I have a chassis in process, Ftoy 093, so I am in the planning stages and hope to be ready to build when it gets here. My Christmas present to myself this year. :D

This will not be a competition vehicle now, but will be built to comp specs for the future, just in case. :grinpimp: I plan to build it with a rear bench seat for my boys to enjoy while they are little and when they get older they can drive their own.

Option 1:
85 ext cab - bone stock
Automatic
22RE w/ 176K miles on it - history unknown but runs fine
currently in process of tearing down the axles for a suspension lift and general maintenance
solid frame
no rust on the frame or body other than some surface rust that a paint job would fix

Option 2:
85 4Runner - trail rig
5" suspension lift
1" body lift
30 splines front
full floater rear
5 spd
22RE w/ <2K miles on a total rebuild bored over 40 - runs like a top
solid frame
no rust on the frame or what is left of the body
all the goodies
just needs an exo

I can see both having advantages and disadvantages and already have a list for both, I would just like to hear some experiential input from those of you who have built F-toys and help me make a decision.

Which option would you choose and why? The more specific the better.

Thanks for your input.

:smokin:

P.S. Either way they both will probably end up an F-toy, just not both at once. :flipoff2:

Can't use the rear full floater on a comp rig.

I would convert whichever is the lesser vehicle. That way while you build you can still wheel the other one.

Can't use the rear full floater on a comp rig.

I would convert whichever is the lesser vehicle. That way while you build you can still wheel the other one.

I agree... I also think that the ex-cab frame may be a little better for mounting a rear seat in because the arches in the rear part of the frame start farther back. But I dont think you would be happy with the auto trans. Others with the auto haven't been happy, so Ive heard.

The auto is a good box, I just wouldn't run it bone-stock. Increase the fluid capacity with some pan mods and add the electronic shift kit.


Do you want to have two rigs? I'd build the truck and wheel the Runner while you're building.

If you only want one rig, go with the Runner, as it's almost ready to go--scrap the body, weld the chassis on, panel it, install seats and dash, go wheelin! If you want to compete later, build another housing with stock shafts and just swap housings and run the third you've got when you comp.

Bump

:smokin:

Use the stocker for the build, that way you can wheel the other while you build the F-Toy.

MT4Runner is doing that, I am doing that...:flipoff2:

Use the stocker for the build, that way you can wheel the other while you build the F-Toy.

MT4Runner is doing that, I am doing that...:flipoff2:

Same here.. I've kept a wheeling rig while building the ftoy.

Same here.. I've kept a wheeling rig while building the ftoy.

X4!!!!!!!!:flipoff2:

I think I have just about talked myself into Option 1.
Rebuild the engine while it is out...and dump the auto for a manual.

:smokin:

Keep the auto. Trust me. I am in the process of working out it's only flaw and that's fluid starvation when flopped past 90 deg. Don't waste your $$ on a elec. shift box just run it full manual by disconnecting the C/U.:D:D Add some detents to the shifter to keep it in the gear you want and you're set:bounce2::bounce::bounce2::bounce:. Oh, and get in touch with the guys at Inchworm for the adapter to gear cases, make that "geared case" since with the auto you really only need 1 case with 4.7's.

So tell me more about keeping the auto...

:smokin:

See edit above.:homer: then ask Hobie how well it works.

are you gonna actually wheel this one? haha you better come up this way and ride some

If I didn't have a project in process I don't know what I would do!!! :flipoff2:

I just hate to hack up a perfectly good stock 85 ext cab but that looks like what I am going to start doing soon. :D

:smokin:

that ok im gonna hack the perfect 85 runner in Z mans driveway next weekend

Grabbing a frame? You got a Ftoy chassis yet? 95 has your name on it. :flipoff2:

:smokin:

not a chance i am a sissy i like my heater and air conditioning and doors!!

Then stop by and help me hack up my 85 ext cab. :D

:smokin:

cant believe you and Zman went in on a buddy plan!!

i need to come down and visit around grey rock competition

cant believe you and Zman went in on a buddy plan!!

i need to come down and visit around grey rock competition

Stack'em 2 high and save on shipping...I hope. :D

:smokin:

sounds good!