The baja Bucket 1st Gen 4runner build.

[corax]

Hey Dave,

For the rear suspension I built my own "Mid-travel" system. Stock lower arms and spindles with a tubular upper arm that will allow for more up and down wheel travel. I also converted the lower ball joint to a uniball so that the whole thing will cycle more efficiently.

I will post more pictures of it compared to the stock units when I get into the install of the suspension.

Kinda the same idea as a ball joint spacer or the old Rancho upper arms (which did the same thing as a BJ spacer)?

 

[4Rescue]

Hey Dave,

For the rear suspension I built my own "Mid-travel" system. Stock lower arms and spindles with a tubular upper arm that will allow for more up and down wheel travel. I also converted the lower ball joint to a uniball so that the whole thing will cycle more efficiently.

I will post more pictures of it compared to the stock units when I get into the install of the suspension.

Sounds AWESOME, can't wait to see more of this truck as it progresses eh. I loe the work that's already been done, it's just SO cool to see an old gem like this get a second life from a caring owner. I know I LOVE my 1st Gen, looks like you do too eh

Cheers

Dave

 

[rob2thec]

looooooong over due updates!

Hey guys,

I have been crazy with work, and have neglected the build. I am a little bummed that I missed most of the summer working, but hey who can complain about work when so many are not..working!?

So there are lots to update. Since I last left this thread I had the car at California Mini truck were it was getting the rear axle rebuild, as well as some fine tuning on the new motor. Everything worked out great, the 4rnr is running amazing, but I still have a few small leaks I need to clean up.

I finally got started on the suspnesion!!

First I tore down the rear to clean and paint everything up:

Got some new tires 33 10.5 R15 General Grabber AT's. These are the race version that I socred for $50.00 each off of a class 10 buggy team! They were used for about 100 miles in a race at Parker AZ, but most of it was sand. They are basically new with NO plugs!!

Out with the old;

In with the NEW!!
Upper arm:

modified lower shock tab. It will now accept a 2.0 OR 2.5 shock and makes aligning the shock a breeze!

New lower uniball conversion:

All set to cycle:

New Empi front axles;

Custom Deaver spring pack, 1.5 inch lift, with 200 LBS of over load for when I am loaded down;

New upper shock mounts that will also accept a 2.5 inch shock;

Front all mounted up (sorry for the bad cell phone pic:

ALL of the custom fabrication is 4130 cromolly, and tig welded. :Wow1:

Now I just have to finish installing my new tie rods and steering components and she will be ready for some testing!!

Soon to come in the mail, my new Soft Topper rear top, and LC Engineering header and exhaust!

 

[rob2thec]

OH and I almost forgot!!

New front ARB bummer that I scored on CL for $350.00 WITH the Lights!

New rear Trail Gear rear bumper:

I also have the rock sliders waiting to be installed.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Man, that is awesome!!!!!

 

[zidaro]

Runner is coming along nicely! Front shock towers are sharp

 

[defrag4]

nice score on the ARB!

Im thinking about dynamatting my truck as well, seems easy enough, pull out the seats, pull up the carpet and apply

 

[jeepstream]

This is an inspirational project for me. I'll follow your progress as I wait for the right deal on a running donor engine for mine. I'd wait a bit longer for a motor if I had a shot at an ARB front bumper like yours for $350! Nice score!

Keep up the good work. :victory:

 

[rob2thec]

Thanks for all the positive compliments! Working in Utah for the rest of the month but I will have more progress on the Baja Bucket when I get home!

 

[rob2thec]

Thanks for all the positive compliments! Working in Utah for the rest of the month but I will have more progress on the Baja Bucket when I get home!

Here is how it looks after the suspension install:

I think it sits perfect hight. NO BODY LIFT, and clears the 33x10.5xR15's perfect with absolutely no rubbing at all.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Hey there. I was wondering what brand and where you got your tie-rod and stearing component replacements. Im about to uograde the front suspension on my 4runner.
Thanks in advance and your rig looks great!
Jason

 

[toyotech]

wheres the updates at !!

 

[savior85]

the uniball upgrade is great. I have the same plan for my 4runner. How did you upgrade the control arms? Instructions and references will be greatly appreciated.