Builds 82 first Gen Project (RECON) (2 Viewers)

[CazzaW]

Like your build. Can you tell me why the frame reinforcement? My new project has had plates welded in the same area behind the cab. Just wondering if it must be a common problem?
I love the gray steelies!

 

[SFROMAN]

Like your build. Can you tell me why the frame reinforcement? My new project has had plates welded in the same area behind the cab. Just wondering if it must be a common problem?
I love the gray steelies!

Behind the cab?
I only reinforced the frame in the front of the frame where the new shock hoops and power steering pump are located.

 

[CazzaW]

Behind the cab?
I only reinforced the frame in the front of the frame where the new shock hoops and power steering pump are located.

My bad. I thought it was rear springs I was looking at.

 

[SFROMAN]

Finally wheeled the little old truck. It performed awesome. Took a while to figure out the triple sticks but the truck performed just like it was designed to do. I wheeled it with the 33s all terrains but planning to upgrade to 35x15 mud terrains to help with the muddy, rocky terrain we have here in NC.

Sorry, no trail pics. Was to busy driving and had my kid with me.

 

[SFROMAN]

Before

After

35x12.5x15 km3 15x8 rim
The front needed 1/4 spaced due to the v6 calipers.

 

[SFROMAN]

New to do list

U bolt flip all four corners -DONE
Weld new rear shock mounts- done
Cut about 12 inch from rear of bed- done
Cut about 6 inches from rear of frame- done

 

[SFROMAN]

U bolt flip kit installed.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

I love bobbed first gens. This truck is getting awesomer and awesomer.

 

[SFROMAN]

The new rims hit the brake calipers. I have been using a 1/4 inch spacer. Well that made the wheel studs too short. Instead of replacing them with longer studs it was recommended to grind down the calipers to clear the rim.

 

[SFROMAN]

Little rub with the tires on the front fenders fixed.

 

[SFROMAN]

No turning back now. Cutting 12” off the long bed.

 

[gnob]

Please tell me you are changing colour to that Toyota blue....

 

[SFROMAN]

It was a long day but got it done. I personally love the new look. Chopped 12” off the back of the bed.

I should call the truck patches hahaha. Just Messing around with colors to show the kids.

 

[SFROMAN]

Please tell me you are changing colout to that Toyota blue....

Was doing spray outs to show my kids what the truck would look like.

I am going to spray it gray with a little more metallic than the gray in this picture.

 

[yotadude520]

Nice job man, this is making me miss my 80 pickup!

I think the blue would look really nice on that truck!

 

[SFROMAN]

Nice job man, this is making me miss my 80 pickup!

I think the blue would look really nice on that truck!

My kids picked blue also. But for now I have some cheap gray paint that I’m going to spray while I continue to do body work and rust removal.

When I’m finally done I will respray it with good automotive paint in Toyota blue. Maybe cavalry blue with old school stripes.

 

[SFROMAN]

I sectioned the bed floor slightly off set from the bedsides for 4 good reasons.

1 I removed most of the rusty bed floor
2 able to Keep the bed supports under neath
3 have more bed floor left over to patch up other small rusty sections on this bed and on my other short bed
4 got to keep the end piece of the bed floor near the tail gate.

I also reinforced the rear of the bed near the tailgate because most of that area had popped the welds and was very rusty. Replaced it with 3/16 piece of plate for more rigidity.

Not done. Still have to patch a few more areas. But good enough for now.

 

[Meatdawg]

I just read this entire thread....what a journey you and this truck have been on! Very cool and capable rig.

 

[SFROMAN]

Went out to GSMTR this past weekend and had a blast with the truck. Right away I realized I had to do some trimming of the fenders and modify the cab with a hammer in order to improve my turning radius on uneven terrain with the bigger tires.

Also broke a drive shaft but was able to repair it and get back on the trails.

No pictures while on the trail. Was too busy driving but here is one on the trailer

Here is the fixed drive shaft

Luckily it broke clean enough to be able to salvage it. It is stronger now than new.

 

[gnob]

Crazy lucky break there man.