El Cheapo 4Runner build

[Coastal616]

Hey guys, new here and just went 4runner shopping to find something to take my daughter out wheeling. I used to wheel a lot, but got tired of breaking parts and fixing stuff in the bush so now I race short course off road trucks and just want to get out and do some exploring.

Got this pile for $2300, it was kinda rusty and gross, but whatever good enough to have fun in.


First up it got a lift via some adjustable bilstein struts,

Next up the rear shocks needed remounting,

The rusty stock tin bumper had to go....and I wanted a hybrid prerunner/4x4 winch bumper:

I hate how low the radiator hangs on these things, and it was a complex puzzle how to protect it. This is what I came up with, and it allows a nice smooth skid plate.

Skid plate goes all the way past the steering rack, and will connect with a belly pan.

Big Country Customs hooked me up with some sick Method Double Standard wheels and duratracs, 285/70r17's, and some trail gear rock sliders.

 

[spenedwrds]

Wow nice start looks great! Really like the bumper and how your making it a 2 for one deal there! Wish I had welding skills to do a custom bumper like this.

 

[shmabs]

at your convenience could you take some more pictures of your rear shock mounting?

Mike

 

[4-Ripcord]

at your convenience could you take some more pictures of your rear shock mounting?

Mike

x2!

Looks good so far!

 

[Coastal616]

Ya sorry, the iphone wouldnt get a good shot in there....I will get some better ones. :keyboard:

 

[Coastal616]

This is the method of figuring out where to put them though.....

I actually stole 2 bilsteins out of my race truck for the back, they are 5125's, but I had them custom valved along with schrader valves added so I could adjust the nitrogen level.

 

[Coastal616]

Went to BCC today to get some tabs, and some shackle mounts, but they just sold the last ones. So Daryl drew up a quick drawing and blasted these out on the plasma table for me to take home and build....

assembly:

Plating in:

Backside of their mount

And mounted:

Painted, ready for aluminum fill panels and skidplate fitting.

 

[W3LCH]

Sick rig! I wish I had the know how to turn mine trail ready so quickly.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Man, I expected a poor college students truck with mods like LEDs, tinted tail lights, etc . . . not custom fabrication. "El cheapo" doesnt represent your truck! Its always interesting to see custom fabrication on here. Im Looking forward to seeing what you turn the 4runner into

 

[Coastal616]

Hahah thanks, Not many big dollar parts going into it at this point. But it should turn into a camburg'd long travel 4x4 in the spring. Then I will have to ditch the El Cheapo tag....

Took off the tacky bug deflector, fender trim and cleaned it up a bit. I can't wait to fill in the bumper and get the skidplate on. I think I might get it powder coated a really dark gray.

Temporary stock turn signals

 

[Coastal616]

Ok, spent a few hours with some aluminum today, what do you guys think? Keep in mind I've just cut, bent and bolted in the panels, nothing has been sanded, smoothed and fit yet.

This shows how smooth the underbelly is:

 

[SantaCruzRunner]

I want one...........:banana:

 

[spenedwrds]

looks good!!

 

[shootmymime]

looks great, i think it flows really well.
just something to think about
one concern i have with it is trying to keep the aluminum smooth, shiny when its all cleaned up, over time, debris from the road will pit the aluminum causing it to dull out.

ps what welder are you using? love those welds, very smooth and burns in nice

 

[djtc]

Looks a little weird to me. I would expose the tubing so the plates would sit in between the tubes.

 

[Gerdo]

Nice build. You will have fun with that.

 

[Coastal616]

looks great, i think it flows really well.
just something to think about
one concern i have with it is trying to keep the aluminum smooth, shiny when its all cleaned up, over time, debris from the road will pit the aluminum causing it to dull out.

ps what welder are you using? love those welds, very smooth and burns in nice

I'm going to get it all powder coated. I know what you mean about trying to maintain aluminum. A friend owns a powder coat shop so it's the way to go for me.

Miller 251....it rocks.

 

[TRDteen]

That looks beautiful! Keep it uppppp!:fro:

 

[Coastal616]

Thanks guys!

 

[Coastal616]

Needed a new caliper so I figured I might as well do the 231mm Tundras....what a great upgrade, even with the 285's it stops really really good.

Going to build a removable light bar like this one:

Started bending some more tube for it:

And skidplates were cleaned up and sent to my buddies powder coating shop: