Building an 88 4runner for overland!

[bluerunner]

HI, my name is Louis and I would like to set my 4runner up for vehicle dependent travels. I would appreciate any advice and or ideas, or a mentor! :D

Thanks

[The BN Guy]

While I'm not a 4Runner owner, I can say Welcome!

[bluerunner]

Thanks for the welcome BN GUY!

[goodtimes]

The first thing you need to do is figure out exactly what you want your vehicle to accomplish. What kind of trails do you want to traverse, how far do you want to be able to travel without fuel stops, do you want to sleep in the vehicle (as opposed to in a tent or a trailer), will you be travelling solo, or with other people, will this be a daily driver, or just a vehicle used on the trips, etc.

There are several people here with a wide range of knowledge that can point you in the right direction. Some of us are even in your neck of the woods (or desert, as the case may be).

[Scott Brady]

Hello Louis, welcome to the forum.

Building a vehicle for expedition travel is a wonderful proposition, and not because of the way the vehicle will look or perform (though that is a bonus), but where it will take you.

I will start by putting things in perspective though: Your 4Runner, with only a few basic modifications, and a thorough servicing can literally travel around the world. You do not need to spend a bunch of money on the vehicle.

Where the majority of your expense and time will be spent is in the logistics of planning the trip, testing equipment, learning the routes and language, etc.

But for now, here is a start on the vehicle side of things. I just recently posted this on another forum, but feel it to be appropriate here as well:

1. Start with a great vehicle: You already have that
2. Install HD tires, like the MTR or BFG AT/MT rated at D or higher. Trend towards a narrower section width but tall height, which allows good clearance, less lift and better efficiency (like a 265/75, 235/85 or 255/85)
3. Organization and loading: This is VERY critical. Heavy loads down low and light loads up top. Avoid a roof rack if at all possible, unless lightly loaded or for a roof tent. Build a load system for all of your major equipment needs. Have a well organized kitchen, accessible recovery gear, etc. You will be living out of the vehicle, so it is critical that it be organized and safe. This is WAY more important than big tires and a lift IMO.
4. Passenger comfort: Have a comfortable place to drive, good seats, well organized cockpit, a place for the cameras, sunglasses, hats, bug repellent, etc. Have a comfortable and easy to set-up sleeping system. It should only take 10-15 minutes from parking the car to having a comfortable and dry bed. A fridge is a must IMHO.
5. Navigation and Communication: Know where you are and where you are going with a redundant system. Know how to use a map and compass, and have an exit plan. Be able to communicate with your travel partners clearly, and over great distances (2m is my preference).
6. REALLY GOOD SUSPENSION. Don't skimp here. It needs to ride comfortably and reliably all day long, for weeks on end with loads at or above GVW.
7. Quality support systems: Air compressors, dual batteries, recovery systems (winch, etc.) are all critical, and should be well thought out, designed and easily serviced. If you can't repair the systems on your vehicle, (unsupported) expedition travel is probably not a good choice.
8. Technical trail modifications: These are usually the first thing addressed, but really are not that important on an expedition as you will most likely be traveling "roads". I tend to search out very rough tracks in Mexico with deep water crossing and heavy erosion so lockers and snorkels are appropriate, but still not required.
9. TEST, TEST, TEST: Never bolt mods on your truck the night before a trek. Test all systems thoroughly.
10. This is last on this list, but probably as important as number one: The trek is not about the vehicle, but about the experience and adventure. Visiting a distant place that a fraction of the population will even see in books. The vehicle and all of these modifications can be a distraction to the real intent of the expedition. Don't be afraid to stop the vehicle and talk with the locals, be friendly and generous, especially when traveling in other countries. I always bring several 24 packs of Coke, as it is the ultimate "ice breaker".

[goodtimes]

I like #10. Very nice.

[bluerunner]

Scott,

Thank you, I look forward to tackling different terrain. It has always been a dream of mine to meet like minded people and to travel the world... but like the motto says "always be prepared" I just want to try and have all of my bases covered. Your truck looks great and so does everyone elses but more than anything I enjoy looking at the trips that were taken. I want to learn as much as I can from you guys as I know I will!

