98 SR5 - The "Dirt Duster" build

[farmerjon]

I was afraid that I would read the fate of the Dirt Duster when I clicked this...

NOOOOO!!! Ah well. Tis is life, at least you're staying around! I'm sorry I didn't get to meet the Duster! We will still wheel together one day though!

Looking forward to the new and just-as-awesome-or-soon-to-be-awesome build! :dance: I'm happy for ya, Addison!

 

[Kurtis]

Thanks Quinn!



Thanks Nate! I smoked the clear corners with some vinyl I bought off ebay. It isn't perfect but I would assume that anyone who has done window tinting or something before could achieve a pretty nice result. I like how it is tinted but not full-out black.





Yah it's a precaution for leaks. The car show was held in the Calgary Olympic oval and our booth was right at the show entrance, on the rubber running track. If you see cars that don't have drop cloths, they should have.


In other news.... took a deposit on the 4Runner yesterday, the new owner will be picking it up on Thursday. The cool thing is that the new owner is the girlfriend of one my buddies @ CT4WD. I should be able to keep "tabs" on the Duster. haha It's bittersweet, gunna be sad to see it go, but I'm stoked to start on the LX.

I've got sooooo much work to do on the LX it's scary. Good thing all of the mechanical stuff/preventative maintenance is done so I can jump right into the mods. I won't abandon T4R, I really have learnt a lot from this forum and have met (via the forum) some really cool members. I still hope to stay in touch with this community and meet/wheel with some of you southerners in the near future. I'm going to probably continue this build thread with my new 80-series build when the time comes, or if it's wanted I'll start another thread of it's own (although it isn't a 4Runner... haha). Don't hate. I'll still be doing retrofits again come August 1st and you all know my Wheeling Pictures thread will stay active. :rockon:

Because I'm so excited about the Cruiser, I'll give you all a preview of what's in store:
- truck is already lifted 2.5" going to stay at this height for now. May add new shocks though
- Truck already has a full belly skid, lower link skids, lower link mount skids, diff housing armor - sweet, I don't have to worry about the underside!
- Existing custom bumpers and Warn 8274 winch will be sold (let me know if there is any interest in this beauty of a winch. It's big, fully rebuilt, and will have the Warn 9.5xp EXTRA motor mod done. Literally going to be CRAZY. It doesnt fit in the slee bumper or I'd keep it..) Slee Shortbus bumper as a replacement for the front
- TJM 12,000lb winch (same as the one on the Duster, but larger... I really like these winches!)
- SCS wheels and possibly an OMF beadlock conversion (working on the logistics of this now, the only thing stopping me is the fact that they are not DOT approved and I could potentially get harassed by law enforcement)
- 35" MT/R Kevlars, Nitto Trail Grapplers, or MTZ's are on my list
- The LX450 cladding will be removed, holes filled, and the truck will either get Line-X'd (gunmetal color) from the body line above the door handles down, or I will be repaint the truck entirely.
- Sleeping platform created with the rear seats deleted
- LED dash conversion as well as all the interior lights
- Depo headlights with, you guessed it, a projector retrofit. Not exactly sure what I'm doing here yet (lots of ideas in my head), but I can assure you, it will be crazy. hahah
- LED tail lights
- Custom roof rack that sits low like my Whitson rack. Josh, you wanna get into the 80 series market? I think you would make a killing! I've got some sweet ideas for this as well. Between Josh and Bandit, I'm taking a lot of "bad influences" over to the 80-series world on this topic! haha
- Snorkel

Hoping to have all of the above done within the next year. Obviously these are my "plans" that may change but it's going to be fun!

Cheers for now!
Addison

I thought this might happen. Need some pictures of the new project!

 

[the great him]

Addison, thats it, im coming up there to shit on your lawn too....

 

[downpour11]

In other news.... took a deposit on the 4Runner yesterday, the new owner will be picking it up on Thursday. The cool thing is that the new owner is the girlfriend of one my buddies @ CT4WD. I should be able to keep "tabs" on the Duster. haha It's bittersweet, gunna be sad to see it go, but I'm stoked to start on the LX.

I've got sooooo much work to do on the LX it's scary. Good thing all of the mechanical stuff/preventative maintenance is done so I can jump right into the mods. I won't abandon T4R, I really have learnt a lot from this forum and have met (via the forum) some really cool members. I still hope to stay in touch with this community and meet/wheel with some of you southerners in the near future. I'm going to probably continue this build thread with my new 80-series build when the time comes, or if it's wanted I'll start another thread of it's own (although it isn't a 4Runner... haha). Don't hate. I'll still be doing retrofits again come August 1st and you all know my Wheeling Pictures thread will stay active. :rockon:

Because I'm so excited about the Cruiser, I'll give you all a preview of what's in store:
- truck is already lifted 2.5" going to stay at this height for now. May add new shocks though
- Truck already has a full belly skid, lower link skids, lower link mount skids, diff housing armor - sweet, I don't have to worry about the underside!
- Existing custom bumpers and Warn 8274 winch will be sold (let me know if there is any interest in this beauty of a winch. It's big, fully rebuilt, and will have the Warn 9.5xp EXTRA motor mod done. Literally going to be CRAZY. It doesnt fit in the slee bumper or I'd keep it..) Slee Shortbus bumper as a replacement for the front
- TJM 12,000lb winch (same as the one on the Duster, but larger... I really like these winches!)
- SCS wheels and possibly an OMF beadlock conversion (working on the logistics of this now, the only thing stopping me is the fact that they are not DOT approved and I could potentially get harassed by law enforcement)
- 35" MT/R Kevlars, Nitto Trail Grapplers, or MTZ's are on my list
- The LX450 cladding will be removed, holes filled, and the truck will either get Line-X'd (gunmetal color) from the body line above the door handles down, or I will be repaint the truck entirely.
- Sleeping platform created with the rear seats deleted
- LED dash conversion as well as all the interior lights
- Depo headlights with, you guessed it, a projector retrofit. Not exactly sure what I'm doing here yet (lots of ideas in my head), but I can assure you, it will be crazy. hahah
- LED tail lights
- Custom roof rack that sits low like my Whitson rack. Josh, you wanna get into the 80 series market? I think you would make a killing! I've got some sweet ideas for this as well. Between Josh and Bandit, I'm taking a lot of "bad influences" over to the 80-series world on this topic! haha
- Snorkel

Hoping to have all of the above done within the next year. Obviously these are my "plans" that may change but it's going to be fun!

Cheers for now!
Addison

**** you, you ****** *******!!! You ****** ********, and ******* *******, and **** ****** *********....... GEE WIZZERS!!! out: :jk:


Anyway, you have a land cruiser now! Go for 37's!!!!!

Make sure you keep your LC build in the 3rd gen section too.

 

[4ever4running]

I'm sorry to see the Duster go, but I really like the plan for the LC! Looking forward to seeing some more pics.

 

[IanB]

Can't wait to see what you do with an 80 Addison, I really hope I can find another HDJ81 for myself as well, I miss it every day. You're gonna love it, except for the fuel cost part, lol.

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

NOOO! I wasn't done with your awesome pictures yet!! I would love to build you another rack if we can work some kind of fitment plan out, given that we're so close and all.

 

[rickashay]

I was afraid that I would read the fate of the Dirt Duster when I clicked this...

NOOOOO!!! Ah well. Tis is life, at least you're staying around! I'm sorry I didn't get to meet the Duster! We will still wheel together one day though!

Looking forward to the new and just-as-awesome-or-soon-to-be-awesome build! :dance: I'm happy for ya, Addison!

Thanks Jonathan. Like I said, the truck is sold but I'm not giving up the novel - just progressing to the next chapter.

I thought this might happen. Need some pictures of the new project!

You'll get em' in spades once the LX lands in my driveway and I have time to get it up to my standards for photos. It's in need of some serious mall shine. lol

Addison, thats it, im coming up there to shit on your lawn too....

Awww yuck! I guess I deserve it....lol

**** you, you ****** *******!!! You ****** ********, and ******* *******, and **** ****** *********....... GEE WIZZERS!!! out: :jk:


Anyway, you have a land cruiser now! Go for 37's!!!!!

Make sure you keep your LC build in the 3rd gen section too.

Will do Rob!

Quoted directly from my girlfriend "Why would you go with 35's when you know that your still going to want to 37's and end up switching a year later." LOL

I'm sorry to see the Duster go, but I really like the plan for the LC! Looking forward to seeing some more pics.

Thanks man! Gotta scrape together some change to pick up the Cruiser but it shouldnt be too long...

Can't wait to see what you do with an 80 Addison, I really hope I can find another HDJ81 for myself as well, I miss it every day. You're gonna love it, except for the fuel cost part, lol.

