This looks like a great project. Did you think about splitting it down the middle to make a bit more narrow and trail worthy? You loose some space but less of a compromise trail wise.
Thanks.. The chinook is only an inch or 2 wider on either side of the 80 once you take into account the cladding. I think at its widest the chinook is 74". The 80 at its widest is 72 if I'm not mistaken. I kind of liked the idea of it being slightly wider. I'm going to run rims with less backspacing so the rear wheels will be pushed out slightly. It might be an idea for the next one if it does turn out to be a problem. I wanted to extend the frame 6-8 inches too but Im trying to keep this as simple as I can the first time around.
You mentioned a subframe from the camper, which made me wonder if the Chinook will articulate (solidly) with the frame, body, or nether one (considering frame flex...)? IOW, will the Chinook be solidly attached to the LX body?
I bring this up because I am thinking of those Unicat campers with their "3-point kinematic attachment with main and flex mounts for stress-free body coupling to the torsion elastic chassis frame"
I've seen a few of the builds on the expedition portal forum and like the way the frames incorporate the suspension like attachment points but I opted to have a rigid attachment. Originally was thinking the same thing and also trying to incorporate something in which i could remove the camper if necessary. Those rigs are much bigger and will have considerably more flex than the 80 series considering their length. Also the overhang of the Chinook and the way I will probably attach the fiberglass to the body I think something more rigid is better. I wish I had a photo of the frame i built but i didn't get a chance to take one before leaving. Its similar to Irbis's build on the Tundra chassis. He also had the chinook internal frame welded to the cab. The subframe has four cross members made of 1x3" square tube that extend across the bottom width of the camper. these are interconnected with 1" angle at 6 points along the length. The older chinook floors started to sag along the corners. This one will be virtually indestructible. The entire bottom will be fiberglasses and the bedlined. It will last the life of the 80. lts probably overkill considering i used 1 1/4" ply but i only want to do this once.
Looks good I really like this idea and can't wait to see it finished. I don't think that it looks to bad on there. I am curious what it will way when all finished and fully loaded.
I never would have thought to do that, but I think you're really onto something for a catch-all expedition rig - some good solid heavy springs to get it both stable & stiffer, plust a little lift to flex tires & you are looking at a winner, minus the price we all pay to feed our gas tanks, aside from that I'm a fan of your idea - interested in seeing your final outcome!
Forgot to send out a Thank You! To Devan (jeepgod). I bought the rig from him and drove it roughly 1200 miles. It runs so smooth i couldn't keep my foot off the pedal!! Got a ticket in NV... oh well.
Anyway, Im curios also about the weight. Like I mentioned before I went with 1 1/4 trailer tongue and groove trailer decking Ply and its pretty stout and heavy. This is getting fiberglassed on the bottom also. I think its overkill and 3/4 ply would probably be sufficient. I have another Chinook on the East coast so when i get around to it I will make the adjustments. Three guys can lift the Chinook (less the internal parts) so it gives you and idea of the weight. My feeling is that it will probably be similar to a fully armored rig. Two doors, rear hatch and tail gate, 2 and 3rd row seats, plus the body is a lot of weight. When I get the body back on it I will try and get a weight before the inside is fabricated.
Here are some updates.. Fiberglass work completed. Chinook mounted to body. Fiberglassed body to chinook. Bedlined entire truck. Painted interior. Fixed and mounted windows. Winch mounted. Ill post up more info later.
Thanks all. the color is darker than i wanted. Als says it can take up to 3 days for it to completely settle. The paint guys i spoke to said the color i wanted had a lotbof pearl in it which doesnt stand out as much so im interested to see how it turns out.
Nice to see an update. Maybe you could give some details about the overall build plan ie suspension, interior amenities of the camper or how self contained it will be?
... oh well. 