Thanks for the welcomes! :lurk:



P.S. Scott get more SMILEY's

[Scott Brady]

I know many of us will enjoy helping you along the journey!

on the smiley's, I will work on it... I have a few I have collected that I really like. I will post them soon. :D

[Scott Brady]

So please tell us more about your 4Runner, the modifications completed and the areas you are interested in exploring. That will help get the ideas flowing.

[Desertdude]

I would have to echo Scotts great suggestions -

The Engel fridge - Dual batteries/Hellroaring switch

The suspension/tires - Donahoe//Deaver/Bilsteins -BFG-MT

have made the biggest difference vehicle wise in my adventure experiances.

Once out there #10 is what it is all about - in Moab handing out a simple bottle of cold water out of my fridge to a bicyclist was worth the smiles and conversation -

Welcome Louis ! to one of the best virtual adventure spots on the net

[Scott Brady]

great point Robbie. I have heard some explorers push the fact that you should not take more than you would in a backpack (with the exception of water and food provisions) If that is all you did, and included a solid spares kit and med. kit, a SWB would be a real possibility.

[bluerunner]

Many thanks again guys for the welcomes!

It is a 1988 Toyota 4runner, the interior is mostly stock with the exception of a cd player and I pulled the carpet.

The powerplant is a 3.0 V-6 which has been getting most of my attention... just giving it a good tune up, replacing hoses, fluids, starter, plugs, wires radiator, you know the good stuff! I added a K&N FIPK and followed it through with a Borla cat back.

The exterior of the vehicle has a TJM front bumper a Con-ferr roof rack and a KMA rear bumper/ tire combo and has a can back soft-top, rock sliders (yet to be mounted) 4in Ranch lift and 33in BIG O's.

In the process of planning a SAS and searching for a good axle, plan to run bilsteins front and rear with the shocks relocated in the rear and stronger springs to accomodate the tire carrier and more gear.

I plan to remove the Con-ferr rack and use it atop my 88" Series III and would like to put a full length rack on the 4runner so I can anchor the tent cot to it. Anyway blah blah blah and the list goes on and on!

And I am intrested in travelling anywhere, everywhere and seeing and meeting different people, cultures and places!

[Desertdude]

Post a few photos went you can...

>> I once fixed up an old carpenter coach flat nose bus - loaded it full and traveled the USA - talk about large and in charge :shakin: - a fun yet weighty trip :Wow1: [ I will have to dig up photos and scan them for posting at some point ]

Now... I am in a constant state of redefining what I actually need to bring along to survive while traveling - less can be so much more

[bluerunner]

HA thats awesome, nothing like being on the open road!

I'll get some photos up soon, I want to get out this weekend and do a little something, so i'll post some photos of that too!

:wavey:

[goodtimes]

Post a few photos went you can...

>> I once fixed up an old carpenter coach flat nose bus - loaded it full and traveled the USA - talk about large and in charge :shakin: - a fun yet weighty trip :Wow1: [ I will have to dig up photos and scan them for posting at some point ]

Now... I am in a constant state of redefining what I actually need to bring along to survive while traveling - less can be so much more

Yes, please start scanning! That is too cool.

Lighter is better, in some instances. At the present, I'm a great example of travelling light. All my crap for up to 5 days fits in my jeep wrangler, with room for the dog left over....and probably staying well clear of GVW. The down side is that I sacrafice alot of creature comforts...no hot showers, no gourmet dinners (unless Scott has mercy on me and hosts a group dinner ;) ), ride quality is diminished, and I don't have room to bring the girlfriend along (uh....that could also fall under the advantages list, depending on the circumstances).....

Now when I am backpacking, it is taken to yet another level....my total pack weight is usually under 35 pounds, up to a week.

But, keep in mind that you may need to accomidate a woman in your travels. Don't cut out all the comfort items, or you may end up travelling solo all the time. Steve S is a good example. As I understand it, Anita didn't like camping that much when they met...but after setting up the back of his tacoma to be as comfortable as possible, it is his wife that is asking "when are we going camping again?". How cool is that?

[bluerunner]

Thanks Goodtimes!

Thats something to really keep in mind!

Hey Desert dude thats a good looking FJ and you do some really clean building, those homes look great!

