few and if you can build things witch you obviously can, you could just build a ute bed, they're pretty much a simple straight forward flatbed with a few pin hinges for removability and some swinging latches to hold it all together...

yea that was my htought exactly. I have detailed pics of the ute even undernieth so I will use some of that as a model but I want it to "fit" my truck. I have already had several people tell me aluminum is dumb cause it won't hold up but I do not want the rig to wiegh a million pounds in the back. I will build the bed empolying some smart design to ensure both light wieght and high strength. Besides rock crawling is not a major part of my rigs diet. It does go crawling now and then but that is not the #1 or even #3 thing for my truck.

[Grim Reaper]

Man that is a ambitious step! Look forward to seeing that done.

Have you seen the Project Quasimodo thread at Pirate4x4 ? Some great ideas in it along the lines of what you are doing for the bed. They also have a flat bed picture thread. The link to it is in the FAQ post stickied to the top. They are doing some work on the forum right now and its down so I couldn't get you the direct links.

[Nullifier]

If you buy it it will come. the x cab will be here this coming weekend! Mike is bringing it back this week. he will be picking it up in Ohio for me Thursday. :jump:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/tacoma%20mods/xtracab.jpg

The next pic will be of it in my garage :rockon:

[Nullifier]

Well no pic but it made it home to my garage yesterday. THe cuts a re super clean. After sizing it up I do not belive it will be as difficult as I thought. just tediou sna nd time consuming. I still think that this is a better plan of attack the removing the whole cab and swaping a full xcab in.
Now I need to track down a driverside quarter window and some of the interior trim pieces for the xcab section.

[Nullifier]

Ok some updates finally. Weell after all that xcabwork we have decided to not do it. The main reason is because of the fct that the xcab will force me into atleast a 3" boby lift and I do not feel comfortable doing that for longterm durability issues. Not to mention reworking the armour so for now a reg cab it stays.

However the UPS 18 wheeler delivered something to me today any ideas what it could be? It was built in Oz andthe shipped wieght was 380lbs!!! Item itself is about 250#s

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/P1010207.jpg

[gearbox]

Safari rack?

[Nullifier]

ok a little better peak inside the box

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/P1010208.jpg

[Willman]

Flatbed?????

:D

[Nullifier]

Bingo! A http://www.uteltd.com bed to be exact.

[4Rescue]

NICE!!!! Ute beads are bloody AWSOME...

Dave :safari-rig:

[Grim Reaper]

Sweeet!

I was guessing a car top tent when I first saw it. LOL

[Photog]

Why would you have to do a body lift, to fit the xcab on your frame?

If the frame rails rise up, cant you just channel the floor of the cab?

If your wheelbase didn't change, your sliders should still protect the body.

I liked your original idea, with the xcab on the short frame.

[Nullifier]

Why would you have to do a body lift, to fit the xcab on your frame?

If the frame rails rise up, cant you just channel the floor of the cab?

If your wheelbase didn't change, your sliders should still protect the body.

I liked your original idea, with the xcab on the short frame.

As much as I want the xcab chaneling the cab section would be a crazy amount of work for minimal gain. Yes the cool factor would be high but I decided the balance of things was to far out of wack.

[CYi5]

Did I just see your truck on the SPEED channel??

[Nullifier]

yep that was my truck on truck universe. They are probably are going to do another segment wih it before this years baja run.

[CYi5]

Nice man, I thought i recognized that from seeing pics on TTORA awhile back. Are you allowed to say what the next segment your truck will be featured in will be showcasing?

[Nullifier]

Well if I knew I would say. The group collectively has alot of modifications coming up to prep for baja so they will be grabbing our rigs periodically to do the jobs they want to feature. So far they have the mod list and will contact us when they get ready to folm.

[Nuclear Redneck]

Nullifer,

How is the Ute bed install going?

Who did you buy yours through?

Thanks,

[Nullifier]

The Ute install has not started yet. I had to reconfigure my garage from doing house project to truck shop. I got that done today so the real tear down will start later in the week. After today though I feel real good about the progress I will be making soon.

[mightymike]

Anxious for pics of the ute bed.....

