Builds Evolution of a Land Cruiser: My 80's build thread (17 Viewers)

[jcardona1]

Rear bumper is gone! Sold it this weekend. Trying to get something a bit higher clearance to match the looks of the front. Debated going with something entirely DIY with lots of cutting but I think the clearance gained would be minimal when compared to the amount of work it would require. So at this point I'm leaning towards a DIY 4x4Labs kit. Still TBD.

Here you can see how much taller the truck looks in the back without all that weight. The increase in lift also meant I couldn't pull the truck out of the garage so I had to remove the roof rack mounts. I'll have to figure out something else as I plan on adding taller springs in the back. I may have to cut the rack in half and resort to only mounting it up when I go camping/wheeling because leaving the truck parked in my driveway is NOT an option.

 

[scottryana]

To make it look uniform, I would cut the rear rocker at least up to the first body line kick out. And then create upswept wings like on the front to reach that height. Not only that it gives you huge body clearance behind the tires for rolling off and you could cut the rear frame even further back that the 4x4Labs kit, plate it up and you would have basically no overhang past the body.

 

[jcardona1]

To make it look uniform, I would cut the rear rocker at least up to the first body line kick out. And then create upswept wings like on the front to reach that height. Not only that it gives you huge body clearance behind the tires for rolling off and you could cut the rear frame even further back that the 4x4Labs kit, plate it up and you would have basically no overhang past the body.

I did toss that idea around a bit. I saw this pic in the latest 4WD Toyota magazine. I like how he cut the rocker and made a mini slider attached to the frame. I was thinking of connecting that to the rear crossmember. While it would give it the impression of much more clearance from the side you still have the issue of the frame rails being the lowest point out back. There's really not much room to make them any shorter if I still want to keep the swingouts, which is why I was leaning to just running the regular 4x4Labs bumper.

I was also wondering if I could raise the Labs bumper by notching the frame then cutting out whatever's in the way at the rockers. But I'm not sure if this would work as I can't tell what other fitment issues I'd run into.

 

[scottryana]

Well the frame rails are only the clearance issue for the middle of the truck. The outside of the truck would still gain the clearance. I don't think you could raise the 4x4Labs bumper that way because the top of the bumper would interfere with the back being able to open.

 

[Razor One]

J knows what REALLY needs to be done.

 

[jcardona1]

J knows what REALLY needs to be done.

Ha! I actually did that in Paint a few weeks ago. The ideal solution would be a semi-bob. Too much work though

 

[Razor One]

If that's too much work, then I like the picture you posted from the 4wd magazine. I'm in the R&D phase of my rear bumper build, too, and that's probably what I'll do. It's just sheet metal, right?

 

[jcardona1]

If that's too much work, then I like the picture you posted from the 4wd magazine. I'm in the R&D phase of my rear bumper build, too, and that's probably what I'll do. It's just sheet metal, right?

Sheet metal and money! I have way too many projects going on. Need to take it one step at a time. Also need to do a rocker chop and make new sliders. Then the 3-link. And part-time 4x4.

 

[Razor One]

Sheet metal and money! I have way too many projects going on. Need to take it one step at a time. Also need to do a rocker chop and make new sliders. Then the 3-link. And part-time 4x4.

3-link and part-time have been on your list for a while, too. Do you even have a list?

 

[jcardona1]

3-link and part-time have been on your list for a while, too. Do you even have a list?

Not officially, no. 3-link kit was paid for a few weeks ago. Once it shows up the truck will be going into tear down mode and I'll address the part-time conversion then.

 

[capthuff]

I used the flush mount SR-M's for side marker lights.... Very bright and I'm sure by no means DOT approved!!!

 

[jcardona1]

I used the flush mount SR-M's for side marker lights.... Very bright and I'm sure by no means DOT approved!!!

HAHA holy sh1t those are bright. Nice!

 

[jcardona1]

Another pile of parts, another bumper project (4x4Labs rear bumper)

 

[jtwopark]

where is the rest of the bumper?

 

[jcardona1]

where is the rest of the bumper?

Back of the truck, sorry

 

[jtwopark]

i hope it rains so that you won't be able to work on it!

 

[Finnyfam60]

It gets put in the garage, remember...

 

[jtwopark]

darn, that's right his rig fits in the garage!...hmmmmm i hope that due to the rain, there is a black out so his welder doesn't work!!!

 

[RhinoFZJ80]

Oh this is nice

 

[warezdog]

Do you just show up a Luke's place and start throwing stuff in your truck?!