[Desertdude]

GT - I am away from home on tne road will not forget to post the photos when I return

BR - thanks for the kind words - I should do a complete write up on the FJ ( ten years in the making) and post in the cruiser section - I hope to have time this winter to do just that

[Scott Brady]

BlueRunner,

I am curious of your reasoning behind the SAS for an overland solution. I feel that leaving the drivetrain as stock as possible is key to reliability.

The comment is not meant to discourage you, but just start some discussion. SAS has great advantage on extreme terrain, that is for sure.

[bluerunner]

Scott,

My IFS is pretty trashed as it is right now, and I feel like the SAS would be a reliable solution. I don't want to trash my trucks on extreme trails anymore, but I would like to be able to do the tougher trails if I want. And the solid axle just seems alot more dependable to me.

I don't feel that converting to a solid axle would decrease my reliablity.

Hope you guys had a great weekend!!! :shakin:

[BajaTaco]

Hi Bluerunner - welcome to the forum.

Definitely some good input here so far. Looks like you already have quite a lot invested in improvements for the 4runner. The SAS would definitely add to the strength and fun-factor of the truck. The ride and efficiency could improve or suffer depending on a lot of variables. I have thought about a SAS for my own truck, but decided against it for the time being. I put some of my thoughts on the subject here (http://bajataco.com/tacoma-platform.html) (about half way down the page). Since writing that article, I am 99% sure I won't ever do it with my current truck.

Scott mentioned testing modifications prior to a trip (a rule that I am very much guilty of violating quite often :) )...

In a similar way, I would suggest testing your mode of "living" while out on a trip. Do a "test trip" or two. Robbie is correct - people can tend to go overkill and bring everything under the sun. If you have ever been a backpacker, you can more easily relate to this. My wife and I spent 4 months on the Baja peninsula living out of our Tacoma. We could stay "out there" in the boonies for up to two weeks at a time with water and fuel being the limitation in most cases. If you think about how a backpacker can get by for weeks/months with only a backpack and some occassional stops in towns to resupply consumables, the thought of having a small truck with a 6' camper bed seems luxurious. Since that trip, I have done lots more expedition trips and weekend trips, and have refined the ammenities and capability of the truck a bit. But the first "test runs" will teach you a lot about what you keep, what you get rid of, and what you need to add. Nowadays I have a fridge and an elec. shower, and other stuff... but I know where I started out, and what basics I really need (the core stuff) and that has allowed me to evaluate the "fancy" stuff I have added in a much more effective way - I think anyway.

[bluerunner]

Baja,

Thanks for the input and the welcome I know that I am going to sacrifice some of the comforts by pulling the IFS, but I guess I didn't buy a truck to have it ride like a car and with the right combo. of springs and shocks I am sure I can achieve a decent ride quality and like you said enjoy the "fun factor".

I also like the way you worded "core stuff", that's what i'm looking for, the basic gear, I like to live light and travel light, I don't like a lot of crap in my pockets and I sure don't want it in my truck!

I look forward to meeting you guys! :wavey:

[BajaTaco]

Baja,

... I like to live light and travel light, I don't like a lot of crap in my pockets and I sure don't want it in my truck!"

I like that :D

"Core stuff"


Food. No fridge or ice required. Dry food, rehydrated food, and canned food. Local food as opportunity presents itself.
Water. Water for drinking, water for washing. Local water as opportunity presents itself.
Clothes. versatile layers - wear 'em 'till they start to get ripe, then wash em. A good pair of "all-around" shoes. Try to remain "presentable" and respectable in the company of others.
Shelter. Whatever works for you.
Sleeping gear. Whatever works for you.
A handy way to start a fire. Again, whatever works for you.
Cooking gear. A simple backpack stove and mess kit works.
Toiletries. TP, and baggies to carry it away in (bury it if u must - I prefer to carry it until I get to a town where I can dispose of it - that way when it ends up in the boonies, it's in the dump and not the pristine places.) Toothpaste & toothbrush. Biodegradeable soap - camp soap or Bonner's that you can wash your hair with kills two birds with one stone.
Bathing - stream, lake, ocean works. Or even a wet rag and some warm water. Shower is awesome though - solar shower bag works great - can be filled with cold water mixed w/some boiled hot water on days with no sun.
First aid kit and meds if req'd
The book bag: Maps/guides, literature, compass. Something to write your thoughts and records with/on.
Camera. It's pretty easy to obtain one these days and a shame not to take photos of your adventure. Your memories will come alive with key photos.
Money. It always seems to help.
Be legal. It always seems to help. Passport, permits, visas, whatever is req'd.
A great attitude and a great sense of humor. Thoughts like "it doesn't get any better than this - damn, am I lucky!" and "it could always be a lot worse" are good things to keep in mind. You know... don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things... or something like that :)
OK, that is pretty "core". What did I forget? Don't add too much - remember, we have GVWR to deal with here!

