And so it begins...4runner revamp!

[MT Tatman]

I stained the wood panels today! I'll post an installed pic tomorrow. They look pretty decent for home made. Now I need to replace the original panels behind the front seats, which the seatbelts go through. They are rough, and the new panels make that more apparent.
Did a 3/8" plywood on the tailgate. I also found the rear window regulator, that is required for the open latch/handle to function. Used the latches and cable assemblies from the donor rig. Now I have a fully working tailgate. I was just running the 2 release cables through holes in the tailgate, and having to pull on each one to open it. This is much better.

 

[MT Tatman]

Took a nice drive in the hills with the new panels. Much quieter without junk in that space rattling around, and less road noise. The panels are split, so I can make a storage area if I want, but now I'd rather have made the side panel one sheet, not split, for looks.
Saw a little bit of Elk and deer sign up top. Also saw a Momma Fox with her little one, who was very curious of us. It walked within about 8' of the rig. Super neat-o! then we heard a Woodland creature, within 30yds., while looking for Elk....could have been a Deer or Elk, but we made no visual conformation. Super thick Lodge Pole grove. Then we saw a Momma Moose with her calf, staring down some fishermen who were taking pics of her. Not sure if they were aware that they were in danger at that moment..... Don't mess with a momma Moose...just leave the area.
Anyway, here are the panels.....

 

[MT Tatman]

Quick pic of the rig with just 600 miles on the new motor. This is where we heard the mystery woodland creature.....good Elk area........I can tell you that it is in the mountains, where those trees are, near the other trees, but kinda close to some rocks and dirt.....yep, that's where the Elk are.

 

[KidVermicious]

I stained the wood panels today! I'll post an installed pic tomorrow. They look pretty decent for home made. Now I need to replace the original panels behind the front seats, which the seatbelts go through. They are rough, and the new panels make that more apparent.
Did a 3/8" plywood on the tailgate. I also found the rear window regulator, that is required for the open latch/handle to function. Used the latches and cable assemblies from the donor rig. Now I have a fully working tailgate. I was just running the 2 release cables through holes in the tailgate, and having to pull on each one to open it. This is much better.
View attachment 128388

This can't be yours. I don't see camo paint or spikes anywhere.

 

[MT Tatman]

Boring update: last Milage was 17.1mpg with a couple trips in the mountains mostly in 1st gear. Elevation gains were around 560ft/mile, so not crazy, but fun. Maybe 80 miles of highway driving on that tank. Mostly mountain driving.......gotta mount the Jerry can before hunting season!!! Elevation range was 3600-7,800ft.

 

[MT Tatman]

Todays adventure. I guess you could call being in the water off-roading....Beautiful day to be out, mid 60s and sunny.....no grouse though.

 

[MT Tatman]

Going to work more on half doors tomorrow. Tough to find time, now that bird season has begun. The new motor loves going up the mountains!! Running strong. So much better than the old tired motor.
Went looking for grouse and we've gone huckleberry picking a lot this season.

 

[MT Tatman]

Camo seems OK.

 

[MT Tatman]

Slow progress, but it's something. Got the panels laid out for the half doors. Thank goodness we had a dog to help us.

 

[MT Tatman]

Elk scouting mission was very promising. The new motor is still doing great. I am loving the drives in the 4runner.

 

[MT Tatman]

Half doors are a lot of fun! I also installed an old original altimeter whirly gizmo thing.(technical term) Next is my suspension repairs. It's all original and run down, so, a High steer kit, mild lift, new springs and shocks and a front end rebuild, the front diff leaks, will make it much safer and reliable again. After that, just rusty rear wheel wells and other non mechanical goodies for mountain fun.

 

[MT Tatman]

Here is my Before pic. Looks like it's good for Another 30 years, eh?

 

[58rennur4]

Half doors are a lot of fun! I also installed an old original altimeter whirly gizmo thing.(technical term) Next is my suspension repairs. It's all original and run down, so, a High steer kit, mild lift, new springs and shocks and a front end rebuild, the front diff leaks, will make it much safer and reliable again. After that, just rusty rear wheel wells and other non mechanical goodies for mountain fun.

There has got to be a "you know you're a redneck when..." joke in here somewhere :AK47:

Haha, awesome truck!

 

[MT Tatman]

I picked up my high steer kit this weekend. next is the springs and front hanger. This is going to be a lot of garage time, but I am excited. Going to put rears up front and keep the lift to a minimum.......hopefully 3"......we'll see.

 

[DW4RUNR]

Hahaha love the gun and knife setup you got! Ready for anything! Looks good!

 

[MT Tatman]

Got all of my lift/suspension parts at a local(45min drive) 4x4 shop! One stop shopping. We got a bit softer rear springs from a Taco since I have no topper or rear glass/motor worth of weight back there. 4" lift. Front driveline extension also.

 

[MT Tatman]

Door skins for the half doors are now in progress! They will be a 2 piece set up. black Cordura on the bottom and clear windows on the top half. Fortunately, the upholstery guy wants to trade his labor for tattoo work, and I couldn't be happier about trading!! Only cost me $60 for the clear vinyl.

 

[All Pro Off Road]

Got all of my lift/suspension parts at a local(45min drive) 4x4 shop! One stop shopping. We got a bit softer rear springs from a Taco since I have no topper or rear glass/motor worth of weight back there. 4" lift. Front driveline extension also.

Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate your business! Let us know if you have any questions during the install.

 

[MT Tatman]

Thanks a lot, you guys are pretty cool to work with. I am already recommending your shop to my friends! I enjoy spending my cash at a cool Montana shop. We will call if we need guidance.

 

[MT Tatman]

Got the Door panels finished. great for rain, and cutting the wind on late/chilly night drives home.