[rollerracing]

I am wanting to make my mini into an Expedition Rig. Has anyone done it with a mini? Any pictures? I plan to bob the bed, make a roof rack (mini ladder rack style), ect.

[WarDamnEagle]

Just curious as to why you would bob the bed for an expedition rig? Part of what makes an expedition rig an expedition rig is dry storage space. I would add a rear cover assuming it's not a 4Runner.

I would go with a modest lift (e.g. OME 2.5"), heavy duty bumpers front and rear, 31" or 33" tires (which will set your gear ratio), and some kind of locker(s) (front, rear or both).

Most importantly, I would make sure that all the maintenance is done and done right and all the fluids are maintained properly.

Add some lights, dual batteries, some extra 12V outlets and you're good to go. No?

[rollerracing]

I want to keep the bed, and build a drawer system like in the back of a LC. Also I am going to put a tool box in the bed.

[H8PVMNT]

I agree, some Old Man Emu suspension, lockers, gears to match your tire size, whatever modest but tough tire you want to run with a matching spare and wheel on! Anything else you want depends on your region, terrain, how far you have to drive without fuel and weather. I think and onboard shower system would be a huge asset for extended backcounty treks.

I set up an '86 with a flatbed last year for work in Montana where I have to drive overland in the middle of nowhere. I ran BFG all terrains in 33x9.50 and a set of 34x9.50 tsl swampers when the gumbo gets soupy in the springtime... Gears were 5.29s and I had a rear spool for simplicity and a aussie locker up front. It worked great. Air conditioning would have been nice though to keep the dust off my laptop...

[ToyotaDon]

He already has the lift...



...any pics of expedition minis?

[GAS-A-LOT!]

Would this pass for a heavy duty bumper? Or at least for a hunting rig?

Marlin Crawler : Bumpers and Trail Armor

Now, I know its a newb question but.... gotta ask.

[rollerracing]

that would more than pass for whatever you would want to do.

[liljlandon]

I would do this:
Cold weather? Alaskan or Canada? Other continents?
Plan for what you need. Example- Block heater for the cold ones- Dual elec fans and a HD rad for the warm ones.

Follow the K.I.S.S fundamentals.
NO fancy dancy electronics. They make everything less reilable.
the LESS moving parts the better.
Mechanical lockers are the best for that IMO.
Everything needs to be well kept, Preventative Maintance is ALWAYS worth the trouble.
Do NOT bob the bed. You lose room for storage/legs.
Bumpers and a HD skidplate are a must IMO
Self sustaining your own trip is the majority of the game. Make sure you have enough fuel to get you 100 miles farhter then you need to be.

More for later.

[pappy]

Strong opinion here. Anytime I make a modification to my 4Runner I always keep my trips to Baja in mind.

• Don't bob the bed. You want the storage. You might also want to consider the need to sleep back there. Cover it.
  
• Extra fuel. An auxiliary fuel tank is a must. Extra 20L cans are a good idea. I carry 35 gallons on-board when I go to Baja (17 factory tank, 14 NMMP tank, 5 on the rear bumper).
  
• Dual batteries are a must, even if the second battery just powers accessories.
  
• No tire larger than 33". Install a lift to match.
  
• Lower gearing is a must.
  
• At least a locker in the rear. ARB or electric are good choices.
  
• You must have a full size spare. Mount the spare on the rear bumper. The Marlin bumper is good for crawling, not exploring. Look at bumper designs from Slee and 4X4 Labs for ideas. They don't make them for minis, so plan on building your own, or getting one built.
  
• Winch, you must have a winch to get your butt out.
  
• Hi-lift jack. Get one and learn how to use it before you get stuck.
  
• Communication. Get a CB radio. Better yet, get a HAM radio license and a dual band radio. My ham works where cell phones don't.
• Consider a 12V fridge. Sometimes ice sucks. Run it off the second battery so you don't kill your starting battery.