[bluerunner]

You know... don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things... or something like that :)

Very nice and very basic, Baja I actually found your site quite sometime ago while searching for "Toyota expedition vehicles" and then kept searching and sometime later found Scott's site. You guys have some great trucks and great stories to go along with them and the photo's from your adventure usually end up being my wallpaper at home and at work...thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

What are your thoughts on getting rid of the rear seats? Versus leaving the seats in and turning the rear into a giant cubby box, I like to leave the sides of the can bac up... so I like the way you made your box, I would like drawers to lock and slide out or even scotts idea with the pelican cases. :lurk:

[BajaTaco]

...thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

You're welcome! And thanks for enjoying the websites - that makes it very worthwhile when we get to see others getting involved.





What are your thoughts on getting rid of the rear seats? Versus leaving the seats in and turning the rear into a giant cubby box, I like to leave the sides of the can bac up... so I like the way you made your box, I would like drawers to lock and slide out or even scotts idea with the pelican cases. :lurk:

Unless you plan to have someone sitting in those seats on a regular basis, I say take 'em out. They don't serve much of any other purpose very well, and add a lot to the GVW, not to mention taking up valuable space. You could always come up with some kind of a way to bolt them back in if you decide to do a trip with extra passengers (if that is a concern).

[bluerunner]

Thanks!

That is a very good point, I don't plan to carry more than one person and the space could be used for holding more gear as one large compartment or I can split it into two sections like your trucks... instead of seats just in case someone else wants to ride along.

I was looking at your plans on how you removed the seats, built the box and added the fridge... now you got me thinking! now I need to go stare at my truck! :smilies27

[Scott Brady]

Great point on the rear seat removal. Removing the rear seat from my Tacoma saved me over 50 lbs., though it is a wash with the fridge.

It sounds like you have a great plan with the SAS. It will certainly make the vehicle more capable, and IMO if done correctly, it can be even more durable and reliable. I suppose my concerns with drive-train and engine modifications have been borne out of many years of field repairs on other peoples trucks. They do lots of mods, right before a trip, and then everything comes undone...at the furthest point from civilization :smileeek:

I am really excited to watch the progression of your 4Runner, as that is one of my ALL TIME favorite vehicles.

Here the 1989 that I owned for several years:
http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/past_ew_vehicles/images/894runner_jpg.jpg
Many GREAT memories with that truck...

[BajaTaco]

Who'd you allow to drive your 4runner? :confused:




:ylsmoke:

[Scott Brady]

Who'd you allow to drive your 4runner? :confused:

:ylsmoke:

:xxrotflma

I did have hair at one time... :cool:

[awalter]

:xxrotflma

[bluerunner]

I remember seeing that photo posted sometime ago, its cool to see what people had starting out, thanks for that teary trip down memory lane!

Too bad you dont have it anymore because it would be cool to have seen what it would look like today!

:smilies27

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hi ....bluerunner!

I too have a 1988 4Runner.

I will be watching your build up with interest! :Wow1:

Best of luck!

Lets see if I can get a pic of mine in here.....I'm not trying to make pics huge....my last one was.....still learning the tricks of posting. :D

Thats me after just coming down the "Devil's Stair Case" at the "Broken Arrow Trail"....Sedona.... May 2005. Whew!.....Not a scratch .....the rock gods have been very good to me! :cool:


............oops again! ....Sorry it went HUGE again! .....I better head over to the test pages and try to figure this pic thing out........Sorry
Scott.....it's OK to help me out and make it smaller.

