4 door 45

[Eco 45]

I decided to create a new thread for the building of this vehicle with the hopes that it can move forward in a more positive, constructive and civilized manner as the other thread began sounding more like the rant/rave section found on Craigslist. Mud threads are a great tool for education and humor in the building of and maintaining the various vehicles built by Toyota and something we all enjoy. I myself have used the forum many a times to research the quality of items, schematics, and to drool over other’s builds. It’s amazing the vast quantity of knowledge that is present on this one forum and which saves many of us from having to spend hours of precious time wondering around the internet in hope of an answer. I appreciate the support and learning that started out in the first thread from the mud family and hope this new one offers some knowledge, humor and enjoyment. With the helpful artistic hand of a very talented friend in MT this is what I hope to achieve in the end:

Before diving more into the build I thought I would address whether a 4 door truck is like a Unicorn---a mythic creature often talked about but never seen. Toyota itself never actually produced a 4 door 45 for sale to the public----however the Brazilian version of Toyota--- Bandeirante did produce a 4 door 45 during the year 2001. If anyone has ventured over to Jonathans Ward’s website (http://www.tlc4x4.com) two 4 door trucks can be seen that are currently running the streets somewhere in the USA. So why aren’t more of these trucks around? One of the biggest obstacles we all face in our love of cruisers---MONEY! As these trucks are no longer in production body parts can’t be bought directly from the factory as Jonathan Ward did to create his. Being that the vehicles were produced in 2001 you can’t legally import them into the USA or Canada as a whole running vehicle. Which leaves us with our last solution---bring them into the country in pieces and reassemble them on new frames and mechanicals here. Why isn’t this being done---MONEY! As these vehicles are still relatively new and had a price tag well over $50,000.00 from the factory, with a very slow depreciation rate---not to many people I know would want to spend that type of money only to have the truck taken about and have a portion of it shipped to the states. But fear not cruiser fans---these trucks are getting older and as each year passes more miles are rack up slowly decreasing their value. After acquiring my project 4 door 45 I began researching the Brazilian trucks and I would say that it is possible to find a vehicle to have disassembled today and cost less than the vehicle I purchased. Now this doesn’t mean it will be an easy search---I would equate it to looking for a very low mileage Australian Troopy with no rust---not going to happen overnight, but with some effort a truly rewarding ending. The only other obstacle in this whole thing is language barrier---Portuguese is not commonly known making it interesting to try and read an ad or for that matter talk to someone in Brazil. So brush up on your Portuguese and let the happy hunting begin.

Next onto the build…………

 

[1tontoy]

I have lived in Brazil, speak/read/write Portuguese, and have many friends down there. Culture is a huge barrier, too. Almost as much as the language. I started a thread on Bandierantes to the US a couple years ago and have talked about this stuff in the past. I've driven cabine duplas with factory 1HZ.

I can tell you that you will have an extremely hard time finding a decent cabine dupla, have it disassembled, and shipped to US for less than 35K USD delivered for a two door cabine dupla. And for a late model 4 door, it would be closer to 45K.

So, for what its worth, Paul's product is not a bad deal, especially since its brand new metal and a 4 door.

Now, on with the build and pics!!!! We all need motivation!

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

Sweet caricature! That looks awesome.

How about a bulleted list of stats?

 

[Awl_TEQ]

How about some pics of the body/ project in its current state? I haven't seen any since the tear-down after she arrived.

 

[a.greenspan]

... With the helpful artistic hand of a very talented friend in MT this is what I hope to achieve in the end:

Next onto the build…………

This drawing is great and if you build it this way your double cab will look great
but ... ( 1950 Dodge Power Wagon Woody - Four Wheeler Magazine )

let him draw a Landcruiser double cab woody and think about the build of the first Cruiser double cab woody
Cheers
& all the best in 2010
Peter

 

[Eco 45]

From some of the original photos posted it doesn’t look like much has been accomplished—but many hours and grinding disk have since past from when this cruiser first landed on my door step. ( older photos can be seen here: Crew Cab FJ45 - a set on Flickr) Moving forward has been a little slow due to other projects and not wanting to alienate my family. The majority of the mechanicals are complete and ready for installation except for the transfer case which I plan to re gear. The frame is extremely close to going for powder coating—I have repaired the rear portion and have added additional supports along key areas of the side rails. I am currently in the process of installing the shackle reversal. Then engine mounts, transmission mounts and extra fuel tank mounts for under the pickup bed. There is one crack in the from main cross member that will require it removal for repair—I have decide to put in a new cross member all together, which I am waiting on. The majority of the flaws in the body have been repaired, however after fixing the frame and having it straightened, I need to adjust some of the body mounts so the bolt holes will line up. This is the first time I have had the cab and pickup bed back on the frame in several months.
Build list next…..

 

[Dieseler]

Is the rear frame crossmember section rivoted on I can't tell and if so how was that done.

 

[JohnnyC]

..............and shipped to US for less than 35K USD delivered for a two door cabine dupla. And for a late model 4 door, it would be closer to 45K.

So, for what its worth, Paul's product is not a bad deal, especially since its brand new metal and a 4 door.

x2 Paul's product is a great deal for the $$

 

[AATLAS1X]

Jonathon's daily driver is the Crew Cab Bandi.

There are several others out there and several bodies still in crates. He has a 40 series style body on the TLc site for $20k along with his DD.

There is also a company that is making the crew cab bodies and should be marketing them by summer. They are not wanting me to make statements or offer opinions till the R&D is completed. Also they will be a US based company and made here in the states, Like TX. These will be aluminum and no steel.

You may also contact Jonathon about buying one of his mandrel bent frames for the ICON that might work for your truck. Just a thought.

Also where "Ish" are you in Bend? I am in Sunriver, Century Drive and Redmond often and would like to take a peak at it.


Shane

 

[Eco 45]

I can tell you that you will have an extremely hard time finding a decent cabine dupla, have it disassembled, and shipped to US for less than 35K USD delivered for a two door cabine dupla. And for a late model 4 door, it would be closer to 45K.

The only thing that has kept this vehicle from going over 45K is that I don't pay myself any labor--otherwise if someone else where to have bought the rig, paid to have it shipped and then had to make repairs, I would say that it would be hard pressed to stay under 45K. The only items that are new metal are the floor, rear portion of the cab and doors---front clip, windshield frame and firewall are all 70's era parts with period associated rust. From the used items I am only using the grill support, firewall and hood---it was easier to find better replacements for the other items.


Dieseler the rear frame member is designed as a bolt on item in case it ever needs to be replaced in the future---was inspired by how Awl_TEQ put together the rear portion of his frame. I will also be making a bolt on Class IV towing hitch for this truck as it will be used to pull other 45's.

AATLAS1X---cant wait to see the cruiser bodies your are talking about---aluminum is a peta to weld but no rust to deal with. Land Rovers have been using aluminum bodies for decades---only thing is to remember that any steel coming in contact with the aluminum needs to be galvanized or stainless otherwise you have issues.

I am currently located just north of Bend near the KOA campground at least until the fall when I will be moving into a new shop just north of Sisters and I always welcome visitors.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Dieseler the rear frame member is designed as a bolt on item in case it ever needs to be replaced in the future---was inspired by how Awl_TEQ put together the rear portion of his frame....

I was looking at the pic and thought "hey...thats just like mine... I guess it wasn't such a crazy idea if someone else is doing it too"

 

[Eco 45]

I was looking at the pic and thought "hey...thats just like mine... I guess it wasn't such a crazy idea if someone else is doing it too"

"Crazy" leads to some of the best ideas!! I decided to build a receiver hitch that will be just under the rear cross member and bolted on as well. This beast is so long that I didn't think it would make that much of a difference for my clearance to build the receiver into the rear cross member like you did. It might be a little bit overkill to use such a thick cross member--but then again I am planing to tow at least 8000 lbs with this truck.

 

[Eco 45]

Mechanicals

In choosing the mechanical components that I have, I am hoping to achieve a couple things here. One is that I am hoping this Goliath of a truck can get low to mid 20’s on fuel mileage—which isn’t bad seeming how this truck will likely weigh in at the 5000 to 5500 pound range when all is said and done. Next as this truck is going to have duel fuel tanks I plan on setting it up so that it can run on diesel, biodiesel, vegetable oil or kerosene. This truck will also serve as a backup for my wife for hauling the family around and seeming how my wife and manual transmissions are not on speaking terms and to keep family peace I will be using an automatic transmission. And lastly even though this truck is going to be around 2 feet longer than a Troopy I would like it to be able to hold its own off-road when needed—so need to consider clearance and a few other toys.

