Recent content by NotKewl

The IFS suspension was removed and that was the majority of the strength in the rails. They need to now be reinforced to handle the extra load that the IFS once did. Anytime you do an IFS to solid axle you need to do that or you risk bending or even braking the frame. Especially if you use leaf...

The Conundrum Begins Okay... so, I started with a 2002 Toyota 4Runner (by the way one of the worst years to have if planning a build like mine). Now, I'm only left with the spunky and reliable 5VZ. Which I had planned to use in this scratch built Jeep project. Then I find this beautiful...

Bye Bye Forever It was a bitter sweet day when I had finally load the trailer up with the only part of the 4-Runner i didn't need or keep. Mostly because I can't store it at or near my house (pesky homeowners associations). As soon as I get my big shop built on my land then I can store all the...

Today took a while to disconnect every tiny crusty, dirty, muddy, oily, harness connection from the transmission and steering column. Removed the transfer case and all the shifters too. Tomorrow the engine and the rest of the harness will come out. Is anyone interested in a 4-speed transfer...

Slowly stripping her down. All of these are good parts, so if anyone needs anything (and I still have it) give me a shout. The dash is surprisingly easy to remove and replace. And I have the 5VZ-FE Golden Eagle Edition (anyone who knows the history of Jeep CJ-7s will get that...

My work on this project is complete. Time to see what Dylansf23 comes up with on rear suspension and getting this beast running! Cheers!

Back at it again Well, we've been working on this thing on and off for a while. Thanksgiving holiday we took some time off to finish up the 3 link upfront. Got the motor mounts situated properly. The engine goes in for the last time (at least for axle mock up and finish welding). New steering...

The Decommissioning Begins! In a spritely 9 degrees F. I pulled the ol' 4Runner into the shop for the very last time. A bitter-sweet moment as I look at it in its current state. Beaten on, tattered, rusting (again). I have put her through some hard and grueling events, yet she has always been...

Next, the engine goes back in after the mounts are welded up. And I clean up the axle and I weld in support plates to the stops. Engine goes in but won't line up because we put on the transfer case (which later needs to come off again to clear the link mounts) ALMOST THERE... Just a little...

More Progress... Got some generic (but very useful and strong) motor mounts. We got those lined up and tacked in. Engine level pushed back properly and lined up where the hood will still shut while allowing for the most clearance for the axle. A little trimming of the motor mounts... Level...

It once was, but shall no longer be. At the heart of things, it will be... sorta. But I've never been one to be boxed in by all the status quo restraints. WAIT YOU CAN'T POST A JEEP ON A 4Runner FORUM!!!! Uh, well it started off as a 4runner and I'm sorry if I offend your gen 5 with plastidip...

SAS is as SAS does. And life is like a box of random parts, you never know what you're going to get... unless they are clearly marked similar to a box of chocolates. :yo:

Annnnd Quick update... I've been balls to the wall with a new job and kids the last few months. :shrug: BUT!!! August is coming up and when I get back from working south FL the last week of July (I know so horrible working with clients on the beach for a week) I plan on getting back in the shop...

This has to be the best-looking 5th gen I've ever seen! Dammit, now I want to SAS a 5th gen! Thanks, Motory! I can't unsee that gorgeous work of art!

LS, SC, I knew it was one of those xx400's. in 1992 everyone liked big rods! :thumb3: a SAS is a SAS as far as I'm concerned. 3 links, 4 links, Leafs, Magic beans, whatever. Easy to me. :lol: Well, you should have come to me first. :lol: Either way, going to be a fun build. Let's engineer it...