Old blue 85 extra cab 22re shop truck build

[Ozark cruiser]

After selling the 13 Tacoma I had my mind set on finding another 1st or second gen pickup to build as a shop truck for ozark overland outfitters. This 85 feel in my lap and I fell in love with it inspite of its issues and automatic trans

 

[Ozark cruiser]

So we got it home and gave it a once over btw the 30 min drive home was a blast and brought back old memories of the other mini trucks that I’ve enjoyed before the long stint of nothing but Land cruisers in my life

 

[Ozark cruiser]

I took a page out of @wngrog book and got after it with clr cleaner with a scotch brite pad and got he old girl cleaned up

 

[wngrog]

The polishing of a turd is always a good thing

 

[Manhattan]

Damn! That before and after reminds of the '80s era commercials where the dude polishes a car in the junkyard. She looks great!

What are you plans for the truck?

 

[Ozark cruiser]

Damn! That before and after reminds of the '80s era commercials where the dude polishes a car in the junkyard. She looks great!

What are you plans for the truck?

I have mixed feelings the truck is good enough to do a restoration on and just use it for light use and shop truck duties. Then the old mini truck guy in me wants to do dual cases 35s but keep it low as I can and build it for running trails. Whatever I do it’s going to be high quality parts and done we’re it’s super nice and fun to use. The bed either way will end up a flat bed or tube bed the po put on a 3rd gen bed years ago after a reverse accident

 

[Manhattan]

My Xtra cab started in a similar place - good enough to restore, didn't have the O.E. bed and I kinda wanted a flatbed anyway. Old Blue definitely looks like a solid candidate for a restoration/build.

 

[Ozark cruiser]

I’ve been following your build it’s awesome

My Xtra cab started in a similar place - good enough to restore, didn't have the O.E. bed and I kinda wanted a flatbed anyway. Old Blue definitely looks like a solid candidate for a restoration/

My Xtra cab started in a similar place - good enough to restore, didn't have the O.E. bed and I kinda wanted a flatbed anyway. Old Blue definitely looks like a solid candidate for a restoration/build.

 

[wngrog]

Focus.

Shop truck. Commuter.

 

[Ozark cruiser]

It’s too much fun to polish a turd and poor money into it

Focus.

Shop truck. Commuter

 

[Ozark cruiser]

 

[wngrog]

Have it

 

[Ozark cruiser]

This is the suspension that is on its way. We do 100 percent Dobinsons suspensions on all our land cruiser builds at ozark overland outfitters and seen it needed to try out the mini truck suspension on this little work horse and should smooth out the ride those old 30 something year old springs and shocks have lost miles ago

 

[Ozark cruiser]

 

[Ozark cruiser]

I like the looks of this u bolt flip kit with the built in bump stop pads from low range Offroad so we are going to give them a try

 

[Manhattan]

What's anticipated lift with the Dobinson system? The previous owner - a cattle rancher - swapped in some heavies. The truck is a stiff and tall. I'd like to drop down to 2-2'5" over factory.

 

[Ozark cruiser]

It is a 2 inch lift I picked light load it will give a nice ride and be a great reliable system. I’ve done marlin long travel in past but I don’t want to cut and weld all new brackets on and my experience the bushings are junk and constantly had to replace and there lowest lift gives way to much lift for what I want. If you want to switch give me a holler I will hook you up with a great price

 

[Manhattan]

That Dobinson system sounds perfect. I'll definitely give you a holler when it's time to swap the suspension.

I'd hoped that the bumper up front and all that steel on the rear would bring her down a bit. Nope. If I stand on the flatbed and jump up and down, I get about 3/4" of movement.

In a perfect world Patty would be an 1" lower with a LOT more squish.

 

[Ozark cruiser]

That Dobinson system sounds perfect. I'll definitely give you a holler when it's time to swap the suspension.

I'd hoped that the bumper up front and all that steel on the rear would bring her down a bit. Nope. If I stand on the flatbed and jump up and down, I get about 3/4" of movement.

In a perfect world Patty would be an 1" lower with a LOT more squish.
View attachment 2781706

I know we can sort you out

 

[Ozark cruiser]

Part of the 5.29 gear swap came in today. Plan is 5.29 with high pinion 80 series front diff arb air lockers