[Nullifier]

Well guys last night I finally got off my lazy butt and pulled the tranny out to fix the clutch. WHile removing the bell housing bolts from the block a piece of the block fell off. It was the ear that the bell housing bolts up to. :yikes: Obviously this is a major problem. I will remove the fly wheel tonight to get a better look because there is also some visible antifreeze in that spot.

So I guess if the block itself is not cracked and the anti freeze is from the freeze plug then I will have to pull the motor and try to weld the ear back on using a nickel rod, and fix the freeze plug. If the block is cracked then I will have to locate a new motor. My long term concern is having a welded ear on the motor. I mean if I broke that off on last years trip I just do not think it will hold up to the abuse being welded since this type of weld is just about imposible to make strong. I may go ahead and fix it and then sell the motor to someone with a street application. I will know more once I get the flywheel off tonight and can see the whole thing.

[Nullifier]

Well this goes from bad to worse. Once the flywheel came off last night I discovered that the top mounting hole was also cracked into the block and weeping coolant. So I guess it's a new motor after all. Now I have to make a decision on what to put in there. SHould I stay witht the 2.7 or upgrade to the 3.4? I would love to do a 1kzte diesel swap but I can not swing the 6-7k to get it done right now so I guess thats out unfortunetly.

Either way it alot of :Mechanic: time for me. I think the funny thing is that we are suppsoed to have our trucks on display for a CFF fundraiser in a week. Guess mine will be there with no motor , tranny, bed etc. I wil have to hang a sign that says almost ready for baja LOL!

[p1michaud]

Oh man, that really sucks. Do you really feel the need to upgrade to a 3.4L at this point?


Either way it alot of :Mechanic: time for me. I think the funny thing is that we are suppsoed to have our trucks on display for a CFF fundraiser in a week. Guess mine will be there with no motor , tranny, bed etc. I wil have to hang a sign that says almost ready for baja LOL!

Too funy!

[4Rescue]

[QUOTE=Nullifier]...I would love to do a 1kzte diesel swap but I can not swing the 6-7k to get it done right now so I guess thats out unfortunetly.
[QUOTE]

Well, if you didf swing it, I would promise to be eternaly jealous of you... My god how I want my 4Runner to have a 1KZT...

Bummer about the motor man, guess we'll all just have to wait longer to see the project progress.

Here's a motivational pic: This is my 91 HJ75 from OZ... I miss my ute bed.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j309/4x4Rescue/92FJ85OldWhitey.jpg

[Nullifier]

[QUOTE=Nullifier]...I would love to do a 1kzte diesel swap but I can not swing the 6-7k to get it done right now so I guess thats out unfortunetly.
[QUOTE]

Well, if you didf swing it, I would promise to be eternaly jealous of you... My god how I want my 4Runner to have a 1KZT...

Bummer about the motor man, guess we'll all just have to wait longer to see the project progress.

Here's a motivational pic: This is my 91 HJ75 from OZ... I miss my ute bed.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j309/4x4Rescue/92FJ85OldWhitey.jpg


Thanks for the motivation. I need all I can get right now! Hey I see your sig says your doing a 3rz swap. I happen to know of a guy in Florida who is selling one real Cheap :xxrotflma

[Nullifier]

Ok so today research says an lc engineering motor is 4k I found a 3.4 local with everything except alt and starter for 1800 and amanual r series tranny for 600. so that is an option. I also found a 2.7 from an 06 tacoma that was swiped froma sema build truck with 3k on it. It has everything including a/c comp, brain, all of it for 2.5k so that is an option. I am going to try and look into diesel stuff tomorrow who know I might get lucky!

[Grim Reaper]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/407040249.html 2.7 for $375 north of Atlanta about 50 minutes.

http://www.jarcoinc.com/ they have diesels half cuts. Another compete 2.7 for $650. If this is who I think it is this guy buys wrecks and parts them out. He bought 2 4runners out from under me when I was looking for mine. If its him he is about 25 minutes south of Atlanta.

The add is a little stale but maybe he still has it.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/390999313.html

[Nullifier]

Thanks for the tip I will follow up tomorrow. I always forget about craigslist for some reason. I also turned up this which could be interesting. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/395100219.html

Just have to hunt downa tranny but I would be well under the budget I'm sure.

[Grim Reaper]

Thanks for the tip I will follow up tomorrow. I always forget about craigslist for some reason. I also turned up this which could be interesting. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/395100219.html

Just have to hunt downa tranny but I would be well under the budget I'm sure.
Would that be a v8? Heck even for the 6cly that would be a smoking deal to get the whole truck so you have all the electrics to do the swap.

[Nullifier]

The messages I left for all the motor around altanata had some scary greeting on the answering machines LOL!

Tundra motor. use your best southern accent. "You know what this is.........so use it."

[Nullifier]

Ok well I got my engine. It came from a 2002 tacoma d cab. It is a 2.7 with 40,000 miles. It was pulled becuase the guy dropped in a 1kzte motor from Jarco. I am going to yamk my old motor and drop in the new motor on sunday. I'll now be running coil packs instead of a distributor but this motor came with all the bolt ons and the ecu so I should be set.

[Nullifier]

Ok so I got my motor out finally. We had rain delays since I'm doing it in my driveway. THe neighbors are loving me LOL! Ayway I am going to sieze the moment and go ahead and work on touching up the chassis in a few spots and make a few other minor adjustments while motor is out and everything is easy to get to. The only casualty in removing the motor was the fuel line. I went to disconect it and for some reason the head of the connector rounded off despite using a box end wrench. Never had that one happen before. SO I am goung to try and cut it off get a new nut and use a flaring tool to salvage the metal line. I think there is a enough slack to do that. I was also thinking of relocating the FUel FIlter. Under the INtake manifold is a terrible place to have filter sice it is really tough to get to. So I may put it on the inner fender or something we will see.

Two things I guess I am goint to have to deal with is getting a new ECU and possible Harness. This truck was an Auto and mine is a Stick so I am guessing that the Harness atleast the tranny part will not work for me.

Maybe I can get the ecu reprogrammed? looking into that today. Hopefully sunday I will sit the new motor down intot he truck and then be ready to start wiring it all back up.

[Grim Reaper]

I was also thinking of relocating the FUel FIlter. Under the INtake manifold is a terrible place to have filter sice it is really tough to get to. So I may put it on the inner fender or something we will see.

Two things I guess I am goint to have to deal with is getting a new ECU and possible Harness. This truck was an Auto and mine is a Stick so I am guessing that the Harness atleast the tranny part will not work for me.

Maybe I can get the ecu reprogrammed? looking into that today. Hopefully sunday I will sit the new motor down intot he truck and then be ready to start wiring it all back up.The filter is still down there on the 2.7? bummer.


It has been my experiance that Toyota usually has both plugs present on the harness so they only have to make one harness. My 4Runner has the plugs for a Auto just not used and my Supra was the same way so you might get lucky on the harness. May still need to change the ECM since the computer may drive the shifts on the tranny.

[Nuclear Redneck]

Bump to see how the truck is coming.

Did you get your motor installed?

How about the ute bed?

Thanks,

[Nullifier]

Arg not a good topic right now. My buisness has been in the dumper and I have actually taken a second job so I can keep my staff. Everyting is in the garage waiting on Time and $. Hopefully January things will start hapenning. I have been so mad about this but that is life.

[Nuclear Redneck]

Sorry to hear about the business issues! I hope things get better soon.

Cheers,

[xcmountain80]

Arg not a good topic right now. My buisness has been in the dumper and I have actually taken a second job so I can keep my staff. Everyting is in the garage waiting on Time and $. Hopefully January things will start hapenning. I have been so mad about this but that is life.


Dude I hear ya I'm selling off extra stuff just to replace it in the springs when money comes back in. I'm bustin *** saving everything and speding as little as possible. Gotta spend it to make it!

Aaron

[Overland Hadley]

Arg not a good topic right now. My buisness has been in the dumper and I have actually taken a second job so I can keep my staff. Everyting is in the garage waiting on Time and $. Hopefully January things will start hapenning. I have been so mad about this but that is life.

Sorry to hear that. Hope things pick up soon.

[LawBlazer]

Drought hurting ya? It's been a tough year. Good luck and hopefully we'll get some rain soon.