[bluerunner]

WonderRunner-

welcome to the board!

Just curious what plans do you have to build your 4runner?

I look forward to watching your progress! :elkgrin:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hi bluerunner!

Thanks for the welcome.

I considered the solid axle swap......but being new to this and my first Toyota......I thought I would take it slow.

I have aprox. a 2"-3" Lift.....and a little extra with my 31" tires......I got rear leafs from "Carrier Spring" out of Canada.....and on the front I used 25mm Sway-A-Way Torsion Bars and cranked them up a bit......and put new "bump stops" on. Jim at ProTrux in San Marcos did this for me at a very fair price! Real nice guy!

I also put on Pro Comp ES9000 Shocks all around.......because they were ON SALE......I was fine with that....it was at least better than what I had.....and fine to use while I'm learning. The ride is GREAT!...on and OFF Road!

I have water proofed my axles....front and rear.

Put in an Aux 12V plug in the back seat passenger side elbow pocket!.....very handy....and I can move it around toward the back if needed.

Johnson 123A CB Radio with Cobra Roof Mount antenna......it's my old truckers radio from way back when....the thing is bulletproof!

In April.....I found a set of Used Original Toyota Alloys with NEW 31" All Terrain Cooper tires.....for just $150 bucks! This allowed me to complete the Broken Arrow Trail last April....by getting the deal on the wheels/tires the very night before my trip to Sedona!....Whew!

Next on my list is a rear Locker. I would like to have a Toyota TRD Electric rear locker 3rd member retrofited to my 1988 axle........I have found a shop who is willing to do the work......now looking for the TRD locker.....with Switch.

I see that Scott always mentions how important a fridge is....and I agree! I would love to have one....but $1,500 or so is a little hard for me to justify right now. I use my cooler........and I make BLOCKS of ice using larger water bottles.....I can keep a cooler cold for 5 to 7 days depending on the weather. I am VERY careful when and how I open it!!! I also layer the top of my cooler with a larger towel or blankets to keep the sun off of it....this really helps a lot! That works fine for me so far, until I find the right garage sale for the fridge. As the Ice Bottles melt....I now have more drinking water for an emergency....so I save space and have extra water this way.

I also want to work on more lighting......and also under the truck lighting.

I'm keeping an eye out for a rack system.....so I can have more room inside when I have more passengers. I don't like racks....but may come in handy at times.

I also put on a Magnaflow high flow Cat and Muffler...with a 2 1/4" pipe all the way back.....can't go too big....need some back pressure.....I felt the difference right away!

I'm sure there is something I am forgetting....

........Here is a pic of my truck with my new/used Toyota Alloys and Coopers the very next morning after I installed them...and just before leaving for Sedona, AZ. and the Broken Arrow Trail!

The tall one is my daughter.....she just LUV'S our new/old 4Runner! She was so amazed last Feb 2005 when we headed up to Duck Creek Village, Utah to go snowmobiling.....and made it to the top of Cedar Mtn. during a blizzard with 5' to 6' of snow and white out conditions!....remember those huge rains we had in Feb?

...."Daddy.....how can we just keep on going>?!!....This truck is so great!"

Happy Trails!

[bluerunner]

Wonder Runner,

Looks like you were laying some rubber down, in the lower half of the photo, by the way very clean truck. Sounds like your daughter would like to have one of her own one day!

Just curious why are you choosing to go with the TRD and not the ARB?

And I may have missed it but where are you located? And again welcome to the board! :coffee:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hi bluerunner,

Good eye for the rubber on my driveway.....that's not from me though....it must have been from some delivery truck turning around in my driveway. I baby this thing when I drive because, at least for now, I'm planning on keeping it many years. My high power fun car is my little 1972 Porsche 911....except....well....um......I baby that too come to think of it! ;)

On the TRD Electric Locker.....I've read several write ups about retrofiting these onto 1st gen. 4Runner's. So I guess it's partly for the challenge/conversation piece!..........but also trying to keep my Toyota more Toyota.....and maybe for some "Kewlness Factor".....hehe


LINK to writeup: TRD Electric Locker Retrofit http://home.off-road.com/~kemanuel/elocker/elocker.html

I've also read that these TRD Lockers can be modified to be used with a cable for a manual on/off system.

