Here are the latest pics of the build going on here at Portal-Tek. The 12 point cage came together nicely. We had to strip the dash out so that we could trim it for the A post bars to go thru the dash instead of wrapping around it. This saves leg room and makes it trophy truck strong without losing normal entry. The cage also continues through the firewall where it will tie into the motor cage for weight transfer and a solid mounting point for the front coilovers. There are some surprises in store for some interior details to really give this truck full trophy truck capability without losing drivability. We are getting ready to start on the next stage of the build which is going to be a full tubular chassis that ties to the cage underneath the 80 body again for full weight transfer and strength. This also allows us to optimize suspension geometry and put the weight where we want it as opposed to having to fit within the stock framerails. This way we can make a truck capable of handling the big whoops sections at speed while still being able to fit in some of the "necessities for expedition" that Ron needs. Now we are just waiting on the green light from Ron to go on to the next stage. We have put a lot of thought and engineering in to the scope of this build with Ron. Here is a brief glimpse of what we have agreed with Ron to finish this truck.
Full tubular chassis, flat bellied, with UHMD skidpale.
Full 7075 4-link front and rear with adjustable height on Sway-a-way coilovers
Portal-Tek G3 Pro-Series portal axles with CTIS wider than stock
40 Maxxis Creepy Crawlers on Hutchinsons forged DOT beadlocks
Line-X Spray in Liner interior and bottom side.
Custom front and rear bumpers and Modular roof rack with tent option
Custom snorkel
ATS twin turbo with custom 5" exhaust
O-Rings, big injectors, FASS pump and intercooler for the 6BT diesel
Paint (white) with blackout hood
80 gallon custom fuel cell
25 gallon custom water tank. Hot and cold water for the long trips
Icelandic fender flares
Toshiba Toughbook integrated into the dash on hideaway mounts fully GPS capable (primary system)
Alpine double din head unit slaved to the Toughbook (GPS secondary system)
5K watt inverter
Ron is man with a plan and definitely has the ability to think big. So it is very safe to say that this is the short list. We will probably continue to change tweek and refine this list as things go along (bigger, better, badder, etc.). We are always here working so if anyone wants to check out what's going on please schedule a time to drop on by.
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