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Waiting on parts. I hope they fit when they get here. When I'm stalled I look for inspiration on the internet. The first design principle I'd like to achieve is not too tall, but with big tires. I think this follows along with functionality. If I lived in the swamps, it would be different, but...

Mock up of ride height on 37's. Still working on getting leaf spring bushings so I can get this on the wheels.

A little Trooper history. The Trooper came out in 1981. The original, first generation, had round headlights. People call them "round eyes." That's the Style I am building. I think they look the coolest because of the old school round headlights. They made round eyes from 81 to 86. One other...

Another beautiful day out so I did some repairs to the frame. Fixed the rear shock mount and a crack up where the steering box mounts. There's rain in the forecast so I think the parts cleaning station will see some use later this week. Time to start rebuilding the front and rear axles.

Progress! Lots going on. First thing, I got a new welding helmet. Now I can actually see. My old helmet was auto-darkening, but it was too dark. I was welding blind. It dawned on me that it was 30 years old! Of course I have more issues. I'm getting a lot of splatter; too much. It could be dirty...

I was going to put the Patagonia's on my F350, but the fuel mileage on that truck is really getting me down. I don't like to drive it because it leaves a trail of dollar bills behind it. I think the ecm is going out on it. It's a common problem. I want the Trooper to become my daily, camping, 4...

I'm not stretching the wheelbase. The wheelbase is factory chevy Blazer. That's 2 inches longer that the Trooper. I'm going to stretch the front core support over what the Trooper body has to give me more tire and motor clearance. Not sure if I mentioned this, but I'm going to be running 37 inch...

I've looked at it, but I need to make more progress on where everything's going. The blazer chassis is longer and the wheelbase is just over 2 inches longer. I'm going to line up the rear tires with the wheel opening on the Trooper. The frame will stick out the rear. I'm going to put that to...

I put a hellwig on my F350 and it made a huge difference. It was a simple bolt on. I had to figure out a rear application for this truck because the progressive leaf springs are super plush, so you can't tow with them. The back end gets all over the road. Now I'm wondering what to do on the...

Finally some progress. I sent my welding bottle out and they had to test it first. That was 3 weeks ago. The welding supply place finally gave me a loaner bottle until mine comes back. Started mocking up the Rock Jock sway bar. Fabricating the mounts from scratch. So far everything is lining up...

We've all done it. Don't even say that word. So many awesome people lost to that horrible disease.

I'll bet that many of you are not as excited as I am about this, but I feel very blessed to have scored this parts cleaner. Even after replacing all the hoses, it was less than $100, grunge and all. :love:

Am I wrong in assuming that 35's or 37's would fit easily with no lift or minimal lift? Lift is counterproductive off road unless you're building a mud bogger.

Using some CAD to check clearances around the Rock Jock sway bar. Cardboard Aided Design. Looks like it clears the rear end and drive shaft. I'll design the torque arm around it later. All the bushings are out from the leaf springs and shackles. Found the sizes I need from Energy. Custom springs...

There is no perfect vehicle. Go with what you know and what is proven. If the Toyota will pull the grades, it sounds great.

Pulling the bushings out of the leaf springs. Ordered replacements based on year. My Rancho springs are not stock, so they didn't fit. Had to call Energy Suspension for help. Got it! Great customer service. Parts ordered soon. All the bolts are rusted and pitted so it's a good thing that I...

Today sucked. Everything went wrong. Waiting for parts. My welding regulator broke. First world problems. Still blessed and hope you all are too! Just have to think about better days!

This is the donor vehicle. Photo taken in the early 90's. Interestingly, I had shaved the door handles and put flush handles from another vehicle. That vehicle was an Isuzu pickup. Check out those Enkei, saw blade wheels.

Removing more from the frame. I took off the chevy body mounts on both sides. They are riveted on at the factory. I'm going to be running rock sliders and didn't want to be limited as to how they can attach. I also want some type of exoskeleton cage. That means I should forgo rubber body mounts...

I decided to go 8 lug. When I drove this chassis around it always had a leak on one side. I think I found the culprit. Someone beat the crap out of this or some other catastrophe happened along the way. I bought this 14 bolt from a junkyard and just threw it in. I guess I'll have to dip into...