The FMF 4runner build

[locoone]

Is the case with so many 4x4 enthusiast, they start their off roading project well before they start their family. They get their 4x4 complete just in time to hear "where is everyone going to sit". That was the case for me in my 83 Toyota truck.

So, I got to go shopping!!! Naturally I had to stay Toyota, and the only requirement from the wife was that it had to be safe. So found a 1999
4runner to be the FMF (for my family) build.

So out with the old!!!!!!!!

[locoone]

1999 4runner limited, this should be interesting.

[houseofbs]

Subscribed

[locoone]

Build plans

mad cup holders
cage
straight axle
suspension
37"s ish
bumpers
rock sliders
ski rack

All the goodies to make a stock Toyota a capable 4x4

[470:1]

Originally Posted by locoone

Build plans

mad cup holders
cage
straight axle
suspension
37"s ish
bumpers
rock sliders
ski rack

All the goodies to make a stock Toyota a capable 4x4

+1 on the suspension. You won't regret it.

[locoone]

To build the 4runner, I started searching Craigslist for a fabricator/welder. I found a gay that made some ornamental iron trinkets, I don't think the gay could spell four by four, let alone build one. Apparently he was a hell of a salesman so I hired him. No just kidding had to give my buddy some greif
I took it to the Rock Shop in Colorado Springs, he is responsible for my 83 and the super clean tacoma from the Bad Taco Buggy build here on Pirate.

[crwln93]

THREAD HIJACK!!!
Was this gay fabricator responsible for this pile?!?

[locoone]

The one and only

[locoone]

Since my wife said safety was a priority, we decied to start with the cage. We drank some beers and discussed that going through the dash was the best option for keeping the cab uncluttered, and at the end of the day it's just way trick.

Time To Yank The Dash!

[generalee7]

Awesome! This is gonna be good

[houseofbs]

Um.......updates?






The cage is done!

[locoone]

The cage is 1 1/2" .120 wall DOM, the main hoop ended up just over 20 foot in length and has seven bends. The rear of the main hoop was sleeved and welded. One of the main concerns with the main hoop was keeping high and tight to allow for plenty of head room, but also have it fully welded. Therefore, we decided to build the cage has much as possible outside of the 4runner. We split the "A" pillar into two sections at the factory dash bar which we reinforced.

[locoone]

Here we have the upper portion of the A pillar attached to the main hoop. Ready to install, followed by the rest of the pillar down bars.

[crwln93]

Killer tight & clean cage. I just want to know who is gonna put that dash back together?

[locost7]

using a tie down rachet strap to hold it up is an excellent idea for fabbing, i like that. if you ever have to drop the liner, how are you going to do that once everything is welded? did you mean halo hoop? i do not see your main hoop (the one that goes from the floor behind the front seats to the halo hoop) were the front legs attach to the dash bar, are you going to continue them down to the floor?

[rapier46]

looks great so far.

[crwln93]

If he ever has to drop the headliner, I think he'll just do a top chop!

[dane]

I will be watching this, I am working on a Durango FMF rig and would like to run my cage through the dash as well. I know its a ton more work, but it comes out super clean with optimal interior space.

Dane

[locoone]

Originally Posted by crwln93

Killer tight & clean cage. I just want to know who is gonna put that dash back together?

Hey Paul, figured I buy you a 6 pack to throw it back together.

[locoone]

Originally Posted by locost7

using a tie down rachet strap to hold it up is an excellent idea for fabbing, i like that. if you ever have to drop the liner, how are you going to do that once everything is welded? did you mean halo hoop? i do not see your main hoop (the one that goes from the floor behind the front seats to the halo hoop) were the front legs attach to the dash bar, are you going to continue them down to the floor?

I'm banking/hoping never to have to drop the headliner but, if it happens it will be a good excuse to build a new rig!!!! As for the halo hoop, I just called it that because all the down bars come off it and its where we started. And the front legs will continue down to the floor.

[locost7]

Cool just wondering looks good so far.

[711con]

Sick build

[crwln93]

Originally Posted by locoone

Hey Paul, figured I buy you a 6 pack to throw it back together.

Sure, can do! As long as you don't mind getting sprayed with washer fluid when ya hit the a/c.

[intensebik]

Subscribed

[locoone]

Time for C pillar installation. I'm loving the way the cage is shaping up. Lots of room, but the D and B pillars are left to be installed.