Hi there, first time poster, been lurking for a while. If this should be in the "other vehicles" someone let me know. I was hoping I might get some Toyota specific expert advice here.
I've got a 1996 Previa all-trac that I'm in the process of turning into an expedition "lite" vehicle that will mostly get used on ski and surf missions around the PNW. The end goal is Baja/Mexico surf mission but that's been in the queue for about 15 years now... no rush.
The rear portion of the van now has a futon/bench system, the roof racks are installed, and now it's time to work on the rest of the vehicle.
The posts outlining lifts using custom fabricated spacers and so forth are drool worthy but I don't have the shop space, tools, nor expertise to pull off such a mod.
Is there a way to get any sort of increased clearance or off road capabilities by replacing shocks/struts/springs/??? I need to replace shocks and struts anyways, so if there are some that would be more suitable for light off-roading I might as well go that route.
I'm also interested in adding some sort of skid plate below the engine. If anyone has any ideas here, I'm all ears!
Here are some photos of the van.
As purchased this summer with 108k miles! Now with 112k. Thule rack has been installed.
Bed in bed mode.
Bed rails attached to rear seat mounts. I need to find a way to keep it from sliding around fore/aft when driving.
Center slider board for support. I will add wood rails to increase the depth/length of the groove so it's more stable.
Bed frame with removable front supports.
Frame in bench mode. Front supports go in the pockets behind driver and passenger seats.
I've got a 1996 Previa all-trac that I'm in the process of turning into an expedition "lite" vehicle that will mostly get used on ski and surf missions around the PNW. The end goal is Baja/Mexico surf mission but that's been in the queue for about 15 years now... no rush.
The rear portion of the van now has a futon/bench system, the roof racks are installed, and now it's time to work on the rest of the vehicle.
The posts outlining lifts using custom fabricated spacers and so forth are drool worthy but I don't have the shop space, tools, nor expertise to pull off such a mod.
Is there a way to get any sort of increased clearance or off road capabilities by replacing shocks/struts/springs/??? I need to replace shocks and struts anyways, so if there are some that would be more suitable for light off-roading I might as well go that route.
I'm also interested in adding some sort of skid plate below the engine. If anyone has any ideas here, I'm all ears!
Here are some photos of the van.
As purchased this summer with 108k miles! Now with 112k. Thule rack has been installed.
Bed in bed mode.
Bed rails attached to rear seat mounts. I need to find a way to keep it from sliding around fore/aft when driving.
Center slider board for support. I will add wood rails to increase the depth/length of the groove so it's more stable.
Bed frame with removable front supports.
Frame in bench mode. Front supports go in the pockets behind driver and passenger seats.
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