Ivan Stewarts old Prerunner

jgolden · 06-16-08, 01:26 AM

Back in the mid 90's when Ivan drove for Toyota, he would prerun in a white 80 series LC.

Does anyone have pics or more information about the truck? I remember it was a 3 seater (2 up front, i think 1 in the middle in back) It looked pretty stock but I'm sure it was highly modified.

thanks in advance

slamd58 · 06-16-08, 01:32 AM

When I worked for Toyota, I got to sit in the desert and wait for Ivan to come by us in case he needed at new tire, Gas, water, etc... It was kinda like an emergency pit crew if you will. GREAT FUN!! I remember the white LC and it definitely had three seats as you said. I will see if I can find my pics from back then and see if I have one of it. I know I took some, just not sure where the pics are. He told me once that he could do 100 mph in the Cruiser in some spots... yes it was modified...!!

Downey · 06-16-08, 10:39 AM

The only thing I remember of it was that it ran Downeys FJ80 coils. There was a time when they were getting some parts from us to rebuild the vehicle (after about 1.5 or 2 years of hard use)
I asked them if they needed a fresh set of coils, they said no, the ones on the vehicle were still perfectly fine. Frankly I was shocked, most parts on Pre-runners or Race trucks usually only last a couple of runs.

ARussell · 06-16-08, 09:17 PM

Hey Guys,

I raced a Toyota stock mini in the mid/late-90s and occasionally would see Ivan's prerunner. Going on memory which is a little clouded now, the rear used a rocker-arm setup with two 2.0 shocks on each corner mounted forward horizontally. Nothing special as far as shocks (non res from what I remember.) I don't remember anything's special about the front.

OK, so what made it work so well? I believe the main ingredient was the "Downey" springs. I have 220K miles of freeway & prerunning on mine and even tried the typical "others" spring/rate combinations prior. Amazing is an understatement.

24HOURSOFNEVADA · 06-16-08, 09:19 PM

We still need pictures.

pint · 06-16-08, 09:28 PM

I would love to see that baby!

Bikeman · 06-16-08, 10:17 PM

He drove a 1997 that was featured in the August 1999 issue of Off Road magazine. I still have the article. It had 2-17" 65mm Bilstein shocks at each wheel, trussed axles, 285 BFG's on American Racing wheels, and tube bumpers that I modelled mine after.

ARussell · 06-16-08, 11:04 PM

Bikeman, Anyway of scanning the article and posting?

jgolden · 06-19-08, 12:43 AM

Great info guys!!!! Anyway you can scan the article and post it?

Another question......Has anyone out there seen an 80 Series built up as a "sleeper" prerunner / trail rig? I'm NOT talking fiberglass fenders, massive roll cage, etc. Just a nice clean rig with extra attention to suspension travel, upgraded shocks, maybe a roll cage? I've been racing in the desert for 15 years and now that I have a son I'd like to build a rig that's street worthy, trail ready and can still prerun some of the smoother races.

Please keep the information and pics coming!!!!

ARussell · 06-19-08, 01:32 AM

Hey JGolden, Below is my 97 LC... It has Downey springs, 2-3in lift, 295x16 BFG's (approx 34in), custom 2.5 shocks using stock mounts - one per corner (with Fox pistons & King by-passes - 10in stroke - must use weld top shocks with posts), 3in Light Racing bump stops on each corner (they were tricky to setup cleanly). Also replaced the tank with a 38gal unit, stock unit was on fumes one lap around Parker. Selling it to JLoth...I've been playing with it for 10 years, let me know if you have any questions. Allen

24HOURSOFNEVADA · 06-20-08, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARussell

Hey JGolden, Below is my 97 LC... It has Downey springs, 2-3in lift, 295x16 BFG's (approx 34in), custom 2.5 shocks using stock mounts - one per corner (with Fox pistons & King by-passes - 10in stroke - must use weld top shocks with posts), 3in Light Racing bump stops on each corner (they were tricky to setup cleanly). Also replaced the tank with a 38gal unit, stock unit was on fumes one lap around Parker. Selling it to JLoth...I've been playing with it for 10 years, let me know if you have any questions. Allen

I have some questions about your bumpstops. Could you please send me some detailed pics and more information. I've been working with Light Racing to put some on my 80series. I'm curious if you went the same route the engineer at LR advised me to go.

Thanks

ARussell · 06-20-08, 05:16 PM

For those of you interest, below are pics of the Light Racing bump stops on my LC. On the front, I sandwitched a mounting plate between the coil carrier and the top bucket mount. Cut the top coil carrier and used it as a spring guide to keep the spring from moving around. I also reinforced the bottom axle spring carrier with plate just in case. Fab not too complicated and basically bolt on.

ARussell · 06-20-08, 05:44 PM

The rear is a lot more complicated. I used the 3in versions on the back, but highly recommend using the 1.5in version if you want to attempt. Also the back moves sideways through the cycle, so you need to check clearances until completely compressed. Used a top plate and welded at the upper most part of the top spring carrier (also needed to cut a hole in the top spring carrier to fit the bump stop). The bottom axle spring carrier need to be "hollowed" out and the bumps actually compress on the axle. (this is the main reason to go with the 1.5in versions). I would have now if I had known, but I had to try and fit the 3in...

http://www.racefactoryinc.com/lcimag...shocks_004.jpg
http://www.racefactoryinc.com/lcimag...shocks_005.jpg
http://www.racefactoryinc.com/lcimag...shocks_007.jpg

ARussell · 06-20-08, 06:38 PM

Light Racing Bump Stop Recap: These work great and allow you to set your suspension up soft/plush with only 10in of travel. Really progressive and without a harsh initial hit. I have not tested the bump stops with other shocks, but I think they work so well you probably don't need large bodied shocks (if you can keep your shocks cool enough) for all but extreme prerunning. Definitely makes the by-pass shocks un-necessary.

JO MAOMA · 06-20-08, 06:43 PM

what's the up travel vs drop on your setup....

ARussell · 06-20-08, 07:07 PM

6-6.5" up travel, 3.5-4" drop. The suspension is setup soft, always using the entire travel stroke in offroad conditions. The trick is to have the high-speed rebound as light (fast) as possible to keep the tires on the ground. Makes a huge difference in ride quality and handling. I actually tried going heavier (slower) on the rebound once during a revalve and made the ride a lot rougher on the vehicle and driver

24HOURSOFNEVADA · 06-20-08, 08:36 PM

Total hi-jack on now!

The engineers at LR recommended the swivel mounts that would allow the bumpstop to rotate with the axle upon contact. They also recommended the cupped ends with the domed targets. I think you used the fixed mounts and can't tell what ends and targets you used? Am I partially correct?

thanks again.

ARussell · 06-20-08, 09:11 PM

On top, I used used a fixed mounted welded to a plate. (fixed mount drilled & welded to the plate from the inside of fixed mount). For the shaft, I used the Delrin cupped shaft end. I thought about using the swivel mounts originally, but opted against it because they are sitting inside the spring bucket & spring. I didn't want anything moving around and getting banged up.

Not sure I would use the domed targets with the sideways movement of the axles (especially on the back). I like the idea of having a flat surface that base of the shock shaft can slide on if needed. It's held up great and would still go that route if building another 80 series.

24HOURSOFNEVADA · 06-21-08, 03:19 AM

Very cool thank you.

JO MAOMA · 06-22-08, 12:34 AM

thanks for the info...

Brian894X4 · 06-22-08, 12:47 AM

I've tried finding a picture of Ivan's 80 on the internet and nothing. I can't believe there's no photos. I must be missing it somewhere. Anyone else have any luck?

Cj80cruiser · 06-22-08, 02:20 AM

Not yet........

SunTzuMD · 06-22-08, 12:29 PM

I wan't to hear more about teh 38gal fuel tank!

JO MAOMA · 06-22-08, 02:35 PM

ok so i asked your question over on race-dezert and here was an interesting reply...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

i remember that truck. they did a ttb swap on the front end.

....hows that for a plot twist.

ARussell · 06-22-08, 07:42 PM

I believe the TTB was on his 4-runner (pre LC prerunner) that was given to Ivan at one point. Don't exactly remember the shop who built it, but it was a pure offroad vehicle.

JO MAOMA · 06-22-08, 07:59 PM

you're right the guys over at race-dezert came to the same conclusion.
there is info trickling in so i'll see what comes of it...

