2KCruiser
Everything 2KRacing, practically live here
Some of you might remember a build thread that @bugsnbikes started back in 2014 which captured my attention with Plasma cutter and some duct tape.
Link -> How it all started
I was always a fan of the 55 series. Not really sure why, was it the obnoxious bug eyed front end with the box like cabin? Don't know for sure but I would find myself in the classified section looking for one to make my own. After all, it started the break away from the 40 series platform into a Wagon. Other than finding a 55 that wasn't rusted and falling apart I was still left with the underpowered and ancient drivetrain. Another issue was offroad capabilities. The 55 chassis and suspension definitely has its limitations when comparing to our 80's. So what I really wanted was just the body of a 55 but all of what I was accustomed to in an 80. So when this thread came along with the first post being an 80 sliced in half I was like whoa. I was amazed by how he simply just went to town and cut up an 80 and started to just fit panels of a 55 and eventually build a really one of a kind rig. He then took it a step further when we got to the rear half with that bed design. If you read the original thread you will see how he simply built as he went along. Members chimed in with different ideas on which way to go and with a lot of time, effort and some duct tape, he ended up with something truly amazing. Over the years I messaged him about the possibility of purchasing his bits of bacon but I understood when you create something it definitely will not be easy to let go. Many years passed and I had contacted him again to touch base and see if it would be possible and kind of patiently waited. He agreed and made the arrangements to get her down to me. I have to say that he is a stand up dude and I appreciate every plasma cut and duct tape you put into her. I assured him I would continue the build and post here to hopefully get some advise as he did from members for this build.
My plans for this build is to have a well rounded and thought out rig I can take camping, crawling, shooting, etc.
Hoping to tackle the following in the near future, of course budget and time might think otherwise. In no specific order I would like to do the following;
Overall Maintenance, Complete Suspension/Lift, Diff Gears, Low Range Gears, E-Lockers, 37" wheel/tire combo, Complete Interior, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Stereo, Tail Light Wiring, Sliders, Under Armor Protection, Under-bed Storage, and the list goes on and on. I'm already overwhelmed but excited to start.
Here's a pic of the day it was dropped off last month in the middle of June. Sizzling Bacon indeed.
Putting this list here in no specific order so I can refer back as I complete them.
Link -> How it all started
I was always a fan of the 55 series. Not really sure why, was it the obnoxious bug eyed front end with the box like cabin? Don't know for sure but I would find myself in the classified section looking for one to make my own. After all, it started the break away from the 40 series platform into a Wagon. Other than finding a 55 that wasn't rusted and falling apart I was still left with the underpowered and ancient drivetrain. Another issue was offroad capabilities. The 55 chassis and suspension definitely has its limitations when comparing to our 80's. So what I really wanted was just the body of a 55 but all of what I was accustomed to in an 80. So when this thread came along with the first post being an 80 sliced in half I was like whoa. I was amazed by how he simply just went to town and cut up an 80 and started to just fit panels of a 55 and eventually build a really one of a kind rig. He then took it a step further when we got to the rear half with that bed design. If you read the original thread you will see how he simply built as he went along. Members chimed in with different ideas on which way to go and with a lot of time, effort and some duct tape, he ended up with something truly amazing. Over the years I messaged him about the possibility of purchasing his bits of bacon but I understood when you create something it definitely will not be easy to let go. Many years passed and I had contacted him again to touch base and see if it would be possible and kind of patiently waited. He agreed and made the arrangements to get her down to me. I have to say that he is a stand up dude and I appreciate every plasma cut and duct tape you put into her. I assured him I would continue the build and post here to hopefully get some advise as he did from members for this build.
My plans for this build is to have a well rounded and thought out rig I can take camping, crawling, shooting, etc.
Hoping to tackle the following in the near future, of course budget and time might think otherwise. In no specific order I would like to do the following;
Overall Maintenance, Complete Suspension/Lift, Diff Gears, Low Range Gears, E-Lockers, 37" wheel/tire combo, Complete Interior, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Stereo, Tail Light Wiring, Sliders, Under Armor Protection, Under-bed Storage, and the list goes on and on. I'm already overwhelmed but excited to start.
Here's a pic of the day it was dropped off last month in the middle of June. Sizzling Bacon indeed.
Putting this list here in no specific order so I can refer back as I complete them.
- Finish welding the cabin sheet metal and sealing it all up
- Reinforce roof with tubing
- Replace Overdrive button on shifter
ARB Twin Compressor w/manifold for air up- ARB Front and Rear Lockers
- 4.88 Gears
- Transfer Case - Sumo Low and OD Gears
- Diff Breather extensions
Center Diff Lock Button- Front and Rear Diff Protection
- Transmission / Transfer Case Protection
LED HeadlightsLED Reverse lightsWiper harness connection to factory switch- Soundproofing interior
- 60 series dash swap
- AUX Long Range Fuel Tank
- Front / Rear Recovery Points for shackles
Rear Bed Spare Tire MountSound Bar- Interior Lights
- Lockable under bed storage compartment
Roof Top Tent Mounting locations2nd Battery- Front / Rear Anti-Rock Sway Bars
Reinstall A/C system- New Heated seats
- Carpet and floor mats
- Lockable center arm rest with cup holders
Have fun while breaking the bank!
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