Excessive isn't a bad thing, especially considering he's got the 1/4" available.
85 4Runner - Breathing some new life (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter hman913
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ntsqd
technerd
I guess. Just seems unnecessarily heavy.
- Thread starter
- #23
The weight difference is almost negligible between the two. The 1/4" will be ~2 lbs heavier that the 3/16". As far as putting 1/4" over top of the 1/8" spring hanger...the crossmember and spring hanger are only butt welded together. This additional plate will also reinforce those joints.
ntsqd
technerd
I guess I phrased that poorly. Welding thick to thin is not the best method. Welding closer same thicknesses is much better from a stress riser perspective. The 3/16 better matches the OEM frame material than does the 1/4". Can make something too stiff compared to what it's welded to around it, and then you only tear it loose thru those welds. A little thinner and it better matches the flexibility of the existing metal. If it's an off-the-shelf plate then you don't usually get a choice.
- Thread starter
- #25
I understand where you're coming from, but nothing is being welded to anything OEM.
- Thread starter
- #26
Wow I suck at this.
When I left off, I was just getting started rebuilding the front bumper. From the existing one, I scrapped everything but the winch tray and main tube. The tray got cut down ~2.5" on each end to only what I needed length-wise for the M8000, and then mock-up began.
Once alignment was good and gaps between the main tube and fenders were consistent, I cut out some supports, tacked 'em on, tacked the bumper to the frame for final check, then burned in the supports.
And finally tacked back to on to the frame to start fitting tube.
When I left off, I was just getting started rebuilding the front bumper. From the existing one, I scrapped everything but the winch tray and main tube. The tray got cut down ~2.5" on each end to only what I needed length-wise for the M8000, and then mock-up began.
Once alignment was good and gaps between the main tube and fenders were consistent, I cut out some supports, tacked 'em on, tacked the bumper to the frame for final check, then burned in the supports.
And finally tacked back to on to the frame to start fitting tube.
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Wow I suck at this.
When I left off, I was just getting started rebuilding the front bumper. From the existing one, I scrapped everything but the winch tray and main tube. The tray got cut down ~2.5" on each end to only what I needed length-wise for the M8000, and then mock-up began.
Once alignment was good and gaps between the main tube and fenders were consistent, I cut out some supports, tacked 'em on, tacked the bumper to the frame for final check, then burned in the supports.
And finally tacked back to on to the frame to start fitting tube.
Is there more to come or is this all you've done in two years??
All kidding aside, sweet 4runner man!! I hope to see more of this build. I'll be following for sure!
- Thread starter
- #28
Measurements taken, tubes cut and notched.
Turns out I kept the hoop as well, but it got shortened and steepened the angle a bit to help protect the engine bay even just a little should things ever get pear shaped. The main tube ends were also cut back to about in-line with the fender openings, though not pictured.
Stuck the bumper to the frame and finalized the front recovery point using a hitch receiver from a DIY bumper kit way back from my 40 build.
All done and painted with flat black...of course
Winch tucked up nicely into the grill.
Turns out I kept the hoop as well, but it got shortened and steepened the angle a bit to help protect the engine bay even just a little should things ever get pear shaped. The main tube ends were also cut back to about in-line with the fender openings, though not pictured.
Stuck the bumper to the frame and finalized the front recovery point using a hitch receiver from a DIY bumper kit way back from my 40 build.
All done and painted with flat black...of course
Winch tucked up nicely into the grill.
- Thread starter
- #29
July 2017...at this point it was almost 1 year since the truck saw daylight. Also a great time to $hit can the factory hardtop in favor of a Softopper. And for any purists, I had zero problem putting the hardtop out to the end of the driveway.
This was also about the time that I pulled out the carpeting because there is no amount of Febreeze that can cover up once-wet, musty smelling carpet. As you may remember the passenger area of the truck was covered with dynamat type stuff and for about 17 seconds I contemplated removing it in favor of never having to worry about wet carpet again. But installing new carpet won out.
However ridiculous the LED light looks on the front end, it was out of pure laziness that I kept it.
This was also about the time that I pulled out the carpeting because there is no amount of Febreeze that can cover up once-wet, musty smelling carpet. As you may remember the passenger area of the truck was covered with dynamat type stuff and for about 17 seconds I contemplated removing it in favor of never having to worry about wet carpet again. But installing new carpet won out.
However ridiculous the LED light looks on the front end, it was out of pure laziness that I kept it.
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I dig it! I'm trying to get rid of my 40 for a 1st gen 4Runner or mini-truck as I type...
- Thread starter
- #31
The need for interior storage...
For the cargo area I had done something similar in my old FJC so I knew I liked it. Using a 4'x8' sheet of 5/8" furniture grade plywood, a lot of measuring and finally some outdoor carpet we have a decent looking platform for stuff. The tie-downs are secured using tee nuts sunk into the underside.
Follow along for a the finished platform.
The hi-lift was a bit tricky figuring out a safe and accessible mounting location. On the factory roll bar there are threaded slugs for attaching the rear shoulder belts, which turned out to be ideal especially since I have no need for rear seats. With some stainless hardware - all-thread, nuts, washers and some bent rod I set to work.