[missouriman]

truck,
no more then a 4 inch lift,
longs axles and lock out gears.
dual cases with 4.7 rear.
5.29s and lockers.
I really like the 36 sx's that we run.

camper shell or bed cap. depending on what you call them.
WINCH.
a few steel fence posts to drive in for the windh. \\\\\\ posts tied top to bottom. winch of the bottom of the closest one.

a very small sleeping trailer, with a small generator, big tires and good clearence. like one of the tear drop kind with say 34 ltb's on it and skid plates on the under and sides.
just a heating pad under your feet can make a below 0 night better!!!
lots of water and the dry last for ever food, just in case.

a good ham radio, the two meter kind.

and one of those emergency transponders, that you push the button and it just calls for help.. be prepared to pay for the help they send!!!!

[bkgee]

not much to add to all that! just portable air compressor and tire deflators. some good reviews on that stuff:

Tire Inflator Comparison

Tire Deflator Comparison

I can vouch for the MV-50 compressor, very cheap (got mine for $25 on clearance) and just as effective as $300 models (actually identical to Vaiar). The Staun deflators are great too, just need to keep them lubricated.

[GRM]

This is essentially what Im building out of my 1986 extra cab. I need it for weekend trips to the 'con, fordyce, dusy, etc, but also need it reliable enough for long trips through nevada, utah, canada, and alaska.

pappy's explanation is good. My big difference is that I am going to run 35's, as most of my friends are on 37's, and it will slow down my group as a whole. I'll probably pick up a set of 80 series wheels, and 285's down the road for longer trips.

The big things to do is to keep up on the maintenance. Don't let the truck be a second thought. Thats when It is going to break. Also upgrade the most common broken parts on it. This includes:

Ripped Motor Mounts
Bent Transmission Crossmember
Sheered Steering Knuckle Studs/ARP studs ripped out of the knuckle
Sheered Hub Studs
Broken Birfields
Bent Rear Driveshaft
Shock Mounts Ripped off Frame
Bent Front Axle Housing (I've found the problem gets WORSE when you weld a bunch of random gussets on it).
Snapped Steering J arm

[missouriman]

Originally Posted by GRM

This is essentially what Im building out of my 1986 extra cab. I need it for weekend trips to the 'con, fordyce, dusy, etc, but also need it reliable enough for long trips through nevada, utah, canada, and alaska.

pappy's explanation is good. My big difference is that I am going to run 35's, as most of my friends are on 37's, and it will slow down my group as a whole. I'll probably pick up a set of 80 series wheels, and 285's down the road for longer trips.

The big things to do is to keep up on the maintenance. Don't let the truck be a second thought. Thats when It is going to break. Also upgrade the most common broken parts on it. This includes:

Ripped Motor Mounts
Bent Transmission Crossmember
Sheered Steering Knuckle Studs/ARP studs ripped out of the knuckle
Sheered Hub Studs
Broken Birfields
Bent Rear Driveshaft
Shock Mounts Ripped off Frame
Bent Front Axle Housing (I've found the problem gets WORSE when you weld a bunch of random gussets on it).
Snapped Steering J arm

wow that is ugly...

I guess if I ripped off the front wheel and could do nothing about it.. I would hook up a skid log, clamp the brake line, pull the axle on that side. throw the rest in the back of the truck and try to drive it out.

there is just no way to carry every thing that might go wrong!!! unless you tow a second truck.
that is why I am glad that my wifes truck and mine are almost clones of each other. that and she doesn't care about me stacking up parts for these 23 year old trucks...
I have had to get a ride home, rob the parts off her truck to get mine home.
we now run longs axles and shafts and the lock out gear. but I still have around 15 or so stock birfs and axles out in the garage.
extra every thing.. other then frame and body I bet I could put together two trucks from the spare parts that I have collected.

just saying that if the worst can happen it will and at the worst possible time and place.

so,, look at it this way, the truck matters not, only that you can get out, live, so truck,, way replaceable.. you,, not so much so.