Bikeman · 06-22-08, 10:14 PM

I have pics, but no way to scan them in.

Kavik · 06-22-08, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikeman

I have pics, but no way to scan them in.

Take a picture of them w/ your digital camera...Make sure the light is diffused (no glare/reflections).

jgolden · 06-23-08, 11:32 PM

Thanks for the info everyone.

Here's what they had to say on Race-Dezert....

It's a 1997 that has:
- 8 17" Stroke Bilstein 65mm Shocks
- Stock axles that were trussed
- 14" of Travel
- 285/75/16 BFGoodrich All Terrains
- 16x8 Ultra Custom Wheels
- PIAA Pro 80 XT Lights
- Stock Inline 6 with a aftermarket exhaust
- Custom Seats, Simpson Harnesses, TerraTrip Rally computer, Vertex VHF radio, Hi-Lift Jack,Tow Starp, Ice Chest, and a full size spare.
- Tube bumpers front and rear with Aluminum skids.
- Built by John Ray of Ray's Custom Fabrication in El Cajon, CA.
- It is painted Blue, Red, Grey, Silver, and White.

You think 14" of wheel travel is accurate?

thanks
jg

06-16-08, 01:26 AM	#1
jgolden IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 48	Ivan Stewarts old Prerunner Back in the mid 90's when Ivan drove for Toyota, he would prerun in a white 80 series LC. Does anyone have pics or more information about the truck? I remember it was a 3 seater (2 up front, i think 1 in the middle in back) It looked pretty stock but I'm sure it was highly modified. thanks in advance

06-16-08, 01:32 AM	#2
slamd58 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Klamath Falls, OR Posts: 164	When I worked for Toyota, I got to sit in the desert and wait for Ivan to come by us in case he needed at new tire, Gas, water, etc... It was kinda like an emergency pit crew if you will. GREAT FUN!! I remember the white LC and it definitely had three seats as you said. I will see if I can find my pics from back then and see if I have one of it. I know I took some, just not sure where the pics are. He told me once that he could do 100 mph in the Cruiser in some spots... yes it was modified...!! __________________ 2007 Tundra Limited CrewMax - 4WD, 5.7L Aluminum V8, 6 spd Auto, 2.5" Revtek lift, Factory 20's (Wheels & Tire for sale), 1994 FZJ80L with Lockers, HIR Headlights., George's LEDs, Pioneer spkrs, Slee Headlight Harness, HG replaced 198K, Aatlas Two tone Grey leather seat covers, MetalTech Sliders with LineX......more to come!

06-16-08, 09:17 PM	#4
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	Hey Guys, I raced a Toyota stock mini in the mid/late-90s and occasionally would see Ivan's prerunner. Going on memory which is a little clouded now, the rear used a rocker-arm setup with two 2.0 shocks on each corner mounted forward horizontally. Nothing special as far as shocks (non res from what I remember.) I don't remember anything's special about the front. OK, so what made it work so well? I believe the main ingredient was the "Downey" springs. I have 220K miles of freeway & prerunning on mine and even tried the typical "others" spring/rate combinations prior. Amazing is an understatement. __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-16-08, 09:19 PM	#5
24HOURSOFNEVADA IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 TLCA# 14687 Posts: 499	We still need pictures. __________________ "Passions Testify to Enthusiams for the Cause" F. Dostoevsky 1980 HJ45 Imported from Oz... 1994 80 locked, Supercharged, bored over 1.25mm long Ranger aux. fuel tank with Oz spec overhead gauge set. and other stuff... Adventure Trailer Chaser

06-16-08, 09:28 PM	#6
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,132	I would love to see that baby! __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

06-16-08, 10:39 AM	#3
Downey IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Whittier, Calif. TLCA# Associate Member/Sponsor Posts: 853	The only thing I remember of it was that it ran Downeys FJ80 coils. There was a time when they were getting some parts from us to rebuild the vehicle (after about 1.5 or 2 years of hard use) I asked them if they needed a fresh set of coils, they said no, the ones on the vehicle were still perfectly fine. Frankly I was shocked, most parts on Pre-runners or Race trucks usually only last a couple of runs.