[Nullifier]

Drought hurting ya? It's been a tough year. Good luck and hopefully we'll get some rain soon.

No the drought has not hurt me. It was all the warm weather up north for so late in the season. No tourists in Fl until about 10 days ago. Now I slow again til xmas so another 3-4 slow weeks ahead.

Good news I got kinda the ultimate side job. I work for a guy who owns a small trucking company, 2 construction companies, and a trailer rental outfit. He is letting me work jobs into my schedule and I'm making 200-500 a day cash depending on the job. I think I'll stick with him even when things pick back up since the schedule and pay is good. It will help me raise the rest of the money I need to "finish" the truck (like they're ever done LOL!)

It is killing me to walk past the motor, ute bed, and other goodies I got in anticipation of the Baja trip. That is pk though it will make this coming years trip all that more special.

Hopefully the wife and I will make it out west this summer and we will leave the truck out west. This will make going to the next expo rally and the baja race next year easier from a time perspective.

[CLynn85]

How goes it? Any updates on the Taco?

[Nullifier]

Ha wish i has been sitting. I have been trying to get to the motor install. I finally got me garage in order 2 weeks ago and hopefully will get a chance to put in the motor in the next week or so.

Once that is in I will probably try to tackle the ute install after my 300 mile canoe race in march. I just have to much time going into training right now.

[4Rescue]

WELL!!! is the motor in (and I can't remember what you decided to go with 1KZt-E?) ??? Damn man I nearly forgot about this great truck you're building. :wings:

Cheers

Dave

[buddha]

I posted this in a "pictures of your rigs" thread thinking I was still in this thread... whoops! :smilies27




All growed up in Baja between Puerto Penasco and El Gulfo

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/nullifierx/random%20rig%20shots/road%20signs/DSCN2463.jpg

Really enjoying this thread.... looking forward to more.

One question, what towers do you have holding your Yakima MegaWarrior rack? It looks like they're adjustable, yes? How low/high can they sit off the bed sides (gunwhales)?

I'm thinking of doing something similar because my two dog crates take up the bed, and I want a rack that sits below the roof line to hold coolers, spare fuel, etc.

[Nullifier]

Sorry I did not see this when you posted but the rack is a Thule xsporter. Awesome rack very versitile and plenty strong for any RTT or Basket.

[TJDIV]

cool truck dude...hope you get it going soon.

[4Rescue]

Reviving an old built thread of a really cool homegrown rig:

ANy progress on this awesome truck Nillifier??? I see you haven't posted in here in 2 years or so... SAD, I remember all the talk of the Cab swap, the Ute Bed, and the 1KZ-Te had me :drool: ing in a MAJOR way. I know teh Economy hit you pretty hard right??? Hope all is well with you and you get to get back to the truck sooner then later eh.

Cheers

Dave

[KaiserM715]

Bump for some updates.

[mojave joe]

What a nice rig!
I have a 95 4x4 Taco, 2.7, auto trans. The truck has 272K miles on it, the head has never been off. I'm hoping to see another 100K. Unfortunately, it only has about 300 off road miles. I'm looking to improve that shortly.
I'm hoping you could tell me what are the weakest links in the chain (where to start the mods). 20 years ago I was rock crawling with a CJ, back then it was sliders, lockers and gears and you could do almost anything.
It's over whelming the stuff that is out there, a little advice would be appreciated....
Thanks
joe

[p nut]

Cool build. I'm looking for a regular cab right now. Any updates on this?

[Nullifier]

Well it is still in the works. I have had a crazy few years and when I did have time to work on it I prioritized other stuff. Bottom line I was chasing parts we had 2 kids, bought my wifes company back out of partnership, i left the family business after 20 years and started a new company, we just wrapped up a 3.5 years lawsuit over our house. Finally bought new house and in the process of moving in a few weeks ago I ripped off a tendon holding on my bicep.

So I still have it. It is in my garage and I hope to get started on it now that things are actually settling down and my arm gets well enough for me to tinker but who knows. Life has a way of getting the way of fun sometimes. I will be selling it once it is back up and I have the bugs chased out of it for a suv project to fit the family. Maybe 4runner maybe land cruiser not sure.