[missouriman]

just re read... motor mounts.. I have the 3 chain link tie down on both sides, both trucks. an easy 30 min mod... the chain links are loose but won't let the motor move more then 1/2 inch if the mount breaks loose..
actually I think that I have a broken motor mount, but because of the chains I have no problem and have not looked in to it.
Yeh, I know,,,

thinking about this,, I can't even imagine what these trucks are worth if I had to pay some one to do all these little mods or major mods to them.. I am not even going to post what I think that would be because it would sound stupid.



well.. stupid... just a guess, as I have done all the work. labor my self.. 40k??
they look like shait.. but the grit and guts are there....

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

TOYTECHHompage

Let us know when you've read through it all..... (sometime in Jan I expect....)

[rollerracing]

as for sleeping, we will have a roof top tent. I have 5.29's in it right now. Need to get lockers for sure. It has 4 inch suspension lift and 3 inch body lift. I plan on running 35 inch BFG's on steelies. I plan on running dual batteries, and may go with a larger alternator. Anyone done the GM alternator swap? The only fancy electronic will be some sort of GPS unit. I will be living in Minnesota, so it will have to be a COLD weather rig. +1 on the block heater.

Roller....................

[Bogo]

I'm in the process of deciding what to do along these lines. Actually a Micro RV for photography trip is what I'm looking to make, but I want it reasonably bear proof as I like exploring grizzly bear country. My plan is to totally replace the back bed with a small RV back. Right now I'm leaning towards doing a mini truck version of this build. I like the hard sided pop up back they did. My back would be a bit narrower than theirs. I had explored other ways of doing a hard sided pop up but rejected them. I also thought of using my pickup bed with a topper, but rejected that too. Not enough height for sleeping in the back. Because of the photography and often taking photographs at sun rise and sunset I figured sleeping in the back was a must. I don't want to be setting up and tearing down tents in the dark.

Another option I explored for awhile was to make both sides open up with gull wing doors. Much like the sides on this utie back.


Weight is the big issue. The standard 1/2 ton mini trucks only have a 1700-1800 lbs carrying capacity including you and fuel. Because of the rear axle design, don't go over it. If you want to go long miles without fuel depots you almost have to have a trailer to carry the fuel weight. Most of the trips I can see my self doing I won't need a trailer, but there are a couple up into the more northern parts of Canada that I would want the extra food, fuel and spare parts I could put on a trailer.

[Bogo]

Originally Posted by missouriman

just a heating pad under your feet can make a below 0 night better!!

Somebody else pointed these out in another thread.

ElectroWarmth® Bedwarmers - 12 VOLT ELECTROWARMTH® BUNK WARMERS

Their energy use is well within line for what they do, but a big second battery is a must. They are a 12VDC heating pad you put under you. A single bed one at 100% duty cycle wouldn't drain a 100AHour battery's useful capacity over night. They say 50% duty cycle is much more typical. A group 31 deep cycle battery would do fine. In fact it should do one of them and a compressor refrigerator too.

[GRM]

Originally Posted by 2ndGenToyotaFan

TOYTECHHompage

Let us know when you've read through it all..... (sometime in Jan I expect....)

I lost the link to that site. THANK YOU THANK YOU for posting it back up. I love the way he has setup his mini-truck, and has given me some very awesome valuable ideas in the past, and will again in the future.

[WarDamnEagle]

ARB makes a great front winch bumper for a mini. For a rear bumper with tire carrier I would go to these guys:

Kennesaw Mountain Accessories

A word of warning, they are very slow as they build to order so lots of patience may be required. I have one of their rear bumpers without the tire carrier on my 85 4Runner and am very very pleased with the quality and the price was very reasonable.

Everyone has made some very good suggestions but there is a blurred line between rock crawling and expeditions. For example, per my definition of expeditions, dual cases would be a waste of time and money but I'm sure others would disagree as their definition would differ.

You really need to decide what you want to do with the mini and go from there.

[pappy]

Originally Posted by WarDamnEagle

Everyone has made some very good suggestions but there is a blurred line between rock crawling and expeditions. For example, per my definition of expeditions, dual cases would be a waste of time and money but I'm sure others would disagree as their definition would differ.

You really need to decide what you want to do with the mini and go from there.

