DieselElectric
New member
Man, I just posted a whole message but lost it!
Here it goes, round 2.
Got this truck off my Wife's aunt for $300 a few months ago. Paid what she was offered on trade in after giving her my opinion on the new 4 runners.
Posting this to share, and document for others and myself as the truck progresses.
My Family and I love camping, so long term goal is to have it where we can trust it to take us as far from civilization as possible with confidence that it will bring us back.
Here's right after I got it home. Removed the running boards and full detail.
First few trips out, I've been impressed with the capabilities stock!
After getting a ticket for no inspection, I decided to have it done. I was surprised to be told the frame had rotted through above the passenger side control arm mount. I had looked the frame over and only saw surface rust every where else, even that was minor and not common. It's an otherwise clean frame. Sure enough after some searching, I learned that this area is very prone to rusting out.
No big deal though, let's get started.
Disclaimer, welds are done right now with harbor freight flux core. Given the material, I'm satisfied with the outcome. I found some Rustoleum cold galvanizing spray at Tractor supply. Hit it with that, then flat black, and undercoating. Should be good for a few years.
Next up, lift. Ended up going with Toytec/bilstein 5100 3" in the front, and superflex/5100 in the rear with a drop bracket for the panhard bar. We load it up pretty good, so the rake is welcomed.
Tires are Dick Cepek extreme country, 255/85r16.
After the lift, I read some horror stories involving the drop bracket, so I did something about it. Also made the panhard bar adjustable with some grade 8 hardware and lots of time ensuring that the assembly is true.
So that brings us up to date. Near future plans are:
- Second battery with isolation option
- Fabricate front and rear bumpers. Winch setup on front, and swing out spare tire mount in the back are my main purposes there.
- e-locker rear axle in time.
I have lots of ideas floating around, so time will tell where it goes.
Open to suggestions!
Here it goes, round 2.
Got this truck off my Wife's aunt for $300 a few months ago. Paid what she was offered on trade in after giving her my opinion on the new 4 runners.
Posting this to share, and document for others and myself as the truck progresses.
My Family and I love camping, so long term goal is to have it where we can trust it to take us as far from civilization as possible with confidence that it will bring us back.
Here's right after I got it home. Removed the running boards and full detail.
First few trips out, I've been impressed with the capabilities stock!
After getting a ticket for no inspection, I decided to have it done. I was surprised to be told the frame had rotted through above the passenger side control arm mount. I had looked the frame over and only saw surface rust every where else, even that was minor and not common. It's an otherwise clean frame. Sure enough after some searching, I learned that this area is very prone to rusting out.
No big deal though, let's get started.
Disclaimer, welds are done right now with harbor freight flux core. Given the material, I'm satisfied with the outcome. I found some Rustoleum cold galvanizing spray at Tractor supply. Hit it with that, then flat black, and undercoating. Should be good for a few years.
Next up, lift. Ended up going with Toytec/bilstein 5100 3" in the front, and superflex/5100 in the rear with a drop bracket for the panhard bar. We load it up pretty good, so the rake is welcomed.
Tires are Dick Cepek extreme country, 255/85r16.
After the lift, I read some horror stories involving the drop bracket, so I did something about it. Also made the panhard bar adjustable with some grade 8 hardware and lots of time ensuring that the assembly is true.
So that brings us up to date. Near future plans are:
- Second battery with isolation option
- Fabricate front and rear bumpers. Winch setup on front, and swing out spare tire mount in the back are my main purposes there.
- e-locker rear axle in time.
I have lots of ideas floating around, so time will tell where it goes.
Open to suggestions!
