April 2008 T4ROTM - Ulfr

[Ulfr]

10" is still a pretty large lift to me. How much lift is on yours? Is that why you cut away as opposed to doing more lift? Are 44s the biggest you can go on your truck based on the wheel base? I'm sorry that I am asking so many questions, but this is fascinating to me. It is interesting to me to see how the laws work in other countries.

3" on body, and c.a. 3-4" on coils.

My wheelbase is 'bout 2,8 meters, or 110", so the largest tires I'm allowed to put under is 48" tires...

But it's gonna go over 3 meters in wheelbase.

The reason why we cut so much is to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. While many rock climbing rigs are not made to travel over maybe, 20-30mph, ours are made to be able to go offroad (in snow for example) up to 60mph.

Also, we don't really like to roll our rigs over very often...

And please, by all means feel free to ask questions. I do not mind answering them.

 

[BTLFED]

3" on body, and c.a. 3-4" on coils.

My wheelbase is 'bout 2,8 meters, or 110", so the largest tires I'm allowed to put under is 48" tires...

But it's gonna go over 3 meters in wheelbase.

The reason why we cut so much is to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. While many rock climbing rigs are not made to travel over maybe, 20-30mph, ours are made to be able to go offroad (in snow for example) up to 60mph.

Also, we don't really like to roll our rigs over very often...

And please, by all means feel free to ask questions. I do not mind answering them.

Wow that is huge! Do you ever plan on going bigger than a 44"? Doing 60 in snow? I couldn't imagine LOL! I guess when you have been doing this your whole life it would be easy though. I hardly ever drive in the snow because it almost never snows here. I could understand the low center of gravity would be key to that.

 

[Ulfr]

Wow that is huge! Do you ever plan on going bigger than a 44"? Doing 60 in snow? I couldn't imagine LOL! I guess when you have been doing this your whole life it would be easy though. I hardly ever drive in the snow because it almost never snows here. I could understand the low center of gravity would be key to that.

Ya, it's quite big. I actually prefer 38s over 44+. I'm probably gonna do abit more work on this one and sell it next summer.
What's next on the worktable is:
3 transfer cases from an old hilux and the 4wd as well instead of the one in the 4runner. Probably lockers and 1:4.88 diffrentials.
Move the rear axle more backwards and build a 4link suspension with an A-link. (The same as old range rover and HZJ80 has)
Lowering the front suspension by 1" (hohoho)
Hydro assist Jack.
Turbo and exhaust gas meters (gonna pump the baby abit more air )
Better Fender flares front and rear...
Something on the top for more stuff! and make it abit more comfortable to sleep in the back of the rig.
And maybe, if I even keep the rig long enough, 46" and LC80 axles.
And cutting the hood in two parts, right where the firewall is, and adding 8" into the boddy...

But my future plan is, like I stated earlier, to sell it next summer and buy a new toy.

I want to buy a '90-95 Wrangler, put it on coils all around and 38s with Land cruiser axles or axles from an old Wagoner or cherokee. Or find a CJ5-7 in a good shape... Gotta keep them projects comin'!

I prefer living fast and careless rather than slow and carefully.
Life is not worth livin' without danger and action!

 

[BTLFED]

Ya, it's quite big. I actually prefer 38s over 44+. I'm probably gonna do abit more work on this one and sell it next summer.
What's next on the worktable is:
3 transfer cases from an old hilux and the 4wd as well instead of the one in the 4runner. Probably lockers and 1:4.88 diffrentials.
Move the rear axle more backwards and build a 4link suspension with an A-link. (The same as old range rover and HZJ80 has)
Lowering the front suspension by 1" (hohoho)
Hydro assist Jack.
Turbo and exhaust gas meters (gonna pump the baby abit more air )
Better Fender flares front and rear...
Something on the top for more stuff! and make it abit more comfortable to sleep in the back of the rig.
And maybe, if I even keep the rig long enough, 46" and LC80 axles.
And cutting the hood in two parts, right where the firewall is, and adding 8" into the boddy...

But my future plan is, like I stated earlier, to sell it next summer and buy a new toy.

I want to buy a '90-95 Wrangler, put it on coils all around and 38s with Land cruiser axles or axles from an old Wagoner or cherokee. Or find a CJ5-7 in a good shape... Gotta keep them projects comin'!

I prefer living fast and careless rather than slow and carefully.
Life is not worth livin' without danger and action!

You are going to put 3 Transfer cases under there?! :awais:

Man you have some wild plans! I dunno why you would get rid of your Runner for a Jeep though LOL!

 

[Ulfr]

You are going to put 3 Transfer cases under there?! :awais:

Man you have some wild plans! I dunno why you would get rid of your Runner for a Jeep though LOL!

Yes, one for the original low gear and two for extra low gears. (Perhaps I'll only put one extra to save weight, and use 4,7 gears)

No plans are wild enough for me to do 'em!

But the jeep thing, well.
Let's look at the facts, I'm alone, no girlfriend, no children, few friends who all have a 4wheeler (toyota 4runner 36", Jeep Wrangler headin' for 38", Hilux 38" with 2 transfer cases and coils all around).

So it's just me alone, with a 4person SUV. I'm really considering some smaller vehicle, and the wrangler seems a good choice, easy to put 38s under without much of a lift (maybe 3" or so) and it's got a 180hp engine which just suits me fine...
Well, things are just the way they are.

 

[BTLFED]

Yes, one for the original low gear and two for extra low gears. (Perhaps I'll only put one extra to save weight, and use 4,7 gears)

No plans are wild enough for me to do 'em!

But the jeep thing, well.
Let's look at the facts, I'm alone, no girlfriend, no children, few friends who all have a 4wheeler (toyota 4runner 36", Jeep Wrangler headin' for 38", Hilux 38" with 2 transfer cases and coils all around).

So it's just me alone, with a 4person SUV. I'm really considering some smaller vehicle, and the wrangler seems a good choice, easy to put 38s under without much of a lift (maybe 3" or so) and it's got a 180hp engine which just suits me fine...
Well, things are just the way they are.

I can tell! I admire your ingenuity! :biggrin2:

I do see where you are coming from because I am single myself. I personally just like having more room. I owned a Jeep for a while years ago and it was in the shop more than I drove it. I don't know if they are better made when they are exported though LOL

 

[Ulfr]

I can tell! I admire your ingenuity! :biggrin2:

I do see where you are coming from because I am single myself. I personally just like having more room. I owned a Jeep for a while years ago and it was in the shop more than I drove it. I don't know if they are better made when they are exported though LOL

I prefer more room, but over that I prefer goin' fast in offroad conditions, and goin' further than most!

38" Wrangler, is goin' to go ALOT further with raw horsepower and light weight than a 4runner does... I *do* know that this is a fact.

Also, I just want something smaller.

Well, I've rarely sent any of my cars to a workshop (unless it's the exhaust system, I simply hate exhaust system repairs...)

And well, jeep needin' a repair? Is that a new thing?
:biggrin2:

With D35 in front and D44 in rear, 38" tires it's gonna go a whole lot...
Also, I've been into 'yotas for 2 years now, put around 10 yotas on wheels bigger than 33 and I kinda want to start something fresh...

 

[BTLFED]

I prefer more room, but over that I prefer goin' fast in offroad conditions, and goin' further than most!

38" Wrangler, is goin' to go ALOT further with raw horsepower and light weight than a 4runner does... I *do* know that this is a fact.

Also, I just want something smaller.

Well, I've rarely sent any of my cars to a workshop (unless it's the exhaust system, I simply hate exhaust system repairs...)

And well, jeep needin' a repair? Is that a new thing?
:biggrin2:

With D35 in front and D44 in rear, 38" tires it's gonna go a whole lot...
Also, I've been into 'yotas for 2 years now, put around 10 yotas on wheels bigger than 33 and I kinda want to start something fresh...

You do have a point there. A smaller lighter vehicle will be able to "float" over the snow better, correct? That's really cool you have a place where you can work on your truck like that. I have a garage that I work on my vehicles in, but it is way small compared to what you have haha!

You notice that its just us two having a conversation in this thread? :biggrin2:

 

[Ulfr]

You do have a point there. A smaller lighter vehicle will be able to "float" over the snow better, correct? That's really cool you have a place where you can work on your truck like that. I have a garage that I work on my vehicles in, but it is way small compared to what you have haha!

You notice that its just us two having a conversation in this thread? :biggrin2:

Correct, lighter vehicler on larger tires floats better.

I only got a small workshop. Space for 2 trucks, and at my work I got abit bigger workspace but fewer tools.
But I usually have just what I need in my truck 'cept the welding machine, but I store that at my workshop and it's pretty small so it's easy to transport it between shops. (stick welder)

Ya, and I noted that aswell, pretty sad, huh? lol

News: went and got myself a steering box in better shape than the one I have now. Gonna rip it apart and drill it for the hydro assist next weekend.
Gotta get the friggin ride ready for easter.
Took me abit of troubles gettin the box tho'.
First had to move the LC70 inside a garage, and I couldn't push with hands (was in a slope) so I put a 31" tire on my bullbar in front and just drove the cruiser into the garage with my 'Runner, heh. What a day..

 

[XJeepguy]

Not true
I'm always following this thread , I dont know about going Jeep though . I was in the Jeep scene for many ,many years . I owned a 1979 CJ5 , totally restored ,built it like it should be , on board air etc..
I will dig up a pic or two and post later.

ULFR , DONT sell your T4R !!! Its the coolest looking 4runner I have ever seen man . Even if your single , no kids or whatever ,its always nice to have that extra room and a little more wheelbase and weight for going off road . I find the runner a lot more stable off road than my CJ ever was .

XJ

You notice that its just us two having a conversation in this thread? :biggrin2:

 

[XJeepguy]

Few Pics of My CJ5

Dug up some shots of my CJ5 , as promised

Oh , its ALL REAL JEEP METAL , none of that fiberglass reproduction stuff

XJ

 

[Ulfr]

Not true
I'm always following this thread , I dont know about going Jeep though . I was in the Jeep scene for many ,many years . I owned a 1979 CJ5 , totally restored ,built it like it should be , on board air etc..
I will dig up a pic or two and post later.

ULFR , DONT sell your T4R !!! Its the coolest looking 4runner I have ever seen man . Even if your single , no kids or whatever ,its always nice to have that extra room and a little more wheelbase and weight for going off road . I find the runner a lot more stable off road than my CJ ever was .

XJ

Heh. I like CJs, my father has a history of owning jeeps. (None of the friggin cherokee tho', only CJ)
What a beautiful cars.

Your CJ is indeed beautiful, also, I dislike fiberglass. I prefer steel (easier to fix)

And yeah, I know 'bout the stability issue, but that's just a fun factor in snow! (Doesn't take a very good care of your body tho')

Nice to know at least 2 person's like my truck.

 

[BTLFED]

Correct, lighter vehicler on larger tires floats better.

I only got a small workshop. Space for 2 trucks, and at my work I got abit bigger workspace but fewer tools.
But I usually have just what I need in my truck 'cept the welding machine, but I store that at my workshop and it's pretty small so it's easy to transport it between shops. (stick welder)

Ya, and I noted that aswell, pretty sad, huh? lol

News: went and got myself a steering box in better shape than the one I have now. Gonna rip it apart and drill it for the hydro assist next weekend.
Gotta get the friggin ride ready for easter.
Took me abit of troubles gettin the box tho'.
First had to move the LC70 inside a garage, and I couldn't push with hands (was in a slope) so I put a 31" tire on my bullbar in front and just drove the cruiser into the garage with my 'Runner, heh. What a day..

Man I wish I had half the skill and drive that you have. I am pretty good with vehicles, but hard core stuff like welding I can't do. I personally love this thread and look forward to updates to it. Seeing how people build trucks and wheel in other parts of the world is very interesting to me. Glad to see you are making progress on the hydro assist! :bigok:

 

[ERG2008]

I have been following this thread as well! To be honest i just feel as though i have no valid input so i am just reading the posts and just in AW of your truck Ulfr! I have a feeling to matter what ya end up with you are going to make into something that has no problems and is a blast to play in!

Cheers and keep the pictures a comen!:biggrin2:

 

[XJeepguy]

welding I can't do.

With modern Mig welders just about anyone can become a decent welder . I bought a 220 volt Lincoln Mig and basically learned doing body metal , let me tell ya that requires patience man. Welding 18 ga. body panels , gun in one hand and a spray bottle in the other hand to cool it down . Before I knew what hit me I was building custom bumpers and all sorts a things . You can amaze yourself with a good mig and a 5" angle grinder

 

[Ulfr]

Man I wish I had half the skill and drive that you have. I am pretty good with vehicles, but hard core stuff like welding I can't do. I personally love this thread and look forward to updates to it. Seeing how people build trucks and wheel in other parts of the world is very interesting to me. Glad to see you are making progress on the hydro assist! :bigok:

Practice, practice practice. It's impossible to learn anything unless you practice.

4 years ago I barely knew what the difference between a solid axle and independant suspension was...

Even when I started putting the SFA under the 'Runner I barely knew how to weld.
Now I can weld perfectly, with a stick welder tho', not so good with the mig unless it's a very thin metal (like the body)

And, I encourage people to comment in this thread, makes me more enthusiastic 'bout uploadin' more pics.
Also, I remind you of my photogallery, Rover.

Lots of interesting photos there! Like Langjokull (a glacier in Iceland, pictures of some trips I've gone over there)
And many more to come!

P.S. the reason I favor stick welders more than MIG is because I can use my truck's batteries to weld with a stick.
And boy, I've had my share of doin' that in crazy storms in 900m height in the highlands.
That, I cannot do with a mig.

 

[XJeepguy]

P.S. the reason I favor stick welders more than MIG is because I can use my truck's batteries to weld with a stick.

Now THAT is Brave !! :biggrin2: :biggrin2: :biggrin2:

 

[mikehinthehouse]

I too read this thread, and Ive gotta to admit you have one Mean Machine!!!! dont sell it and get a Jeep! I used to have one as well that I loved dearly! and after owning a 4runner I will never go back! Besides that you would freeze your @$$ off up there in a Jeep the heaters suck!
mikeh

 

[Ulfr]

Now THAT is Brave !! :biggrin2: :biggrin2: :biggrin2:

Heh, not really. My father was an engine mechanic on ships for decades, so its in my blood.
He btw, has a 38" Patrol now.
He told me the other day that his patrol was like a "yaris" compared to my truck, even tho the patrol is alot bigger vehicle. ;P

 

[Ulfr]

I too read this thread, and Ive gotta to admit you have one Mean Machine!!!! dont sell it and get a Jeep! I used to have one as well that I loved dearly! and after owning a 4runner I will never go back! Besides that you would freeze your @$$ off up there in a Jeep the heaters suck!
mikeh

Pff, its a jeep! Its not supposed to be hot! or comfortable! Just supposed to get you to the location you want to go to and be quick at it!

Now this is what jeeps look like in Iceland. lol