The line is very blurry. Just about anything you do to improve capability on the rocks will help in expedition mode. Within reason. You need to avoid the rock crawling extremes. I don't think dual tc's are a waste of time in an expedition rig. I have a single 4.7 that has got my butt out many times. But I prefer dual cases, and I have one in the garage ready to go in.

[Skim]

I am building my Hilux for crawling duties with expo camping comfort.

35s, flexable suspension, dual cases, ARB Fridge, Roof Top tent, lots of storage.

[tkinze]

Yep, tons of good reading: Brian894x4's Homepage

He did a ton of work on his 89 mini but ultimately went to an fj-80

[missouriman]

Originally Posted by Bogo

I'm in the process of deciding what to do along these lines. Actually a Micro RV for photography trip is what I'm looking to make, but I want it reasonably bear proof as I like exploring grizzly bear country. My plan is to totally replace the back bed with a small RV back. Right now I'm leaning towards doing a mini truck version of this build. I like the hard sided pop up back they did. My back would be a bit narrower than theirs. I had explored other ways of doing a hard sided pop up but rejected them. I also thought of using my pickup bed with a topper, but rejected that too. Not enough height for sleeping in the back. Because of the photography and often taking photographs at sun rise and sunset I figured sleeping in the back was a must. I don't want to be setting up and tearing down tents in the dark.

Another option I explored for awhile was to make both sides open up with gull wing doors. Much like the sides on this utie back.


Weight is the big issue. The standard 1/2 ton mini trucks only have a 1700-1800 lbs carrying capacity including you and fuel. Because of the rear axle design, don't go over it. If you want to go long miles without fuel depots you almost have to have a trailer to carry the fuel weight. Most of the trips I can see my self doing I won't need a trailer, but there are a couple up into the more northern parts of Canada that I would want the extra food, fuel and spare parts I could put on a trailer.

wow that is nice, I like it.

[rollerracing]

Originally Posted by Skim

I am building my Hilux for crawling duties with expo camping comfort.
35s, flexable suspension, dual cases, ARB Fridge, Roof Top tent, lots of storage.

Do you have any pics of your rig?

[dirtoyboy]

DUDE!

you wanna go here for ideas...there is a whole forum for expedition rigs


Expedition Portal Forums - Powered by vBulletin

[Skim]

Anymore input on this thread ? I am looking for more ideas.................

[fortysixandtwo]

Originally Posted by pappy

[*]You must have a full size spare. Mount the spare on the rear bumper. The Marlin bumper is good for crawling, not exploring. Look at bumper designs from Slee and 4X4 Labs for ideas. They don't make them for minis, so plan on building your own, or getting one built.

FYI, 4x4 Labs makes bumpers for any application. Not just Land Cruisers. Luke makes a ton of swing away spare tire carriers for Toyota Land Cruisers, mini trucks and any other vehicle you may have. I was going to have him make me a rear bumper but unfortunately being a poor ass college student all I could afford at the time was the Marlin. Once my budget increases I will definitely be having Luke build me a swing away spare tire carrier/rear bumper.

And I DEFINITELY recommend 4x4 Labs bumpers, they are PERFECT for an expedition rig. I drool over them every time I stop by his shop.

[rollerracing]

That is exactly what I am looking for in a rear bumper. How much does that bumper cost?

Originally Posted by WarDamnEagle

ARB makes a great front winch bumper for a mini. For a rear bumper with tire carrier I would go to these guys:

Kennesaw Mountain Accessories

A word of warning, they are very slow as they build to order so lots of patience may be required. I have one of their rear bumpers without the tire carrier on my 85 4Runner and am very very pleased with the quality and the price was very reasonable.

Everyone has made some very good suggestions but there is a blurred line between rock crawling and expeditions. For example, per my definition of expeditions, dual cases would be a waste of time and money but I'm sure others would disagree as their definition would differ.

You really need to decide what you want to do with the mini and go from there.

[rollerracing]

Decided not to bob the bed, and I got a newer camper shell that fits like a glove. The shell also has built in brackets for a roof rack! Got rid of the low hanging rear bumper. Built a drawer system for the rear (not finished yet), and replacing the engine within the next week or so. Busy busy...............