Build Build #2 - 45 Extended Cab, 80 Frame, iForce 5.7 3UR

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

A bit late here, but for future reference, the filter mount from the 1UR FE in the Lexus GX460 could be a clearance/problem solver here. The good is that it mounts the filter horizontally which gains an inch or two of clearance. The bad is that Toyota decided not to mount up the oil cooler, despite the assembly being designed and cast to accept one, the housing is machined in a way that prevents adding one without throwing some extra work at it.
UZJ40 said:
I took the front springs out and the the frame lower all they way to check clearance. The part circled in red is the oil filter/oil cooler/pressure relief valve. It did make contact with the front diff at full bump, so I knew I had to relocate it.

View attachment 2866599

I thought about going with an aftermarket oil filter relocation kit, but I couldn't find one with a pressure relief valve build in, and I liked the idea of the OEM oil cooler, so I just decided to move this one.
Click to expand...
 
Just checking in.... Finally sub-100 degree days out here in the desert, and gorgeous evenings means time to drive the 45 again!

20251002_182321.webp


Also picked up a new daily driver last week. It was quite the adventure! Flew to Indianapolis IN and drove it all the way home. Ended up being about 30 hours of drive time.

1997 Toyota Toyoace
4x4
AC
5 Speed
Diesel 2.8L

20250924_172749.webp


20250924_231236.webp


Fits right in, and even the right color! It will get some light mods. Already got the windows tinted, and a few other small things.

20251002_180628.webp


20251002_180330.webp
 
After 5 years of working in my shop, I decided it was finally time to finish the drywall, mud, tape, and paint.

What a huge project! Took about 10 days from start to finish. I moved everything out, and a crew of 4 guys came in and did the drywall work. When they were finished, I painted everything and started moving everything back in. I'm just about back to 100%.

Next projects - AC on the 45 and turbo on the Toyoace

20250929_134233.webp


20250929_152515.webp


20250930_144404.webp


20251002_150431.webp


20251004_184314.webp
 
archie73 said:
20 years later I’m still pushing that off. If we ever sell it’d be worth the effort. Someday…
Click to expand...
It was definitely worth it! I would say I should have done it a while ago, but not necessarily so. Its nice using the shop for a few years to figure out where you want everything and what layout works before finalizing walls, lights, outlets, air drops, etc.

I'm glad it is finally done though. It was like pulling off a band aid.... just had to do it all at once!
 
UZJ40 said:
It was definitely worth it! I would say I should have done it a while ago, but not necessarily so. Its nice using the shop for a few years to figure out where you want everything and what layout works before finalizing walls, lights, outlets, air drops, etc.

I'm glad it is finally done though. It was like pulling off a band aid.... just had to do it all at once!
Click to expand...

I agree it's nice to have that time to figure out how your shops going to work before committing to a layout.

I started building my 8k sq ft shop 9 years ago. I still need to insulate and tin the ceiling in one 60x60 area filled with machines. Eventually it will get done.
 
Bad Mojo said:
Hold up, I know you’ve built some cool trucks, but can we talk about the gantry crane integrated into the 2 post lift for a minute I assume the gantry is all custom?

Is there a build thread on the shop?
Click to expand...
I don't have a build thread on the shop....

I did build the crane based off the 2 post lift. I always wanted a rolling bridge crane, and a two post lift gets you half of the legs you need to support it. So I welded up the other support against the wall, put the H beam up there with trolley track on it, and put the other H beam on top of the lift.

I love the setup. I use it a couple times a week since I'm always working by myself. Lifting the bed and tub on and off the frame while doing my motor swap was effortless with it.

20230111_153306.webp


20230113_083921.webp
 
UZJ40 said:
I don't have a build thread on the shop....

I did build the crane based off the 2 post lift. I always wanted a rolling bridge crane, and a two post lift gets you half of the legs you need to support it. So I welded up the other support against the wall, put the H beam up there with trolley track on it, and put the other H beam on top of the lift.

I love the setup. I use it a couple times a week since I'm always working by myself. Lifting the bed and tub on and off the frame while doing my motor swap was effortless with it.

View attachment 4011631

View attachment 4011620
Click to expand...
Great setup!
 
reddog90 said:
Looks like you've already done some work on the toyoace. I didn't know they were as rare as I'm reading about now.
Click to expand...
I have done a bit of work - wheels, tires, lift, rack. I started a build thread for it over in the diesel section.

Toyoace Build Thread

They are fairly rare, but depending on the market, they are called a Hiace truck, Toyoace, or Dyna. The Toyoace seems to be the most rare, but if you're browsing around on bring a trailer or similar sights, look for the Dyna and Hiace as well.

20251012_115020.webp
 
Cab over pickups should be a thing.
I'd kill to have a 4 door with a proper box fit in the footprint of a day cab regular box


Unfortunately most people buy pickups to make their little peepee feel better while the rest of us just want a tool to make money with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom