Dirtco's Adventure Thread

[jkeith.w]

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/31998489037/in/dateposted-public/" title="wgcxnR2dSb6ceE7MyMIC3Q"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7862/31998489037_53b98af0e2_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="wgcxnR2dSb6ceE7MyMIC3Q"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>

Tying this vertical back into the frame?

 

[jkeith.w]

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/31998459787/in/dateposted-public/" title="FlQ3ZBAjRjqp9PaDFhAC2g"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7907/31998459787_98429c6243_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="FlQ3ZBAjRjqp9PaDFhAC2g"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>

sessy.

 

[Dirtco]

Looks great, but didn't you just weld the frame and body together?
Could that cause damage later when you flex the frame hard or be a pain in the ass if you want to get at body mounts?

Yep, I sure did!

The body has no strength or structure left, the only thing holding the sides of the truck up is that piece of 2x2 I temporarily welded in place behind the rear seat. The frame and body will not flex independently of each other because it will all be one piece and the body mounts will be literally doing nothing. But you are right, there is no separating the body from the frame going forward.

 

[Dirtco]

Tying this vertical back into the frame?

I'm going to build double A-pillars similar to the Jeep below, the interior A-pillar will be the main roll over support and be tied into the frame. The outer tube will protect the windshield and damaged stock A-pillars while adding more strength to the chassis. They will be tied together one way or another.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/46943130711/in/dateposted-public/" title="jhf3"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/46943130711_3884bc05d3_b.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="jhf3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[jkeith.w]

I'm going to build double A-pillars similar to the Jeep below, the interior A-pillar will be the main roll over support and be tied into the frame. The outer tube will protect the windshield and damaged stock A-pillars while adding more strength to the chassis. They will be tied together one way or another.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/46943130711/in/dateposted-public/" title="jhf3"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/46943130711_3884bc05d3_b.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="jhf3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ah, so. will be checking in; I dig this stuff.

 

[phattyduck]

Looks great, but didn't you just weld the frame and body together?
Could that cause damage later when you flex the frame hard or be a pain in the ass if you want to get at body mounts?

I don't think the frame/body will be flexing much once he's done... Solid mounting the body (due to roll cages, etc.) seems to be fairly normal in hard-core off-road vehicles.

Beautiful work so far, as usual!

-Charlie

 

[Chuckles89]

Should have just scrapped it for a Jeep Cherokee if you wanted a unibody :bounce:

 

[Yoter]

Glad you are okay!! These 4runners fold like origami when the roof is hit hard!
I always liked your 4runner and everything you did to it! Im glad to see its getting a new and improved life!
Are you going to be putting a stock roof skin back on or keep it open/convertible or make some type of panoramic sunroof?
Its looking good so far and I look forward too seeing the rest of the rebuild!

 

[t4r4life]

Man oh man, i don't come back on the forums that often anymore but i always make sure to check your thread when i do come back, seems like a lot has happened when i was gone haha, glad to see you made it out the crash okay, and im sure you do with the 4runner will be impressive as always.

 

[thenightman]

I haven't seen a third gen with a hybrid style cage before. It's looking badass.

 

[Bad Luck]

I haven't seen a third gen with a hybrid style cage before. It's looking badass.

Me either! Should be awesome! I can't wait to see what spin(s) Dirtco is going to put on it.

 

[BigBluePile]

where have you been? On a long cruise to see the world?

Actually, yes. Yes, I was.

Sent from my 2PZC5 using Tapatalk

 

[Dirtco]

Been a min since i've been on this forum.
Damn! Glad your ok for starters!
the rebirth should be epic! :trophy:

Thanks Andy!

This is gonna be sweeeet!

Best of luck putting it all together. I can't wait to see you back on the trail.

Durwin

Thank you Durwin!

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] you have no idea how jealous you are making me right now lol. That is already starting to look so cool, I can't wait to see it done

Thanks Phoenix! It's not the direction I planned on going but it should be pretty cool when it's all done!

Should have just scrapped it for a Jeep Cherokee if you wanted a unibody :bounce:

Hey now, I'm going to pretend I didn't read that!

Glad you are okay!! These 4runners fold like origami when the roof is hit hard!
I always liked your 4runner and everything you did to it! Im glad to see its getting a new and improved life!
Are you going to be putting a stock roof skin back on or keep it open/convertible or make some type of panoramic sunroof?
Its looking good so far and I look forward too seeing the rest of the rebuild!

Thanks! I'm leaning towards skinning the roof in aluminum, like an Ultra 4 car.

Man oh man, i don't come back on the forums that often anymore but i always make sure to check your thread when i do come back, seems like a lot has happened when i was gone haha, glad to see you made it out the crash okay, and im sure you do with the 4runner will be impressive as always.

Thanks for checking in! Yeah, a lot has happened in the last few months. Hopefully even more will happen in the next and this thing will be back on the trail sooner than later!

 

[Dropzone]

Front bumper


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/39632564270/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_3e9"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/39632564270_bbbaa64692_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_3e9"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

so a year or so after asking you about these lights I finally ordered a yet.

How to you like them after using them for awhile?

Hope the build is progressing well

 

[steezemcqueen]

Your 4Runner looks different from the last time I saw it.


Still trying to pinpoint what the difference is....:shrug:

 

[busmup808]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] now u can change your rear shocks with ease. [emoji23] All jokes aside, your truck looks sicker than it wuz before the roll. Mad skills bradda.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TOYJOETA]

I’ve went back and looked but didn’t find it, what travel coil overs did you go with up front?

 

[Dropzone]

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/33059736328/in/dateposted-public/" title="6322_6_l"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7861/33059736328_720269fcd5_b.jpg" width="800" height="480" alt="6322_6_l"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I love that you are using an RC as part of your model.
Somehow I missed page 13 entirely...great progress

 

[Dirtco]

so a year or so after asking you about these lights I finally ordered a yet.

How to you like them after using them for awhile?

Hope the build is progressing well

I've only used them a few times but I do like them (especially for the price). Obviously the optics are nowhere near as good as the Rigid lights, but for your average recreational above speed off road situation they do good.

I'm making good progress, just too busy to get online and post anything. I'll get a couple updates soon!

Your 4Runner looks different from the last time I saw it.


Still trying to pinpoint what the difference is....:shrug:

It's hard to tell, maybe it's just the camera angle?

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] now u can change your rear shocks with ease. [emoji23] All jokes aside, your truck looks sicker than it wuz before the roll. Mad skills bradda.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! That whole rear section of frame will be getting chopped off soon!

I’ve went back and looked but didn’t find it, what travel coil overs did you go with up front?

They are 14" Fox race series 2.0 DSC coilovers

I love that you are using an RC as part of your model.
Somehow I missed page 13 entirely...great progress

Yeah, usually it works the other way but inspiration is where you find it!

 

[Dirtco]

I've been working on the cage for a while now (when I have the time). It's hard to get good pictures with how small my garage is and how close the roof is to the truck. Once I get the main structure done I'll pull it outside and get some better pictures. :thumb:

I wanted a strong B pillar support, so I came up with this! The angle steel is 1/4" and wraps around the top side of the frame, and the tubing is 2x3" 3/16". The backside is welded to the frame and will be tied into the rear four link frame bracing.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/46942349461/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4308"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7870/46942349461_40e62a3caf_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_4308"></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@N03/33066876728/in/dateposted-public/" title="QT7n7rh3Rte5zs6RQwzjLw"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4829/33066876728_0a639d5f93_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="QT7n7rh3Rte5zs6RQwzjLw"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The rear harness bar was welded to the body, and the rest of the cage built around that.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/40425692793/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4c6"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7842/40425692793_57547068e7_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_4c6"></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@N03/46667991454/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4c8"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7878/46667991454_94864d304a_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_4c8"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The floor plates were welded to the vertical tube and the fill plates were seam sealed.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/47391278411/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4c4"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7896/47391278411_93f312806e_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_4c4"></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@N03/46668003444/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4c5"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7802/46668003444_294eae4743_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_4c5"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>