Another idea I have looked into is completely changing my rear end/axle to a 1997 or new rear axle w/TRD Locking Third Member.....this axle is a little wider....but a shop here in San Diego said it would be no problem putting spacers up front to match the width of the rear. But now you may have a wheel well clearance problem if even larger tires are used.

All reasons why I want to take things slow and not jump the gun....and end up with a chain reaction of problems because of one hair brained idea!

So far this Runner has taken me about everwhere I want to go.....even without the rear locked....I've just learned to pick my line very carefully!

I like your bumper and rack!.............nice color too!

Oh ya....as you saw above.....I'm in San Diego, CA.


Happy Trails!..............Mark

[bluerunner]

Mark-

Thanks kindly for the compliments, I basically just have the rack sitting there for now to get it out of my livingroom, and I plan to use it for my land rover.

I would like to build a full length rack where it may be possible to anchor my tent-cot to it, mounting points for the rack would be similar to the Defender.

Thanks for the write-up, they made it look so easy!

I myself would like to go arb front and rear. Whats the mileage? and have you done any engine mods to bring it up to speed or was it pretty well taken care of?

[bluerunner]

Mark-

This is the idea I have in mind for strength and safety, it's on a jeep... but you get the idea.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hi bluerunner,

I really like that rack system on the Rubicon...very well done!

The ARB lockers is a very nice system.....I'm just not sure yet that I need to spend that kind of money to get where I want to go. I'm not trying to win any contest's!....just out to have a good time....and very glad to see what most people never see in their lifetime!.....and I've never been too embarrassed to turn around and go back if that is the most wise choice!

If you click on my screen name above......that will take you to my profile.....and you will see my link to my webpage at Cardomain.com .....this show lots of info I have logged in about my truck.....so I won't have to repeat.....I was making that webpage as a project with my son to try and help get him involved.....and to keep a log of our travels and mods, etc.

I will say that when I bought the 4Runner a year ago.....it only had 52,000 Original miles on it.....it still to this day smells new inside! It now has 64,000 Original miles. I only use it for exploring.....so those miles are either in the dirt or getting to and from it!

When I bought the truck....I knew it needed a headgasket replacement. The oil was getting into the water.....but no water in the oil. I had this done.

I sent you a PM.

[bluerunner]

Mark-

You are getting oil in your water and not vise versa because your tranny cooler lines inside your radiator are bad, I am almost certain that if you swap in a new one ($250) you will have no more problems, and flush it once you are done.

I think everyone hears 3.0 and next thing you know everyone is screaming "it needs a headgasket"... like a bad horror movie, and it can be discouraging when you have a truck that you love!

Easy fix, one hour or less.

Isn't it amazing how well it runs with oil in the radiator... one more reason to keep it!


Goodluck!

[bluerunner]

SWR-

What' s the good news buddy, have you had a chance to get anything looked at or did you just decide to just start "fresh"?:confused:

[bluerunner]

Well here is my beloved axle and the Marlin rebuild kit.

The Marlin high steer kit should be here in a couple of days!

I plan to have the axle blasted, painted black and then install the rebuild kit the high steer kit and the rotors, i'm going to go with Yukon 5.29's.

More pics to come! :ar15:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hiya blue.....

So how are you planning on cleaning the exterior of the axle?

:shakin: <<<Is this a shot of you from behind workin' on that thing?!!....hehe

I think by the time you get that axle clean....you are going to have a serious case of monkey butt!

I'm looking forward to hearing more about it!

[bluerunner]

Welcome back SWR-

HA HA, that was me with the wire wheel for sure!

Im just going to have it sand blasted then just go with a rattle can (black).

What about you any idea what project you want to try and tackle next? :coffee:

[Scott Brady]

The Marlin stuff is always first class. I think you will be very happy with the 5.29's

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Sandblasting is a great idea......I wouldn't even know who to call for that one.

Next on my list is a REAR LOCKER.

