Dirtco's Adventure Thread

[4x4grover]

Love your build, waiting patiently for update....:canada:

 

[Dropzone]

So any updates [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION]? I know how life can put a hold on major projects

Just its been two months, I need my fix!

 

[Dirtco]

Looks killer Jeremiah, you never cease to impress. I thought the approach angle on your old bumper was good, but leave it to the 3rd gen wizard to find a way to improve approach angle and make it look badass. I love the Baja inspired front end.

A 24" frame height on a 37" tire is seriously impressive. I can't wait to see how this thing handles on a few of our different style trips coming up this year. Should be epic! The round lights up front look awesome, I'm sure there are going to be naysayers but I personally think you nailed the aesthetics of it.

Thanks Rick! It’s been a ton of work, but should be worth it once it’s done. I’m really looking forward to get this thing out on the trail!

So any updates [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION]? I know how life can put a hold on major projects

Just its been two months, I need my fix!

I’ve been working on it, just haven’t been able to devote as much time as I would like. Like you said, sometimes life gets in the way and you have to remind yourself this is just a hobby. It will get done, but family and my job take priority. I also think it was good to take a few weeks off from the project, I was really starting to get burnt out on the whole thing.

I’ll work on getting this up to date as I have time.

 

[Dirtco]

Lower shock mounts are done, I had to mount them off the back side of the axle to keep the ride height low.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/28007990107/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3f1"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/880/28007990107_b20e1bfa62_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="fullsizeoutput_3f1"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42158764504/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3f2"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1763/42158764504_43ff2d9eb2_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3f2"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dirtco]

I had to modify the driver side shock tower due to clearance issues with the steering shaft.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29009541188/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3eb"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1736/29009541188_0efc34332e_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3eb"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/28012977667/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3ea"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1724/28012977667_9b5edc2f8b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3ea"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/28013032687/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3ed"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1821/28013032687_633505e227_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3ed"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42163540334/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3f3"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1825/42163540334_d97e377189_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3f3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dropzone]

You sure did an awesome job stacking a few dimes there!

 

[theesotericone]

Very clean work. The thought process and execution so far seem spot on. I hope this thing performs exactly like you want it too.

And yeah man, sometimes stepping back for a bit get you motivated again. It's weird but it works. lol

 

[Mr.Rick]

Got to get out with Jeremiah this past weekend and get a breath of much needed fresh air. Thanks for the tour of the area Jeremiah! Here's a little teaser of the terrain we got to see.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/155069778@N02/42912703851/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_404"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1808/42912703851_b016219e49_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="fullsizeoutput_404"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[derpiful]

I haven't checked this in a bit but wow! You've definitely made a ton of progress.. looking awesome as always! Even just the notch for the steering shaft is better than anything I could make...

 

[fourfive]

You sure did an awesome job stacking a few dimes there!

It's unbelievable. I was so impressed it was distracting me from all the other magic that was going on.

 

[Dirtco]

Very clean work. The thought process and execution so far seem spot on. I hope this thing performs exactly like you want it too.

And yeah man, sometimes stepping back for a bit get you motivated again. It's weird but it works. lol

Thank you! It's been a ton of work, especially the suspension and steering geometry. I spent a lot of time just moving stuff around and staring at the front of the 4Runner. There were days I would spend almost an entire day out in the garage and accomplish pretty much nothing (in the tangible sense).

I haven't checked this in a bit but wow! You've definitely made a ton of progress.. looking awesome as always! Even just the notch for the steering shaft is better than anything I could make...

Thanks Hayden! It's been quite the project, but I'm finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

It's unbelievable. I was so impressed it was distracting me from all the other magic that was going on.

Just wait until you see it all together!

 

[Dirtco]

Last weekend a couple of my friends came up to do some wheeling, Rick in his 5th gen 4Runner and Drake in his newly built Jeep Comanche. So I offered to show them around in the Purple 4Runner. My wife recently bought a new vehicle and the Purple 4Runner has just been setting around, so it made more sense to take it than the daily driver Tacoma.

While I have been out wheeling to get firewood (more on that later). It was really nice to get back out on the trail and just spend the day driving around. The Purple 4Runner did surprisingly well for being mostly stock, but I did have to bump a few spots due to the worn tires. Overall, it was a great day and really motivated me to get my butt in gear and finish my 4Runner!

Scratching up the hitch

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42248869994/in/dateposted-public/" title="Xj2SkuGHQeKqiCfUY5A9jQ"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1814/42248869994_b6751d685c_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Xj2SkuGHQeKqiCfUY5A9jQ"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rick in the distance

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42065951785/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3f4"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1769/42065951785_dd16620311_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3f4"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dirtco]

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42918071922/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3f6"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1785/42918071922_c3c2ab0667_h.jpg" width="1600" height="365" alt="fullsizeoutput_3f6"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dirtco]

It was time to get this project back on track! I've been doing little stuff here and there but I was having a hard time getting motivated to take on some of the larger projects.

I had to notch out the frame on the passenger side, the drag link would hit the frame when turning to the right at full bump.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42070159925/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3f7"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1821/42070159925_984b10e73d_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3f7"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dirtco]

Then it was time to make the "fifth stud" for the steering arms. At first I was going to make a very complicated reinforcement for the arm, but I went back to the tried and true version that everyone does. I added a sleeve that gives the fifth bolt a little more surface area and strength.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29099322538/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3fb"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1826/29099322538_8855ac2df7_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3fb"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42971750221/in/dateposted-public/" title="fiGicJ%tRV2waPR9MQ2Reg"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1800/42971750221_fdc682e1b3_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fiGicJ%tRV2waPR9MQ2Reg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

New inner axle shaft vs the ADD stub shaft I kept breaking. I'm running the 30 Spline Longfield axles and birfields, all 4340 chromoly.

Longfield 30-Spline Gun Drilled Super Set - Trail Gear

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42070149805/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3fa"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1814/42070149805_7c47131281_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3fa"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Knuckle together with Marlin's HD 25mm steering kit and FROR brake kit to use my Tundra brakes.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/29099311378/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3fd"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1767/29099311378_5287e45c74_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3fd"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42971788811/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3f8"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1813/42971788811_041e341ee9_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3f8"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dirtco]

I test fit the springs on the coilover shock to verify the coil lengths were correct. Accutune helped me set these up and chose the spring weights and length according to several factors. After assembling them according to their directions I test fit one, and it looks like they are spot on!

Ride Height

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43032001941/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_400"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/43032001941_dd86e49a8f_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_400"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Full droop!

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42313108554/in/dateposted-public/" title="80jWp412SVq+Vadi6c2yBg"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/841/42313108554_2450dfb502_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="80jWp412SVq+Vadi6c2yBg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I capped off the shock towers for more strength and to keep crap from building up on top of the frame.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43031995641/in/dateposted-public/" title="bgqZ%sP7RUyF9qhSQOgSpg"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/833/43031995641_8a502c025f_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="bgqZ%sP7RUyF9qhSQOgSpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/43031990831/in/dateposted-public/" title="WkRvCyUWT3Wfv6+yI%S+ag"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/43031990831_a70c3fab2b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="WkRvCyUWT3Wfv6+yI%S+ag"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dirtco]

Installed and ready to go!

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/41221673510/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3ff"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1823/41221673510_c9f605d810_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3ff"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And I picked this up so I start getting the transfer cases installed.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42981834292/in/dateposted-public/" title="hLRjnH+HQhK2as2w7Q9Npw"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1826/42981834292_43fe903220_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="hLRjnH+HQhK2as2w7Q9Npw"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/42981827542/in/dateposted-public/" title="+utG8jKeQb+bCFVet4QnzA"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1781/42981827542_550291c2db_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="+utG8jKeQb+bCFVet4QnzA"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[theesotericone]

And I picked this up so I start getting the transfer cases installed.

You have got to be so stoked. I'm sure you can't wait to be done but it's all gonna be so worth it.

How many cases you putting in? I here triples are all the rage. Just think of a 500:1 ratio. lol

If you went with a passenger side drop axle I have a case that I could have given you. Hopefully the correct case will be here July 2nd so I can get going on the duals.

Keep at it man. I'm not envious of many rigs on here but yours is one of the exception.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

I'm not envious of many rigs on here but yours is one of the exception.

Right?! Just might be the one and only.
I try not to comment after every post you make, [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION], but it's not easy. You do such great work. Can't wait to hear how it performs once you get it out on the trails.

 

[Fishwerks]

opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:

Nothing useful to add. Hope you can fit 300 people in there for Moab next year so we can all ride with you on the hard trails.