KCcarguy's Build Thread

[Tikiflame]

Very Nice Build. That 70k mile transformation it took from the first post to the 2nd was breathtaking. Well done.

 

[thebwlife]

Any plans for a rear bumper? I think a 4x4 labs rear would be perfect on that bad boy.

 

[2chains]

Looking at getting those Method rims they look perfect on your rig. Great looking ride and really enjoyed your pics, keep them coming!

 

[mckensel]

Just ran across your build, glade to see people are still out roaming around arkansas. I grew up there and spent many days out on some of those trails with my old xterra. Next time you're in arkansas head down towards magnolia/Emerson. Little different type of trails, but still a good time on old logging/fire roads and creak beds.

Build looks awesome! Considering the TE conversion myself, kinda how I found your thread.

 

[marshal]

this thread doesn't have nearly enough updates.

 

[KCcarguy]

Went on a couple short day trips over the summer. First, [MENTION=84479]Petromaniac[/MENTION] and I went out to explore around the Illinois river area n Cherokee County. This is a beautiful part of Oklahoma.

 

[KCcarguy]

Next, with more family trips in mind, I decided to change the cargo configuration to a lighter, more versatile cargo shelf. I can easily switch between Plano boxes and Sterilite containers for storage, or just remove them all together.




Not too much later, I installed a Gobi Stealth Rack. After a rainy trip to the Ouachitas with [MENTION=65827]MasonT4R[/MENTION], I decided an awning would be a valuable addition. I'm hoping to a add a roof top tent down the road. The Gobi will be an ideal mounting platform!

[MENTION=65827]MasonT4R[/MENTION] , [MENTION=84479]Petromaniac[/MENTION] and I met up for some wheeling at Whitewater ORV area not long after that.

Playing in the sand along the Arkansas River



This HUGE washout is one of my favorite obstacles out there. It was super sketchy in my big old 5th gen, but [MENTION=84479]Petromaniac[/MENTION] spotted me through unscathed



[MENTION=65827]MasonT4R[/MENTION] makes it look easy in his 3rd gen!



The three beasts on the trail



Slid into a pretty large washout and yearned for more articulation



I go stuck several times out there. I think the guys winched me out 3 times. I began to realize my 50k miles AT2s weren't doing the job any more. It was time to upgrade to MT's



So....I went for Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs in 285/70-17. So far I'm really pleased with them!

 

[1engineer]

You haven't been here for 8 months and you have to reserve spots? C'mon man lol. Good to see you back!

 

[bimrunner]

You haven't been here for 8 months and you have to reserve spots? C'mon man lol. Good to see you back!

It's to get us ready for his comeback.

 

[KCcarguy]

And after a year of waiting, I finished the swing-out on my rear bumper (well, my friend finished it).

High-end custom fabrication shop:



First step was to decide where the tire is gonna go. It helps to have a forklift...



Next, he fab'd up the swing-out to match the contours of the bumper. Notice the high-tech spacers.



Welding up the spindle and:



Added the tire carrier and latches:



I wanted the tire to really hug the rear of the truck. We only left about 1.5" for frame flex. It looks great! Hopefully it won't bite me in the ass later. Shouldn't be a problem as long as I don't back into a tree or something.

 

[KCcarguy]

.....And here are the final results. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I drew up this design hoping for a minimalist design that mimics the look of the factory bumper. I think we go it. I'm lucky to have a friend with the skills to make my ideas and drawings a reality!

 

[KCcarguy]

one more poser shot!

 

[michaelj]

This looks killer. Really motivating me to give it a try out in the shop and make my own.

 

[sandcrawler]

I go stuck several times out there. I think the guys winched me out 3 times. I began to realize my 50k miles AT2s weren't doing the job any more. It was time to upgrade to MT's


So....I went for Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs in 285/70-17. So far I'm really pleased with them!

nice choice! i love mine. they're not cheap, but good things rarely are.

 

[fattire]

That's a nice look. Great to see a home fab solution.

 

[bimrunner]

I think the frame flex won't hurt you too much. You may bump that rear emblem garnish thing. On big flex I touch a hair but no damage (I've had some big hits). My spare is similarly spaced from the back of my truck. Looks killer! The exhaust won't like it if you test out that rear bumper though...

 

[KCcarguy]

I think the frame flex won't hurt you too much. You may bump that rear emblem garnish thing. On big flex I touch a hair but no damage (I've had some big hits). My spare is similarly spaced from the back of my truck. Looks killer! The exhaust won't like it if you test out that rear bumper though...

Thanks! Yeah.....I've been meaning to put a turn out on the exhaust. Or
Maybe just chop a few inches off.

 

[KCcarguy]

Just returned from an amazing trip to Big Bend National Park! This is a great place for anyone wanting to do a overland-style trip without bothering with excessive route planning and GPS tracks. The primitive roads are just challenging enough to be fun and don't even require 4WD most most of the time.

The Rigs; my 5th gen and a friends SWEET FZJ80 factory locked with OME HD suspension:



After a 12 hr drive, enjoying the first morning in the Chisos Basin Campground



Great views on Old Ore Road





Camped in Pine Canyon



On black Gap Road



Fire forced us to re-route



The 80 flexing on the way to Terlingua Abajo

 

[4Running303]

.....And here are the final results. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I drew up this design hoping for a minimalist design that mimics the look of the factory bumper. I think we go it. I'm lucky to have a friend with the skills to make my ideas and drawings a reality


View attachment 187133

Did you relocate the back-up camera? or is this just wiring for the license plate light? Thanks, looks awesome.

 

[KCcarguy]

Did you relocate the back-up camera? or is this just wiring for the license plate light? Thanks, looks awesome.

Correct, just the license plate wiring. Mine didn't come with a backup camera; but I think I'll be getting an aftermarket unit at some point.