Also more lighting for night driving off road...........and rock lights under the truck. I would also like to light up the sides of my truck on the trail....this would be much easier to do with a rack.....but I don't know that I want a rack on my roof full time. I saw a 1975 FJ40 the other day and it had real Kewl side spots mounted into the fender just behind the front wheels. I don't want to drill any holes in my fenders, but it sure looked like a great idea.

I want to add gauges (water temp/oil press/alt).....and the famous Toyota pucker factor Tilt/Altimeter.

I have considered a bumper and winch up front...but so far I have not had the need for it.

[bluerunner]

I have some friends here that started working on my rover then I shifted projects.... it happens.

Scott- I rolled around with 4.88's also and decided that if I went with a quality brand that would have no problems with the 5.29's.

SWR- there are alot of different options for lights... you got on the roof rack, the front bumper , the rear bumper, along the frame rail under the vehicle and whatever else you can come up with.

Are you still planning on the TRD rear locker mod? :campfire:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Yes Louis.....

I still want to do the TRD Electric Locker retrofit.

I found a shop who can do the work......

Now I'm looking around for the TRD Locker....hopfully with 4:10 gears to match.

Here is another Link to the retrofit.

LINK: 1st Gen 4Runner TRD Elec Locker Retrofit (http://67.122.16.97/carterman/4runner/mods/locker/)


http://67.122.16.97/carterman/4runner/mods/locker/th_housing_mods1.jpg




Found on Ebay today.....current bid is $129

http://www.jcroffroad.com/misc/Ebayparts/P1010039.JPG



http://www.jcroffroad.com/misc/Ebayparts/P1010041.JPG

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hey Blue.............

Here is a pic I found from "Jim at ProTrux" website......they just recently had some Anza Borrego fun.

Some rear bumper action like this may need to be looked into also. ;)

Which then creates lots of room underneath for a sweet aux fuel tank!

What do you think?


http://www.protrux.net/gallery/desert_challenge_2005_ss/images/IMG_3513.jpg


http://www.protrux.net/gallery/desert_challenge_2005_ss/images/IMGA0420.jpg

[bluerunner]

SWR-

I really love the way that rear bumper wraps around and protects the body and the lower quater panel, I hope to finish mine someday!

This one has been a favorite of mine for awhile. :elkgrin:

[bluerunner]

Went to Chiva falls, no big deal just having fun! :ylsmoke:

[datrupr]

Wouldn't it be nice if THIS GUY could follow us on ALL of our adventures?!! :ylsmoke:



^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||_
| Heineken ......| ||'|";\,____
|_..._...______===|=||_|_|_|
"(@)'(@)""""* |(@)(@)*=(@)


An expedition ready beer truck? Sounds intriguing....... :D

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hey Louis.........

I was checking out some Pismo sites tonight and ran across some fun pics.

You likey?.........Me Likey! :shakin:

I've been considering this look.

It looks like he secured the rack right down on the fiberglass top though.....that would worry me.


http://www.4x4wire.com/staff/swilson/pismo3/pictures/scott04.jpg



FUN!!!!!

http://www.4x4wire.com/staff/swilson/pismo3/pictures/riverbank4.jpg


"No Honey....I've been a good boy and babied the Runner All Day"...!

http://www.4x4wire.com/staff/swilson/pismo3/pictures/scott06.jpg

[bluerunner]

yeah, looks like a blast!

This is the same truck...http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/reviews/can-back/01.jpg :D

[gjackson]

Bluerunner,

Ever consider using your Series III for expedition work? Could make an awesome platform, and is a little smaller than the 4runner. Might fit in with the travel light idea?

Really, I'm just itching to see you post some pics of it! :D :D Well, action pics, I saw those on Rover forum.

cheers

[bluerunner]

GJackson-

I believe whats going to happen is that I will finish the solid axle swap and the runner will be for serious play and the rover will become my expedition vehicle, I only have the means to do one at a time.

So basically I am just holding on to the series really tight until her time has come! :ylsmoke:

[gjackson]

. . .I only have the means to do one at a time.

I hear you on that! I had 2 Land Rovers for a while and that was a lot to take care of. One vehicle at a time makes things easier!

[bluerunner]

GJackson-

Here is my current one... 73 SIII and all that jazz. :wavey: