My new trail/street rig build- '97 4runner

[Okiyota]

Originally Posted by allbentup

Do you plan on running it on the street? if yes there is a couple things to be aware of, ...

Yes, please fill us all in, i am trying to gather parts for my 3rd gen swap right now and would like to hear some other input and advice..

Man, whats up with all the 3rd gens finally popping up for builds??

[rockota]

Almost makes me wish I had kept my 96! Excellent project!

[ErikB]

Originally Posted by Booger Weldz

what do you think about using a body lift to provide space for that rock anchor gas tank hanging way below the frame rail?

I don't think a BL is a good idea if you're trying to keep it low. I want (and I think you do too) a relatively low lift, so that means there isn't much room between the axles and frame for steering and links and panhards and crap. If you do a body lift, then the frame is essentially lower if the rig is the same overall height, which means even less room.

And while I while want my rig lower than the last one, I also want to have more compression travel, so that means I need/want all the frame clearance I can get.

That's also why I'm going to use the Ford tank again. Its bigger and tucks up a lot higher even w/o a BL. The stock tank (and factory rear link mounts) on my 3rd gen hang down over 4" below the frame rails! That would take a lot of body lift to get up even w/ the frame rail. And it would still be under the middle of the rig where its more susceptible to damage. I don't have a skid plate on my Ford tank and I've never even hit it yet since its up high and in the rear. It may not be as good an option for you though since your rigs are usually bobbed...

I will be watching your build(s) though, as always.

What? Did you say you were going to drive up with your plasma and help me cut off all this crap when I'm ready?
Thanks, that's awesome of you!

[getzuked]

Its cool to see you are started on the new ride! Let me know if you want help. My buggy is going through some major changes as of the morning

[turtle4x4]

Originally Posted by csuc_snowman

how much heavier is the 3rd gen than the '86?

3rd Gen Curb Weight: 3850 lbs.

1st Gen Curb weight: ??? With the lift and tires and depending on how he keeps it loaded, it could vary greatly

[webilt]

Sounds like a cool project, Erik,

I sold the 3.4 to a friend, and he is installing it in an 85 4Runner (Jeffco's old Runner), auto tranny and all,!!

I'm not sure what my plans are for my Runner,,,,
glad I was able to inspire you,,!!

[ToyFamily]

A little more tame 97 DD/camp rig JK rubi takeoffs 2.5" OME lift..was for the wife

Nick

[ErikB]

Originally Posted by getzuked

Its cool to see you are started on the new ride! Let me know if you want help. My buggy is going through some major changes as of the morning

What are you doing to the buggy, Andy? I may be asking you and/or Ben for some help with tube work.



And speaking of tube... I've been looking at some bumper designs and here are some front ends I'm liking:
(Nick- I've looked at your Shrockworks bumpers and they are very nice too! But not quite what I'm looking for.)

Mossyrocks:


Buddha:


Brianc33:


Godyilla:


Captkirkyota:
/forum/toyota-tacoma/382512-new-tacoma-tube-bumper-winch-pics.html



Ben Calhoun's 4runner



I'm kind of moving away from the slow approach. I think I'm going to put it up on jackstands next week, hack everything off underneath get the axles under there and just start building.

I ordered a plasma cutter from Parker Metal Working
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=539511
Which I figure should really help out with OEM bracket removal and cutting new tabs and brackets. $399+shipping for PBB members.


.

[shamb]

my vote is for Mossyrocks, I really like the curves and overall look on that cage.

[Mossyrocks]

I like the go ahead and hack everything off idea. Im ready to see another 3rd gen build.

[ErikB]

Yes, those are more or less in order of what I liked most. Mossy- was that a BentUp.com bumper to start out with?
I'm going to mount my winch lower and further back like Kirk's though.

[Mossyrocks]

I made it from scratch. I had an arb bumper crap out on me so decided it was time to quit buying shit.

[TroyToy]

When Installin A Dual Case Or Single Case Crossmember We Opted
For Fror And You Have To Pound On The Floor If Not Running A
A Body Lift

[Mossyrocks]

Originally Posted by Cal Mini Trucks

When Installin A Dual Case Or Single Case Crossmember We Opted
For Fror And You Have To Pound On The Floor If Not Running A
A Body Lift

I had to do that too. Its not too bad though and it will work just fine.

[OOP'S]

Just to let you know, you can borrow my tube bender anytime you want.

[steveh]

Originally Posted by Cal Mini Trucks

When Installin A Dual Case Or Single Case Crossmember We Opted
For Fror And You Have To Pound On The Floor If Not Running A
A Body Lift

Troy, take good care of Erik if he needs anything, he's a bro without a fro!!!

[getzuked]

I am finally fixing the motor and tranny flex. I am worried I am gonna brake something when it hits the tunnel. Some new suspension design is in order do to some failers and the motor and tranny a getting raised a few inches. This will allow to get a nice skid plate instead of my hack job that I have been running. I am also adding a third seat and more cage. The pic show a new bar taped on to see what I am shooting for. When you want help just let me know. I would like to help!

[ErikB]

Originally Posted by Cal Mini Trucks

When Installin A Dual Case Or Single Case Crossmember We Opted
For Fror And You Have To Pound On The Floor If Not Running A
A Body Lift

Yep, that's what I figured from what I saw under there. Especially for a pass. side output. Thanks for the heads up though!
I'm also planning on "hanging" the FROR crossmember from the frame tabs instead of resting it on top of them. That should make it a lot easier to lower down and remove.

Originally Posted by OOP'S

Just to let you know, you can borrow my tube bender anytime you want.

I might if/when I get brave! But for some of it (especially in the beginning) I'll probably get some help since those guys have a bunch of tube-bending experience and I can learn from them. Ben has a really nice bobbed/tubed rear 2nd gen 4runner that I'll have to post some pics of sometime, and Andy built that buggy he posted a pic of above.

Originally Posted by getzuked

I am finally fixing the motor and tranny flex. I am worried I am gonna brake something when it hits the tunnel.

Check out those plates that FROR sells. They are a good way to go if you want to fab your own.
http://frontrangeoffroadfab.com/nfos...a959dc1704e7ec

[getzuked]

I like those tcase mounts but I bought this one thinking I could use the arms for easier installation. However I will only use the one I have as a pattern, Then fab my own out of one piece. Crash built one just like what I want on SECRET SQUIRREL. I didnt want to weld more plate to the first mount if I could make a 1 piece unit. I may try to return this mount or sale it one the board I didnt realize that lifting my motor and tranny would put the mount I bought through the back of the seats

[abrogate]

Originally Posted by getzuked

I like those tcase mounts but I bought this one thinking I could use the arms for easier installation. However I will only use the one I have as a pattern, Then fab my own out of one piece. Crash built one just like what I want on SECRET SQUIRREL. I didnt want to weld more plate to the first mount if I could make a 1 piece unit. I may try to return this mount or sale it one the board I didnt realize that lifting my motor and tranny would put the mount I bought through the back of the seats

mount it like 4RnrRick. here is what i did: (ignore the arrow and the hole)



that way the x-member is not so high.

end hi-jack

[getzuked]

Erik sorry for highjacking the thread it wasnt my intention. But todays work looks good!

[Booger Weldz]

you got the 3.4 5 speed...marlin dual ultimate all figured out yet? i posted questions about the clockable adapter plates in the taco section to see how far we can tuck the front output up on our vehicles with no body lift..??

i guess im gonna buy a 23 spline input and a new 4.7 23 spline rear case and adapter, sell my old setup minus the front crawl box and fror crossmember

[ErikB]

A clean slate!

The tranny and far rear crossmembers are coming out too, but for now they're holding things in place until I get some other crossmembers in. The round tube crossmember may have to come out too since it sits low and will probably interfere with my upper links.

The front wasn't that bad to cut out, but holy effing hell, there are a shitload of brackets in the rear to cut off!!! There are seriously 20+ different things to cut from the frame. The IFS only had 6.

[ErikB]

The Parker Plasma kicked ass.
That and my compressor got a major workout today. Popped the 50A breaker going to my shop while those and the grinder and lights were all running at once.

There is a huge pile of other stuff I've pulled off this thing so far too, but here are the biggies (incl. mandatory IFS removal pic).

[toy86]

nice thats a good place to be at the end of the day