I actually KNOW I'm going to love the 80. The fuel mileage is gunna suck but that's the perk of not having it as my DD. I'm glad to finally be in a position where my build can achieve dedicated "Toy" status. It's going to see a lot of garage time. haha

NOOO! I wasn't done with your awesome pictures yet!! I would love to build you another rack if we can work some kind of fitment plan out, given that we're so close and all.

Maybe we have have a Skype session where you take measurements off of the screen? Will that work?

 

[blizz86]

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] i haven't been in this thread for a while and found out about your sale on instagram, idk i was looking at a bunch of ct4wd guys' pictures and saw a post of you selling it.

I was pretty bummed since i loved seeing your pics and mods on here, but its all good knowing you'll still be active!

That tundra with the soft top is going to be absolutely sex! And i cant wait to see the lx.

To bigger and better things, :welcome: AGAIN!

 

[rickashay]

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] i haven't been in this thread for a while and found out about your sale on instagram, idk i was looking at a bunch of ct4wd guys' pictures and saw a post of you selling it.

I was pretty bummed since i loved seeing your pics and mods on here, but its all good knowing you'll still be active!

That tundra with the soft top is going to be absolutely sex! And i cant wait to see the lx.

To bigger and better things, :welcome: AGAIN!

Thanks a lot! It's very humbling seeing all the people comment when I have been talking about selling it and how my wheeling pics thread has gained a fair amount of attention. So I guess I owe everyone a thank you for following along. Like I've said many times, I've learnt a TON from this forum and it's members and only hope that I can pass some of that 4runner lovin' along.

Regarding the Tundra, I'll post kind of an update. It's funny because I totally thought I would get sucked into it and start modding it. I was thinking of possibly getting 285's on it and doing a Bilstein lift. However with some seat time, I've realized and confirmed that it's ultimate glory will be in stock-ish form. I want to keep it quiet, comfy, and pretty low key. I need to get more pics of it up soon.... I've already done all the fluids (switched to Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil), new air filter, and new serpentine belt. I also ordered some new rims today! You'll never guess what they are.... haha SCS Stealth 6 in Matte Silver. Trying to stay away from the typical "black" theme with my Tundy and after seeing these wheels in person a few weeks ago, I knew they would be a steathy (pun intended... lol) addition. Rubber and wheels should be on in a couple weeks. Going with the new Cooper ST Maxx in 265/70/17. Oh, and I've already de-badged the truck except for the front grille emblem and the TOYOTA on the tailgate. Thinking a single row LED light bar in the front bumper will be next.

Maybe I should start a thread called "Rickashay's build threads" hahah Now all I need is a car and I'm going to be REALLY whooped.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Show us the LX!

 

[fightman80]

Show us the LX!

I want to see both! The Tundra and the LX!

 

[Hepar]

I want to see both! The Tundra and the LX!

Agreed. And you'd better just keep us updated on the LX in this thread. It's the evolution of the 4Runner, so it only makes sense.

 

[SCRunner12]

I don't think it's been mentioned, but what did you sell your 4runner for? No worries if you don't want to say, but I'm curious the final price with all those nice mods.

 

[rickashay]

I want to see both! The Tundra and the LX!

Agreed. And you'd better just keep us updated on the LX in this thread. It's the evolution of the 4Runner, so it only makes sense.

I agree Jared, will do!

Here is one of the Tundra after a week of ownership:

20120513-IMG_1604.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

You'll get some pics of the LX as soon as I am not at work and can actually take some! I'm going to be embarrassed though...its in a HUGE need of a proper cut/buff/polish. I'm OCD like that!

I don't think it's been mentioned, but what did you sell your 4runner for? No worries if you don't want to say, but I'm curious the final price with all those nice mods.

Let's just say I got my ass handed to me. lol but seriously... I was happy to cut my losses now and get rid of it then put 35's on it and keep going with the build, only to sell it a couple years later. The "plan" for the LX is to keep it forever. When I get bored of it, I want to do the 2UZ swap or try and cram a 5.7L Tundra motor in there! That should revive any interest I lose over the years....

 

[rickashay]

Ask and you shall recieve, picked it up today!

Because I don't have a name yet for the new build, I can't start a new build thread. Yet.

However, seeing as how this is really the next chapter, or the evolution of the Duster, I thought I would post this here:

20120614-IMG_1626.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr
The new project - 97' LX450

Since I've had it:
- ordered a LandTank seat bracket extension
- ordered a Sears DieHard Platinum Group 31 battery (1150CCA's!)
- Deleted all rear seats in preparation for the upcoming sleeping platform

Stay tuned.

 

[farmerjon]

Woot, woot! Looks like an awesome start to what will surely be an epic build! Looking forward to it! :dance: :dance: :dance:

Congratulations, Addison!

 

[T4Rex.]

i vote you just keep this build here as well!! because i am sure we all wanna see what you do to this bad boy!! i gotta say i didnt wanna see the "duster" go but this makes things interesting!

 

[downpour11]

Sweet! :trophy:

 

[rickashay]

Alright let's get this started off on the right foot. I'm out at work and have some time on my hands so what better way to spend my night than starting my next build thread! I like to type and post pictures, so if you like either, you may continue.

As some of you know, I was recently talking to a friend of mine in Lethbridge who was the former owner of my new LX. I remember when I first met him and he had recently imported the low mileage specimen from Arizona. It was a super clean rig with LOW miles and he had searched for a long time to find it. It was well maintained and completely rust free. When Jeff dropped the bomb that he was going to sell it, I knew that I had to have it. An 80 had always been my dream Toyota but I knew they were becoming extremely difficult to find in good condition, especially ones from one of the rust-free states. Fast forward a couple months and I now find "Tom Cruiser" (hahahaha) in my driveway. The truck needs a couple minor things, including an epic cut and polish, but the rust-free history is what is of utmost importance. The LX was stock when Jeff purchased it from the US, and he has since modded it, and maintained it extremely well with all OEM Toyota parts. My personal style reflects a mental image of the "ultimate" 80-series to be slightly different to Jeff's rendition, but I am provided with a very sturdy platform to begin my own transformation of this already "built" LX.

Current mods:
- Roof rack
- Custom F/R bumpers (will be for sale soon... PM if interested)
- Fully Rebuilt Warn 8274 winch (will be for sale soon... PM if interested - may also have the Warn 9.5xp motor to mod this thing to become the "ultimate" winch)
- Rear Aussie Locker
- Australian Canvas seat covers for front
- Custom belly skid
- Cruisin' Offroad sliders
- Front and rear diff. armor
- Reinforced rear lower control arm mounts
- Recently powdercoated (x5) FZJ80 wheels on 315/75/16 Dynapro ATM tires (~85% tread remaining, will be for sale soon... PM if interested)
- Extended diff breathers
- TONS of maintenance

Sorry double-post... copied and pasted from my new build thread.

20120614-IMG_1626.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Knowing that all of the PM work has been completed, I'm excited to jump right into the mods. Currently in transit:

- LandTank extended seat rail bracket (the stock seat position does not go back far enough for my 6'6" frame)
- Sears DieHard Platinum Group 31 battery

I had a couple days off this weekend due to rain. I made good use of the time and my brother Chase happened to be in town for some shenanigans. We awoke Sunday morning with a headache but I wasn't going to let the day go to waste. Me and Chase began the tear down.

After the initial seat removal:

20120614-IMG_1638.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

I knew the truck would immediately become a 2-seater as I have intentions of building a pretty epic sleeping platform that functions as "dog space" on the trail and converts to a bed at night. In my eyes this is one of the most important mods I will make and I'm looking forward to the extra sleeping space coming from the 4Runner's confined quarters. I could go RTT but I want the COG kept fairly low and am not always a huge fan of the look of a "brick" on the roof of SUV's. My 4Runner's sleeping platform worked very well so I will follow the same basic concept but naturally, have some changes planned. After pulling the seats and knowing my obsessive compulsive tendencies, I knew we had to go further and gut the truck to achieve the ultimate clean slate - literally.

Let the labelling begin:

20120615-IMG_1643.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

In it's current form:

20120615-IMG_1650.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

- Carpets out and ready for shampoo
- interior panels 90% removed - washed with soap and water and hosed down
- full interior wipe down with soap and water
- vacuumed thoroughly


My tentative plans for this summer:
- Sleeping platform
- 35" MT/R Kevlar
- SCS wheels
- Slee Shortbus front bumper
- TJM 12K winch
- Thinking of de-flaring and doing liner along the flare lines - metallic silver (either Monstaliner or LineX)
- LED's
- Projector Retrofit