I started this thread over at expedition portal, but thought it might be better here. I've had my 80 (1996) three years now and haven't had much to contribute for a build thread. I bought the truck from my friend John (Juane Tobascofish on MUD) who did all the good, fun, and expensive stuff and sold it to me. When I got it it look like it had been hit with a Slee truck - a full complement of armor- bumpers, sliders, roof rack, OME lift, ARBs lockers, etc. It was built for wheeling and John did a lot of it. I, on the other hand, like to travel across landscapes (as dirty as possible) for several days to weeks at a time and my needs are just a bit different.
Since I've had it, I've done PM, spent boatloads on gas, added a second battery and have installed 12V, a fuse block and some 12v sockets in the rear. That's it.
My goals for this build:
My crude plan:
I've bookmarked a bunch of the cool builds you guys have done - read through those again in the coming weeks.
Build a platform system out of 80/20 and plywood using Wolf boxes as storage.
Replace steel wheels and 305/70/16 MTRs with stock aluminum wheels and 285/75/16s or maybe 255/85/16s (ST Maxx likely)
Replace ARB roof rack with FrontRunner full length rack
Fridge with slider
Convince Mrs. Ranchero that a rooftop tent may not be the best idea, but that's not likely to happen.
I already have a perfectly serviceable platform built out of 1/4 aluminum sheet and angle iron that mounts using the factory third row seat quick-release mounts. The platform comes out very easily. It also seemed really heavy so I hatched a plan to replace it with aluminum frame and plywood. Wishful thinking and a twitchy index finger while surfing ebay lead to the purchase of some 80/20 stock before researching potential weight saving carefully. It looks like the 80/20 won't save much, if any weight, but I'm going to reinvent the wheel in any case. Gotta do something to the truck to put my thumbprint on it.
This is what it looked like when I started.
And with some of the stuff the UPS babe on wheels delivered...
OK - ready to start. FedEx dropped of a new Adventure Trailers combo slide yesterday… Now we can begin.
Let me start by saying that while I'm generally a cheapskate, I'm of the mind of doing it right the first time and making it last. The A/T slide costs a pretty penny but provides a way to fit the most kitchen area in the least amount of space, has easy access to make a quick cuppa joe road or trailside and is of quality that is unparalleled.
I've built a platform out of 80/20 extruded aluminum. The platform is attached with rivets to the floor - 5 bolts and about 10 minutes to get it out.
I wanted to be able to make it modular so that I could use it with or without one or both of the second row seats. You can kind of get the idea here:
And here it is almost done...
Since I've had it, I've done PM, spent boatloads on gas, added a second battery and have installed 12V, a fuse block and some 12v sockets in the rear. That's it.
My goals for this build:
- #1 Have fun
and the rest in no particular order - Increase fuel mileage (or at least don't decrease it much)
- Lose some weight if possible, especially rotating mass
- Be able to sleep in/on and near vehicle
- Carry three (and sometimes four) people comfortably
- Incorporate fridge and stove
- Have cold and maybe hot water on board
- Onboard air
- Incorporate 3g/4g communications for work
- Move HighLift into pass compartment
- Have the ability to move gear between the 80 and my Syncro.
My crude plan:
I've bookmarked a bunch of the cool builds you guys have done - read through those again in the coming weeks.
Build a platform system out of 80/20 and plywood using Wolf boxes as storage.
Replace steel wheels and 305/70/16 MTRs with stock aluminum wheels and 285/75/16s or maybe 255/85/16s (ST Maxx likely)
Replace ARB roof rack with FrontRunner full length rack
Fridge with slider
Convince Mrs. Ranchero that a rooftop tent may not be the best idea, but that's not likely to happen.
I already have a perfectly serviceable platform built out of 1/4 aluminum sheet and angle iron that mounts using the factory third row seat quick-release mounts. The platform comes out very easily. It also seemed really heavy so I hatched a plan to replace it with aluminum frame and plywood. Wishful thinking and a twitchy index finger while surfing ebay lead to the purchase of some 80/20 stock before researching potential weight saving carefully. It looks like the 80/20 won't save much, if any weight, but I'm going to reinvent the wheel in any case. Gotta do something to the truck to put my thumbprint on it.
This is what it looked like when I started.
And with some of the stuff the UPS babe on wheels delivered...
OK - ready to start. FedEx dropped of a new Adventure Trailers combo slide yesterday… Now we can begin.
Let me start by saying that while I'm generally a cheapskate, I'm of the mind of doing it right the first time and making it last. The A/T slide costs a pretty penny but provides a way to fit the most kitchen area in the least amount of space, has easy access to make a quick cuppa joe road or trailside and is of quality that is unparalleled.
I've built a platform out of 80/20 extruded aluminum. The platform is attached with rivets to the floor - 5 bolts and about 10 minutes to get it out.
I wanted to be able to make it modular so that I could use it with or without one or both of the second row seats. You can kind of get the idea here:
And here it is almost done...
Last edited:
