westranger29
Adventurer
Been meaning to post some updates of what I got going on, finally getting around to it. Somewhat budget build, but it will be ongoing and lots of pics to come.
Picked up the truck about a month ago, cherry condition, steal of a deal. All stock aside from bigger tires, 178k mi, V6 4x4, locking rear diff. Here it is when I bought it.
Intent is to set it up as a do anything, go (most) anywhere rig. Build out the back and keep it stealth, not something that stands out to much.
Only major thing it needed was rear axle bearing and seals on one side, so took care of that myself first thing. Ran into a few hiccups but got it all done.
First thing was to find a canopy. Searched Craigslist patiently and scored one (matching! none the less) for $100. Not a perfect fit, but it was 99%, enough for me to make it work with a few tweaks. The issue was at the light at the top of the back of the cab, the canopy needed to be about 3/4" taller to clear it so it wouldn't touch. Came up with the plan to fab some rails to add on top of the bed rails. Worked well and solved the problem!
Here it is when I picked it up, hard to tell the fit isn't right from the pic.
Fab process, haven't figured out what I'm going to do about the little gap at the back ends of the rails. Open to suggestions.
Sealed up the tail gate as well, trying to keep out the rain as much as possible.
Few pics running some fire roads testing it out.
Came up with a plan for a sleeping platform and storage in the back. I wanted to still be able to utilize the bed space if I needed to, and not do anything to permanent. Only cost $100 in materials and took me a day to do this, happy to provide additional info for anyone looking to do the same thing!
I'll have more pics coming, working on hooking up lighting in the back right now. Just picked up a Yakima rack set up which I'll be installing in the coming weeks. Looking for an awning too for some outside covered area.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Picked up the truck about a month ago, cherry condition, steal of a deal. All stock aside from bigger tires, 178k mi, V6 4x4, locking rear diff. Here it is when I bought it.
Intent is to set it up as a do anything, go (most) anywhere rig. Build out the back and keep it stealth, not something that stands out to much.
Only major thing it needed was rear axle bearing and seals on one side, so took care of that myself first thing. Ran into a few hiccups but got it all done.
First thing was to find a canopy. Searched Craigslist patiently and scored one (matching! none the less) for $100. Not a perfect fit, but it was 99%, enough for me to make it work with a few tweaks. The issue was at the light at the top of the back of the cab, the canopy needed to be about 3/4" taller to clear it so it wouldn't touch. Came up with the plan to fab some rails to add on top of the bed rails. Worked well and solved the problem!
Here it is when I picked it up, hard to tell the fit isn't right from the pic.
Fab process, haven't figured out what I'm going to do about the little gap at the back ends of the rails. Open to suggestions.
Sealed up the tail gate as well, trying to keep out the rain as much as possible.
Few pics running some fire roads testing it out.
Came up with a plan for a sleeping platform and storage in the back. I wanted to still be able to utilize the bed space if I needed to, and not do anything to permanent. Only cost $100 in materials and took me a day to do this, happy to provide additional info for anyone looking to do the same thing!
I'll have more pics coming, working on hooking up lighting in the back right now. Just picked up a Yakima rack set up which I'll be installing in the coming weeks. Looking for an awning too for some outside covered area.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
wish mine had a locker... Bone stock and clean is by far the best place to start.