Build Sheet
-4BTA Cummins Engine---I know a lot of individuals will want to know why I didn’t go with a Toyota diesel----simple fact is that I will use this truck for towing and none of the Toyota diesels can match the numbers of the 4BTA
-700R4 transmission with cooler—When built correctly and setup properly these are an amazing transmission, plus they have a high overdrive gear that allows decent fuel mileage
-Toyota split transfer case with 8% overdrive 2.81/1 Low range gearing
-Disk brake front axle and FF rear axle with 3.73 gearing
-ARB locker in the rear
-shackle reversal and around a 5 to 6 inch lift springs for clearance and to run 35” tires
-Saginaw power steering
-Webasto diesel powered coolant heater
-external roll cage
-tilt steering column
-Hurricane A/C and Heating
-40/20/40 style bench seats front and rear
At least that is all the parts I currently have on hand for the build. I am trying to figure dash layout for all the knobs and controls for various items. I am also looking into running an air to water intercooler for the engine---all depends on how much space is left after the radiator, a/c and transmission cooler. Also trying to figure out a step layout for the vehicle to help those who are vertically challenged to get in and out easily—but also something that can be easily removed when off-roading. I guess it’s a start anyway. More to come……

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Scott, very neat and innovative design... I got your message from Craig Reece - I look forward to talking sometime.. The idea of a 4BT powered crew cab is also just awesome...

 

[65swb45]

Now I know WHAT machine I am being a cog in! I don't get to this forum much anymore, seeing as a few guys here kind of burned me out.

I'll be starting on the t-case Monday Scott.

Is this the one you're aiming to get the tall skinnies on too? If so, repeat after me:

2" lift=235x85x16
4" lift =255x85x16.


Best

Mark A.

 

[Eco 45]

Now I know WHAT machine I am being a cog in!

Good guess---but the project that I am getting your help on has yet to be unveiled!!!!

The 4 door will have about a 5 inch lift when all is said and done and will be running the 255x85x16. Unfortunately, this project is going to have to take a side burner for a month while I bash on a couple Land Rovers and build the project mentioned above.....more to come.

 

[Eco 45]

Back on Life Support

Although flat lined for quite some time the project has a very very slow pulse yet once again. Have seen the original thread surface from time to time--however I will be posting all new updates on this thread. I say the project has a slow pulse due to the fact I will be working it in around other items---most of which Muders wont want to hear about because they involve Land Rover Diesel Conversions. A few things that have been addressed, and I will post photos of once delivered, are custom springs and rims to support the weight of the expected finish weight of the truck. Seat frames are being designed and finish work on the frame. Was just about to weld in engine mounts but then changed my mind about the engine to be used (even though it is sitting in my shop ready to drop in) Nothing too exciting but here a few new photos:

 

[Combat Chuck]

good looking progress! I'm glad to see you're still chipping away at this project, and I'm sure you could carve a diamond out of it!

Good luck!

What are your reasons for the 700R4 slushbox, if you don't mind my asking?
I recall your previous 45 build had a 5-speed stick, are you simply pursuing a different angle this time around?

 

[Eco 45]

What are your reasons for the 700R4 slushbox, if you don't mind my asking?
I recall your previous 45 build had a 5-speed stick, are you simply pursuing a different angle this time around?

Actually the whole engine, transmission and transfer case has changed kind of last minute. The truck will still be an automatic just not a 700R4. Reasons behind this is that the finished project is going to be used for several overland trips in which one of the drivers is unable to drive a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission so the truck will have an auto--I can hear several people cringe in the background. From personal experience if one is injured while out in the bush and unable to use one of your arms an automatic can be a life saver especially on tricky terrain. There are pros and cons to both transmissions--I like both, but I also have to work with the group I will be traveling with. Will have some more photos this next week.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Actually the whole engine, transmission and transfer case has changed kind of last minute. The truck will still be an automatic just not a 700R4. Reasons behind this is that the finished project is going to be used for several overland trips in which one of the drivers is unable to drive a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission so the truck will have an auto--I can hear several people cringe in the background. From personal experience if one is injured while out in the bush and unable to use one of your arms an automatic can be a life saver especially on tricky terrain. There are pros and cons to both transmissions--I like both, but I also have to work with the group I will be traveling with. Will have some more photos this next week.

Yeah, I'm cringing, but your explanation is very rational, it makes perfect sense.
Good luck!