My 86 4Runner Build

[locknload]

I started with an '86 4Runner SR5 with 134K on the clock. Bone stock except for the 30" BFG's. I even removed the hideous aluminum running boards before the first pic. I bought it in Forida so no rust and it was pretty clean to start with.



After my first trip to Paragon, I knew I needed some armor. Warning- Extreme flex pic below.



So began the building. I have a JD2 bender, four dies, Miller 175, torch set up, HF notcher, and had some free 1 1/4" Sch. 40 pipe on it's way.
I started with the front bumper, didn't want something really crazy so I kept it close to the body.




I added another center tube, painted it and called it good,




Rear bumper was next. The main hoop was 1 1/2" sch. 40 and the uppers are 1 1/4". Lateral supports are about one inch. I ended up added a receiver tube and a little extra support. I shortened the factory brackets, beveled the ends, welded and added a scab plate to the inside.









I wanted my sliders to be tucked close as I could picture myself eating shit trying to get out in a hurry. Once I had a basic design, I went with a 25deg. rise. Used 4" scab plates pn the frame and some of that 1" tube for gussets. The notcher worked well for the angles needed.





They turned out to be very stout and have worked fine.






I wanted a little more storage in the rear so I fabbed up a cargo rack from 1/2" square tubing (yeah I have that die too). I made it mount completely internal so it will work with the top on as well. It's just high enough to get my gear boxes and cooler underneath.






So came the desire for SAS.
Here are some progress pics. 4" full TG w/ 5" rears. Hopefully it won't be a Stinkbug, if so I'll remove a leaf. Tomorrow a.m. I'll install the brake lines, bleed then turn it around and start the rear. I mounted the hanger 3/4" forward to get my shackles vertical per my call to TG. Sure looks like my axle moved forward more than 3/4". Thanks to Beaters levers, I finally got two tires mounted and will do the others tomorrow. Overall the install is not too bad. I hope the springs come down some after some use, it's a little tall.



Later CRAP!!


Couldn't wait any longer, had to see the height with tires, used 35's.

[BeaterToyota]

Looks good.

[94krawler]

I bet the front drops just leveling it out.

[locknload]

Mostly finished. It's raining all day Sunday so I'll do some more later. I think I need to move the rear shackle mounts back another inch to get a little less angle. About 32 deg. now, too much for a new spring. The front angle looks pretty good so I can finish stitching the hanger.
I really didn't expect this thing to be this big, I'd better start flexin' it and break in the springs.

[BeaterToyota]

Originally Posted by locknload

I really didn't expect this thing to be this big, I'd better start flexin' it and break in the springs.

You've seen mine, and I just have 3" front springs and a cobbled together 4" rear setup. :lol:

Yours looks good. It'll be a whole new experience driving it. You'll have to relearn.

[locknload]

Yeah yours shocked me, I guess after having mine basically stock for so long... Can you measure your trucks height for me? Maybe to the widow felt at the top of the door or bottom of the front fender?
How does my rear shackle look? Think I need to move it back a little?

[KnuckleHead]

Originally Posted by locknload

How does my rear shackle look? Think I need to move it back a little?

The rear looks good from what I can see; the front is the one I'd be concerned with.

[Boheefus]

my front has a nice angle on it now that it is broken in, the rear is still too vertical for my tastes, but I don't feel like trying to fool with it prior to an outing

[locknload]

According to TG, the front springs will relax as will the shackle angle. John (TG) says he sets up all the trucks like that and the shackles always relax back. I'd just hate for the rears to relax and bring the shackles back even more. I'm just being overly paranoid.

[Ted]

Looks good.