06-16-08, 10:17 PM	#7
Bikeman IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Highlands Ranch, CO, Heart in AZ Posts: 325	He drove a 1997 that was featured in the August 1999 issue of Off Road magazine. I still have the article. It had 2-17" 65mm Bilstein shocks at each wheel, trussed axles, 285 BFG's on American Racing wheels, and tube bumpers that I modelled mine after. __________________ Mike 1997 FZJ80, white, Slee 5.5", FOX 2.0's, DC drivshafts F/R, 315/75R16 MT, locked, CDL, SROR sliders, custom tube bumpers, custom exhaust, custom internal tire mount, Snorkel, Sirius receiver, Mark's Box, Eezi-Awn 1600.

06-16-08, 11:04 PM	#8
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	Bikeman, Anyway of scanning the article and posting? __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-19-08, 12:43 AM	#9
jgolden IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 48	Great info guys!!!! Anyway you can scan the article and post it? Another question......Has anyone out there seen an 80 Series built up as a "sleeper" prerunner / trail rig? I'm NOT talking fiberglass fenders, massive roll cage, etc. Just a nice clean rig with extra attention to suspension travel, upgraded shocks, maybe a roll cage? I've been racing in the desert for 15 years and now that I have a son I'd like to build a rig that's street worthy, trail ready and can still prerun some of the smoother races. Please keep the information and pics coming!!!!

06-19-08, 01:32 AM	#10
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	Hey JGolden, Below is my 97 LC... It has Downey springs, 2-3in lift, 295x16 BFG's (approx 34in), custom 2.5 shocks using stock mounts - one per corner (with Fox pistons & King by-passes - 10in stroke - must use weld top shocks with posts), 3in Light Racing bump stops on each corner (they were tricky to setup cleanly). Also replaced the tank with a 38gal unit, stock unit was on fumes one lap around Parker. Selling it to JLoth...I've been playing with it for 10 years, let me know if you have any questions. Allen Attached Images __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-20-08, 05:16 PM	#12
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	For those of you interest, below are pics of the Light Racing bump stops on my LC. On the front, I sandwitched a mounting plate between the coil carrier and the top bucket mount. Cut the top coil carrier and used it as a spring guide to keep the spring from moving around. I also reinforced the bottom axle spring carrier with plate just in case. Fab not too complicated and basically bolt on. Attached Images __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-20-08, 05:44 PM	#13
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	The rear is a lot more complicated. I used the 3in versions on the back, but highly recommend using the 1.5in version if you want to attempt. Also the back moves sideways through the cycle, so you need to check clearances until completely compressed. Used a top plate and welded at the upper most part of the top spring carrier (also needed to cut a hole in the top spring carrier to fit the bump stop). The bottom axle spring carrier need to be "hollowed" out and the bumps actually compress on the axle. (this is the main reason to go with the 1.5in versions). I would have now if I had known, but I had to try and fit the 3in... http://www.racefactoryinc.com/lcimag...shocks_004.jpg http://www.racefactoryinc.com/lcimag...shocks_005.jpg http://www.racefactoryinc.com/lcimag...shocks_007.jpg __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-20-08, 06:38 PM	#14
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	Light Racing Bump Stop Recap: These work great and allow you to set your suspension up soft/plush with only 10in of travel. Really progressive and without a harsh initial hit. I have not tested the bump stops with other shocks, but I think they work so well you probably don't need large bodied shocks (if you can keep your shocks cool enough) for all but extreme prerunning. Definitely makes the by-pass shocks un-necessary. __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-20-08, 06:43 PM	#15
JO MAOMA IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 404	what's the up travel vs drop on your setup.... __________________ "Mate , you must drink some serious piss to need to get to youre chilly bin that quickly." - topend yobbo

06-20-08, 07:07 PM	#16
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	6-6.5" up travel, 3.5-4" drop. The suspension is setup soft, always using the entire travel stroke in offroad conditions. The trick is to have the high-speed rebound as light (fast) as possible to keep the tires on the ground. Makes a huge difference in ride quality and handling. I actually tried going heavier (slower) on the rebound once during a revalve and made the ride a lot rougher on the vehicle and driver __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-22-08, 02:20 AM	#22
Cj80cruiser IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Opelika, AL Posts: 935	Not yet........ __________________ 94 FZJ80/FJ80 MUTT 315 Maxxis Bighorn, Rear Aussied, and stripped of BullSht 2" Ironman springs with 1" spacers and Bilsteins courtesy of Frankie's Offroad. Quote from Willy T. Payne "I'm fcking this goat, you just hold the horns." (no goats were actually molested during the making of this comment) Tapage, "saving my penis for the next year .. fingers crossed .. ! "