With the distance figured out from the roll bar to the jack I welded a washer and nut to the all-thread.
Next, weld another nut and washer together and stick that (those?) to a flange nut with the bent rod. Don't forget to blend the weld at the two nuts for aesthetics.
Done and mounted.
For the cargo area I had done something similar in my old FJC so I knew I liked it. Using a 4'x8' sheet of 5/8" furniture grade plywood, a lot of measuring and finally some outdoor carpet we have a decent looking platform for stuff. The tie-downs are secured using tee nuts sunk into the underside.
Follow along for a the finished platform.
The hi-lift was a bit tricky figuring out a safe and accessible mounting location. On the factory roll bar there are threaded slugs for attaching the rear shoulder belts, which turned out to be ideal especially since I have no need for rear seats. With some stainless hardware - all-thread, nuts, washers and some bent rod I set to work.
With the distance figured out from the roll bar to the jack I welded a washer and nut to the all-thread.
Next, weld another nut and washer together and stick that (those?) to a flange nut with the bent rod. Don't forget to blend the weld at the two nuts for aesthetics.
Done and mounted.
- Thread starter
- #32
Is there more to come or is this all you've done in two years??
All kidding aside, sweet 4runner man!! I hope to see more of this build. I'll be following for sure!
Patience! Thank you!
Thank you! I've always enjoyed following your work here and on PBB. Well this is currently on the market, though I'm not looking for trades if that's your goal.
Bud, that has to be the prettiest welding I've ever seen. I hate you. Really hate.
steffan
SILVER Star
fantastic work!
- Thread starter
- #35
Labor Day weekend 2017
Loaded up for its maiden voyage. Nothing dumb, mostly just needing to learn another new truck and having some fun. My wife ended up driving a pretty gnarly washout without so much as a hiccup...except losing an inner bead on the driver's rear.
The only "action" shot
Things I learned... the truck is very stable, sticks Treps are [almost] worth the money (and will continue to prove themselves), the front leaf packs are hosed, and having multiple low options is pretty spectacular if only dual 2.28s.
At some point later that fall I ordered a new set of front leafs from Davez Offroad. The driver's side pack was flat at best. For whatever reason the front spring hanger isn't the typical width so the bushing shoulders had to be shaved down to about 1/8". What a PITA. I think if I have to replace them ever again I'll just 3 link it to save the agony and red/pink dust everywhere.
Loaded up for its maiden voyage. Nothing dumb, mostly just needing to learn another new truck and having some fun. My wife ended up driving a pretty gnarly washout without so much as a hiccup...except losing an inner bead on the driver's rear.
The only "action" shot
Things I learned... the truck is very stable, sticks Treps are [almost] worth the money (and will continue to prove themselves), the front leaf packs are hosed, and having multiple low options is pretty spectacular if only dual 2.28s.
At some point later that fall I ordered a new set of front leafs from Davez Offroad. The driver's side pack was flat at best. For whatever reason the front spring hanger isn't the typical width so the bushing shoulders had to be shaved down to about 1/8". What a PITA. I think if I have to replace them ever again I'll just 3 link it to save the agony and red/pink dust everywhere.
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I appreciate that! I would actually prefer to sell the 40 outright and shop for what I really want than trade, but trading does seem to work out well for me most of the time. I think the cross-country trip would kill any deal between us, though. LOL!
- Thread starter
- #37
I think that's part of the reason mine hasn't sold, though shipping this up from Texas wasn't terrible. Logistics also I think scares some.
- Thread starter
- #38
Mid-April this year we took weekend trip with the Keystone Cruisers to Rausch Creek. We left NY with grey overcast skies and low 40's, and by Saturday afternoon in PA it was pushing 80 degrees. Nothing crazy trail-wise, just some good times with good people.
Our rather motley crew headed by @shmukster and his beautiful 40 with @jamarquardt22 @Cass007 and some others I don't remember.
Love this truck
And on our way back to the staging area, Bob's mini decided it was time for nap while being towed back. Thankfully no one was hurt, but did obviously suffer some body damage and a bent wheel. Winched it back over, hooked back up to be towed and continued on our merry way.
Our rather motley crew headed by @shmukster and his beautiful 40 with @jamarquardt22 @Cass007 and some others I don't remember.
Love this truck
And on our way back to the staging area, Bob's mini decided it was time for nap while being towed back. Thankfully no one was hurt, but did obviously suffer some body damage and a bent wheel. Winched it back over, hooked back up to be towed and continued on our merry way.
joseywales
Renaissance Redneck
I’ve had multiple 40s and diesel 60s, and I’m really loving the 1st Gen 4Runner I bought this week! The PO had it for 12 years (2nd owner) and said “I did lots of work to it recently”. I looked at 3 receipts out of the 1/2” stack today and they totaled over $10,000 spent in the last 20,000 miles. I had no idea! I was just happy to get a 1st Gen for way less than a beat YJ!
Love the rig you’ve got human! Looks great. I’d really love a soft top but dang, they are spendy!
I spent $50 more for a running driving 4runner then I did for the softtopper I put on it. I like it alot screw the price. It was worth it to me.