06-22-08, 12:29 PM	#23
SunTzuMD IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 274	I wan't to hear more about teh 38gal fuel tank! __________________ 1994 JDM Surf RHD 1995 FZJ80 - Factory Lockers, CDL switch and ARB bumper 2002 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD - National Springs Add-a-Leaf 1990 4x4 Short Bed Pickup - Farm Duty in the Ozarks Location - Okinawa, Japan

06-20-08, 08:36 PM	#17
24HOURSOFNEVADA IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 TLCA# 14687 Posts: 499	Total hi-jack on now! The engineers at LR recommended the swivel mounts that would allow the bumpstop to rotate with the axle upon contact. They also recommended the cupped ends with the domed targets. I think you used the fixed mounts and can't tell what ends and targets you used? Am I partially correct? thanks again. __________________ "Passions Testify to Enthusiams for the Cause" F. Dostoevsky 1980 HJ45 Imported from Oz... 1994 80 locked, Supercharged, bored over 1.25mm long Ranger aux. fuel tank with Oz spec overhead gauge set. and other stuff... Adventure Trailer Chaser

06-20-08, 09:11 PM	#18
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	On top, I used used a fixed mounted welded to a plate. (fixed mount drilled & welded to the plate from the inside of fixed mount). For the shaft, I used the Delrin cupped shaft end. I thought about using the swivel mounts originally, but opted against it because they are sitting inside the spring bucket & spring. I didn't want anything moving around and getting banged up. Not sure I would use the domed targets with the sideways movement of the axles (especially on the back). I like the idea of having a flat surface that base of the shock shaft can slide on if needed. It's held up great and would still go that route if building another 80 series. __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-21-08, 03:19 AM	#19
24HOURSOFNEVADA IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 TLCA# 14687 Posts: 499	Very cool thank you. __________________ "Passions Testify to Enthusiams for the Cause" F. Dostoevsky 1980 HJ45 Imported from Oz... 1994 80 locked, Supercharged, bored over 1.25mm long Ranger aux. fuel tank with Oz spec overhead gauge set. and other stuff... Adventure Trailer Chaser

06-22-08, 12:34 AM	#20
JO MAOMA IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 404	thanks for the info... __________________ "Mate , you must drink some serious piss to need to get to youre chilly bin that quickly." - topend yobbo

06-22-08, 12:47 AM	#21
Brian894X4 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 690	I've tried finding a picture of Ivan's 80 on the internet and nothing. I can't believe there's no photos. I must be missing it somewhere. Anyone else have any luck? __________________ 1995 FZJ80, modified for regional expeditions. Click here for more... My main website: In Search of History Expeditions Foreign Toyota 4x4s Military Toyota 4x4s

06-22-08, 07:42 PM	#25
ARussell IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 48	I believe the TTB was on his 4-runner (pre LC prerunner) that was given to Ivan at one point. Don't exactly remember the shop who built it, but it was a pure offroad vehicle. __________________ 1997 FZJ80 Anniversary Edition - Sold 2.5" shocks, 3" bump stops, Downey springs 1984-1986 Toyota Stadium Truck Ivan Stewart's - PPI #004 COMING SOON! - 2008 Tundra or LC200?

06-22-08, 07:59 PM	#26
JO MAOMA IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 404	you're right the guys over at race-dezert came to the same conclusion. there is info trickling in so i'll see what comes of it... __________________ "Mate , you must drink some serious piss to need to get to youre chilly bin that quickly." - topend yobbo

06-22-08, 10:14 PM	#27
Bikeman IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Highlands Ranch, CO, Heart in AZ Posts: 325	I have pics, but no way to scan them in. __________________ Mike 1997 FZJ80, white, Slee 5.5", FOX 2.0's, DC drivshafts F/R, 315/75R16 MT, locked, CDL, SROR sliders, custom tube bumpers, custom exhaust, custom internal tire mount, Snorkel, Sirius receiver, Mark's Box, Eezi-Awn 1600.